Aegean Dream
Duration
13 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Istanbul
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Istanbul; Efeso; Kusadasi; Bodrum; Marmaris; Dalyan, Aegean Region; Antalya; Aspendos; Side; Karaman; Nigde; Cappadocia; Ihlara; Konya; Egridir; Pamukkale; İzmir; Bursa
Video Gallery
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
08:00 a.m. - We´ll embark on a sightseeing tour of the city. During our tour, we´ll visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul. We´ll explore the ancient walls, take in views of the Golden Horn and the fishing district, and marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. After, we’ll head to Topkapi Palace (tickets included9, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Important: Please note that during your stay in Istanbul, services may vary, potentially including a boat ride on the Bosphorus on the first day and a panoramic visit on the second day.
Today, we´ll take a boat trip on the Bosphorus (included), lasting about two hours. This exclusive journey for Europamundo travelers explores the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We´ll enjoy watching the hustle and bustle of the strait with all its boats. We´ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we´ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You can go shopping in the Grand Bazaar, visit Hagia Sophia, and discover numerous other attractions in this magnificent city.
Total distance covered: 560 km.
07:00 a.m. – Departure from Istanbul in the early morning.
02:00 p.m. - We´ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, which had a population of a quarter of a million two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included).
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue towards the Aegean Coast.
06:30 p.m. – Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant commercial life, bazaars and quaint castle. You’ll have free time in the center and then we’ll head to the hotel, where dinner will be included.
Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.
07:00 a.m. – Departure from Istanbul in the early morning.
02:00 p.m. - We´ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor, which had a population of a quarter of a million two thousand years ago. We’ll explore the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site (tickets included).
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Ephesus. We’ll continue towards the Aegean Coast.
06:30 p.m. – Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant commercial life, bazaars and quaint castle. You’ll have free time in the center and then we’ll head to the hotel, where dinner will be included.
Note: During peak season, from the beginning of June until the end of September, accommodation may be provided in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.
Total distance covered: 320 km.
Scenery: Various beautiful sights over the Aegean Sea.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from Kusadasi.
10:00 a.m. - Lake Bafa. We’ll stop to take in its stunning natural beauty, rich history, mystical charm, and serene atmosphere. This is undoubtedly one of Turkey´s must-see natural wonders.
10:30 a.m.- Departure from Bafa Lake.
12:00 p.m. – Bodrum. Free time in this beautiful, fortified city of Greek origin. You can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. We’ll have some time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Bodrum.
05:30 p.m. - Marmaris. Arrival to another beautiful coastal tourist enclave, with its castle, pier and fountains. Dinner and accommodation.
Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.
Scenery: Various beautiful sights over the Aegean Sea.
08:30 a.m. - Departure from Kusadasi.
10:00 a.m. - Lake Bafa. We’ll stop to take in its stunning natural beauty, rich history, mystical charm, and serene atmosphere. This is undoubtedly one of Turkey´s must-see natural wonders.
10:30 a.m.- Departure from Bafa Lake.
12:00 p.m. – Bodrum. Free time in this beautiful, fortified city of Greek origin. You can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. We’ll have some time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Bodrum.
05:30 p.m. - Marmaris. Arrival to another beautiful coastal tourist enclave, with its castle, pier and fountains. Dinner and accommodation.
Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.
Total Distance: 335 km
Scenery: Coastal sections and sections between high mountains. Contrasts.
08.00 hrs.- Marmaris - Departure -.
09.30 hrs.- DALYAN - Arrival -. An incredible place beside a beautiful navigable river. Free time for a coffee in one on its many restaurants by the river, and we include a boat trip of around two and a half hours to see the LYCIAN ROYAL TOMBS.
11.30 hrs.- Dalyan - Departure -. We continue our route. Mountain scenery. Stop en route to have lunch.
16.15 hrs.- ANTALYA - Arrival -. We will make a brief visit of this great coastal city of more than a million inhabitants, the Adrian door, the Ottoman district and its large waterfall falling straight into the sea. Dinner included.
Scenery: Coastal sections and sections between high mountains. Contrasts.
08.00 hrs.- Marmaris - Departure -.
