13-Day Natural Highlights of Turkey
If you are a nature enthusiast, this tour would be perfect for you to explore the wondrous beauty of Turkey. At the same time, experience the rich and exotic history and culture of this country.
Days
13
Price
from US$4,080 p/p
Best For
First-timers, Photographers
Best Time
Apr. to Oct.
Tour Highlights
We have just returned from an amazing trip to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Our travel adviser Albee Ning prepared a wonderful itinerary taking us to great locations with creative activities highlighting local culture.
We traveled with Asia Highlights (Lissie was our agent) several years ago when we went to Saigon, and the experience was so positive, we automatically went to Asia Highlights again for an extensive trip to Southeast Asia.
Itinerary Details
The itinerary below is only a sample, and you may alter any part of it to suit your interests. Tell us your needs, and our travel advisor will customize the tour plan to meet your requirements.
Welcome to Turkey. Meet your private guide at the arrival hall of the airport and transfer to your hotel comfortably by private car. Enjoy your free time at the hotel or take a walk around the area.
Hotel Options:
Best Western Empire Palace (4 star)
Legacy Ottoman Hotel (5 star)
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Enjoy an exotic breakfast in the morning and start your day exploring the Old City area, which is dotted with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architectural styles. It is the best way to learn about Turkey's history and culture.
Next, your guide will take you to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square. Walk down the recreated chariot racing track, though the actual remains are still underground. Admire the columns, obelisks, and statues that have survived for over 1,500 years.
A short walk away is the Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque in the world with six minarets. You will love the blue-white tiles on its walls that give it its distinctive appearance. Across the street from the Blue Mosque is Hagia Sophia, constructed in the Byzantine architectural style. Take a moment to admire the elegant murals on the walls.
Take a break and treat yourself to some delicious Turkish cuisine. After lunch, take a tour of the opulent pavilions and royal treasury of Topkapi Palace. Do not miss views of the Golden Horn estuary and Bosporus Bay. Linger in the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. The thousands of colorful products on display will pique your curiosity. Enjoy shopping at the market, but don't forget to bargain. Finally, head back to your hotel and rest up for the night.
Optional Trip to Enrich Your Tour
Bosphorus night cruise with dinner: Enjoy Istanbul at night from the Bosphorus Bay. A sumptuous Turkish meal will be served for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast
You have the morning free to explore the city on your own. Your private guide will then drop you at the airport. Catch a flight to the pleasant coastal town of Fethiye. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will pick you up and help you check-in to the hotel. All you need to do is enjoy the vibrant harbor city.
Hotel Options:
Nautical Hotel (4 star)
Liberty Hotels Lykia (5 star)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wake up to the sound of waves and a gentle breeze. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and the views of the spectacular coastline. You will have the rest of the morning to trace the scattered ruins of the ancient Lycian civilization.
Walk up to the Fethiye Ancient Tombs that were carved out of mountainous rock. The Lycians believed that the dead were carried away by angels, and hence, they placed the dead in geographically high places. There is much to discover about the history of this lost civilization. Catch a last glimpse of Amyntas Tomb and make your way back.
Head to the deserted ghost town of Karakoy. Once a prosperous city during the Lycian period, it is now uninhabited. The city was abandoned for years as a result of World War I evictions and earthquakes thereafter. Traces of the prosperity and life of Lycian are visible from the broken walls of the houses and the well-preserved church.
Afterward, set off to the most beautiful and famous beach along the Mediterranean coast — Oludeniz Beach. Take some time to relax and while away a few hours.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Take the ancient Lycian Way walking trail from Ovacik. Make your way through pine forests, flower-filled fields, and Babadag mountain to arrive Kirme, a peaceful little village far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Climb uphill and reach Faralya, which offers fantastic views of the Mediterranean coast. Do not miss the stunning sunset over Butterfly Valley. Unwind and stay overnight in a scenic hotel on the top of the mountain.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Mornings in the mountains are always refreshing and energizing. Take a deep breath, wander around, enjoy the sunrise, or simply sit back and look at the coastline. Enjoy a unique breakfast prepared by the rustic house owner and get ready for your next adventure.
Faralya is a small village in Butterfly Valley. As it is a wild and steep trail, the walk up to Faralya can be daunting. Use your hands to grasp the rope and slide down the cliffs. Your experienced guide will lead you slowly and show you where to pause for stunning views of Butterfly Valley, Aktas Beach, Sombeki Cove, and Cukuryurt.
Reach Kabak Bay. Linger for a while and head back to Fethiye for overnight stay.
Hotel Options:
Nautical Hotel (4 star)
Liberty Hotels Lykia (5 star)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Reach the harbor by 9:30 a.m. and start your 4-day cruise trip. Don't forget to take your swim clothes with you, as you will have many opportunities to dive into the blue water. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen will provide excellent protection for your skin. You will meet many people from all over the world — share your travel experiences, try out fun activities, and eat together.
