Flying Carpet Tour

Tour Overview

The Flying Carpet Tour is a captivating 15-day journey through Western Turkey, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon, this tour takes you on a fascinating exploration of Turkey’s most iconic sites.

Travel through time as you walk among the remnants of powerful empires, from the grandeur of the Ottoman palaces in Istanbul to the well-preserved ruins of Roman cities. Witness the moving landscapes of Gallipoli, where history and heroism are deeply intertwined.

Experience the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale’s cascading travertines, the hidden churches of Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, and the pristine shores of Fethiye and Antalya.

Beyond its breathtaking sights, this tour also offers immersive cultural experiences, such as a traditional cooking course in Cappadocia and a wine tasting in Sirince, allowing you to connect with Turkey’s rich traditions and flavours.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Saturday — Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul — 4 star — Burdock Hotel

Day 2 — Sunday — Istanbul Old City (Breakfast)

After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents. The day begins with visits to the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem), and the Hippodrome.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between the two continents on the stunning strait that separates Europe and Asia.

Overnight: Istanbul — 4 star — Burdock Hotel

Day 3 — Monday — Gallipoli Battlefields (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston’s Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

Overnight: Çanakkale — 5 star — Hilton Double Tree Canakkale

Day 4 — Tuesday — Troy, Acropolis of Pergamon (Breakfast, Dinner)

Step back in time today as we visit Troy where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award winning, Troy Museum. We continue on to Bergama and up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.

Overnight: Kuşadası — 5 star — Elite World Kusadasi

Day 5 — Wednesday — Ephesus, Kusadasi (Breakfast, Dinner)

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus, once a bustling trade hub and religious center. Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from the site of the Temple of Artemis to the grand facade of the Library of Celsus and the impressive amphitheater. We will also visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artifacts from the ancient city bring its history to life. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we will learn how carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Afterward, we head to Sirince for a wine tasting experience.

Overnight: Kuşadası — 5 star — Elite World Kusadasi

Day 6 — Thursday — Aphrodisias, Pamukkale (Breakfast, Dinner)

After a leather shop visit, we will head to Aphrodisias the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty, Love and Fertility, also famous for its school of sculpture. We visit the stadium, which is the best preserved in Anatolia, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, theatre and the Museum. Then, we continue to Pamukkale.

Overnight: Pamukkale — 4 star — Adem Pira Hotel

Day 7 — Friday — Hierapolis, Salda Lake (Breakfast)

This morning we will explore the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.

Then we will head to Salda Lake, known as Turkish Maldives. It is a mountain lake located in the mountains before we travel down south to Fethiye.

Overnight: Fethiye — 4 star — Mara Palace Hotel

Day 8 — Saturday — Fethiye (Breakfast)

Today, you are free to explore the town at your own pace and there are also optional tours and activities.

Optional tours and activities: 12 island boat trip and Saklikent Gorge tour

Overnight: Fethiye — 4 star — Mara Palace Hotel

Day 9 — Sunday — Kayakoy, Antalya (Breakfast)

This morning, we head to Kayakoy, where the light is perfect for capturing striking photos of this hauntingly beautiful deserted Greek village. After exploring Kayakoy, we continue our journey to the vibrant coastal city of Antalya. Upon arrival, we will visit the Antalya Necropol Museum, which offers fascinating insights into ancient burial practices and showcases artifacts from various historical periods.

Overnight: Antalya — Boutique — Ruin Adalia Hotel

Day 10 — Monday — Perge, Aspendos (Breakfast)

We will visit Perge, a famous antique site, early in the morning. After Perge we drive to Aspendos which has the best preserved 2nd Century Amphitheatre in Turkey. We return back to Antalya city in the afternoon and the remainder of your day is free.

Overnight: Antalya — Boutique — Ruin Adalia Hotel

Day 11 — Tuesday — Konya, Silk Road (Breakfast, Dinner)

We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions. Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.

Overnight: Konya — 4 star — Novotel Konya

Day 12 — Wednesday — Cappadocia, Sultanhani Caravansary, Underground City (Breakfast, Dinner)

Today we head to Cappadocia, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient Silk Road stop off for merchants and traders. Later we explore the many levels of an underground city.

After checking into our hotel we visit a traditional Turkish home for dinner. Here you can do a course and help cook if you wish.

Overnight: Cappadocia — Boutique Cave — Gamirasu Hotel

Day 13 — Thursday — Goreme Open-Air Museum (Breakfast, Dinner)

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys. We then visit Pigeon and Red Valley, followed by Cavusin village and lastly Avanos town where we will learn about hand-made pottery.

Overnight: Cappadocia — Boutique Cave — Gamirasu Hotel

Day 14 — Friday — Ankara (Breakfast)

Early morning departure to the nation’s capital, Ankara, where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul — 4 star — Burdock Hotel

Day 15 — Saturday — Istanbul (Breakfast)

After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Notes

• Group Size: Minimum 2, Maximum 12.
• This tour is a Style Tour.
• Minimum age: 8. Travellers are assumed to be fit enough to participate.
• Single travellers pay a Single Supplement (€1,330) and will have a private room.
• Instead of travelling between Cappadocia and Istanbul by bus, an optional morning flight from Kayseri to Istanbul is available at extra cost.
• This tour can also be done on a private basis. Contact us for a Tailor Made Tours quote.
• Tour is rated as Moderate — involves walking, stairs, and longer travel days.
• Deluxe Room at Adem Pira Hotel in Pamukkale.
• Your booking supports injured sea turtle (Caretta caretta) rehabilitation.

Accommodations

• Istanbul — 4 star — Burdock Hotel (Day 1, 2, 14)
• Çanakkale — 5 star — Hilton Double Tree Canakkale (Day 3)
• Kuşadası — 5 star — Elite World Kusadasi (Day 4, 5)
• Pamukkale — 4 star — Adem Pira Hotel (Day 6)
• Fethiye — 4 star — Mara Palace Hotel (Day 7, 8)
• Antalya — Boutique — Ruin Adalia Hotel (Day 9, 10)
• Konya — 4 star — Novotel Konya (Day 11)
• Cappadocia — Boutique Cave — Gamirasu Hotel (Day 12, 13)