09.30 hrs.- DALYAN - Arrival -. An incredible place beside a beautiful navigable river. Free time for a coffee in one on its many restaurants by the river, and we include a boat trip of around two and a half hours to see the LYCIAN ROYAL TOMBS.
11.30 hrs.- Dalyan - Departure -. We continue our route. Mountain scenery. Stop en route to have lunch.
16.15 hrs.- ANTALYA - Arrival -. We will make a brief visit of this great coastal city of more than a million inhabitants, the Adrian door, the Ottoman district and its large waterfall falling straight into the sea. Dinner included.
Distance covered: 530 km
Scenery: Spectacular contrasts; countryside overlooking the sea. High mountains often with snowy peaks; arid lands of Anatolia.
08.00 hrs.-Antalya - Departure -.
09.00 hrs.- ASPENDOS - Arrival - we visit the Roman theatre that many believe to be the best preserved in the world.
09.45 hrs.-Aspendos - Departure -.
10.30 hrs.- SIDE - Arrival -. A small, very tourist city, full of commercial life. You will have free time. Its Greek temple of Apollo by the sea stands out. Time for a stroll around its port and through its streets full of life.
12.30 hrs.- Side - Departure -. Amidst impressive scenery, we cross the Taurus mountains. The peaks, of more than 3500 metres, are covered with snow for a large part of the year. We stop for a meal along the way in a pretty service area in the mountains.
17.00 hrs.- KARAMAN - Arrival -. A city with an oriental atmosphere. Brief stop to view the exterior of the fortress.
17.45 hrs.- Karaman - Departure -. Great arid plains along the route in the south of Anatolia.
20.00 hrs.- NIGDE - Arrival -. We suggest a stroll around its bazaar, its ancient mosque and its fortress. Dinner and accommodation.
Scenery: Spectacular contrasts; countryside overlooking the sea. High mountains often with snowy peaks; arid lands of Anatolia.
08.00 hrs.-Antalya - Departure -.
09.00 hrs.- ASPENDOS - Arrival - we visit the Roman theatre that many believe to be the best preserved in the world.
09.45 hrs.-Aspendos - Departure -.
10.30 hrs.- SIDE - Arrival -. A small, very tourist city, full of commercial life. You will have free time. Its Greek temple of Apollo by the sea stands out. Time for a stroll around its port and through its streets full of life.
12.30 hrs.- Side - Departure -. Amidst impressive scenery, we cross the Taurus mountains. The peaks, of more than 3500 metres, are covered with snow for a large part of the year. We stop for a meal along the way in a pretty service area in the mountains.
17.00 hrs.- KARAMAN - Arrival -. A city with an oriental atmosphere. Brief stop to view the exterior of the fortress.
17.45 hrs.- Karaman - Departure -. Great arid plains along the route in the south of Anatolia.
20.00 hrs.- NIGDE - Arrival -. We suggest a stroll around its bazaar, its ancient mosque and its fortress. Dinner and accommodation.
Total distance covered: 120 km.
Scenery: We continue amid the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia. Spectacular scenary. Picturesque towns.
Notes: Today it is again necessary to wear comfortable shoes as we continue to explore Cappadocia.
09.00hrs.- Nigde. Departure. We enjoy a full day in the fantastic region of CAPPADOCIA , with its lunar landscapes, its churches and troglodyte villages.
We start by visiting GUMUSLER, an incredible underground monastery of the 7th century with perhaps the best Byzantine frescoes in Turkey. In KAIMACLI we will visit the underground city that could house 30,000 people. Then, we will visit UCHISAR , a natural fortress where we will know its 60 meter rock filled with houses in excavated caves. Time for lunch.
We will discover after lunch the GOREME Valley with its open-air museum and its churches carved out of the rocks, admission included.
Hotel in Avanos . pleasant town in the center of the region of Capadocia known for its pottery, its attractive old town with cobbled streets and its views over the river. Time to enjoy the hotel facilities or walk through the streets. Dinner is included.
At night, after dinner, we suggest attending the "Turkish night" show (optional).
Scenery: We continue amid the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia. Spectacular scenary. Picturesque towns.
Notes: Today it is again necessary to wear comfortable shoes as we continue to explore Cappadocia.
09.00hrs.- Nigde. Departure. We enjoy a full day in the fantastic region of CAPPADOCIA , with its lunar landscapes, its churches and troglodyte villages.
