Welcome to Istanbul! After checking in at your hotel, take a trip back in time as you walk around the historic district of Sultanahmet. Marvel at the beauty of the Hagia Sophia, try a Turkish delight, and explore the Basilica Cistern. The district is a perfect place for a leisurely introduction to Turkey.
After breakfast, head to the breathtaking Topkapi Palace. Marvel at the palace's immense size and explore the many chambers and halls, especially the Harem, which houses the private residence of the sultans. In the afternoon, browse the colorful Grand Bazaar, where you can find anything from jewelry to carpets.
Take a leisurely Bosphorus cruise for panoramic views of the city and the beautiful coastline. When you reach the European side of the city, head to Taksim Square, a bustling heart of modern Istanbul. Walk along the bustling Istiklal Street, visit the historic Galata Tower, and enjoy fantastic local eats and people-watching.
Arrive in Trabzon, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and sea views. After checking in at your hotel, head to the charming old city to admire Ottoman-style buildings, the famous Hagia Sophia Mosque, and beautiful central squares. Don’t forget to try an authentic Black Sea tea at one of the local tea houses as you watch the busy life of the city go by.
Visit Sumela Monastery, a Greek Orthodox Monastery founded in the 4th century AD. You will awe-inspire the monastery’s breathtaking view and impressive stone architecture. Afterward, in the same location visit Altindere Valley National Park for some active family fun. Hike and trek the walking trails, indulge in the wildlife views, and relax in the natural waterfall.
Take a scenic drive to the picturesque mountain town of Uzungol, a charming town with a stunning lake surrounded by mountains. Here you can enjoy a boat ride, visit villages, and shop local artisanal products. At noon head to the Ayder Plateau, famous for its natural thermal springs and enjoy a relaxing soak in the healing waters. It's the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself.
Relax and enjoy a family day on Black Sea beaches. Try surfing, kayaking or just relax amid the sun-kissed, warm sands, and cool sea breeze. Afterward, don't miss visiting the city of Rize, the tea homeland of Turkey and learn about teas through the ages, legends, and rituals of Turkey's ubiquitous tea culture.
Arrive in Cappadocia, known for its remarkable rock formations, forested valleys, and cave dwellings. Put on your hiking shoes, choose one of the valleys, and enjoy the stunning scenery. Also, consider venturing underground and visiting the cave churches at Göreme Open-Air Museum to learn some about the ancient civilization that lived here.
Rise before sunrise and join a hot-air balloon group to float above Cappadocia. You can appreciate the awe-inspiring landscape from the bird’s eye view. Afterward, don't miss the chance to explore an underground city, Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu, carved into the area's soft volcanic rock over hundreds of years. The complex and winding tunnels are spacious enough for walking and fascinating to imagine for living.
Cappadocia has some of the most unique landscapes on earth, and this day starts with a jeep tour in the desert area. Explore off-road places and enjoy unforgettable scenery. Afterward, attend a Turkish Cooking Class, where you can learn about traditional cuisine and cook your own delicious Turkish meal from scratch, assembly, to desert.
Arrive in Antalya, the tourism and resort city of the Turkish Mediterranean, in the morning. After you check into your hotel, head out to visit the ancient city of Perge. Stroll through the grand ruins including a Roman stadium, an ancient theater, intricate mosaic floors, and impressive aqueducts, which are remarkably well-preserved.
Antalya has many golden sandy beaches, perfect for families to enjoy and relax in the sun. From Konyaaltı Beach to Lara Beach, we recommend you try them all. Don't miss the chance to take a leisurely stroll in the historic neighborhood of Kaleiçi, home of the Hadrianus Gate and Roman harbor, lined with traditional restaurants, shops, and souvenir stalls.
Visit the Düden Waterfalls, where the Lower Düden Falls empty into the Mediterranean Sea, and the Upper Düden Falls cascade through a rocky cliff face. Then head back to Kaleiçi old town and stroll amid the Ottoman-era buildings, dip to Souk shopping, and head up to the Antalya Museum for Turkey's most extensive archeological collections.
Drive deep into the country's nature with a visit to Köprülü Canyon National Park. Afterward, kayak on the crystalline waters of the Köprüçay River surrounded by breathtaking views. Continue your adventure with a visit to Termessos an ancient Pisidian city located at the Solymos Mountain (Güllük Mountain). Hike to its ruins and get enchanted with its ancient Roman aqueducts and imposing remnants of its once-mighty walls.
Departure day, depending on your flight time, take a last-minute tour of Antalya or relax in your hotel before heading to Antalya International Airport for your flight back home.
You can fly between Trabzon, Cappadocia, and Antalya with domestic airlines like Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines, which are available daily. Public transportation is easily accessible in all cities, including the tram system in Istanbul, shuttle buses, and taxis. Car Rentals are also available, so you have the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If you have extra time, we suggest visiting Pamukkale or Ephesus. Also, Turkey has many festivals and events to enjoy, including the Istanbul Jazz Festival, the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival, and the Camel, Wrestling, and Oil Wrestling Festivals in various cities. If you have fewer days, we suggest concentrating on Istanbul or just Trabzon And Cappadocia, spending at least a few days in each.
The main airport in Istanbul is Istanbul Airport (IST), while the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) serves low-cost airlines. In Trabzon, the Trabzon Airport (TZX) serves domestic and international flights. In Cappadocia, the nearest airport is the Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV), while Antalya Airport (AYT) serves international and domestic flights.