Istanbul – Arrival Day

Istanbul Airport - Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Sultanahmet District - Receive your room key and enjoy the rest of the day exploring Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul - Spend today exploring Istanbul on your own. Enjoy your time.

– Istanbul City Tour

Hagia Sophia Mosque - This ancient basilica, originally built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century, is a marvel of architecture.

Topkapi Palace - The grand palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing a stunning collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, and robes worn by the sultans and their families. It also features the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle, which enshrines relics of the Prophet Mohammed.

Blue Mosque - The Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, located across from Hagia Sophia and built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the Blue Mosque due to its magnificent interior decorated with blue Iznik tiles.

Hippodrome - The ancient Hippodrome, once the scene of chariot races, features three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.

Istanbul - Kusadasi

Bosphorus Strait - After breakfast, depart for a Bosphorus Cruise tour. Enjoy a magical boat cruise along the Bosphorus starting at 08:30, taking in the array of sights from the boat. The Bosphorus by Boat is a traditional excursion along the waterway separating Europe and Asia.

Istanbul Airport - After the tour, depart for Istanbul Airport for a domestic flight to Izmir.

Izmir - Upon arrival at Izmir airport, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi - Arrive in Kusadasi and check into the hotel. Overnight.

Kusadasi – Pamukkale

Kusadasi - Depart for Pamukkale at 08:30, arriving around 11:30, followed by a lunch break.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools - Visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis. Walk around this natural phenomenon and have the option to relax in the waters of the natural springs.

Ephesus – Cappadocia

Ancient City of Ephesus - Depart from the hotel for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of Virgin Mary is located on top of the “Bulbul” mountain, 9 km from Ephesus. The shrine enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the greenery. It is believed to be the place where Mary spent her last days, possibly arriving with Saint John, who spent several years in the area spreading Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place over living in a crowded area.

Izmir - After the tour, transfer to Izmir airport for a flight to Cappadocia.

Kayseri - Upon arrival in Kayseri, transfer to your cave hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia

Uchisar Castle - Uchisar Castle, perched atop a natural rock formation in the heart of Cappadocia, is a testament to both nature’s geological artistry and human architectural ingenuity. This ancient fortress offers visitors a chance to step back in time and witness the region’s historical significance. Carved directly into the rocky outcrop, Uchisar Castle features tunnels and chambers used for defensive and residential purposes. Ascend the winding staircases to its pinnacle for panoramic views of Cappadocia’s distinctive landscape, including fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. Uchisar Castle’s strategic location has served as a lookout point for centuries and symbolizes the region’s rich history.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - Located in the heart of Cappadocia, the Goreme Open Air Museum is a captivating historical site showcasing the region’s cultural and religious heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed museum features ancient cave churches and monastic dwellings carved into the soft volcanic rock, dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries. The rock-cut churches are adorned with exquisite frescoes depicting biblical stories and scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Visitors can explore the intricately decorated interiors and the network of tunnels and living quarters, gaining insights into the daily lives of the monks who once inhabited this sacred place. The museum stands as a testament to the spiritual significance and artistic achievements of Cappadocia’s past.

Fairy Chimneys - Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, is a mesmerizing natural wonder in Cappadocia. It is renowned for its remarkable fairy chimneys, some of the most striking and surreal rock formations in the area. These unique geological wonders, with their tall, slender bodies and conical caps, have been shaped over centuries by wind and water erosion. The valley’s name, Monk’s Valley, comes from the ancient Christian hermits who sought solitude here, using the fairy chimneys as natural shelters and creating small churches and chapels within them. Today, Pasabag Valley offers visitors a chance to witness nature’s artistry up close, with winding paths through the picturesque landscape. It is a favorite spot for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a deeper connection with Cappadocia’s extraordinary terrain.

