Across Anatolia: A 10-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour from Istanbul to Antalya

Start your journey in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where the modern world meets rich history. Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen, you’ll be greeted by your private driver who will escort you to your centrally located hotel. After checking in and freshening up, your guide will meet you in the late afternoon for a relaxed introduction to Istanbul’s historic core.

Your guide will lead you through Sultanahmet Square by showing you the main attractions which include Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Learn about their significance and the history of the Old City while you discover the attractive streets. Stop for a traditional Turkish tea or coffee at a local café to discuss the upcoming exciting activities with you. You have the entire evening to do as you please while you can choose to eat at a nearby restaurant and experience the night life of the city.

*Inclusions:  Approx. 2-hour light orientation walk with guide, Private airport pick-up and transfer to your central hotel, Local tips and insights from your state-licensed guide*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Entrance fees to any paid sites, Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Dive deeper into Istanbul’s fascinating history with a full day of exploration. Meet your guide at your hotel and head into the Sultanahmet district to explore its iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to Hagia Sophia, the architectural masterpiece that has stood for over 1,500 years. Discover its fascinating blend of Christian and Islamic history, as well as its awe-inspiring mosaics and massive domes.

The Blue Mosque awaits your visit because it displays its beautiful blue Iznik tiles to all visitors. The Hippodrome follows as your next destination which used to be an ancient chariot-racing arena before you head down to the Basilica Cistern which is an underground water reservoir with hundreds of ancient columns that create a peaceful atmosphere.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, depending on your preferences. Walk through the busy lanes and learn about the art of bargaining as your guide helps you navigate the vibrant market stalls, offering suggestions for quality shops. You’ll return to your hotel in the late afternoon or choose to enjoy your time at a café overlooking the Bosphorus to relax from the day’s explorations.

*Inclusions:  Approx. 7-hour private guided tour, Hotel pick-up and drop-off , Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Travel from Istanbul's active streets to experience the dreamlike beauty which Cappadocia offers. Your driver will escort you to the airport following breakfast so you can take your flight which will either land in Kayseri or Nevşehir. Your guide will welcome you at the destination before showing you to your cave hotel which is located in Göreme or Uçhisar or Ürgüp.

After checking in and relaxing, head out in the late afternoon to a panoramic viewpoint to witness the sunset over the fairy chimneys and stunning valleys that define Cappadocia. Your guide will explain the unique geological formations and provide an introduction to the region’s cultural history. Once the sun dips below the horizon, return to your hotel or dine at a nearby restaurant for a leisurely evening.

*Inclusions:  Private airport transfers in Istanbul and Cappadocia, Sunset excursion to a panoramic viewpoint*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Domestic flight ticket (Istanbul–Cappadocia), Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Experience Cappadocia from the air and ground. Begin your day with an early-morning hot-air balloon flight (subject to weather conditions), where you’ll float silently over the breathtaking landscape. Watch the sunrise as you glide over valleys, rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. After the flight, enjoy a small celebration and return to your hotel for breakfast.

Your guide will meet you during the late morning to begin your Northern Cappadocia tour which starts at the UNESCO recognized Göreme Open Air Museum. The site features rock-cut churches which display their religious heritage through their colorful paintings. Continue to Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) and Pasabağ (Monks Valley), where you’ll see incredible rock formations and fairy chimneys. Finish the day with a visit to Avanos, a village famous for its pottery workshops, where you may even try your hand at the pottery wheel.

*Inclusions:  Approx. 6-hour private guided tour, Early-morning balloon flight with hotel transfers, Entrance fees to Göreme Open Air Museum*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Balloon ride fee (if not included in the package),  Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Explore the underground world of Cappadocia and hike through its stunning valleys. After breakfast, meet your guide and drive to one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, such as Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı. The ancient underground structures served as hiding places for early Christians who needed to escape from attacking forces. Your guide will explain the city's historical background and its advanced survival systems which enabled communities to live beneath ground for extended periods of time during your journey through the underground passages.