We start by visiting GUMUSLER, an incredible underground monastery of the 7th century with perhaps the best Byzantine frescoes in Turkey. In KAIMACLI we will visit the underground city that could house 30,000 people. Then, we will visit UCHISAR , a natural fortress where we will know its 60 meter rock filled with houses in excavated caves. Time for lunch.
We will discover after lunch the GOREME Valley with its open-air museum and its churches carved out of the rocks, admission included.
Hotel in Avanos . pleasant town in the center of the region of Capadocia known for its pottery, its attractive old town with cobbled streets and its views over the river. Time to enjoy the hotel facilities or walk through the streets. Dinner is included.
At night, after dinner, we suggest attending the "Turkish night" show (optional).
Total distance: 290 km.
Scenery: We continue amid the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia. Subsequently arid and flat areas.
Notes: Today it is again necessary to wear comfortable shoes as we continue to explore Cappadocia. In Konya, we visit places considered "holy" for the Dervish sect: please wear appropriate clothing.
07:30 hrs - Nevsehir –Departure-. In the morning we go to small characterful towns mark the Ihlara Valley.
09:45 hrs - Ihlara Canyon –Arrival-. Refreshed by the cooler air by the river, we explore churches that are carved into the rock of the canyon.
11:45 hrs - Ihlara Canyon –Departure-.
13:00 hrs. - Sultanhan –Arrival-. Here one of the most beautiful caravanserai is preserved. This magnificent building reminds us of the great caravans of camels that, in the past, marked these lands. Time to explore and have lunch.
14.45 hrs - Sultanhan –Departure-. Landscapes with large herds and arid plains.
16.15 hrs - Konya –Arrival-. In the center of Konya, we explore the MEVLANA MAUSOLEUM , a holy place for Dervishes, the Muslim sect known for their whirling "trance" dancing. Admission to the exhibition is included. Later, we suggest a stroll through the bustling bazaar. Dinner included.
At night, we suggest that you attend the dance performance of the whirling dervishes in the cultural centre.
Scenery: We continue amid the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia. Subsequently arid and flat areas.
Notes: Today it is again necessary to wear comfortable shoes as we continue to explore Cappadocia. In Konya, we visit places considered "holy" for the Dervish sect: please wear appropriate clothing.
07:30 hrs - Nevsehir –Departure-. In the morning we go to small characterful towns mark the Ihlara Valley.
09:45 hrs - Ihlara Canyon –Arrival-. Refreshed by the cooler air by the river, we explore churches that are carved into the rock of the canyon.
11:45 hrs - Ihlara Canyon –Departure-.
13:00 hrs. - Sultanhan –Arrival-. Here one of the most beautiful caravanserai is preserved. This magnificent building reminds us of the great caravans of camels that, in the past, marked these lands. Time to explore and have lunch.
14.45 hrs - Sultanhan –Departure-. Landscapes with large herds and arid plains.
16.15 hrs - Konya –Arrival-. In the center of Konya, we explore the MEVLANA MAUSOLEUM , a holy place for Dervishes, the Muslim sect known for their whirling "trance" dancing. Admission to the exhibition is included. Later, we suggest a stroll through the bustling bazaar. Dinner included.
At night, we suggest that you attend the dance performance of the whirling dervishes in the cultural centre.
Total distance covered: 430 km.
Scenery: Varied: mountain areas and lakes. Fantastic "cotton mountain" at the end of the day. Notes: We recommend that you also bring shoes that are easy to remove and carry in Pamukkale... and if you wish, bring your bathing costume to this place!
08.00 hrs. - Konya –Departure-. We continue our journey through Turkey´s interior.
11:15 hrs. -Egridir. Located on the shores of a lake with the same name, this is a picturesque town with its walls and mosques where we can walk and have lunch.
13:30 hrs. - Egridir –Departure-.
16:15 hrs. - Pamukkale –Arrival-. Admission included. At the "cotton mountain", our coach will drop passengers at the top of the mountain so that - having admired the ruins that date to the Roman era - you can descend on foot between the hot springs and the "baths". The colours at sunset are fantastic. Our coach will collect you at the area below. Finally you will have time in the hotel at which point you can enjoy its thermal pools. Dinner included.