Ozkonak Underground City - Located in Cappadocia, Ozkonak Underground City is a fascinating historical site offering a glimpse into the subterranean world of ancient civilizations. Believed to date back to the Byzantine era, this well-preserved underground city was carved into the soft volcanic rock to serve as a refuge for early Christian communities during times of invasion and persecution. Ozkonak consists of multiple levels with winding tunnels, chambers, and rooms serving various purposes, including living quarters, storage areas, kitchens, and places of worship. Visitors can explore this underground labyrinth, marveling at the ingenuity and craftsmanship that created such an intricate complex. Ozkonak provides a remarkable opportunity to imagine the resilience and resourcefulness of those who sought shelter beneath the earth’s surface.

Pigeon Valley - Nestled in Cappadocia’s captivating landscape, Pigeon Valley is known for its distinctive rock formations and historical significance. Named after the countless pigeonhouses carved into the soft volcanic tuff, the valley has a rich history dating back centuries. The pigeonholes were crafted to attract pigeons and collect their droppings, a valuable natural fertilizer for the region’s agriculture. Beyond its agricultural importance, Pigeon Valley offers stunning hiking opportunities with well-marked trails winding through the surreal rock formations, fairy chimneys, and cave dwellings. The valley provides breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia’s unique terrain, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Pigeon Valley encapsulates the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

Avanos Pottery Workshop - Avanos, a picturesque town in Cappadocia, is renowned for its longstanding pottery-making tradition. Situated on the banks of the Kizilirmak River (Red River), the town’s rich clay deposits have made it a pottery hub for generations. Avanos pottery workshops invite visitors to immerse themselves in the art of pottery, offering hands-on experiences to shape and decorate clay. Skilled artisans demonstrate the delicate techniques used to create intricately designed ceramics. The workshops provide an interactive and educational opportunity to appreciate the skill and precision required to produce Avanos’s beautifully handcrafted pottery. Visitors can also explore local pottery stores to acquire unique souvenirs and art pieces.

Kayseri - After the tour, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Istanbul.

Istanbul - Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel and overnight.

Istanbul

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Today is a shopping day in Istanbul. After breakfast, drive to the Spice Market. The Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Çarsisi), is a vibrant and aromatic testament to Istanbul’s rich culinary heritage and trading history. Located in the historic Eminonu district, this bustling marketplace has been a hub for spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, and exotic culinary delights for centuries. Visitors are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and flavors as they explore the market’s narrow alleys and stalls. The Spice Market offers an incredible variety of spices, Turkish delights, teas, sweets, and traditional handcrafted goods. It is a sensory delight for food enthusiasts and a treasure trove of flavors for those exploring Turkish cuisine.

Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar, or Kapalıçarşı, is a legendary and iconic marketplace, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, this bustling labyrinthine complex is a vibrant tapestry of shops, stalls, and artisan boutiques. The Grand Bazaar has been a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and tradition since the 15th century during the Ottoman Empire. It spans over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops offering a vast array of goods, including textiles, jewelry, spices, ceramics, carpets, antiques, and more. The market’s rich history and stunning architecture, with intricately designed domes, arches, and courtyards, add to the allure of this cultural landmark. Beyond shopping, the Grand Bazaar is a place to immerse oneself in Istanbul’s vibrant atmosphere, haggle with friendly shopkeepers, and savor Turkish hospitality.

Istanbul Return

Istanbul - After breakfast, depending on your international flight, transfer to Istanbul airport. Our services end here.

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• Breakfast
• Domestic Flight tickets

• Gratuities
• any dinner
• Entrance fees
• drinks during lunches

An 8-day Turkey tour promises a diverse and immersive journey through this captivating country. Starting in Istanbul, you’ll explore iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Your adventure continues in Cappadocia, where surreal landscapes, cave dwellings await. The ancient cities of Ephesus and Hierapolis beckon with their well-preserved ruins and the stunning Pamukkale terraces. Returning to Cappadocia, you’ll rediscover its lunar-like terrain. The tour concludes in Istanbul, leaving you with a deep appreciation for Turkey’s rich history, unique landscapes, and vibrant culture.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.