Continue your exploration with a visit to one of the lush valleys, such as Ihlara or Soğanlı. These valleys offer scenic walks along the river, with plenty of opportunities to stop, admire rock-cut churches and frescoes. You’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch in a village or riverside restaurant, offering a taste of homemade local dishes. In the afternoon, visit another viewpoint, such as Pigeon Valley, before returning to your hotel.

*Inclusions:  Approx. 9-hour private excursion, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Entrance fees to an underground city and selected valley*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Balloon ride fee (if not included in the package),  Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Travel across the Anatolian plateau to the spiritual heart of Konya. After breakfast, depart Cappadocia and drive through the beautiful landscapes of central Anatolia. Your journey will take you past volcanic rock formations, small villages and agricultural fields. Along the way, stop at roadside cafés or ancient caravanserai ruins to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

The Mevlana Museum in Konya welcomes visitors to explore the life and teachings of 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi. The following section provides information about the historical development of the Mevlevi order together with their traditional whirling dervish dance practice. The historic center of Konya features its enchanting public spaces which include mosques, markets and mosques. Whirling dervish ceremonies exist as spiritual practices which you can observe if such events become available to you.

*Inclusions: Guided visit to Mevlana Museum and Konya’s historic center, Private transfer from Cappadocia to Konya, Hotel check-in assistance*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Whirling dervish ceremony ticket (subject to availability), Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Continue your journey south toward the Mediterranean coast. After breakfast, depart Konya and drive through the Taurus Mountains, stopping for scenic viewpoints along the way. As you move toward the coast, the landscape changes, with pine forests and citrus groves emerging. Upon arrival in Antalya, check into your hotel, often located near the charming old town, Kaleiçi.

Take a short orientation walk through Kaleiçi in the late afternoon. Explore its narrow streets, historic Ottoman houses and vibrant harbor. Enjoy a leisurely evening, dining at a restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean or in a cozy courtyard in the heart of the old town.

*Inclusions: Private transfer from Konya to Antalya, Scenic stops along the route, Short orientation walk in Kaleiçi*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Whirling dervish ceremony ticket (subject to availability), Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Enjoy the beauty of Antalya’s coastline with a half-day boat trip. After breakfast, head to Antalya’s historic harbor and board a boat for a relaxing cruise along the coast. Glide past rocky cliffs, secluded coves and small waterfalls. If conditions allow, enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Once back at the harbor, you’ll have time to further explore Kaleiçi, with its boutiques, cafés and lively atmosphere.

In the afternoon, relax at your hotel or head to Konyaaltı Beach for a swim and sunset or simply unwind by the pool.

*Inclusions: Private or shared boat experience, Half-day coastal boat trip from Antalya harbor, Hotel–harbor transfers*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Boat tour extras (snorkel gear, optional activities), Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Choose between two incredible excursions today, depending on your interests. Visit Termessos, an ancient mountain city perched high in the Taurus Mountains. Explore its grand theater, tombs and city walls, with breathtaking views over the surrounding forests.

Alternatively, head to Olympos and Çıralı, where you can explore ancient ruins set against a stunning beach backdrop. Relax on the pebbled beach or visit the eternal flames at Chimaera (Yanartaş). Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

*Inclusions:  8–9 hour private excursion, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Entrance fees to Termessos or Olympos/Chimaera*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Beach services (sunbeds, umbrellas), Personal purchases, Gratuities**

Conclude your journey with a smooth transfer from Antalya to Istanbul for your onward flight home. After breakfast and check-out, your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Antalya Airport. If your flight allows for extra time, enjoy a leisurely morning walk or a coffee by the sea before your departure.

Although this particular adventure is coming to an end, your diverse memories of busy, historic bazaars, the tranquility of high valleys, the complexity of ancient streets and the motivation to explore further places with Tailored by Locals, will always be ready to inspire your next experience.