Turkey Tour Packages: Cappadocia from Istanbul & Blue Cruise
Experience an unforgettable 17-day journey across Turkey, blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where you’ll explore landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Discover ancient wonders in Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus before setting sail from Fethiye on a gulet cruise, visiting hidden gems like Butterfly Valley and the Sunken City. After your coastal adventure, explore the stunning terraces of Pamukkale and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, where a hot air balloon ride offers unforgettable views. Conclude your journey at Tuz Golu (Salt Lake) before returning to Istanbul, embracing Turkey’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Route & Experience Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Meet at the airport, check-in at hotel, evening stroll in Taksim and Istiklal, Turkish tavern night at Cicek Pasaji.
Day 2: Istanbul Old City & Bosphorus
Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise.
Day 3: Gallipoli Battlefields
Explore ANZAC landing sites, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and historic battlefields.
Day 4: Troy & Pergamon
Discover the ancient city of Troy, visit Pergamon’s Acropolis, and travel to Ephesus region.
Day 5: Ephesus & Transfer to Fethiye
Explore Ephesus ruins, Temple of Artemis, Celsus Library, then head to Fethiye.
Day 6: Blue Lagoon & St. Nicholas Island
Swim in the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, optional paragliding, sunset at St. Nicholas Island.
Day 7: Aquarium Bay & Kas
Swim at Aquarium Bay, optional scuba diving at Hidayet Bay, explore Kas nightlife.
Day 8: Sunken City & Simena Castle
Sail past the Sunken City, hike to Simena Castle, enjoy Burc Bay for swimming.
Day 9: Turtles Bay, Myra & Smugglers Inn
Swim with turtles, visit St. Nicholas Church and Myra, party at Smugglers Inn.
Day 10: Aperlai Hike & Aquarium Bay
Hike through ancient Aperlai ruins, swim at Heybeli Island, relax in Aquarium Bay.
Day 11: Butterfly Valley & Kayakoy
Breakfast at Butterfly Valley, explore Gemiler Beach, visit the abandoned Greek village of Kayakoy.
Day 12: Samanlik Bay & Return to Fethiye
Morning swim at Samanlik Bay, disembark in Fethiye, free time in the town.
Day 13: Saklikent Gorge & Pamukkale
Walk through Saklikent Gorge, try river tubing, travel to Pamukkale for overnight stay.
Day 14: Pamukkale & Cappadocia
Explore Pamukkale’s travertine terraces, visit hot springs, transfer to Cappadocia.
Day 15: Cappadocia & Goreme Museum
Optional sunrise hot air balloon, visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, Uchisar, and Pigeon Valley.
Day 16: Underground City & Salt Lake
Explore Derinkuyu Underground City, visit Salt Lake, return to Istanbul late evening.
Day 17: Departure from Istanbul
Breakfast, check-out from hotel, farewell to fellow travelers.
What to Expect on This Experience
Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to unwind or explore the city before meeting your guide and group in the evening. At 7:00 PM, the journey begins with a stroll through Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, where you’ll take a ride on one of the world’s oldest metro systems. The evening continues with an authentic Turkish tavern experience at Çiçek Pasajı, known for its lively atmosphere, historical architecture, and vibrant dining scene. Enjoy a selection of traditional mezes, kebabs, and local delicacies, accompanied by Turkey’s signature drink, rakı. As the night unfolds, immerse yourself in the city’s energetic nightlife and connect with fellow travelers in local bars.
Istanbul Old City & Bosphorus
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour through Istanbul’s historical heart, where centuries-old landmarks reveal the city’s rich heritage. Visit architectural masterpieces such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome of Constantinople, followed by a walk through the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, where the scents of exotic spices fill the air. In the late afternoon, relax on a Bosphorus cruise, admiring Istanbul’s skyline from the water as your guide shares insights into the city’s unique position between two continents.
Gallipoli Battlefields
Depart Istanbul and head towards Gallipoli, a site of immense historical significance. Explore the ANZAC landing beaches, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, where stories of bravery and sacrifice shaped history. Walk through original trenches and tunnels, gaining a deeper understanding of the battles fought here. The experience offers a powerful reflection on one of the most pivotal conflicts of World War I.
Troy & Pergamon
The day begins with a visit to the legendary city of Troy, home to the iconic Trojan Horse and ancient ruins dating back over 3,700 years. After uncovering the layers of history at this UNESCO-listed site, continue to Pergamon, once a thriving ancient kingdom. Explore the impressive Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the Library of Pergamon, and the grand Hellenistic Theater, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. After the tour, travel to the Ephesus region, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Ephesus & Transfer to Fethiye
Step into the ancient world with a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Marvel at the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the grand theater, where history comes to life among magnificent ruins. In the afternoon, depart for Fethiye, a charming coastal town known for its turquoise waters and vibrant atmosphere. After check-in, those looking for a local culinary experience can visit the Fethiye Fish Market, where fresh seafood is served in a lively, open-air setting.
