13-Day Best of Jordan and Turkey Tour

Day 1: Arrival at Amman Airport – Airport Transfer & Free Day

Arrive in Amman, where a One Nation Travel representative will meet you at the arrivals area, holding a sign with your name. After a warm welcome, you will be transferred to your hotel in Amman. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore or relax.

• Overnight in Amman
• Included Meal(s): None
• Accommodation: Sulaf Luxury, Seven Roses Hotel, Downtown Hotel Apartments, or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Jerash & Amman City Tour

After breakfast, drive one hour to Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy. With a local guide, explore its famous landmarks, including the Forum, the Roman Colonnaded Street, the Nymphaeum, and the Temple of Artemis.

Returning to Amman, visit the Amman Citadel, home to the Temple of Hercules and the Umayyad Palace. Then, see the grand Roman Theater, which seats up to 6,000 people. The day ends with a visit to Amman’s downtown souq, where you can explore local markets.

• Overnight in Amman
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Sulaf Luxury, Seven Roses Hotel, Downtown Hotel Apartments, or similar

Day 3: Madaba – Mount Nebo – King’s Way – Kerak Castle Tour

After breakfast and check-out, set off for a visit to Mount Nebo, believed to be the burial site of Prophet Moses. On clear days, you can see breathtaking views of the Promised Land. Explore the Moses Memorial Church, dating back to the fourth century, and admire its ancient mosaics.

Continue to Madaba, famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, including the sixth-century Mosaic Map of Palestine at St. George’s Church. If open, you can climb the bell tower of St. John’s Baptist Church for panoramic views.

Drive along the historic King’s Way, stopping at Wadi Al-Mujib, known for its stunning rock formations. Arriving in Kerak, explore the massive Crusader Castle, built in the 12th century.

End the day with a two-hour drive to Petra, where you will check in to your hotel.

• Overnight in Petra
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Petra Canyon Hotel, Petra Moon Hotel, Petra Boutique Hotel, Petra Guest House, or similar

Day 4: Petra Tour – Transfer to Wadi Rum Camp

Today, explore the ancient city of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Start your journey through the Siq, a narrow canyon with multicolored sandstone walls, leading to Petra’s most famous monument, the Treasury. Continue along the Street of Facades, passing by the Royal Tombs and the Pharaoh’s Castle.

After your guided tour, enjoy free time to explore Petra on your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike the 800 steps to the Monastery (El Deir), one of Petra’s most impressive structures.

In the afternoon, take a 1.5-hour drive to Wadi Rum, where you will check in to your luxury desert camp.

• Overnight in Wadi Rum
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Rum Oasis Luxury Camp, Sun City Camp, or similar

Day 5: Wadi Rum Jeep Safari – Transfer to Dead Sea

After breakfast, set off on a thrilling 4×4 Jeep safari through Wadi Rum’s dramatic desert landscapes. Explore majestic canyons, towering sand dunes, and ancient Nabatean rock inscriptions while taking in the breathtaking scenery that has been featured in numerous Hollywood films.

After your desert adventure, embark on a four-hour drive to the Dead Sea. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy time floating in the mineral-rich waters. You can also try the famous Dead Sea mud, known for its skincare benefits.

• Overnight at the Dead Sea
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Hotel, Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, or similar

Day 6: Departure from Dead Sea – Fly from Amman to Istanbul

Spend the morning enjoying the Dead Sea resort and its beach before checking out by noon. You will then be transferred to Amman Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Upon arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), a One Nation Travel representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax or join an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise.

Please note: International flights from Amman to Istanbul are not included and must be arranged separately.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): None
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites, Antea Hotel, Ayasultan Hotel, Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel, or similar

Day 7: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

First, you will visit the Grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that originally served as a cathedral, later functioned as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. It showcases centuries of history, blending elements of both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Bosphorus Boat Cruise – Fly from Istanbul to Izmir

After breakfast at around 8:30 AM, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the pier in Eminönü for a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This bustling market is filled with colorful stalls offering aromatic spices, sweets, and souvenirs.

Next, you will board a shared boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, dividing Europe and Asia. While cruising, you will enjoy spectacular views of iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, historic citadels, centuries-old mansions, and the picturesque European and Asian shorelines.

After the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel to collect your luggage. From there, you will be transferred to the Istanbul domestic airport for your flight to Izmir, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

• Overnight in Kuşadası
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast at around 7:30 am, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk, where the full group will gather. Your Pamukkale tour will begin with an 8:30 am departure from Selcuk, and the drive to Pamukkale will take approximately 3 hours. Along the way, there will be a 10-minute stop for a restroom break after 1.5 hours.

Upon arriving in Pamukkale at around 11:45 am, you will first enjoy lunch. After lunch, at approximately 1:00 pm, your guided tour of Pamukkale and the Hierapolis area will commence, led by a professional licensed tour guide. In Pamukkale, you will witness the breathtaking Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by calcareous salt deposits.

You will also explore the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. At the end of the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore on your own. As an optional activity, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time. Your tour guide will provide details about the exact meeting point and time.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel at around 8:30 am. You will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that became an important cultural and commercial center of its time. Your visit includes key highlights such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. Next, you will pass by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though little remains of the structure today.

Then, explore the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture.

After your tour ends at 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for a late-evening flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, with a connecting flight in Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel in Cappadocia.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave House or similar (Standard quality)

Day 11: North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles.

Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches.

Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or participate in optional activities.

For additional activities, you can choose a Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the enchanting Sufi tradition. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave House or similar (Standard quality)

Day 12: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be taken to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay overnight.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 13: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Arrival and departure airport transfers, along with all ground transportation.
• Domestic flight tickets within Turkey, as specified in the itinerary.
• 2 nights in Amman at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Petra at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Wadi Rum at Sun City Camp, including breakfast.
• 1 night at the Dead Sea at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• English-speaking guide during the tours in Turkey.
• English-speaking local guide in Petra for 2.5 hours.
• English-speaking local guide in Jerash for 1 hour.
• Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver in Jordan.
• 3-hour Jeep tour in Wadi Rum.
• Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Flight ticket from Amman to Istanbul.
• Entry visas to Jordan and Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Escorting tour guide.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• The tour in Turkey is designed for a regular group, while the tour in Jordan is arranged as a private tour.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.