Ottoman Explorer (4 Star)
Take in the best of Turkey on this 12-day group tour, starting in Istanbul with guided sightseeing, free time and an optional Bosphorus cruise. Explore the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, spend two nights in the Mediterranean beach resort of Antalya and head to Kusadasi for included day trips to Pamukkale and Ephesus. End your adventure with an included flight back to Istanbul.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Latest Review
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
IstanbulEnds
IstanbulMinimum age
No minimum ageMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingCountry
TurkeyMeals included
Breakfast: 11, Lunch: 4Choose your desired standard of accommodation. See Hotels for more information
Passengers
$2,215.00
$400.00
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max 14
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 1 / Max 14Tranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursAccommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. An included transfer will take you from the airport to our hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in the hotel, or head out to begin your exploration.
Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations.
Day 2 - Exploring Istanbul
Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for a full day Istanbul city tour, including visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome, with free time for lunch. We will also explore the Grand Bazaar, where you can put your bartering skills to the test. After the tour, we'll return to the hotel at approximately 17:00.
Day 3 - Istanbul at Leisure & Optional Bosphorus Cruise
Today is free for you to relax in the hotel or further explore Istanbul at your own pace. You will also have the chance to join an optional cruise of the Bosphorus, the body of water that divides not only Istanbul, but Europe from Asia. If you choose the cruise package, your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for a half-day excursion, which includes a visit to a spice market and a Bosphorus cruise. After the cruise, you'll be taken back to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 4 - Istanbul to Cappadocia
Istanbul - Cappadocia. You will be picked up from our hotel and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your included flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to our cave hotel for the next three days, which is hewn into the rock face, with many of the guest rooms located in unique caves. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Whilst in Cappadocia, an optional hot air balloon tour will be available; book and pay locally.
Day 5 - Exploring Cappadocia
Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:30 before we embark on a full-day Cappadocia tour. The itinerary includes the Goreme Open Air Museum and Devrent Imagination Valley before we break for lunch at a local restaurant. Then it's back to exploring, as we visit the Pasabag Monks Valley, Avanos, and Goreme Panorama. After the tour, we'll head back to the hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 6 - Exploring Cappadocia Continued
Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:30 for another full day of exploring the fairytale landscapes and underground cities of Cappadocia. Highlights of today's tour include visits to Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and either Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by stops at Ortahisar Village and Avanos Valley. After the tour, we'll be transferred back to the hotel for another night in Cappadocia.
Day 7 - Cappadocia to Antalya
Cappadocia - Antalya. Say farewell to Cappadocia as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Antalya, a popular Mediterranean resort city on Turkey's south coast. On arrival in Antalya, you'll be greeted and transported to our hotel. The evening is at leisure.
Day 8 - Antalya at Leisure & Optional Tour
You can choose to spend a day at leisure in Antalya, perhaps wandering into the Old Town, or heading down to the beach. Alternatively, you can join an optional Antalya Old Town & Waterfalls tour. If you choose this option, our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a full-day excursion. Highlights include a cable car ride to Tunektepe for stunning views of pine forests and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, a visit to Duden Waterfalls, and stops at the Old Town, Hadrianus Gate, and the Clock Tower. After the tour, you will be transferred back to our hotel for the evening.
Day 9 - Pamukkale Day Trip
Antalya - Pamukkale - Kusadasi. Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 07:00 for a full-day tour to the white cotton castles and travertines of Pamukkale. We also visit the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You will also have the chance to take a dip in the Hot Thermal Pools. After the tour, we will complete our journey to Kusadasi, where the evening is at leisure.
Day 10 - Ephesus Day Trip
Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi. Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 9:00 before we embark on a day trip to the Ephesus Ruins, the Fountains of Trajan and Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Library of Celsus, the Bouleuterion, and the Great Theatre. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and also visit the House of the Virgin Mary. After the tour, we will return to our hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 11 - Return to Istanbul
Kusadasi - Izmir - Istanbul. You'll be picked up from our hotel and transferred to Izmir Airport for your included flight to Istanbul. On arrival back in Istanbul, you'll be met and taken to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and to tick off any final sights or souvenir shopping you need to do.
Day 12 - Istanbul
Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. A transfer to the airport is provided for you. Safe travels!
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Bosphorus Cruise Tour in Istanbul
Choose a relaxing morning at leisure in Istanbul, or book this optional cruise on the Bosphorus, the body of water that divides not only Istanbul, but Europe from Asia. If you choose this cruise package, you will embark on a half-day excursion, which includes a visit to a spice market as well as the Bosphorus cruise.
Add-on

Antalya Old Town & Waterfalls Tour in Antalya
Choose between a relaxing free day in Antalya, or book this optional Antalya Old Town & Waterfalls tour. Highlights of this full-day excursion include a cable car ride to Tunektepe for stunning views of pine forests and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, a visit to Duden Waterfalls, and stops at the Old Town, Hadrianus Gate, and the Clock Tower.
Add-on
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there is 1 person booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people sharing a room. 'Child' prices are applicable to those aged 3-6 when travelling with adults. Children aged 0-2 travel free.
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