Day-wise Itinerary: Turkey 11N-12D Grand Turkey Explorer Tour
Embark on an epic **11-night, 12-day Grand Turkey Explorer Tour** from Mumbai by flight, beginning in Istanbul and concluding in Antalya. This comprehensive journey will take you through Turkey’s most iconic historical sites, stunning natural wonders, ancient ruins, and vibrant local experiences, including hot air ballooning in Cappadocia and relaxing on Mediterranean beaches.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul & Leisure
Upon arrival at **Istanbul Airport (IST)** from Mumbai, you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in and some rest, the remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore the vicinity. Dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Historical Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Blue Mosque
After breakfast, begin your historical exploration with visits to **Hagia Sophia**, a marvel of architecture; **Topkapi Palace**, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans; and the majestic **Blue Mosque**, famous for its intricate tile work. Explore the ancient **Hippodrome** before returning to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia
Morning dedicated to **local bazaar shopping** at the vibrant **Grand Bazaar**, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Enjoy a scenic **Bosphorus Cruise** in the afternoon, offering views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks. Later, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your evening flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to your unique cave hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 4: Cappadocia Exploration & Hot Air Balloon (Optional)
Early morning, an **optional hot air balloon ride** offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and unique landscape. After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of Cappadocia, including visits to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Pasabag (Monks Valley), and Devrent Valley. Explore an underground city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Travel to Pamukkale & Hierapolis
After breakfast, check out and begin your scenic drive to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. In the afternoon, explore the stunning white terraces of **Pamukkale** (Cotton Castle), a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mineral-rich thermal waters. Visit the ancient city of **Hierapolis**, including its well-preserved theatre and Necropolis. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 6: Pamukkale Leisure & Turkish Bath
Spend the morning at leisure in Pamukkale. You might choose to revisit the terraces or relax by your hotel’s thermal pools. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional **Turkish bath (Hamam)** experience, offering relaxation and rejuvenation. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Drive to Kusadasi & Ephesus Ancient Ruins
After breakfast, check out and drive to the coastal town of Kusadasi. En route, visit the spectacular **ancient ruins of Ephesus**, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. Arrive in Kusadasi and check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 8: Leisure at Kusadasi Beaches & Shopping
Enjoy a relaxed day in Kusadasi. You can spend time on one of the beautiful **beaches** like Ladies Beach, or explore the town’s vibrant marina and continue with **local bazaar shopping** for souvenirs, leather goods, or carpets. You might also consider an optional boat tour to nearby coves. Dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 9: Travel to Antalya & Duden Waterfalls
After breakfast, check out from your Kusadasi hotel and embark on a picturesque drive along the Mediterranean coast to Antalya. Upon arrival, visit the stunning **Duden Waterfalls**, where the river cascades directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Check into your hotel in Antalya. Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya.
Overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 10: Antalya City Tour & Beaches
Explore Antalya’s charming Old Town (Kaleiçi) with its narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and Hadrian’s Gate. Visit the Antalya Museum if time permits, showcasing regional archaeological treasures. Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of Antalya’s famous **beaches** like Konyaalti or Lara Beach, enjoying the sun and sea. Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya.
Overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 11: Antalya Leisure / Optional Excursion
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya. You can choose to relax at your hotel, explore more of the city, or opt for an optional excursion such as a boat trip to nearby islands, a visit to Perge and Aspendos ancient cities, or a cable car ride up Mount Tahtali for panoramic views. Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya.
Overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 12: Departure from Antalya
After breakfast, check out from your Antalya hotel. You will be transferred to **Antalya Airport (AYT)** for your departure flight to Mumbai, taking with you a lifetime of cherished memories from your Grand Turkey Explorer Tour!
We hope you had an enriching and memorable journey through Turkey!
