8 Days Journey through Cappadocia & the Aegean Coast of Asia Minor

After breakfast, we will visit Hierapolis, the "Gate of Hades," with well-preserved tombs and impressive Roman baths. Here, you can see Pamukkale, a stunning natural landscape with shallow pools and small waterfalls, formed through centuries of natural processes. Don’t miss the opportunity to walk through the terraces. Next, head to Konya, the former capital of the Seljuks. Visit the Mevlana Museum, which is associated with the Whirling Dervishes. Check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we depart for southwestern Cappadocia. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ihlara Valley (also known as Peristrema Valley), which is crossed by the Melendiz River. We will walk along the river and visit the carved St. George Church with rare frescoes. Free time to relax and try Gözleme (Turkish flatbread). Our next stop is Kervali, famous for its carpets and ceramics, followed by a visit to the St. Gregory the Theologian Church. We continue to the Kaymakli Underground City, created by early Christians as a refuge from persecution. It can house up to 3,000 people and stretches 85 meters underground. We'll explore the intricate system of tunnels, rooms, church, stables, kitchen, storage rooms, and tomb chambers. The underground city was abandoned after the Turkish persecutions. Finally, we arrive at Ürgüp (also known as Prokopi), where we will stay for 3 nights. Dinner at the hotel and a traditional evening with drinks.

After breakfast, we’ll visit Sinasos, a town with clear signs of Greek heritage and Orthodoxy. No other village in Cappadocia spoke such rich Greek, which is why it was also called "The Athens of the East." The town features the Church of St. Constantine and Helen, which was the cathedral, and several Greek mansions. We continue to the picturesque village of Uchisar, located in Pigeon Valley, where we will visit the castle and enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia. Next, we explore Goreme to witness the fairy chimneys, unique conical formations. We will visit St. Basil’s Church, St. Onuphrius Church, St. Barbara Church, and the Dark Church with exceptional frescoes. Return to Ürgüp, with free time in the local market. Experience the Whirling Dervishes. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we visit Avanos, famous for its pottery workshops and folk art. Explore a factory producing clay-based artwork. We continue to Pasabaglari, where we encounter the famous "fairy chimneys" that define the Cappadocian landscape. In the afternoon, we head to Kayseri, a city with modern infrastructure and architectural interventions. Free time in the traditional market next to the Seljuk Castle. Return to the hotel in Ürgüp for leisure time, dinner, and overnight stay.

Optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. After breakfast, depart for Bursa, one of Turkey's most important historical cities. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel, followed by a city tour. Dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we head to the coastal areas of Asia Minor. First stop is Moschonesia, where we visit the largest island connected to Ayvalik by a narrow bridge. Walk through the charming alleys and visit the Church of the Archangels. Next, we explore Ayvalik's old town with its narrow streets lined with Greek mansions. We will visit the St. George Church, which has been functioning as a mosque since 1922. Free time at the seaside. Continue to Pergamon for a tour of the archaeological site. Afterward, we head to Smyrna. Arrival in Smyrna (Izmir) in the evening. Check-in at the hotel, followed by dinner. Afterward, stroll along the seaside pedestrian street and enjoy a drink.

After breakfast, we will take a walking tour of Smyrna and then head towards Ephesus. Along the coastal road, we will visit the ancient city of Ephesus. The highlights include the Arcadian Street, Greek Theater, Nymphaeum, Stadium, and Celsus Library. We’ll continue to Kusadasi, where we will have free time for lunch before heading to Smyrna Airport for the return flight to Larnaca via Athens.