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8-day 5-star cultural tour Cappadocia

Cappadocia (World Heritage) – Göreme (World Heritage) – Monks Valley (World Heritage) – Pamukkale (World Heritage) – Hierapolis (World Heritage) – Valley of Love – Underground cities – Silk Road

Your itinerary

Based on our own experience and the many tips we have received from enthusiastic holidaymakers, we have compiled the most significant highlights of Cappadocia for you!

Day 1: Arrival in Antalya

UK_Karte_Kappa2027

We fly to Antalya, the pearl on the Mediterranean. There, our friendly English-speaking cultural tour guide is already waiting at the airport to welcome us warmly. We travel together by coach to our modern hotel with star comfort.

Day 2: Konya & monastery of the whirling Dervishes – in the footsteps of the apostles Paul and Barnabas

konya fotolia 33991383-xl

After a tasty breakfast, a wonderful panoramic drive takes us over the Alacabel Pass, at an altitude of approximately 6,000 ft, and through the imposing Taurus Mountains to Konya in the heart of Anatolia. Konya – the former ancient Ikónion – became one of the largest Christian communities under the apostles Paul and Saint Barnabas. The former Seljuk capital is now a centre of attraction for people from all over the world because of its Christian and Islamic origins. We visit the unique Mevlevi Monastery – the monastery of the whirling dervishes (admission included). The dance, in which the monks of the Mevlevi order turn almost trance-like in their wide robes, is part of the intangible UNESCO World Heritage. We will spend the next three nights at our star hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 3: Göreme (UNESCO World Heritage) & fortress hill Uçhisar

Göreme (World Heritage)

A grandiose natural spectacle awaits us today as we make our way to Göreme, the centre of the historical national park of the same name. There, volcanic eruptions, wind and weather have created a magnificent backdrop over thousands of years: A grand landscape interspersed with incredible tuff formations. Among them are the mighty mushroom hats made of rock – the fairy chimneys. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in a class of its own. As early as 2,000 years ago, the inhabitants of this region began to dig their dwellings, churches and underground cities into the soft tuff rock. We visit the Göreme Open Air Museum (admission included). It is part of the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site of Cappadocia and, with its numerous monasteries, cave churches and wall paintings, is the absolute highlight of our dreamlike Cappadocia trip. At the end of the day, we stop to take photos of the fascinating fortress hill of Uçhisar and enjoy a panoramic view that reaches deep into the heart of Anatolia.

Day 4: Monks Valley (UNESCO World Heritage), Çavuşin, Turkish tea, Dove Valley & Valley of Love

Love Valley, Cappadocia

Another day that will hold unforgettable moments for us: Surrounded by vineyards and apricot trees, we descend into the enchanting Monks Valley (admission included). This is a fairytale world of bizarre, colourful rock formations where monks once sought solitude and contemplation in hidden caves. Together with Göreme, this valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey takes us to the idyllically situated village of Çavuşin. Here we are invited to enjoy a delicious Turkish tea as a sign of hospitality. We round off the day with a photo stop at Dove Valley and a romantic walk through the beautiful Valley of Love, where we are rewarded with a fantastic sunset.

Day 5: Historic Silk Road & Pamukkale (UNESCO World Heritage)

Pamukkale (World Heritage)

Today we are travelling to Pamukkale, enjoying the panoramic view from our modern and comfortable coach. The journey takes us through the vast landscape of Anatolia along the historic Silk Road, which once served as an important hub between East and West. This route was not only a trade route, but also a centre of cultural exchange. Numerous caravanserais were located along the route, where travellers had the opportunity to spend the night safely with their animals and merchandise and stock up on food. Small villages lie in the morning silence, smoke rises gently from the chimneys, and children wave from the roadside. The fields stretch like colourful carpets to the horizon. In the late afternoon, Pamukkale – the ‘Cotton Castle’ – appears before us. We marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale with its unique limestone terraces and have the opportunity to take our first photos of this natural work of art at the foot of the site. We relax and spend the night in our modern and comfortable thermal hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 6: Pamukkale and Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage), Taurus Mountains & the life of nomads

Hierapolis (World Heritage)

After breakfast, we will visit Pamukkale and the nearby Hierapolis in detail (admission included). Both sites have been designated UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites. The ruins of Hierapolis include the Domitian Gate and the theatre, which will amaze us against the backdrop of the limestone terraces. This wonderful blend of nature and culture makes Pamukkale a real treasure. Afterwards, the route takes us through the valleys and hills of the Taurus Mountains. In a traditional carpet weaving workshop, we will experience the fascinating, centuries-old craft. The variety, craftsmanship and colourfulness of the hand-knotted carpets inspire us and we can pick up a favourite piece. Nomadic tents and herds are reminders of ancient ways of life. In the late afternoon, we reach the azure blue sea of Antalya. We spend the next two nights in star-rated comfort in the Antalya area.

