Turkey · Hot Air Ballooning

10-Day Turkey Highlights Tour from Cappadocia to Ölüdeniz

10 Days Round trip from Göreme Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Cappadocia's cave dwellings and fairy chimneys with a 45-minute local wine tasting in Göreme
  • 02 Take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia and visit Pasabağı, Devrent, Love Valley, and Uçhisar Castle
  • 03 Discover Derinkuyu Underground City, Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley, and Pigeon Valley
  • 04 Experience Turkish culture through a traditional hammam, folkloric music and dance show, and a home-cooked dinner
  • 05 Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, the Basilica of Saint John, and Isa Bey Mosque
  • 06 See Hierapolis and Pamukkale's iconic travertine terraces before swimming in Cleopatra Pools
  • 07 Cruise past Dalyan's Lycian tombs, visit the Tomb of Amyntas, and admire the Ölüdeniz Lagoon viewpoint
  • 08 Enjoy a full-day boat tour from Ölüdeniz Lagoon with stops at the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, and Saint Nicholas Island

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Turkey, beginning in Göreme with Cappadocia's cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, wine tasting, and a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Continue through some of the country's most remarkable historical and natural sites, including Derinkuyu, Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, Hierapolis, and Pamukkale's travertine terraces and Cleopatra Pools. The tour also brings you into everyday Turkish culture with a traditional hammam, a home-cooked dinner in a local Turk's home, and time in Bodrum, Fethiye, and Ölüdeniz. Depending on the season, southern coastal experiences may be replaced with private guided touring in Istanbul.

Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through Turkey, beginning in Göreme with Cappadocia's cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, wine tasting, and a sunrise hot-air balloon ride.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Cities Kusadasi, Istanbul, Izmir, Kayseri, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Dalyan, Avanos
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Göreme and Cappadocia Wine Tasting

  • Arrive in Göreme via Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport.
  • Explore Cappadocia's cave dwellings and fairy chimneys.
  • In the evening, visit a local wine house for a 45-minute wine tasting.

Note: You are most likely to go through Istanbul before reaching Göreme.

2
Day 02

Cappadocia Balloon Ride, Valleys, and Turkish Bath

  • Begin the day with an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's stunning cave dwellings for 1 hour.
  • Explore the surreal rock formations of Pasabağı (Monks' Valley) and Devrent (Camel Rock).
  • Visit a pottery workshop in Avanos for a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship. Discover the Göreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, and Uçhisar Castle.
  • Enjoy a delicious local lunch during the tour.
  • The tour ends with a traditional Turkish bathhouse (hammam), including a bath, massage, and tea.
3
Day 03

Esentepe, Derinkuyu, and Ihlara Valley

  • Start with a visit to Esentepe viewpoint for panoramic views of Cappadocia.
  • Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu.
  • Visit Selime Monastery and stop at a viewpoint overlooking Ihlara Valley.
  • Enjoy a scenic hike through Ihlara Valley. Discover Pigeon Valley and a gemstone (onyx) workshop.
  • Savour a local lunch during the tour.
  • In the evening, go to a night show featuring traditional music and folkloric dance performances.
4
Day 04

Flight to Kuşadası and Local Cultural Experience

  • Fly from Göreme to Kuşadası via a flight through Izmir.
  • Embark on a guided tour of Kuşadası, visiting historical sites such as the city walls and castle.
  • Enjoy free time for swimming and relaxation at a local beach or pool.
  • Visit a native Turk's home for an immersive cultural experience.
  • Watch the preparation of traditional Turkish food and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.
5
Day 05

Ephesus and Sacred Sites of Kuşadası

  • Begin your day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Catholic shrine where it is believed that Mary lived her final years.
  • Explore Ephesus, one of the eastern Mediterranean's largest and best-preserved Roman archaeological sites. Marvel at the ancient ruins and gain insight into the city's grandeur.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch, which is included in today's tour, after you explore Ephesus.
  • Visit the Temple of Artemis, a magnificent structure once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Learn about its history, including its reconstruction after flood and fire.
  • Head to the Basilica of Saint John, built over the reputed burial site of John the Apostle, and appreciate its historical significance.
  • Conclude your day with a visit to Isa Bey Mosque, an architectural marvel renowned for its historical and artistic value.
6
Day 06

