White cliffs and bright blue travertines (limestone pools) of Pammukkale and the glimmering Blue Mosque, experience the best of Turkey's historical highlights and natural wonders in one incredible tour. Begin your trip roaming the palaces of Istanbul before journeying into the bizarre underground cities and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Stick to public bus and budget accommodation, which not only keeps costs down but gives you a chance to really meet the locals. From the ancient Roman streets of Ephesus to bustling bazaars, follow your curiosity and spend 15 days discovering the culture and natural beauty of this fascinating region.
Day 1: IstanbulArrive at any time.
Shake off that jet lag and prepare for an evening buzzing with excitement. Head out with your group and CEO for drinks at a favourite local spot. After, feel free to do some exploring in the area on your own or with some fellow travellers. Kick-off your adventure in Istanbul with lively music, and a healthy dose of fun.
Day 2: Istanbul/AnkaraView the sights of Istanbul on an orientation walk with the CEO before travelling by bus to Ankara. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure after checking into the hotel.
Day 3: Ankara/CappadociaAfter breakfast, visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum before setting off for the Cappadocia region. Make a stop on the way at Salt Lake, the second-largest lake in Turkey and enjoy the rest of the day to relax or to choose from some of the many optional activities available.
Day 4: CappadociaEnjoy some free time this morning. Opt to take part in a Hot Air Balloon excursion before touring the region and visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum. Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches. Carved by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their amazing colour and vibrancy.
Day 5: Overnight bus from Cappadocia to OlymposEnjoy more free time to explore beautiful Cappadocia. If interested, your CEO can arrange an optional tour to explore different areas of this vast area. Opt for a soak in a Turkish Bath before your overnight bus to Antalya.
Day 6: OlymposUpon arrival to Antalya, continue to the village of Olympos on the Mediterranean coast. Relax and enjoy the beaches of Olympos. Opt to set off on a walk to see the flames of Mount Olympos at night.
Day 7: Olympos/KekovaContinue to the beautiful coastal village of Kekova and spend the afternoon onboard a boat in the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner before disembarking the boat and driving to our hotel for the evening.
Day 8: Kekova/FethiyeFrom Ucagiz continue exploring the Turquoise Coast to the coastal town of Fethiye.
Day 9: FethiyeEnjoy free time to explore Fethiye. Opt for a boat trip to it's near-shore islands, hike to Oludeniz lagoon or visit Butterfly valley.
Day 10: Fethiye/PamukkaleOn arrival to Pamukkale visit the beautiful white cliffs of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the ancient site of Hierapolis.
Day 11: Pamukkale/SelçukHead back to the coastal town of Selçuk. In the late afternoon visit one of the best preserved sites, Ephesus.
Day 12: SelçukEnjoy free time for an optional traditional Selcuk cooking class.
Day 13: Selçuk/ÇanakkaleTravel north to Canakkale and visit the Legendary Troy en route.
Day 14: Çanakkale/IstanbulIn the morning, option to visit Gallipoli Peninsula before driving to the big city for one last night with the group.
Day 15: IstanbulDepart at any time.
