Discover Turkey’s historic sites and breathtaking landscapes. Explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus on a luxurious small group tour.
Day 1: Istanbul
Sultanahmet District - Your private guide will greet you at Istanbul Airport and escort you to your hotel situated in the historic Sultanahmet district, atop the tallest of Istanbul’s seven hills.
You’ll have some time to explore this renowned historic area of the bustling city before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Istanbul
Hagia Sophia Mosque - Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and your first stop will be the Hagia Sophia, where you’ll marvel at its stunning architecture and fascinating history.
Later, you’ll visit the Blue Mosque, one of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest architectural masterpieces.
After lunch, you’ll be awed by the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern.
In the afternoon, you can shop at the Grand Bazaar before heading back to your hotel for the night.
Day 3: Istanbul
Topkapi Palace - Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and you’ll head to Topkapi Palace. Built by the Ottomans after they conquered Constantinople in the 15th century, you’ll explore the palace and its treasures, including the hidden chambers of the Imperial Harem.
Next, you’ll visit the Spice Market/Egyptian Bazaar before taking a tour of the Bosphorus Strait, with a quiet cafe offering a bit of rest in the afternoon. (Depending on your guide’s discretion, the morning and afternoon activities may be swapped to ensure the best experience.)
You’ll spend your final night in Istanbul.
Day 4: Istanbul to Cappadocia
Cappadocia - Enjoy breakfast in Istanbul before traveling to Cappadocia.
Your private guide and driver will welcome you and start your tour.
Your tour will begin with a visit to Uchisar Fortress, OrtaHisar, and Red Valley.
After a day of exploration and travel, you’ll check into your hotel and retire for the night.
Day 5: Cappadocia
Zelve Open Air Museum - Today, your Cappadocia guide will take you to explore Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys) and the Zelve Open Air Museum (rock-carved houses, Seljukian Mosque, and remains).
After lunch, continue to Esentepe for a panoramic view of the Goreme Valley, the Goreme Open Air Museum (rock-cut churches, frescoes, monastery), and Kaymakli Underground City.
Enjoy the stunning views of the Cappadocia landscape and the hospitality of your hotel in the evening before retiring for the night.
Day 6: Cappadocia - Ephesus
Kusadasi - In the morning, you’ll travel to Izmir. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a guide and driver and tour Sirince village on your way to your coastal hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7: Ephesus
Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - Today, your guide will meet you at your hotel, and you’ll visit the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus. You’ll enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city, including the Terraced Houses, followed by a visit to the Ephesus Archaeology Museum.
After lunch, you’ll visit St. John’s Basilica, the reputed burial site of the Apostle John, and see the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You’ll also stop at Mary’s House before returning to your hotel in Kusadasi for a relaxing evening.
Day 8: Pamukkale - Antalya
Antalya - Your guide will meet you at your hotel, and you’ll depart in the morning for the much-desired and highly photographed site of Pamukkale. With an optional chance to swim in the thermal waters of Cleopatra’s baths, you’ll see the beautiful white travertines and the remarkable site of Hierapolis.
After lunch, you’ll continue through the mountains to the pearl of the Mediterranean - Antalya.
Your hotel will be on the coast, offering incredible views and seasonal swimming.
Day 9: Antalya
Perge Ancient City - Your guide will meet you in the morning, and you’ll visit two amazing sister cities - Perge and Aspendos. Enjoy a relaxing day at both locations.
You may also visit an optional local waterfall before returning to your hotel in Antalya.
Day 10: Antalya
Termessos - Today, you’ll tour Termessos, one of the best-located historical sites in Turkey, situated on top of a mountain overlooking the sea. Your guide will meet you for an early morning departure.
After a morning outdoors, you’ll return to see the magnificent Antalya Museum before touring the old town of Kaleici, where you can enjoy the nightlife, restaurants, or bars at your leisure.
Day 11: Departure
Antalya - A private driver will pick you up from your hotel. Prepare to travel back home.
- Lunch
- International Flight Tickets
The Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus Tour is the ideal travel choice for those who wish to enjoy the main historic sites and major attractions of Turkey.
We’ll explore Istanbul and it’s ancient structures, from the mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. Next, you’ll take a one hour flight to Cappadocia where you’ll experience an entirely new region of Turkey and be amazed by breathtaking landscapes.
While staying at a luxurious cave hotels at night, you’ll explore the lunar like topography and cave mosaics during the day.
A quick flight departing Cappadocia to Izmir will allow you to experience the unique Aegean culture. In Antalya you’ll enjoy a mix of touring and seaside lounging, where 8000 foot mountains rise from a backdrop of crystal clear waters.
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.
