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11-Day Best of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Antalya

11 Days
  • 1

Overview

Minarets glow above Istanbul as your Turkey story begins with a warm arrival meet-and-greet at the international arrivals exit and the comfort of a shared shuttle transfer into the city. Soon, your guide will lead the group through Istanbul's great imperial layers, where Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace turn centuries of faith and power into living architecture. A fragrant morning at the Spice Market gives way to a Bosphorus Cruise, gliding between Europe and Asia before domestic flights carry you toward the dreamlike valleys of Cappadocia. Here, fairy chimneys, pottery traditions in Avanos, Zelve's cave dwellings, red and rose-colored valleys, and a Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City reveal a landscape shaped by nature, devotion, and survival. The journey softens on the Mediterranean coast, where Antalya brings ancient Pamphylia into focus through Perge, the magnificent Aspendos Ancient Theater, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall, along with time simply left open to breathe. Returning to Istanbul, you leave with fellow travelers' stories, sun-warmed ruins, and Turkey's contrasts still vivid in memory.

Trip Highlights

  • Wander Istanbul’s imperial courtyards at Topkapi Palace
  • Marvel at Hagia Sophia’s layered sacred architecture
  • Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • Savour spice-scented stalls inside Istanbul’s Spice Market
  • Watch pottery traditions come alive in Avanos
  • Wander Zelve’s cave dwellings and volcanic formations
  • Hike through Rose Valley’s rock-cut churches
  • Descend into Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City
  • Step into Aspendos Ancient Theater’s Roman grandeur
  • Witness Apollo’s seaside columns in ancient Side

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrival in Istanbul - Airport Transfer and Free Day

    Welcome to Istanbul, the city where Europe and Asia meet across the Bosphorus. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our representative will meet you at the international arrivals exit, holding the designated agency sign for easy identification. After a brief meet-and-greet, join your scheduled airport transfer to the hotel. Depending on traffic, the drive may take around 45 to 90 minutes. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax after your flight or take a gentle first walk around the surrounding neighborhood. If you arrive early, you may wish to enjoy Turkish tea, browse nearby shops, or dine at a local restaurant in the evening. An optional Bosphorus night cruise with dinner and live entertainment is available at extra cost and can be arranged in advance or through your local representative, subject to availability. Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    2

    Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

    After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, your guide will lead the group on a full-day tour through Istanbul’s great Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks. Begin at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, an architectural landmark shaped by imperial, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Continue to the Blue Mosque, Istanbul, admired for its six minarets, grand courtyard, and elegant İznik tilework. A short walk brings the group to the Hippodrome, Istanbul, once the social and sporting center of Byzantine Constantinople, where you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain. Around 12:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with fellow travelers. In the afternoon, visit Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, including its courtyards, treasury displays, and impressive views over the Bosphorus. The day concludes at the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul, where covered lanes are filled with carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods. Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM. Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    3

    Morning Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Market

    After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, join the group for a half-day morning tour focused on Istanbul’s waterfront life and historic trade routes. Your guide will take you toward Eminonu Pier, one of the city’s busiest ferry areas, followed by a visit to the Spice Market. Here, colorful displays of Turkish delight, dried fruits, teas, spices, and local delicacies create a lively introduction to Istanbul’s market traditions. Afterward, board the boat for a scenic Bosphorus Cruise along the strait separating Europe and Asia. As you cruise, enjoy views of waterfront mansions, Ottoman palaces, old fortifications, and landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge. The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel around 12:15 PM. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing, shopping, or a relaxed café break. Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    4

    Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia

    After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning in Istanbul before preparing for your flight to central Turkey. Before 12:00 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your late morning or afternoon domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, depending on flight availability. Your guide or local representative will confirm the exact pick-up time one day before departure. The flight usually takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Upon arrival, meet the local team at the airport and continue by transfer to Cappadocia, a region known for volcanic valleys, cave settlements, and distinctive rock formations. The drive from Kayseri may take about 1 hour, while Nevşehir Airport is generally closer. After hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is free. You may rest, enjoy the atmosphere of your cave-style hotel, or take a short walk in the surrounding village before dinner on your own. Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    5

    North Cappadocia Tour - Valleys, Pottery and Zelve

    Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is available at extra cost and is subject to weather approval.

