Merveilles de la Turquie : De la Cappadoce à Istanbul, en passant par la Méditerranée

Wonders of Turkey: From Cappadocia to Istanbul, via the Mediterranean

Duration : 14 Days /13 nights

Theme: Culture, History, Landscapes, Relaxation and Cruises

Participants : Group

Accompaniment: Professional francophone guide

Day 1 : Casablanca - Kayseri (Cappadocia)

• Morning/Afternoon:
  • Meet us at the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca.
  • Assistance with check-in formalities for your Turkish Airlines flight to Kayseri, with a stopover in Istanbul.
• Evening :
  • Departure of the flight Casablanca - Istanbul at 17:00.
  • Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 23:45.
  • Transit and boarding for the flight Istanbul - Kayseri.
  • Flight departure Istanbul - Kayseri at 01:30 am.
  • Arrival at Kayseri airport at 02:55.
  • Reception by your local guide and comfortable bus transfer to your 5-star hotel in Cappadocia (MUSTAFA HOTEL 5* or similar).
  • Installation at hotel.
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 2: Cappadocia - Lunar Landscapes and Troglodyte Villages

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Departure for a day of exploration of Cappadocia, famous for its unique geological formations and dwellings carved out of volcanic rock.
  • Visit of the village ofUchisar, perched at the top of a rocky peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding valleys.
  • Photo stop in the avcilar Valley (valley of Hunters), offering a magnificent panorama of the village of Goreme and its fairy chimneys.
  • Exploration of the imagination Valley Devrent (valley of Dreams), where erosion has carved rocks with surprising shapes (camel, dog, etc.).
• Afternoon :
  • Visit of the pigeonniers Valley, housing many dovecotes carved in the tuff, and discovery of local crafts, including jewelry in semi-precious stones.
  • Suggestion : For a deeper cultural immersion, you could visit a pottery workshop in Avanos and witness a demonstration of this traditional craft.
• Evening :
  • Back to hotel.
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 3: Cappadocia - Underground Cities and Silk Road to Konya

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Optional activity (with supplement) : Hot air balloon flight at sunrise for an unforgettable experience over the magical landscapes of Cappadocia. (Booking in advance highly recommended).
  • Fascinating exploration of a underground city (Kayikli or Derinkuyu), discovering its history, its ingenious architecture and the living conditions of its former inhabitants.
  • Visit of the village ofOrtahisar, dominated by an impressive rocky outcrop pierced by troglodyte dwellings.
  • Free time in the village ofAvanos, famous for its ceramic crafts, fed by the red clay of the Kizilirmak river (red river).
• Afternoon :
  • Free lunch avanos (many local restaurants available).
  • Departure by bus to Konya, taking part of the famous Route de la Soieancient trade route connecting East and West.
  • Stop for a visit from a kervansaray (former caravanserai), witness to the importance of this historic road for the accommodation and trade of travelers.
• Evening :
  • Arrival in Konya and installation at your 5 star hotel (BAYIR DIAMOND 5* or similar).
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Konya.

Day 4: Konya - Sufi Spiritual Center and Road to Pamukkale

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Discover Konya, a city rich in history and spirituality, considered the center of Sufism in Turkey.
  • Visit of mevlana Mausoleum, sheltering the tomb of Jalal ad-Din Rumi, Persian mystical poet and founder of the Sufi order of whirling dervishes. Discovery of the serene and spiritual atmosphere of the place.
  • Orientation tour of Konya, including the visit of the aziziye Mosquea fine example of Ottoman architecture.
  • Free time at bedestan Bazaar, located in the heart of the city, offering a variety of local products, crafts and souvenirs.
• Afternoon :
  • Free lunch in Konya.
  • Departure by bus to Pamukkale.
• Evening :
  • Arrival in Pamukkale and installation at your 5 star thermal hotel (COLOSSAE TERMAL 5* or similar).
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the Pamukkale spa hotel.

Day 5: Pamukkale - The "Cotton Castles" and Hierapolis

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Exploration of the exceptional site of Pamukkale ("cotton castle" in Turkish), UNESCO world heritage.
  • Walking walk in the travertine terraces, bright white limestone formations created by mineral-rich thermal waters. Possibility to loosen and soak feet in natural basins.
  • Discovery of the ancient city of Hierapolis, located at the top of Pamukkale hill.
• Afternoon :
  • Visit of archaeological Museum of Hierapolis, housing objects discovered on the site.
  • Exploration of the remains of this sacred city, including the necropolis (one of the largest and best preserved of antiquity) and the roman theatre, remarkably well preserved and offering stunning views of the valley.
  • Back to thethermal hotel, where you can enjoy the facilities, including 4 swimming pools (including 2 thermal baths and one reserved for women) for a unique relaxing experience.
• Evening :
  • Lunch included at hotel.
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the Pamukkale spa hotel.

Day 6: Pamukkale - Road to Antalya

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Departure by bus to Antalya, the pearl of the Turkish Riviera.
  • The journey will offer you beautiful landscapes of the Turkish hinterland.
• Afternoon :
  • Stops along the way for breaks and photos.
  • Free lunch along the way.
• Evening :
  • Arrival in Antalya and accommodation at your 5 star hotel (HOLIDAY INN 5* or similar).
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Antalya.

