Semi-Private Tour to Old City (Sultanahmet District) of Istanbul – Flight to Cappadocia – Overnight at Cappadocia

Istanbul Old City tour - The travel package services commence with a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City. Participants will meet their licensed tour guide and embark on a semi-private tour, exploring the heart of Sultanahmet, the city’s ancient center. The meeting (departure) point for today’s tour is the German Fountain at Sultanahmet District. The tour guide will be waiting there, and then the old city walking tour will begin.

Sultanahmet District - Today’s tour will cover visits to the highlights of Sultanahmet District, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, German Fountain, and the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı). The tour guide will provide details about the Sultanahmet District at the start of the tour.

German Fountain - The German Fountain, located at the northern end of Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul, across from the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I, is a striking gazebo-style structure. Built to commemorate the second anniversary of German Emperor Wilhelm II’s 1898 visit to Istanbul, the fountain was constructed in Germany, transported in pieces, and assembled on-site in 1900. Designed in the Neo-Byzantine style, it features an octagonal dome supported by eight marble columns, with its interior adorned in stunning golden mosaics.

Hippodrome - The Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square, was once the grand chariot racing arena and a key social and sporting hub of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Today, it stands in modern-day Istanbul as a public square, renowned for its rich history and the surviving remnants of its ancient structures.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Visit the Hagia Sophia with pre-booked tickets and experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox history. Discover how this magnificent structure was transformed into a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. Marvel at the unique blend of architectural elements from both a mosque and a church, coexisting harmoniously. Take in the grandeur of its soaring dome, towering minarets, intricate mosaics, vivid paintings, and ancient Roman columns. Learn about the addition of exquisite İznik tiles over the years, the craftsmanship behind the Virgin Mary mosaic, and the Ottoman tradition of burying their sultans in the courtyard.

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi) is more than the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans; it also served as the center of executive and judicial power for nearly 400 years. This architectural masterpiece stands as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire’s grandeur and influence. A stunning example of Oriental design, the palace showcases the empire’s wealth and authority. Please note that visits to the Harem section are not included. * The Topkapi Palace is closed to visits on each Tuesday. That’s why, this visit will be replaced with Istanbul Archaeological Museum, if your experience date is Tuesday.

Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar, known as Kapalıçarşı in Turkish, is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, nestled in the heart of Istanbul. Established in the 15th century, this vast marketplace spans over 60 streets and alleys, housing more than 4,000 shops and stalls. Bursting with energy and color, the bazaar offers an incredible variety of goods, from jewelry, carpets, and textiles to ceramics, spices, leather products, and traditional Turkish handicrafts. It’s a dream destination for those seeking unique souvenirs and gifts. The Grand Bazaar’s architecture is equally captivating, featuring a maze-like layout, vaulted ceilings, and vibrant displays. Strolling through its winding pathways allows visitors to soak up Istanbul’s rich history and culture while engaging with friendly local merchants.

Istanbul - At the conclusion of the tour, a driver will pick you up from your hotel and then transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Upon arrival at Cappadocia airport, a driver will meet you at the arrivals terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, you’ll be transported to your hotel in Cappadocia, which is about an hour’s drive away.

Guided Tour to Priene and Its Surroundings - Overnight at Kusadasi

Kuşadası - After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour guide will pick you up around 10:00am for a full-day tour to Priene and its surroundings.

Priene Antik Kenti - Priene originally lay along the Maeander River’s mouth, but about 350 BC the citizens built a new city farther inland, on the present site. The new city’s main temple, of Athena Polias, was dedicated by Alexander the Great in 334. The little city grew slowly over the next two centuries and led a quiet existence; it prospered under the Romans and Byzantines but gradually declined.

Kusadasi - At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Kusadasi.

Guided Tour to Ephesus and Its Surroundings - Flight from Izmir to Istanbul – or Flight from Izmir to Cappadocia

Kuşadası - After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour guide will pick you up around 09:00 AM for a full-day tour to Ephesus and its surroundings. * At the end of the tour, you will be directly transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul (or a flight from Izmir to Cappadocia if you prefer to connect this trip to Cappadocia. The flight ticket from Izmir to Istanbul or to Cappadocia will be included for both options). Please remember to check out of your hotel and collect your luggage before heading out for the Ephesus tour.

Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park - Before driving to the Ephesus area, you will stop at the Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) to take photos of the amazing Kusadasi Bay.

Ancient City of Ephesus - Your first visit will be the Ephesus Ancient City. Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in the ancient world and is also mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. The Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are other highlights. You will see the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, Odeon, Agora, Fountain of Domitian, Hercule Gate, Grand Theater, Nike, Ancient Toilets, and more during the tour in this ancient city.

Ephesus Terrace Houses - The terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called “the houses of the rich,” they are important because they provide information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city, in which roads intersected each other at right angles.

Selcuk - You will stop at a traditional Turkish restaurant for your lunch. Today’s lunch is included during the guided tour. After lunch, you will have an experience in a traditional handcraft cooperative to get a lecture about the special arts of Turkish villagers.

Ephesus Museum - At this charming and well-organized museum, there are not only findings from the ongoing excavations at the Ephesus archaeological site, but also artifacts from the Cukurici Mound, the basilica of St John, and the Temple of Artemis.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

İstanbul - Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and then transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.

Cappadocia - If you would like to connect this trip to the Cappadocia district, that option will be available for you, and a flight ticket from Izmir to Cappadocia will be included instead of the ticket for the flight from Izmir to Istanbul. Upon your arrival at Cappadocia airport, another driver will meet you at the exit gate of the arrival terminal and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia.

• Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
• Domestic Flight Tickets: Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul (or Izmir to Cappadocia)
• Lunch
• Option to connect this trip to Cappadocia
• Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Services in Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cappadocia
• Breakfast
• 2 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
• Professional tour guide licensed by Ministry of Culture and Tourism

• Dinner & Drink
• Entrance Fees (Your tour guide will have pre-paid tickets for you can skip the line.)

Cappadocia is Turkey’s second most visited locale following Istanbul and this tour package provides the opportunity to explore this fascinating location in a span of 3-days. You will get to see prominent underground towns in Cappadocia, the Devrent Valley, and the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar, as well as gain insights into ancient murals at the Open Air Museum in Goreme and view the unique landscape at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Goreme National Park. Additionally, you will experience the lunar-like topography of Cappadocia via hot air balloon ride, navigate the valleys of Cappadocia on your ATV quad bike and stay for two nights in a stylish cave boutique hotel in Cappadocia. This package also includes two full-day sightseeing trips to Cappadocia’s main attractions, round-trip air travel from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and airport transfers.

• The package prices are valid for accommodation in double or triple rooms. If you would like to add single room accommodation to your booking, there may be an additional cost. However, there will be no extra charges for single/solo travelers, as they will already be accommodated in single rooms.
• For your accommodation in Kusadasi during this trip, the pre-planned hotels are “Efe Boutique Hotel” and “Charisma De Luxe Hotel.” When booking, you can select either one. If these hotels do not have availability for standard or superior rooms on your travel dates, the local tour operator may substitute them with equivalent hotels.
• If you would like to connect this trip to Cappadocia instead of return to Istanbul, this option is available to you. If you want to benefit from this opportunity, you have to book the option of “Gold Package”. After you prefered flight from Izmir to Cappadocia, there will not be right about return flight to Istanbul. Also, the arrival airport transfer will be provided by the local tour operator in Cappadocia.
• The local tour operator will email your e-tickets for domestic flights three days prior to your departure. You won’t need to print the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and the reservation number on the tickets will be sufficient for check-in.
• The local tour operator may need some passport details to book your flight tickets. If you do not provide the requested information, your domestic flight tickets may not be booked.
• You are allowed 15kg luggage + 8kg cabin bag per person for each domestic flight(s). If you need more luggage capacity, please let the local tour operator know. Additional charges may apply for exceeding the 15 kg luggage limit.
• If your return hotel is different than pick-up hotel, please inform that detail immediately. If you inform that detail after organised your flight tickets, the local tour operator can request extra cost because of the distances between the airports and some hotels. If you inform this type changes on service day (last day of your trip), the local tour operator do not accept this last minute amending and drop you to your pick-up hotel.
• If your pick-up or drop-off hotels are located inside the IST or SAW airports, the local tour operator will not provide any hotel pick-up or drop-off services. This is about the traffic procedures of the airports.
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the local tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.