Day 7: Antalya with its historic old town & spectacular Karpuzkaldıran waterfall

Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall

Today we explore Antalya, which lies like a jewel on the Mediterranean Sea. After an extensive city tour along Palm Street, we visit the old town of Antalya. The labyrinthine alleys surrounded by bougainvillea and the well-kept mansions of the old town convey an incomparable aura of everyday Mediterranean life. The great craft tradition of our travel destination then takes us to a jewellery and leather factory. In addition to learning about manual production, we have the opportunity to purchase a personal holiday souvenir. Afterwards, we marvel at the mighty Karpuzkaldıran waterfall. This waterfall is the highest in the Antalya region. From a height of about 33 yd, enormous masses of water rush down the rock with a roar and end up crashing into the sparkling sea.

Day 8: Enchanting Antalya & homeward journey

Antalya

Today marks the end of an unforgettable holiday week. Together, we have experienced a lot, friendships have been formed and many wish: We want to see each other again on the next trip.

Cappadocia (World Heritage)Antalya5-star luxury hotel

Package includes:

  • Direct non-stop flights with a reputable airline¹ to and from Antalya
    incl. hotel and airport transfers
  • 7 nights in a double room in selected 4- and 5-star hotels (national category)
    incl. 7× tasty breakfast
  • Fascinating round trip in our modern and air-conditioned travel coach featuring the world‘s most famous fairytale landscape and the most significant highlights of Cappadocia!
    Spectacular range of excursions incl. admissions (as per itinerary), with 4 World Heritage Sites:
    • Monastery of the Whirling Dervishes
    • Cappadocia (World Heritage)
    • Göreme (World Heritage)
    • Fortress hill Uçhisar
    • Çavuşin
    • Monks Valley (World Heritage)
    • Hierapolis (World Heritage)
    • Pamukkale (World Heritage)
    • Valley of Love
    • Underground cities
    • Dove Valley
    • Historic Silk Road
    • Medieval Caravanserai
    • Karpuzkaldıran waterfall
    • Old Town Antalya
  • Comprehensive support from qualified, English-speaking cultural tour guide


¹ E.g. direct non-stop flights with SunExpress Airlines (Joint venture of Lufthansa AG and Turkish Airlines).

Genuss

Gourmet package:

The package includes a delicious buffet every evening with international specialities:
only £149 p.p.

Hotel

Single room surcharge: £ 349 p. p. (subject to availability)

★ ★ ★ ★ You will love your 4- and 5-star hotels ! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Example hotels

Including a spectacular range of excursions and admissions featuring the 4 most significant World Heritage Sites !

Comparison of temperatures

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Antalya151618212430323330262217
London2371217202221191474

General note:

Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.

Capital:

Ankara

Form of government:

Republic / Parliamentary Republic

Religion:

Islam with a small Christian and Jewish community.

Language:

The official language is Turkish.

Climate:

Subtropical climate along the Aegean Coast and the Mediterranean Sea throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 30°C in the summer to 12–15°C in the winter.

Electricity:

The supply voltage is 220 V, 50 HZ. An adapter is necessary.

Local time:

The time zone in Türkiye is GMT +3 hours with no daylight saving time. The time difference with Turkey is +3 hours in winter and +2 hours in summer.

Making telephone calls:

The country code for Türkiye is 0090 (+90) with the zero cancelled before the area code. If you are calling the UK from Türkiye, please dial 0044 (+44) and the area code without the zero.

Country and people:

Barely any country has a history as rich as Türkiye. Today, tourism is playing an increasingly important role in Türkiye and travelling there has to include a visit to the Turkish bazaars, where you can enjoy their oriental flair. The traditional carpet, jewellery and leather goods stores are long-standing, and in some cases centuries-old elements of the culture of this region. So our trip will also include a jewellery manufacturer, a leather goods store and a modern rug gallery. Here you will learn some fascinating facts about the art of carpet weaving and experience how a hand-woven rug has been made for generations. As part of an interesting demonstration, you will find out more about the preparation of silk threads, the natural dyes used for the wool and the delicate and extremely time-consuming knotting process. You will then have 1 – 2 hours in the various stores and factories to look at the works of art and products for yourself.
Bartering is a typical Turkish custom. If you are not interested in buying anything, the traders will also accept a clear no. No bartering takes place in department stores and supermarkets, or at markets where local farmers sell their vegetables.
In Türkiye it is customary to give tips. Similarly, to the USA, this forms part of the income for the people working in the service sector. Moreover, it symbolizes recognition for the service provided. One can tip chambermaids around £1 to £2 per night and room. In a restaurant or taxi, tipping around 10% of the billed sum is customary. Tips are not given in shops. On group trips, the suggested sum for a tour guide, could be £2 per person per day. While for bus drivers the appropriate sum is around £1 to £2 per day per person. Of course, everyone may decide for themselves whether and how much tip they wish to give.

