Summer in Turkey: Kervansaray & Sea A 10 -day trip between millennial history, unique landscapes and relaxation on the turquoise sea

Day 1 – Italy > Istanbul
Departure from Italy with Pegasus Airlines flight and arrival in Istanbul, a fascinating metropolis suspended between Europe and Asia. Upon arrival, meet with your assistant and transfer to a 4* hotel. Room check-in and free time to get a first taste of the city or simply relax.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Byzantine Istanbul
After breakfast, begin exploring Istanbul with a guided tour dedicated to the Byzantine period. We will visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece by architect Sinan and symbol of Ottoman power. Continue to the impressive Theodosian Walls, which protected ancient Constantinople for centuries. Then visit the Monastery of the Virgin of the Spring, rich in history and spirituality, built on a miraculous spring. The tour ends at the Egyptian Bazaar, a famous spice market bursting with aromas and colors.
Afternoon at leisure or optional Bosphorus cruise to admire Istanbul from the water.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Golden Horn and Grand Bazaar
After breakfast, depart for a tour of the historic districts around the Golden Horn, the heart of ancient Constantinople. We will visit the picturesque neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, UNESCO-protected gems with colorful houses, Orthodox churches, and synagogues. A must-see stop at the Iron Church of St. Stephen, the only one of its kind in the world. The morning ends with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets, with over 4,500 shops.
Afternoon at leisure or optional excursion: “Classical Istanbul”.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 – Istanbul > Ankara > Cappadocia (bus or flight)
By Bus: Early morning departure towards Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing Hittite, Phrygian, and other ancient Anatolian cultures. Lunch en route and continuation to Cappadocia, arriving in the evening.
By Flight: Transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and dinner.
Accommodation in 5 hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.*

Day 5 – Exploring Cappadocia
Optional: hot air balloon ride at sunrise, a once-in-a-lifetime experience over the iconic “fairy chimneys”.
After breakfast, a guided tour of the wonders of Cappadocia, a region of surreal landscapes and deep history. Visit to the Devrent Valley, known for its unusual rock formations. Continue to one of the underground cities, such as Ozkonak, used by early Christians as shelters. Stop at a traditional carpet workshop, a symbol of local craftsmanship. In the afternoon, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, with its rock-hewn churches decorated with 11th-century frescoes, and admire the view from Uçhisar Castle. Final stop at a local artisan workshop.
Dinner at the hotel and optional traditional Turkish folklore show. Overnight stay.

Day 6 – Cappadocia > Pamukkale
Early morning departure. En route, stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, an ancient inn along the Silk Road. Continue towards Pamukkale, a dreamy place with its dazzling white travertine terraces. Check-in at the hotel, dinner and free time to enjoy the thermal ambiance.
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7 – Pamukkale > Ephesus > Kusadasi
After breakfast, visit the ancient thermal city of Hierapolis, with its Roman theater and vast necropolis. Then continue to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the impressive Greek-Roman theater. Lunch and short stop at a leather workshop to attend a local fashion show. Then transfer to Kusadasi for your seaside stay in a 5* resort.
Accommodation at Le Bleu Hotel 5, Ultra All-Inclusive. Overnight stay.

Day 8 – Kusadasi: Beach Relaxation
Entire day at leisure to enjoy your stay at the seaside resort on the Aegean Sea. Enjoy the Ultra All-Inclusive formula, or join optional excursions such as boat trips or a visit to nearby Greek islands like Samos or Chios.
Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 9 – Kusadasi: Free Day
Another relaxing day by the sea, enjoying comfort, private beaches, and premium services at the hotel.
Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 10 – Izmir > Italy
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Izmir Airport (ADB). Departure with Pegasus Airlines flight via Istanbul and return to Italy.
End of services.