    After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, your guide will gather the group for a full-day North Cappadocia tour. Begin at Devrent Valley, where wind-shaped rock formations resemble animals and imaginative figures. Continue to Pasabag Valley, famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and ancient monk shelters. The group then travels to Avanos, a town known for pottery made with clay from the Red River. Watch a traditional demonstration before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers. In the afternoon, stop at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Göreme, where cave dwellings and valley landscapes spread across the horizon. Your guide will then lead the group through the Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned rock-cut village with cave homes, churches, and a mosque carved into stone. Make a final outside photo stop at Uchisar Castle before returning to your hotel by approximately 4:00 PM. Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    6

    South Cappadocia Tour - Valleys and Underground City

    After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, join the group for a full-day South Cappadocia tour that combines light hiking, village life, and ancient refuge sites. Start in Red Valley, where mineral-rich rock layers create warm tones across the landscape. From here, enjoy a scenic walk of approximately 5 km through Rose Valley, passing unusual formations and rock-cut churches along the way. Continue to Çavuşin Village, once home to Greek and Turkish communities, with old stone houses and cave churches built into the cliffs. Around 12:30 PM, pause for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Pigeon Valley, named for the pigeon houses carved into the volcanic rock. The final highlight is an underground settlement: Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early communities created tunnels, storage rooms, and living spaces below ground. Return to your hotel around 4:00 PM. Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    7

    Flight from Cappadocia to Antalya via Istanbul

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Cappadocia and prepare for your domestic flight connection to the Mediterranean coast. Depending on the confirmed flight schedule, pick-up may be in the morning or early afternoon for the transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport. The drive generally takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes, based on your hotel location and departure airport. Your route to Antalya operates via Istanbul, and your local team will assist with timing so the group reaches the airport with sufficient check-in time. Upon arrival in Antalya, meet the representative at the arrivals area and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure. You may relax at the hotel, walk toward the marina, or enjoy dinner independently in the old town area. This evening is a good opportunity to settle into Antalya’s coastal rhythm before tomorrow’s full-day ancient city tour. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    8

    Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall

    After breakfast, around 8:00 AM, your guide will lead the group on a full-day tour of ancient Pamphylia and the surrounding coastal region. Begin at Perge Ancient City, once one of the largest settlements in the region, where you can see remains of colonnaded streets, baths, gates, and the stadium area. Continue to the Aspendos Ancient Theater, a remarkably preserved Roman theater built in the 2nd century AD and still admired for its acoustics and scale. Around midday, enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the river before traveling to Side, Antalya, an ancient port city with Roman-era streets, sea views, and impressive ruins. Your guide will introduce key sites such as the Side Ancient Theater, Ruins of the Roman Baths in Side, and the Temple of Apollo Side. You will also have about 1 hour of free time to explore or enjoy the seafront. On the return drive, stop at Manavgat Waterfall before arriving back at your hotel by early evening. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    9

    Free Day in Antalya

    After breakfast at your hotel, the day is free to enjoy Antalya at your own pace, with no scheduled group activities. Around 9:30 AM, you may wish to begin with a leisurely walk through Kaleiçi, Antalya’s atmospheric old town, where narrow lanes lead to Ottoman-era houses, boutique shops, cafés, and the old harbor. By late morning, the clifftop promenades offer excellent views over the Mediterranean, especially near the marina. For lunch, choose a waterfront restaurant or a local eatery serving grilled fish, meze, or traditional Turkish dishes. In the afternoon, consider visiting the Antalya Museum, known for its statues, sarcophagi, and artifacts from Perge, Side, and other ancient cities of the region. Alternatively, spend time at Konyaaltı or Lara Beach, both popular options for a relaxed coastal afternoon. By 6:00 PM, return to the old town for dinner on your own or enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    10

    Return Flight from Antalya to Istanbul

    After breakfast, take time to pack and check out from your Antalya hotel. Around mid-morning, or according to the confirmed flight schedule, your transfer will depart for Antalya Airport. The drive usually takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and hotel location. At the airport, check in for your domestic flight back to Istanbul, with a flight duration of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet the group at the arrivals area and assist with the transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free. Depending on your arrival time, you may take a final walk, revisit a favorite neighborhood, or enjoy dinner independently at a local restaurant. This last evening in Istanbul is ideal for relaxed shopping, Turkish coffee, or simply reflecting on the journey from imperial landmarks to Cappadocia’s valleys and Antalya’s ancient coast. Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    11