Scenery: Varied: mountain areas and lakes. Fantastic "cotton mountain" at the end of the day. Notes: We recommend that you also bring shoes that are easy to remove and carry in Pamukkale... and if you wish, bring your bathing costume to this place!
08.00 hrs. - Konya –Departure-. We continue our journey through Turkey´s interior.
11:15 hrs. -Egridir. Located on the shores of a lake with the same name, this is a picturesque town with its walls and mosques where we can walk and have lunch.
13:30 hrs. - Egridir –Departure-.
16:15 hrs. - Pamukkale –Arrival-. Admission included. At the "cotton mountain", our coach will drop passengers at the top of the mountain so that - having admired the ruins that date to the Roman era - you can descend on foot between the hot springs and the "baths". The colours at sunset are fantastic. Our coach will collect you at the area below. Finally you will have time in the hotel at which point you can enjoy its thermal pools. Dinner included.
Total distance covered: 225 km.
Scenery: Various: proximity of the sea in region at the end of the stage.
Note: Again, for the Ephesus visit, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes.
08.30 hrs. - Pamukkale –Departure-.
11:30 hrs. - Ephesus – Arrival-. We now visit a fantastic complex of Roman ruins. 2,000 years ago, this city had a quarter of a million inhabitants. We will discover with our guide the house of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Saint John and the impressive ruins at Ephesus (tickets included) . Time for lunch.
16.00 hrs- Ephesus departure. We continue on towards the Turquoise Coast, which has magnificent landscapes.
16.30 hrs.- Kusadasi. Arrival to this popular coastal town with a lot of atmospher, commercial life and a small castle. We will visit a gallery of leather articles where we will learn about the famous production of sheepskin garmets in this region. Free time to enjoy its bazaars and see its small castle. Dinner included.
Note: during the high season, from une to September (both included), accommodation will be given in a town near Kusadasi.
Scenery: Various: proximity of the sea in region at the end of the stage.
Note: Again, for the Ephesus visit, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes.
08.30 hrs. - Pamukkale –Departure-.
11:30 hrs. - Ephesus – Arrival-. We now visit a fantastic complex of Roman ruins. 2,000 years ago, this city had a quarter of a million inhabitants. We will discover with our guide the house of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Saint John and the impressive ruins at Ephesus (tickets included) . Time for lunch.
16.00 hrs- Ephesus departure. We continue on towards the Turquoise Coast, which has magnificent landscapes.
16.30 hrs.- Kusadasi. Arrival to this popular coastal town with a lot of atmospher, commercial life and a small castle. We will visit a gallery of leather articles where we will learn about the famous production of sheepskin garmets in this region. Free time to enjoy its bazaars and see its small castle. Dinner included.
Note: during the high season, from une to September (both included), accommodation will be given in a town near Kusadasi.
Total distance covered: 590 km .
Scenery: Impressive suspension bridges crossing the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus Strait.
08.00 hrs.- Kusadasi- Departure
09.30 hrs.- We will make a short visit to Izmir with our guide to one of the largest cities in Turkey, considered the most westernized and modern city in the country in terms of values, ideology and lifestyles.
10.45hrs.- Izmir. Departure. We will travel through the interior of Turkey again. There will be a stop en route to have lunch.
16.00hrs.- Bursa, the fourth city of Turkey whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which includes traditional shopping districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, etc. and its outstanding Green Mosque.
18.00hrs.- Bursa, departure.
20.15 hrs.- Arrival in Istanbul at the end of the day.
Scenery: Impressive suspension bridges crossing the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus Strait.
08.00 hrs.- Kusadasi- Departure
09.30 hrs.- We will make a short visit to Izmir with our guide to one of the largest cities in Turkey, considered the most westernized and modern city in the country in terms of values, ideology and lifestyles.
10.45hrs.- Izmir. Departure. We will travel through the interior of Turkey again. There will be a stop en route to have lunch.
16.00hrs.- Bursa, the fourth city of Turkey whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, which includes traditional shopping districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, etc. and its outstanding Green Mosque.
18.00hrs.- Bursa, departure.
20.15 hrs.- Arrival in Istanbul at the end of the day.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
AUD 2,447