Antalya – Tarsus – Cappadocia

Love Valley, Cappadocia, Lycian Way Tour Göreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia, Lycian Way Tour Maiden's Tower, Mersin, Lycian Way Tour Ruins of the Ancient City of Side, Antalya, Lycian Way Tour Sultanhanı Caravanserai, Aksaray, Lycian Way Tour
Tüm fotoğrafları göster
Love Valley, Cappadocia, Lycian Way Tour
Göreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia, Lycian Way Tour
Maiden's Tower, Mersin, Lycian Way Tour
Ruins of the Ancient City of Side, Antalya, Lycian Way Tour
Sultanhanı Caravanserai, Aksaray, Lycian Way Tour
Zelve Monastery, Cappadocia, Lycian Way Tour
Ayatekla Church, Mersin, Lycian Way Tour
Mamure Castle, Mersin, Lycian Way Tour
Mevlana Museum, Konya, Lycian Way Tour
Paşabağ, Cappadocia, Lycian Way Tour

Tour Description

This 8-day, 7-night tour offers a captivating journey through the diverse landscapes and rich history of Turkey, seamlessly blending Mediterranean charm with the unique wonders of Cappadocia and the spiritual heritage of Konya.

The adventure begins and ends in Antalya, a vibrant Mediterranean city, serving as both your arrival and departure point. From Antalya, the tour ventures eastward along the stunning coastline, taking you to the formidable Mamure Castle and the enchanting Maiden’s Castle, a medieval sea fortress steeped in legend. You’ll also delve into early Christian history with a visit to Ayatekla Church in Silifke, believed to be one of the oldest churches dedicated to St. Thecla.

A significant portion of the tour is dedicated to exploring the ancient city of Tarsus, the birthplace of St. Paul the Apostle, where you’ll visit historical and religious sites such as St. Paul’s Church and St. Paul’s Well. The journey then transitions to the extraordinary region of Cappadocia, famous for its surreal “fairy chimneys” and unique rock formations. Here, you’ll explore the labyrinthine tunnels of Derinkuyu Underground City and hike through the captivating Zelve, Paşabağ, and Love Valleys, experiencing landscapes shaped over millennia. A highlight is the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-carved churches adorned with intricate Byzantine frescoes. You’ll also discover Mustafapasa, a charming village with well-preserved Greek and Ottoman architecture, and Avanos, renowned for its traditional handmade ceramics.

The itinerary also includes a journey to Konya, the former capital of the Seljuk Empire and a vital cultural and religious center. Here, you’ll visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the founder of the Whirling Dervishes. En route, you’ll pause at the impressive Sultanhanı Caravanserai, a magnificent example of Seljuk architecture. The tour then takes you to Side, a charming seaside resort, before returning to Antalya for a final day of sightseeing and shopping. In Antalya, you’ll explore the charming old town of Kaleiçi, admire historic Ottoman-era houses, and visit iconic landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate and the Lower Duden Waterfall, where the river dramatically plunges into the Mediterranean Sea. This comprehensive tour offers a rich tapestry of Turkey’s natural beauty, historical depth, and cultural heritage.

Highlights

  • Mamure Castle
  • Ayatekla Church
  • Maiden's Castle (Kızkalesi)
  • Tarsus
  • Derinkuyu Underground City
  • Zelve and Paşabağ Valleys
  • Valley of Love
  • Göreme Open Air Museum
  • Sultanhanı Caravanserai
  • Mevlana Museum

Know Before You Go

  • Comfortable Walking Shoes: The tour involves significant walking distances, especially in Cappadocia (9 km on Day 4 and 10 km on Day 5 ), and while exploring historical sites like Kaleiçi in Antalya and the Göreme Open Air Museum.
  • Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Turkey’s climate can vary. Pack layers suitable for both warm Mediterranean coastal areas (Antalya , Side ) and potentially cooler, higher-altitude regions like Cappadocia or the Taurus Mountains (Akseki ).
  • Sun Protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended, especially given the outdoor nature of many historical site visits (e.g., Mamure Castle , Belgrade Fortress, open-air museums ) and the Mediterranean climate.
  • Camera: There will be numerous opportunities for photography, from natural wonders like the fairy chimneys and Duden Waterfall to historical architecture and panoramic views.
  • Small Backpack/Day Bag: Useful for carrying essentials like water, snacks, a camera, and any personal items throughout the day.
  • Cash (Local Currency): While major establishments accept cards, having some Turkish Lira for smaller purchases, souvenirs, or local experiences might be beneficial.
  • Understanding of Driving Distances: Be prepared for substantial driving distances between locations, particularly on Day 2 (approx. 415 km ), Day 3 (approx. 400 km ), and Day 6 (approx. 485 km ).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: When visiting religious sites like the Ayatekla Church or Mevlana Museum, modest dress is advisable.
  • Curiosity for History and Culture: The tour is rich in history, from Roman and Ottoman periods to early Christianity and Seljuk architecture, offering deep cultural insights.

Includes

  • Tour guide
  • Transport
  • Half-board accommodation

Excludes

  • Meals and drinks
  • Entrance fees
  • Personal expenses

Tour Program

Arrive at Antalya Airport (AYT) and transfer to your hotel in Antalya. Settle in and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this Mediterranean city.