Sail to Samanlik Bay, where you can swim for a while and enjoy a nice Turkish lunch. Next, head to Butterfly Valley. The landscape there is beautiful with picturesque cliffs and a deep blue, quiet sea. Walk on the soft sand or take a swim to relax. The cruise will next stop at the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz Beach. The sea water there is blue-green in color.
Dinner is served on the cruise. Have a nice meal and retire to bed.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Admire the golden sun rising over the horizon and sail to Firnaz Bay. After breakfast, go for a swim or sit back and enjoy the sea view. You will continue to Kas, which is a small fishing village dotted with remnants of the ancient Lycian civilization. Pay a visit to Antiphellos, the Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi, and the old Roman theater. Resume your cruise and stop near Kekova. Swim and dive into the water to search for ancient ruins.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Kekova is a charming island, bay, and ancient city. An earthquake flooded the island city more than 1,500 years ago, creating a strange sight, with half of the city underwater and half above. Simena was a Lycian settlement in olden times. Stroll around the Ottoman castle and ancient tombs. The ship will dock at Gokkaya Bay. There are many water sports activities there for you to try out.
Meals included: breakfast
Enjoy your last morning on the cruise. The tour will end at Andriace Harbour. Say goodbye to your newfound friends and meet your guide, who will transfer you to the coastal city of Antalya. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you may choose to rest in the hotel.
Hotel Options:
Holiday Inn Antalya - Lara 4 star
Akra Hotel, Deluxe Sea View Room - 5 star
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby. They will escort you to Cappadocia.
On the way, you will stop at Sultanhan Caravanserai in Konya, which used to be a famous stopover for armies and vendors on the ancient Silk Road. Spend some time at Mevlana Museum, one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Turkish Muslims. Mevlana is home to the tomb of Rumi and was a former lodge of whirling dervishes. One of the chambers of the museum contains a copy of the tiniest Koran in the world.
Continue on your journey, and check-in at a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Hotel Options:
Urgup Evi Cave Hotel - 4 star
Taru Cave Suites - 5 star
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Put on your walking shoes and climb uphill to enjoy panoramic views of Goreme. Head to Ortahisar, another higher town nearby, which is full of stalagmite pillars. The locals hollowed out the center to create rooms to live in and store things. Climb up to Ortahisar Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Take a stroll and head to the Pasabag and Devrent Valleys for their famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
Stop at Avanos on the banks of the Red River and enjoy lunch there. Take a short walk around this beautiful and peaceful town. Walk into the local shops and admire the ancient ceramic hand art. Catch a glimpse of Love Valley before heading back to your hotel.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Enjoy the buffet breakfast and admire the view of hot air balloons rising into the sky.
Later in the morning, explore the expansive Kaymakli Underground City. Follow the honeycomb tunnels and witness the incredible complex network of rooms, including a church, school, storage rooms, living rooms, and a stage. Marvel at the technical skill, planning, and resources required for such a massive project. Check out Pigeon Valley for the countless humanmade dovecotes and take in a bird's-eye view of the colorful rock caves. Make a last stop at Uchisar Castle and take a final look at this unique landscape. Set your mind free and feel the beauty of the place.
Your journey will end at the airport. We hope you head back with unforgettable experiences and memories.
Optional Addition to Enrich Your Tour
In the morning, you have the option of taking a hot air balloon ride over the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia. See panoramic views of the valley with fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave homes. Celebrate the experience with champagne to conclude your adventure with a happy ending.
Trip Notes
Each part of the above itinerary can be customized. Tell us about your interests, and we will customize the tour for you.
Extend the Tour
- Gallipoli and Troy: Add 2 days to your tour and include Memorials of Dardanelles, Brighton Beach, and Pergamon.
- Ankara: Add 2 days to your trip to include Ataturk Mausoleum and Lake Abant.
- More destinations: There are many more destinations to see, like Bursa, Cesme, Alacati, Bodrum, and Safranbolu. Tell us which places interest you, and we will provide you with more information.
Accommodation
Many types of accommodation are at your service, right from 5-star hotels, superior 4-star hotels, best value 3-star hotels, or popular boutique hotels. We will book the perfect one for you as per your preferred choice.
Transportation
We recommend flights to connect destination cities, as you will be more comfortable and will save time. Feel free to tell us if you prefer to travel on trains or buses.
Meals
Lunch is usually in a local restaurant so that you can taste authentic Turkish food.
Tell us about your special food requirements, and your private guide will take care of it.
Price: from US$4,080 p/p, Tour code: gh-tk-nt
Why Travel with Global Highlights During the Pandemic
- Tailor-made experience: All of your ideas/needs will be carefully considered to create your ideal trip.
- Worry-free planning: Your 1:1 travel consultant in Asia will take all the uncertainty out of your planning, helping you navigate any travel restrictions.
- No-risk booking: 100% refund policy! (prior to 3 weeks before departure, more details)