Day 7: Antalya - Exploring the Mediterranean Capital

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Discover Antalya, the tourist capital of the Turkish Mediterranean coast.
  • Visit of old port (Kaleici), a charming area with its cobbled streets, its restored Ottoman houses and its lively atmosphere.
  • Exploration of the old town (Kaleici), with its historical monuments such as Hadrian's Gate, the clock tower and the Yivli Minare Mosque.
• Afternoon :
  • Free time for shopping at mark Antalya shopping centre and in the local shops that offer leather, textiles, jewelry and lokums (turkish delicacies).
  • Free lunch in Antalya (many restaurants in the old town and shopping center).
  • Visit impressive ones duden Waterfalls, an essential natural site where the waters of the river Duden flow into the Mediterranean Sea.
• Evening :
  • Back to hotel.
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Antalya.

Day 8: Antalya - Enchanted Cruise to Suluada Island ("Turkish Maldives")

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Early departure from Antalya towards Adrasan Bay (about 1h30 drive).
  • Embarkation for an wonderful excursion by boat towards thesuluada Island, nicknamed the "Turkish Maldives" because of its pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.
• Day :
  • Sailing through beautiful bays with deep blue waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Lunch included on board (fish or grills).
  • Three swimming breaks are planned in paradisiacal places around the island of Suluada.
  • Enjoy the unique landscape of the island, the result of a natural volcanic structure, and the harmony of the lagoons in emerald and azure colors.
• Evening :
  • Return to Antalya at the end of the day.
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Antalya.

Day 9: Antalya - Saklikent Canyon and Road to Fethiye

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Departure by bus to Fethiye (about 3 hours drive).
  • Crossing of saklikent National Park.
  • Exploring spectacular saklikent Canyon, one of the deepest in the world, formed by the erosion of the river over millions of years.
  • Possibility to walk inside the canyon, following the course of the river (provide suitable shoes).
• Afternoon :
  • Free lunch in one of the picturesque restaurants located by the river at the entrance of the canyon, offering a unique experience feet in the water.
  • Free time to explore the canyon at your own pace. "Saklikent" means "hidden city" or "lost" in Turkish, a name that reflects well the isolated and impressive nature of this place.
• Evening :
  • Continuation of the road to Fethiye.
  • Arrival in Fethiye and accommodation at your 4 star hotel (ATA PARK HOTEL 4* or similar).
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Fethiye.

Day 10: Fethiye - Cruise in the Blue Lagoon of Oludeniz

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Departure for one unforgettable cruise in Oludeniz, a paradisiacal site known for its turquoise blue lagoon and its preserved natural environment.
  • First stop at the famous butterfly Beach (Kelebekler Vadisi), a picturesque bay nestled between two imposing mountains, home to many species of butterflies (depending on the season). Swimming in crystal clear waters.
• Day :
  • Navigation toisland of Saint Nicholas (Gemiler Adasi), a historic island with ruins of Byzantine churches.
  • Lunch included on board (grills). Free time for swimming around the island.
  • Two other swimming stops are planned in beautiful places: the blue Cave (Mavi Magara) and la Cold Source (Soguk Su), offering refreshing bathing experiences.
• Evening :
  • Return to Fethiye at the end of the day.
  • Dinner included at hotel.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Fethiye.

Day 11 : Fethiye - Flight to Istanbul

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Transfer to Dalaman Airport.
  • Assistance with check-in formalities for your Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul.
  • Departure of the flight Fethiye - Istanbul at 11:55.
  • Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 13:30.
• Afternoon :
  • Reception by your local guide in Istanbul and transfer to your 4 star hotel (ASPERA HOTEL TAKSIM 4* or similar), located in the lively district of Taksim.
  • Installation at hotel.
  • Evening :
    • Free dinner in Istanbul. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Taksim district and discover the many restaurants and cafes.
    • Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 12: Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise and Animated Markets

• Morning:
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Departure for one boat trip on the Bosphorusthe strait that separates Europe from Asia. Admire the magnificent silhouette of Istanbul, with its Ottoman palaces (Dolmabahce, Ciragan), elegant waterfront mansions (yali), historic fortresses (Rumeli Hisari, Anadolu Hisari) and iconic mosques.
• Afternoon :
  • Free time at Egyptian Market (Misir Carisi), also known as the spice market, a colorful and fragrant place where you can find a variety of spices, dried fruits, teas, Turkish sweets and souvenirs.
  • Visit ofOrtakoy, a popular and lively area located on the banks of the Bosphorus, under the Bosphorus Bridge. Enjoy its laid back atmosphere, cafes, craft shops and the view of the Ortakoy Mosque.
• Evening :
  • Free time at Venezia Mega Outlet, a Venice-inspired shopping center with canals and gondolas. Possibility of shopping or dining on site.
  • Free dinner in Istanbul.
  • Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 13: Istanbul - Free Day for Personal Discovery

• Day :
  • Breakfast included at hotel.
  • Completely free day to explore Istanbul at your leisure.
  • Suggestions (not included in the price) :
    • Visit the emblematic monuments of the old city: the Blue Mosque

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