Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul - Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, guests will be transferred to their hotel for an overnight stay.

Istanbul Tour - Kusadasi

Hippodrome - The first stop is the Hippodrome, once the hub of Constantinople’s sporting events. It is renowned for its four monuments: The German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Hagia Sophia is Turkey’s most renowned museum and a marvel of architecture. Originally built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet. In 1935, it became a museum, welcoming both local and international visitors.

Blue Mosque - Known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, this stunning structure is one of Turkey’s most magnificent Ottoman mosques, featuring six unique minarets. (Closed on Fridays)

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the Ottoman dynasty for many years and was the administrative and artistic center of the state. Visitors can learn about the imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, palace kitchens, and weapons. (Closed on Tuesdays)

Grand Bazaar - The Grand Bazaar is Istanbul’s largest market and a captivating shopping destination, offering a wide array of goods such as carpets, leather, jewelry, Turkish delight, gold, and antique tiles. (Closed on Sundays)

Hagia Irene Museum - Also known as “St. Eirene” or “St. Irene’s” Church, Hagia Irene is one of Istanbul’s oldest Byzantine churches and was the second-largest church of the Eastern Roman Empire after Hagia Sophia. (Closed on Tuesdays)

Izmir - After the tour, guests will be picked up from their hotel and driven to the airport for a flight to Izmir, where they will meet the tour guide upon arrival.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale - After breakfast, the journey to Pamukkale begins. Located in Aegean Turkey, Pamukkale is also known as the “Cotton Castle” due to the white, cotton-like appearance of its mineral-rich calcium spas. A “spa town” since Roman times, tourists visit Pamukkale to enjoy the warm, soothing, and therapeutic waters of its many spas.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Hierapolis, or the “Holy City,” was evangelized by Paul and Epaphras, and the Apostle Philip lived and was buried here. Unlike most places, Hierapolis is built on limestone deposits above mineral springs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with ruins scattered throughout the city, including a necropolis housing the sarcophagi of notable ancient figures like Marcus Aurelius.

After the tour, guests will travel to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

Ephesus - Cappadocia

Ancient City of Ephesus - Next, the tour reaches Ephesus, the second-largest city in the Roman Empire with over 250,000 residents in the 1st century BC. Second only to Rome, Ephesus was a major harbor city built entirely of marble. It boasted the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, seating over 25,000 people. Visitors can also see the Goddess Nike, a local pharmacy, Hadrian Gate, the Library of Celsus (the third-largest library), Marble Street, and Harbor Street.

The Temple of Artemis - Located near Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis was built in the 6th century and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is situated atop Ephesus, 9 km away. It is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final days, and the Shrine of the Virgin Mary offers a serene atmosphere amidst lush greenery.

After the tour, guests will return to their hotel for an overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Kuşadası - Departing from Ephesus, guests will drive to Izmir Airport for a flight to Kayseri.

Goreme - Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia

Devrent Valley - Guests will meet the tour guide and embark on a full-day tour of Cappadocia, starting with Devrent Valley (also known as Imagination Valley), where they will see various Fairy Chimney formations that formed nearly 30 million years ago.

Goreme National Park - The tour continues to Pasabag, where visitors will see fascinating fairy chimneys reminiscent of those in “The Hobbit” and “The Smurfs.”

Avanos - The trip includes a visit to a local pottery shop, where guests will learn about the art and survival techniques dating back to the Hittite period.

Uchisar Castle - The tour will stop at Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley, two of the world’s best spots for photography.

Cappadocia - Istanbul

Ozkonak Underground City - After breakfast, the guide will pick up guests from their hotel. The day begins with a drive to Kaymakli Underground City, where visitors will learn how Christians protected themselves from persecution and invasions for centuries.

Cappadocia - The tour will visit Sarihan Caravanserai, a 13th-century residence for merchants and their camels.

Goreme Panorama - The first stop is Goreme Panorama, ideal for photography and learning about Cappadocia’s history, including its remarkable churches and Christian heritage.

Pigeon Valley - The tour visits Panoramic Pigeon Valley, where pigeons played a vital role in local agriculture by fertilizing vineyards with their manure.

Kayseri - Guests will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for a flight back to Istanbul.

Istanbul - Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Istanbul

Istanbul - Guests will be transferred to the airport for a morning flight back to Istanbul.

Bosphorus Bridge - Enjoy a shared boat cruise along the Bosphorus, marveling at the stunning views of Europe and Asia, passing by Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Upon entering the L-shaped market, visitors will be greeted by the delightful aroma of hundreds of spices. Originally, the bazaar’s stalls only sold spices and herbs, but over time, other goods were added, such as nuts, honeycomb, Turkish delight, dried fruits and vegetables, mature hard Turkish cheese, caviar (especially the Iranian variety), and smoked or dried beef.

Istanbul - At the end of the tour, guests will return to their hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Istanbul

Istanbul - Guests have free time until their flight departure. They will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for their journey home.

• Accommodations
• Fully Air-Conditioned Vehicle
• Internal Flight Tickets
• Breakfast
• Insurance

• Personal Expenses
• Driver & Guide Tips – Gratitue
• Beverages
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees

This is an organized tour that takes you on a journey through some of the most stunning and historically significant locations in Turkey. The tour is designed to offer a comprehensive experience, providing you with an opportunity to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of the country.

Stores to visit:
Carpet Weaving Village
Leather Factory
Onyx Demonstration
Jewellery

• Itinerary might change depends on direct flights.
• Hagia Sophia entrance fee is 25 €. You need to bring your own headset/scarf for covering your head.
• Topkapi Palace entrance fee is 2750 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Ephesus entrance fee is 40 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Pamukkale entrance fee is 30 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Goreme Open-Air Museum entrance fee is 20 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Pasabag entrance fee is 12 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Kaymakli Underground City entrance fee is 13 €. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• House of Virgin Mary entrance fee is 700 TRY. You can pay to the guide for skip-the-line tickets.
• Istanbul tours will be walking tour. Please choose comfortable shoes.
• Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly, especially in religious sites.
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
• Hagia Sophia entrance is restricted during praying time.
• Annual Closing Dates of museums and bazaars in Istanbul are; January 1-New Year April 9, 10 and 11, 2024, • Ramadan Celebrations (Eid Al Fitr 2024) June 16, 17, 18 and 19, 2024, Eid Celebrations (Eid AL Adha 2024)
• Stores to visit: Carpet weaving village, leather factory, onyx & pottery demonstration.

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.