Accommodation: Antalya Region

After breakfast, the day’s exploration begins with a scenic drive to Mamure Castle, a formidable medieval fortress strategically positioned overlooking the vast expanse of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. At the first stopover, explore the impressive architecture of Mamure Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The journey then continues to Silifke, visiting the Ayatekla Church, believed to be one of the oldest churches dedicated to St. Thecla, a devoted follower of the Apostle Paul, this ancient sanctuary offers a glimpse into the nascent stages of Christianity in the region. The day ends with a visit to the enchanting Maiden’s Castle. Boasting a truly picturesque landscape, this stunning medieval sea fortress is uniquely situated on a small island just off the coast. Full of intriguing legends and folklore, the castle’s impressive structure rising from the sea evokes a sense of mystery and romance.

Accommodation: Maiden’s Castle Region

Driving Distance: Approx. 415 km.

Depart for Tarsus, an ancient city with a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and believed to be the birthplace of St. Paul the Apostle, which stands as historical evidence of the early spread of Christianity in the region. Visit St. Paul’s Church, St. Paul’s Well, which is of historical and religious significance and is believed to be located on the land that was once the Apostle’s home, and the Forty Spoons Bazaar. The journey continues to Derinkuyu, an underground city full of labyrinthine tunnels, rooms and cisterns. Explore the unique architecture of the Derinkuyu underground city and learn about its fascinating history. Finally, visit the Soğanlı Valley, an area known for its fairy chimneys and rock formations, and transfer to the hotel.

Accommodation: Cappadocia Region

Driving Distance: Approx. 400 km.

Exploring the Zelve and Paşabağ valleys offers a fascinating journey through a surreal landscape shaped by natural forces over thousands of years. Wandering through Zelve, an abandoned cave village carved into these formations, provides a fascinating glimpse of past human settlements seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. The exploration continues with the Valley of Love. Hiking through this valley offers breathtaking and extraordinary views of these towering natural sculptures set against the backdrop of Cappadocia’s distinctive colors. A visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the remarkable combination of human ingenuity and extraordinary natural scenery. This monastic complex consists of numerous rock-carved churches, chapels and monasteries, each decorated with intricate frescoes dating back to the Byzantine period.

Accommodation: Cappadocia Region

Driving Distance: Approx. 50 km.

Walking Distance: 9 km.

Hike through the Gomeda Valley, a scenic trail offering breathtaking panoramic views. The path often passes old cave houses and abandoned settlements, providing a sense of discovery and a connection to the history of the area. Following the valley exploration, a visit to Mustafapasa, formerly known as Sinasos, reveals a charming village full of history and characterized by well-preserved traditional Greek and Ottoman architecture. The stone-built houses, often decorated with intricate carvings and elegant facades, whisper stories of a multicultural past. Exploring the narrow streets and interacting with the local community offers a glimpse into the authentic Cappadocian way of life. The journey then leads to Avanos, a town famous throughout Turkey for its tradition of handmade ceramics. Situated on the banks of the Kızılırmak (Red River), whose clay-rich soil provides the material for this art form, Avanos is the center of pottery workshops, where visitors can see skilled artisans shaping and decorating clay using techniques passed down through generations.

Accommodation: Cappadocia Region

Driving Distance: Approx. 40 km.

Walking Distance: 10 km.

After checking out of the hotel, depart from the Cappadocia region and head towards Konya. On the way, visit the impressive Sultanhanı Caravanserai, a magnificent example of Seljuk period architecture. Here you will have some free time to explore this historic structure, imagining the bustling trade and travel that once filled its courtyards and rooms. The journey continues towards Konya, the former capital of the Seljuk Empire. The next stop is a visit to the Mevlana Museum. This important cultural and religious site is dedicated to the life and teachings of the famous Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the founder of the Whirling Dervishes. You can explore the museum, which houses his tomb, manuscripts and artifacts related to Sufism. After visiting Mevlana Museum, a local lunch experience awaits you in Konya. Continue your journey to the Mediterranean coast and make a short stop in Akseki, a town nestled in the Taurus Mountains. Accommodation will be in Side, a charming seaside resort.

Accommodation: Side Region

Driving Distance: Approximately 485 km.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Antalya. Today you will have plenty of time for shopping and sightseeing. The program starts with visits to exclusive jewelry and leather shops where you will have the opportunity to browse local handicrafts. You will reach Antalya city center, which offers a unique view of the intertwining of mountains and sea, where you will have a lunch break. The tour continues with a stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming old town, where you will see historic Ottoman-era houses up close and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this ancient district. Take photos of the city’s iconic buildings such as Hadrian’s Gate, Hıdırlık Tower and take a refreshment break near the Old Harbor.

The excursion ends with a visit to the spectacular Lower Duden Waterfall, where the Duden River flows from the cliffs directly into the Mediterranean Sea, offering a picturesque end to our excursion and depart for the hotel.

Accommodation: Antalya Region

Driving Distance: Approximately 110 km.

Transfer to Antalya Airport (AYT) for your departure flight.

Make a Reservation