    Departure from Istanbul

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Istanbul before 12:00 noon, unless a late check-out has been arranged directly with the hotel at additional cost. Depending on your international flight time, you may have a short period of free time to enjoy a final coffee, purchase last-minute souvenirs, or take a brief walk near the hotel. Please keep your passport, flight details, and any travel documents easily accessible. At the confirmed pick-up time, meet the representative in the hotel lobby for your transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). The drive may take around 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and airport location, so departure timing will be planned accordingly. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed with airline check-in and security formalities for your onward flight. Thank you for traveling with One Nation Travel on this 11-day Turkey journey. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

  • 10 nights hotel accommodation: 4 nights in Istanbul, 3 nights in Cappadocia, and 3 nights in Antalya
  • Daily breakfast at the hotels
  • 4 lunches at local restaurants during guided touring days
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers in Istanbul
  • All intercity transfers as outlined in the itinerary
  • Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul → Kayseri/Nevşehir, Kayseri/Nevşehir → Antalya (via Istanbul), and Antalya → Istanbul
  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide during scheduled tours
  • Entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Air-conditioned transportation for guided tours and transfers
  • Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

  • International flights to and from Turkey
  • Turkey e-Visa or visa fees, if applicable
  • Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended
  • Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
  • Optional Bosphorus night cruise with dinner and entertainment
  • Optional activities, personal sightseeing, and free-day expenses
  • Drinks during meals unless specifically mentioned
  • Hotel extras such as laundry, minibar, room service, and phone calls
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions

Important Information

  • Cappadocia hot air balloon rides are optional, weather-dependent, and subject to approval by the aviation authority. We recommend booking for your first available morning in Cappadocia to allow a chance of rescheduling if canceled.
  • Mosques in Istanbul remain active places of worship and may close to visitors during prayer times, especially on Fridays around midday. A modest dress code is required; women should cover their head, shoulders, and knees.
  • Domestic flights in Turkey generally allow 15 kg checked luggage per person, depending on the airline. Excess baggage fees are payable directly at the airport.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Istanbul’s old city, Cappadocia’s valleys, Perge, Side, and Pamukkale-style terrain in Turkey often include uneven stones, steps, slopes, and cobblestones.
  • Cappadocia mornings can be cool even in spring and autumn, while Antalya can be warm and sunny. Pack layers, sun protection, and a light jacket for early starts.
  • The order of sightseeing may change due to museum closures, traffic, flight schedules, weather, or local conditions, but all included visits will be provided whenever possible.
  • Hotel check-in is generally after and check-out is before 12:00 noon. Early check-in or late check-out is subject to hotel availability and may require an extra fee.
  • This is a guided group tour, so pick-up times and sightseeing pace are coordinated with fellow travelers. Please be ready in the lobby at the confirmed meeting time.
  • Turkey uses Type C and F electrical outlets with 220V power. Travelers from the US, UK, and some other countries should bring a suitable adapter.
  • Travel insurance should include medical coverage, trip interruption, lost luggage, and optional activity coverage if you plan to take the hot air balloon ride.

FAQs

How do I book the 11-Day Best of Turkey Tour?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

Are domestic flights included in the tour price?

Yes. The itinerary includes domestic flights from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevşehir, from Cappadocia to Antalya via Istanbul, and from Antalya back to Istanbul, as outlined in the program.

Will I travel with the same group and guide throughout the tour?

Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.

Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride included?

No. The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is optional and available at an additional cost. It is also weather-dependent and must be confirmed based on flight availability and local aviation approval.

Which airports are used for Cappadocia?

Flights to and from Cappadocia may use Kayseri Airport or Nevşehir Airport, depending on availability and schedule. Both airports are commonly used for Cappadocia tours and transfers are included.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

Moderate walking is required, especially in Istanbul’s old city, Cappadocia’s valleys, and the ancient sites around Antalya. Some areas have uneven surfaces, stairs, and slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Can I add extra nights before or after the tour?

Yes. Extra nights in Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Antalya can usually be arranged upon request. We recommend booking early during spring, summer, and autumn when hotel availability can be limited.

What meals are included?

Daily breakfast is included at the hotels. Lunch is included on selected guided touring days as listed in the itinerary, while dinners and drinks are generally at your own expense unless otherwise specified.

Is this Turkey itinerary suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. The tour is ideal for first-time visitors because it combines Istanbul’s major landmarks, Cappadocia’s signature landscapes, and Antalya’s ancient cities with domestic flights and guided touring arranged in advance.

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