Blue Lagoon & St. Nicholas Island
After breakfast, explore Fethiye before boarding the gulet. The journey begins towards the Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. An optional activity here is tandem paragliding, offering breathtaking panoramic views from over 2000 meters high. In the evening, the gulet anchors at St. Nicholas Island, where you can take a short hike through ancient ruins and watch a stunning sunset over the Aegean.
Aquarium Bay & Kas
The day starts with a sail to Aquarium Bay, a tranquil spot known for its crystal-clear waters. Next, head to Hidayet Bay, where an optional scuba diving experience awaits in one of Turkey’s best diving regions. In the evening, arrive in Kas, a charming town that blends ancient Lycian heritage with a modern coastal vibe. Spend the night exploring its lively cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife.
Sunken City & Simena Castle
Sail towards the Sunken City, an ancient Lycian town that was partially submerged after an earthquake in the second century. Admire the ruins beneath the water while cruising past this historical marvel. Next, head to Simena Castle for a short uphill hike, offering spectacular panoramic views and a glimpse into Byzantine-era history. Before nightfall, the gulet stops at Burc Bay, a peaceful spot perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
Turtles Bay, Myra & Smugglers Inn
Begin the day at Turtles Bay, where you can swim alongside sea turtles before sailing to Demre. A guided bus tour will take you to St. Nicholas Church and the ancient Lycian city of Myra, famous for its rock-cut tombs. As the day winds down, the journey continues to Gokkaya Bay, where the night is spent at Smugglers Inn, a hidden beach bar that offers a unique nightlife experience in a remote island setting.
Aperlai Hike & Aquarium Bay
Start the morning with a scenic hike through the ruins of Aperlai, an untouched Lycian city filled with ancient tombs and historical remains. Later, the gulet sails to Heybeli Island for a refreshing swim break before anchoring at Firnaz Aquarium Bay, where the rest of the day is spent sunbathing, snorkeling, and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
Butterfly Valley & Kayakoy
The day begins with an early sail to Butterfly Valley, a stunning canyon surrounded by steep cliffs. Here, enjoy breakfast, swim in the turquoise waters, and hike up to the waterfall. The valley is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, adding to its natural charm. Later, a bus ride takes you to Gemiler Beach before continuing to Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek village also known as the Ghost Town. This open-air museum features over 500 preserved houses and churches, offering a glimpse into its hauntingly beautiful past.
Samanlik Bay & Return to Fethiye
After breakfast, the journey continues to Samanlik Bay, a secluded cove ideal for a morning swim. Around noon, the gulet docks at Fethiye Harbour, marking the end of the sailing adventure. After disembarking, transfer to the hotel, where the rest of the day is free to explore Fethiye at your own pace.
Saklikent Gorge & Pamukkale
The day starts with a visit to Saklikent Gorge, one of Turkey’s longest and most impressive canyons. Walk through the cool waters of the gorge, explore its rugged terrain, or try river tubing for an adventurous experience. In the afternoon, continue the journey to Pamukkale, where a comfortable hotel stay awaits.
Pamukkale & Cappadocia
Begin the day exploring Pamukkale, often referred to as the “cotton castle” due to its striking white travertine terraces. Enjoy a dip in the natural hot springs or stroll along the unique landscape shaped by flowing mineral waters. After the visit, travel towards Cappadocia, passing through scenic Turkish countryside and traditional villages before checking into the hotel for a relaxing evening.
Cappadocia & Goreme Museum
For those seeking a magical experience, the day starts with an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering breathtaking views over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and rock formations. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient cave churches adorned with frescoes. Explore other highlights, including Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Cavusin, before an optional evening of traditional Turkish entertainment.
Underground City & Salt Lake
The adventure continues with a tour of Derinkuyu Underground City, an astonishing subterranean complex used by early civilizations for protection. Descend into its tunnels to explore ancient living quarters, storage rooms, and even a church carved into the rock. Later, visit Salt Lake, a vast white and pink-hued landscape that serves as an important habitat for migratory birds. In the evening, return to Istanbul for the final night of the tour.
Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, check out from the hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable journey. Say farewell to new friends and take home a collection of lifetime memories from this incredible adventure across Turkey.
Highlights
Explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Istanbul
Visit the ANZAC Cove and Gallipoli battlefields
Discover the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus
Sail for 7 days on a gulet through the Mediterranean’s most stunning bays
Swim in Blue Lagoon, Kas, and the Sunken City
Experience nature at Saklikent Gorge, Butterfly Valley, and Salt Lake
Take a hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia
Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus
Enjoy 16 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 14 dinners
Stay connected with Wi-Fi in hotels, on the bus, and aboard the gulet
What’s Included and What’s Extra
Includes
- Free Wi-Fi available on the tour bus, hotels, and gulet
- Travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
- Enjoy a 7-day sailing experience along the Turkish coast
- Guided tour with professional and experienced tour guides
- Accommodation in 10 nights at hotels and 6 nights on a gulet
- Twin, double, triple, or shared cabin options available
- Solo travelers can share a cabin or upgrade to private accommodation
Excludes
- Mandatory 15-day Museum Pass – €165
- Entrance fees for historical sites and national parks
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages are not included in the package
- Travel insurance is not provided
Before You Book
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