Best of Turkey 10-day private tour

Istanbul Airport - Istanbul

Tag 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul's airport, you'll meet your driver and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel.

Once you've checked in, the rest of the day is yours to explore this thrilling city and gather first impressions of Turkey.

Istanbul

Tag 2: Istanbul old city tour

After breakfast, get to know Istanbul's iconic heritage and relics from the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires with an English-speaking guide.

Highlights of the tour include the spectacular Hagia Sophia, a 1400-year-old Byzantine cathedral, the Blue Mosque - or Sultanahmet Mosque - with its six minarets and hand-dyed tiles, the Byzantine Hippodrome square, which is also home to the German fountain and the Obelisk of Theodosius.

The tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace and a chance to wander through the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Look out for jewelry, pottery spices, fabrics and carpets.

Discover a local restaurant for lunch to take a break from the tour, and return to your hotel for the evening.

Istanbul

Tag 3: Istiklal Street food tour

Enjoy a full day's food tasting tour of the famous Istiklal Street. Marvel at the 19th-century neoclassical and art nouveau architecture and experience the unique energy and spirit of Istanbul. The street boasts shops with every product imaginable as well as cafés and restaurants, live music, bars, historic cinemas, art galleries, consulate buildings, churches and much more.

Your guide will introduce you to the best local eateries. Taste the best street food Istanbul has to offer, from kumpir to baklava and of course, the famous Turkish coffee.

The tour continues down the street before heading to Galata Tower: climb the top of the tower to get a 360-degree view of the city from the observatory. From Galata Tower, take the world’s second-oldest funicular back to Istiklal street. Continue shopping, eating and enjoying the evening at leisure.

Istanbul - Cappadocia

Tag 4: Flight to Cappadocia

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and take your private transfer to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Choose between Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) or Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV): a private driver will transfer you to your accommodation.

Arriving in Cappadocia, be mesmerized by its surreal landscapes and ancient cave dwellings. Spend some time settling in to this astonishing location.

Cappadocia - Göreme - Cappadocia

Tag 5: Cappadocia cookery class

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll spend today with a local cook who will guide you through preparing and cooking a meal in the traditional Turkish style. The menu you'll make will include testi kebabi (pottery kebab), dolma (stuffed vine leaves), manti (Turkish dumplings), kuru fasulye (beans), tandir ekmeĝi (tandoori bread), erişte (Turkish noodles), all washed down with çay (tea). 

While the food is cooking, take the opportunity to explore the local shops and surrounding area. Visit the onyx shops, handicraft potteries and traditional Turkish handmade carpet shops. This is a great opportunity to find unique souvenirs and traditional crafts.

Once the food is cooked and the table is set, sit and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Enjoy tea surrounded by the stunning Cappadocia landscape.

Cappadocia - Soganli Valley - Cappadocia

Tag 6: Soganli Valley tour

Take a full-day private tour through the dramatic Soganli Valley.

Stop at the Three Beauties viewpoint to admire the remarkable mushroom-shaped rock formations and enjoy a breathtaking panorama of Ürgüp city. Visit Mustafapasa Village (formerly Sinasos) and learn about the village's history and cultural heritage, then explore remnants of old Greek stone houses.

In Taskinpasa village, see traditional houses with ground-floor stables, fine examples of Seljuk architecture and the entrance of the Islamic theological college. Visit the recently discovered archaeological site of Sobessos, dating back to the Roman era. Marvel at beautiful mosaics in the meeting hall and explore the well-preserved Roman bath. Explore the village of Sahin Efendi, the fascinating Underground City and Uchisar Castle and the onyx workshops.

After a day's exploring, head back to your hotel to relax.

Cappadocia - Antalya

Tag 7: Flight to Antalya

Check out of your hotel after breakfast before taking a private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Antalya. Your driver will be waiting at Antalya airport to take you to your accommodation.

Once you've checked in and settled in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Antalya - Pamukkale - Antalya

Tag 8: The mesmerizing landscape of Pammukale

After breakfast, embark on a three-hour drive to the captivating destination of Pammukale. With its mesmerizing landscape, the sheer scale and beauty of the Pammukale Travertines is amazing to behold.

These natural thermal pools, adorned with white limestone, are a unique, must-see attraction, boasting distinctive white-blue natural thermal pools and landscapes that cannot be found elsewhere. You can opt to walk in the thermal pools that are renowned for their healing properties.

Afterwards, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis. Located near Pamukkale, Hierapolis holds significant historical and cultural importance. It served as the centre for the Cult of the Goddess Kibele. The tour also includes the Necropolis or 'city of the dead', a large ancient cemetery within the Hierapolis settlement. It is a fascinating part of the tour.

Later, it's time to return to your hotel for the evening.

Antalya - Duden Waterfall - Antalya

Tag 9: Antalya city tour

Set out early for a tour of Antalya and the local waterfalls.

Begin in Antalya Old Town, known as Kaleici. This is one of the main arteries through Antalya, with beautiful streets and a lively atmosphere.

Move to Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch built to honour the Roman Emperor who visited the city in AD130. This gate is the sole surviving entrance through the fortified walls encircling the city and harbour.

From there, visit the Grooved Minaret, one of the earliest Islamic structures constructed in Antalya. It's a Selcuklu creation built in the 13th century: blue tiles and red brick create the groove effect.

End the tour with a visit to the Karpuzkaldiran and Duden waterfalls. These are a 'must-see' to complete the day - enjoy their natural beauty and refreshing energy. They also provide a fantastic opportunity for Insta-worthy photos.

Return to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

Antalya - Antalya Airport

Tag 10: Departure from Antalya

On your final day, check out of your hotel after a last Turkish breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, full of lasting memories of your incredible trip to this wonderful part of the world.