Turkey Collection
Magic Carpet Anatolia
A captivating journey through the magical region of Anatolia, from Istanbul to Kusadasi, Ephesus, Konya and Cappadocia.
Gallery
Moments from the Journey
Full gallery coming soon — for now, explore this journey through our itinerary and highlights above.
Overview
A Journey Through 10,000 Years
This travel itinerary takes you on a journey through the captivating and magical region of Anatolia, Turkey. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the beautiful seaside resort of Kusadasi, and the historic city of Ephesus, you will have the opportunity to explore some of Turkey's most famous landmarks. You will also have the chance to witness the traditional craftsmanship of the Turkish carpet weavers, experience the unique architecture of Konya's Medrese, and marvel at the geological formations in Cappadocia. Join us on this "Magic Carpet Anatolia" tour, and let us help you uncover the beauty and charm of Turkey's culture and history.
Highlights
What Makes This Tour Unforgettable
Imperial Istanbul
A sunset Bosphorus cruise, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
Turkish Carpet Heritage
A visit to the Carpet Weavers Co-operative near Izmir and Konya's carpet-weaving traditions
Konya's Spiritual Heart
The Karatay Medrese and the Museum of Mevlana, home of the whirling dervishes
Cappadocia's Underground & Above
The Goreme Open-Air Museum, Derinkuyu Underground City, and an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride
Day by Day
Your Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the start of your Turkey tour! We'll pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your Istanbul hotel. If you have some free time upon arrival, we can provide suggestions for Istanbul sightseeing opportunities or help you plan a self-guided tour. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2
Istanbul Old City Tour and Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
Begin your exploration in the historic Sultanahmet district, visiting Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome. Discover the famous Topkapi Palace and wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Visit the Spice Bazaar to experience its fragrant and colorful offerings. Conclude with a scenic sunset Bosphorus cruise.
Day 3
Flight from Istanbul to Izmir / Kusadasi
After checking out of the hotel, we'll head to Istanbul Airport for a flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, we'll be transferred to a hotel in Kusadasi for a free day of leisure. Kusadasi is one of Turkey's largest and most cosmopolitan seaside resorts, offering great sandy beaches, excellent shopping, and a lively nightlife.
Day 4
Carpet Weavers Co-operative in Saklikent near Izmir
Our fourth day takes us to the Carpet Weavers Co-operative in Saklikent near Izmir, which represents around 144 villages and 1,700 carpet weavers throughout Turkey. We will watch the carpet weavers demonstrate their special skills and craftsmanship — a fascinating insight into carpet making and its history and traditions. We will have an overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 5
Ancient City of Ephesus
After breakfast in Kusadasi, we head over to the historical city of Ephesus, one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Here, we see the Agora, Odeon, public toilets, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre, Marble Street, and much more. After lunch, we tour the House of Virgin Mary and visit the Artemis Temple site, one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World.
Day 6
Konya's Medrese and Museum of Mevlana
On the sixth day, we will drive from Kusadasi to Konya. Upon arrival, we head to the Karatay Medrese, an ancient theological school built in 1251, now a museum with a collection of ceramics and tiles. After lunch, we continue to the Museum of Mevlana, built in honor of the Sufi founder Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi.
Day 7
Shopping and Sightseeing in Konya and Departure to Cappadocia
A free day for shopping and sightseeing, including Konya's famous carpet-weaving stores. Afterward, we have lunch before departing to Cappadocia, checking into the hotel for an overnight stay and free time.
Day 8
Hiking and Sightseeing in Cappadocia
Our Turkey tour continues with a gentle hike through orchards, unusual volcanic rock formations, and rock-cut houses at Red Valley and Pasabagi, including the famous fairy chimneys in Cavusin Kilise. Later, we visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and stop at Uchisar for a panoramic view of the landscape.
Day 9
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride - Exploring Cappadocia's Villages
An optional hot-air balloon tour is available today. Cappadocia is famous for its wine, pottery, and carpet weaving — today we visit remote villages exhibiting some of the finest forms of carpet making in Turkey.
Day 10
Underground City and Monasteries / Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
After breakfast, we visit Derinkuyu, the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, with 5 existing floors going down about 60 meters and capacity for around 20,000 people with livestock and food. We continue to Ihlara Valley and the largest rock monastery in the region in Selime, before stopping at the Agzikarahan Caravanserai. We end the day with a transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airports for a flight to Istanbul.
Day 11
Departure from Istanbul
After the hotel check-out, we transfer you to the Istanbul Airport for your homebound flight.
What's Included
Your Journey Covers
- Hotel accommodation in the category of your choice
- Domestic flight tickets inc. taxes
- Sightseeing tours on a regular group basis (private basis on request)
- Licensed tour guide assistance during the sightseeing tours
- Main entrance fees to all sites visited as per the itinerary
- Fast-track entries to the museums and natural parks
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for tours and airport transfers
- Domestic land transport between each destination
- Taxes and handling service
- 24/7 support during your trip
Questions
Frequently Asked
Is the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia included?
The hot air balloon ride on Day 9 is offered as an optional add-on at an additional cost.
What makes this tour different from a standard Istanbul–Cappadocia–Ephesus route?
This itinerary adds Konya (the Mevlana Museum and whirling dervish heritage) and a dedicated visit to a traditional carpet-weaving cooperative, focusing on Turkish craft heritage alongside the major historical sites.
Is this tour suitable for those interested in buying a Turkish carpet?
Yes, the carpet cooperative visits are designed to be educational and low-pressure, though purchasing is optional, not required.
Can this tour be booked on a private basis?
Yes, the tour can be arranged privately upon request.
Private Design Service
Not exactly the journey you had in mind?
Tell us your travel style, dates, pace and wish list. We'll design a private journey around what you actually want to experience.