Entry requirements for British citizens:

You can visit Türkiye as a visitor without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. for business or tourism. Your ‘British citizen’ passport must:

  • Be valid for at least 150 days from the date you arrive
  • Have a full blank page for entry and exit stamps

If you hold a different type of British nationality, such as British National (Overseas), check visa requirements with the Turkish Embassy or Consulate General before you travel. Nationals of other countries are advised to inquire at the Turkish Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them.
Whilst we endeavour to provide guidance where necessary, we can not be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/.

Tour guides:

Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture, etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that Türkiye has to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.

Additional packages:

Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet package: The package includes a delicious buffet every evening with international specialities: only £149* per person.
Explorer package: The package includes 2× lunch in Cappadocia with international specialities, a boat trip on the Manavgat River (including lunch), the fascinating ‘Dancing Dervishes’ show, Sultan Han Karawanserei on the Silk Road and the underground museum: only £119 per person (bookable on arrival).
* Package prices may vary when booking on site.

Currency / Banks / Credit cards:

The currency unit is the Turkish lira (TRY). Exchange rate (January 2026): 1 GBP = 58.02 TRY; 1 TRY = 0.02 GBP.
Money can be exchanged at currency exchange offices. Purchases can be paid for in cash or with common credit cards. Card payment is often, but not always, possible. The symbols of the accepted cards are usually displayed at the entrance to the shop. High fees may be charged by the respective bank for cash withdrawals. For further information on using your bank cards abroad, please contact your bank.

Customs regulations:

The following regulations apply for tourists: Import of foreign currency is unlimited. As for exporting currency, a total amount of 5,000 USD (approx. £3,700). or the equivalent in TRY is permitted. Travellers may import and export personal jewellery to a total value of 15,000 USD (approx. £11,100). Any value higher than this must be declared when entering the country. Documentation is required for purchases made in Türkiye. Otherwise, the following goods per person may by carried upon entry into Türkiye (does not apply to transit travellers): personal belongings as items for personal use, incl. medical articles (devices) and medicine as well as giftware to a value of €430 (approx. £375).
More detailed customs information on importing goods can be obtained from the embassy of your destination country. Only there will you receive legally binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-into-uk-personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.

Country-specific safety advice:

British citizens wishing to stay in or travel to Türkiye are generally recommended to keep an eye on the security situation, these travel and safety instructions and on reports in the media. Groups of people gathering, including on public squares and in front of tourist attractions, as well as hanging around near government and military buildings should be avoided. Following the failed violent attempted coup, there have been isolated incidents of aggressive attacks by followers of certain political parties on people with supposedly different views. We strongly recommend remaining vigilant for such escalations, distancing yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and fi nding a secure location.
Turkey is located in a seismically very active zone, which is why earthquakes occur frequently. In the event of an earthquake, follow the instructions of the local authorities.
Crime: Turkey has a low rate of violent crime, but there are risks such as pickpocketing, often by begging children, scams and isolated attacks, especially against women. Tourists should secure their valuables, avoid unlicensed alcohol offers and be cautious about unexpected calls or requests for payment. Scepticism is also advisable when it comes to alleged prize notifications and emails. When paying with bank or credit cards, beware of fraudsters who try to secretly copy the traveller‘s bank card and spy on the associated PIN code in order to then withdraw money from ATMs with fake cards. Travellers are therefore advised to always keep an eye on their bank card when making payments and to only enter their PIN number when it is concealed. Caution is advised when using bank and credit cards with PIN codes in currency exchange offices.

Special criminal provisions:

The purchase, possession and export of ‘cultural and natural properties‘ is severely punished (prison sentence of up to 10 years), as these properties are regarded as state-owned assets. In case of violation, several months of custody and high bail fees (currently approx. £7,500) are common procedure for tourists, too, even if they hold antiques or old objects of supposed small value. In individual cases, prison sentences are imposed. You are therefore urgently warned not to acquire or take along antiques, old coins, fossils, etc. from retailers. It is strongly advised against making political statements in public against the Turkish state or expressing sympathy with terrorist organisations.
Photographing military and other security installations, border facilities and members of the security forces is not permitted. In certain places, such as cemeteries, religious sites or private properties, photography may also provoke negative reactions from the local population and security forces.

Medical information:

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specifi c health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website (https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries). Each country-specifi c page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
Caution is advised when eating uncooked food, unpasteurised milk (e.g. fresh milk, ice cream) and fruit that can not be peeled. Please avoid drinking tap water and ice cubes in drinks! Rule of thumb: do not eat anything that can not be cooked or peeled!

Medical care:

Medical care in major Turkish cities and tourist areas has improved, with private hospitals offering almost European standards. However, there are shortcomings in rural areas. International health insurance is often not recognised, and advance payments are common in private clinics. Travellers should clarify costs in advance, obtain comprehensive information, check their insurance cover and carry a first-aid kit.

It is strongly recommended to take out international health insurance with the option of medical repatriation to the UK.

Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.

All information is subject to change/Last updated: January 2026