Hierapolis, Pamukkale, and Cleopatra Pools

  • Transfer to the village of Pamukkale.
  • Begin your day with a guided tour of Hierapolis, the ancient Greek city known for its rich history and impressive ruins.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch, which is included in today's tour.
  • Explore Pamukkale, famous for its stunning natural travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs. This picturesque site is one of Turkey's most iconic and photographed locations.
  • Conclude your day with a relaxing swim in the Cleopatra Pools. These natural hot springs have been a popular bathing spot for thousands of years, offering a unique experience.
7
Day 07

Bodrum Harbour, Castle, and Swimming

  • Arrive in Bodrum and take a guided tour of the harbour and its charming, maze-like streets. Marvel at traditional houses with their unique colourful shapes and use of local materials like stone, wood, clay, and cane.
  • Visit the historic Bodrum Castle and enjoy swimming.

From November to March, tours in Bodrum and the south of Turkey are replaced with private tours in Istanbul. In winter, before flying from Dalaman to Istanbul, visit Dalyan for a river cruise past mountain-carved Lycian tombs and a relaxing therapeutic mud pool experience.

8
Day 08

Fethiye, Dalyan, and Seasonal Istanbul Option

  • Relocate from Bodrum to Fethiye with a stop in Dalyan. Enjoy a scenic river cruise past the impressive mountain-carved Lycian tombs and indulge in a therapeutic mud bath at a local pool.
  • Explore the Tomb of Amyntas, another remarkable rock-carved tomb near Fethiye, offering a glimpse into ancient Lycian burial practices.
  • Visit a viewpoint overlooking Ölüdeniz Lagoon, renowned for its stunning turquoise and aquamarine waters and sandy bay.
  • Note: From November to March, Bodrum and the south of Turkey are replaced with private guided tours in Istanbul, including attractions such as:
    • Süleymaniye Mosque
    • Spice Bazaar
    • A Bosphorus Strait boat tour
    • Ortaköy Mosque
    • Rumeli Fortress
    • Pierre Loti Hill
    • Taksim Square
9
Day 09

Ölüdeniz Boat Tour and Optional Paragliding

  • 8:00 am - Pickup for thrill-seekers. Optional paragliding over Ölüdeniz Lagoon from Mount Babadağ is available.
  • Enjoy a full-day boat tour from Ölüdeniz Lagoon. Visit the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, Saint Nicholas Island, a cold-water spring, Camel Beach, and an aquarium.
  • Lunch is included at 1:00 PM.

Note: From November to March, southern Turkey is replaced with private guided tours in Istanbul, covering Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapı Palace Museum, and the Grand Bazaar.

10
Day 10

Departure and Airport Transfer

  • Transportation will be arranged to take you to the airport. From April to October, flights depart from Dalaman to Istanbul's Ataturk Airport (IST). From November to March, flights are from either Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), as per your preference.
Hot-air balloons over Göreme, Love Valley, Uçhisar Castle, Travertines of Pamukkale

Where this trip takes you

Hot-air balloons over Göreme, Love Valley, Uçhisar Castle, Travertines of Pamukkale

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Göreme 11 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Lodging

  • Male or female tour guides

  • Tours in English

  • All ground and water transportation

  • All activities in the itinerary

  • All entry fees

  • Breakfasts

  • Your on-call concierge

  • Lunches x 5

  • Dinner x 1

What's Not Included

  • Any airfare
  • Alcohol
  • Travel insurance
  • Any government-imposed visa fees
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

What to bring

  • Strap for your sunglasses (to wrap around your head while on the hot-air balloon)
  • Mobile hand/wrist strap (to prevent your phone from falling while in the air)
  • If visiting between April and October:
    • Lockable waterproof backpack (to bring onto the boat)
    • Waterproof case for your identification card and credit cards (when swimming)
    • Water shoes
  • Adapters for your electronic devices

Know before you go

  • Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find the flights you need. However, please contact us well in advance.
  • All participants must book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays, and 24/7 assistance.
  • We highly recommend exploring Istanbul thoroughly, ideally over eight full days, to fully experience its vibrant mix of history, culture, and cuisine. Many visitors, however, stay for about 2-4 days. As the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Istanbul offers a rich tapestry of impressive architecture, a unique blend of East and West, and some of the Mediterranean's most delicious foods. Don't miss exploring both the European and Asian sides of the city to capture its complete essence.
  • International airfare is available for VIP members only - please ask for details.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Göreme, Aydınlı - Orta, Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
Tour start
Göreme, Aydınlı - Orta, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 days finish where they began, in Göreme.

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USD 2,467 /person
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