Antalya

Welcome to Antalya with Europamundo! Upon arrival, we’ll be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Information about the meeting place and time can be found on the information boards in the hotel reception area.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., we will go on a brief tour of Antalya, a coastal city with over a million inhabitants. Highlights include Hadrian´s Gate, the Ottoman district, and the city’s magnificent waterfall that cascades directly into the sea. Dinner will be included.

IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information sign with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.

Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.

Antalya - Aspendos - Side - Karaman - Nigde

Total distance covered: 530 km.

Scenery: Stunning contrasts, from coastal seascapes to high mountains with snowy peaks, and the arid landscapes of Anatolia.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Antalya.
09:00 a.m. - Aspendos. We’ll visit the Roman theater, widely regarded as the best-preserved in the world.

09:45 a.m. - Departure from Aspendos.
10:30 a.m. - Side. This small, lively tourist town is bustling with shops and activity. You’ll have free time to explore. Be sure to visit the Greek Temple of Apollo by the sea and take a stroll around the port and lively streets.

12:30 p.m. – Departure from Side. As we travel through stunning landscapes, we’ll cross the Taurus Mountains, with peaks that rise over 3,500 meters and remain snow-covered for most of the year. We’ll stop for a meal at a charming rest area in the mountains.
05:00 p.m. - Karaman. This city has an oriental charm. We’ll make a brief stop to view the exterior of the fortress.

05:45 p.m. - Departure from Karaman. We’ll journey across the vast arid plains of southern Anatolia.
08:00 p.m. - Nigde. We suggest taking a stroll through the bazaar, the ancient mosque, and the fortress. Dinner will be included.

Nigde - Avanos - Cappadocia

Total distance covered: 120 km.

Scenery: Landscapes with spectacular shapes and picturesque villages.

Notes: Comfortable shoes are a must today as we continue exploring Cappadocia.

09:00 a.m. – Departure from Nigde. We’ll spend the entire day exploring the fascinating region of Cappadocia. Our first stop will be Gumusler, an incredible 7th-century underground monastery, home to some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in Turkey. Next, in Kaymacli, we’ll visit Cappadocia’s impressive underground city. Its tunnels once sheltered up to 30,000 people. We’ll then head to Uchisar, where you’ll get to see the 60-meter rock filled with houses carved into caves. After a break for lunch, we’ll explore the Göreme Valley, visiting its the remarkable open-air museum featuring over 30 churches carved into the rocks, some adorned with stunning frescoes

We’ll stay in Avanos, a delightful town in the heart of Cappadocia. In the evening, after dinner, we suggest attending the optional "Turkish Night" show.

Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya

Total distance covered: 290 km.

Scenery: We’ll continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, followed by arid and flat regions.

Note: Comfortable shoes are a must today as we continue exploring Cappadocia. In Konya, we’ll visit sites that are considered sacred by the Dervish order, so please wear appropriate clothing.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Nevsehir. We’ll travel along scenic, less-traveled roads, venturing into areas that aren’t as crowded with tourists.
09:45 a.m. - Ihlara canyon. We’ll enjoy the cooler air by the river as we explore churches carved into the canyon’s rocky walls.

11:45 a.m. - Departure from Ihlara canyon.
01:00 p.m. - Arrival at Sultanhan. Here, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful caravanserais, a magnificent structure that recalls the great camel caravans that once traveled these lands. You’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.

02:45 p.m. - Departure from Sultanhan. We’ll pass lands with large herds and arid plains.
04:15 p.m. - Konya. We’ll visit the Mevlana Mausoleum, a sacred place for the Dervish order, a Sufi fraternity known for its whirling "trance" dances. Afterward, you might want to take a stroll through the lively bazaar. Dinner will be included.

In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale

Total distance covered: 430 km.

Scenery: A mix of mountain landscapes and serene lakes, with a breathtaking view of the "cotton mountain" at the end of the day.

Notes: We recommend bringing shoes that are easy to take off and carry for walking in Pamukkale. If you’d like, pack a swimsuit to enjoy the thermal waters.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Konya. We’ll continue our journey through the heart of Turkey.
11:15 a.m. - Egridir. You’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in this charming town, nestled by a lake of the same name, with ancient walls and mosques.

01:30 p.m. – Departure from Egridir.
04:15 p.m. - Pamukkale. Admission included. At the "cotton mountain," our coach will drop you off at the summit, where you can explore Roman-era ruins before descending on foot through the natural hot springs and baths. The sunset colors are truly spectacular. Our coach will pick you up at the base. Later, you’ll have time to relax in the hotel’s thermal pools. Dinner included.

Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi

Total distance covered: 225 km.

Scenery: Varied, with coastal views as we approach the end of the day.

Note: Comfortable shoes are recommended for the Ephesus visit.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Pamukkale.
11:30 a.m. - Ephesus. We’ll explore an incredible complex of Roman ruins. Two thousand years ago, this city was home to a quarter of a million people. Our guided tour will include the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive Ephesus ancient city ruins (admission included). Free time for lunch after.

04:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue toward the Aegean coast.
04:30 p.m. - Kusadasi. Arrival in this lively coastal town, bustling with shops and a vibrant nightlife. We’ll visit a leather goods gallery to learn about the region’s renowned lambskin garments. You’ll have free time to explore the bazaars and visit the castle. Dinner will be included.

Note: During high season, from May through October, accommodations will be provided in Aydin instead of Kusadasi. In this case, after exploring Ephesus, we’ll make a stop in Kusadasi (4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), where we’ll include a panoramic tour of the city before continuing on to Aydin.

Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi

Total distance covered: 225 km.

Scenery: Varied, with views of the sea at the end.

Note: Comfortable footwear is recommended for the visit to Ephesus.

08:30 a.m. - Departure from Pamukkale.
11:30 a.m. - Ephesus. We’ll visit this incredible complex of Roman ruins; 2,000 years ago, the city was home to a quarter of a million people. Our guided tour will include the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus (admission included). You’ll have free time for lunch.

04:00 p.m. - Departure from Ephesus. We’ll head toward the Aegean coast.
04:30 p.m. - Kusadasi. This lively coastal city is known for its bustling commercial scene and nightlife. We’ll visit a leather goods gallery to learn about the famous lambskin products crafted in this region. You’ll have time in the center to explore the bazaars and visit the small castle. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Note: During high season, from May to October (inclusive), accommodation will be in Izmir. In this case, after visiting Ephesus, we’ll head directly to Izmir without stopping in Kusadasi. We’ll enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city, located on the Aegean Sea coast. The following day, on our way to Istanbul, we’ll make an additional stop for lunch in the traditional town of Balikesir.

Istanbul

08:00 a.m. - We´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. During our tour, we´ll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul. We´ll explore the ancient walls, take in views of the Golden Horn and the fishing district, and marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace (tickets included9, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.

07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.

Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.

Istanbul

We’ll embark on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers for a two-hour trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included). If there are few travelers, the boat trip may be on a regular excursion boat. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.