Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul - Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), a representative will greet you with a sign displaying your name and provide a private transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Full Day Istanbul Tour (Breakfast)

Hippodrome - The tour begins at Hippodrome Square, historically used for chariot races and Byzantine riots during the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk leads to Hagia Sophia, constructed in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit:
As of January 15, 2024, live guiding is not permitted inside St. Sophia. Guests should bring smartphones and headphones for their visit. Headphones can be purchased at the entrance for 3.5 USD if needed. The system functions similarly to an audio guide. Guests without smartphones can follow signs and read the provided information.

Blue Mosque - Visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles.

Topkapi Palace - Continue to Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and the state’s administrative and educational center. Built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, the tour includes the weapons section.

Grand Bazaar - Explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, featuring over 58 covered streets and more than 1,200 shops. Opened in 1461, it is famous for jewelry, pottery, spices, and carpets, attracting 250,000 to 400,000 visitors daily.

Return to the hotel.

Istanbul Tour (Breakfast)

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Begin the second tour day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and other herbs and spices.

Bosphorus Strait - Following the Spice Market, enjoy a boat trip on the Bosphorus, a traditional excursion along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shores are lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and quaint fishing villages.

Basilica Cistern - Visit the Basilica Cistern, a magnificent historical structure located southwest of Hagia Sophia. Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565), it is known as Yerebatan Palace due to its marble columns rising from the water. It is also called the Basilica Cistern because of the basilica that once stood above it.

Istanbul - Conclude the tour and return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Istanbul to Cappadocia by Flight - Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)

Cappadocia - A driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, your guide will meet you with a sign displaying your name. After greetings, continue to the Cappadocia region, approximately 50 minutes away.

Fairy Chimneys - Begin your exploration of Cappadocia by visiting the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup, the most popular and frequently featured in advertisements.

Pigeon Valley - Next, visit Pigeon Valley, where pigeons have always been significant to the people of Cappadocia. Pigeon houses were carved to keep them in specific areas, resembling human dwellings.

Kaymakli Underground City - Descend into the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and deepest of the 200 underground cities in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - After the tour, drive to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Tour & Fly to Izmir (Breakfast)

Devrent Valley - After breakfast, embark on the second day of the Cappadocia tour. Drive to Devrent Valley and take a walk through the lunar landscape, observing various rock formations.

Pasabag - Visit Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, home to some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, featuring twin and even triple rock caps. Locals refer to them as mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

Avanos - Continue to Avanos Town, renowned for its tile and pottery workshops. Enjoy a lunch break in Avanos.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - After lunch, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you can admire the fantastic rock churches and beautiful frescoes from various centuries adorning the church walls.

Uchisar Castle - Proceed to Uchisar Rock Castle, the highest and most dominant point, offering a breathtaking panorama.

Cappadocia - Conclude the tour and drive back to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your flight to Izmir via Istanbul (IST or SAW).

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, a representative will meet you and transfer you to Kusadasi for hotel check-in. Depending on flight times, arrival at the Kusadasi hotel may be at midnight.

Ephesus Tour - Pamukkale Overnight (Breakfast - Dinner)

Kusadasi - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive approximately 25 minutes to the Ephesus region.

The Temple of Artemis - Begin with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Ancient City of Ephesus - Continue to Ephesus, walking through history along marble streets lined with remarkable public buildings, including The State Agora, Odeon, Memnius Monument, Temple of Domitian, Polio Fountain, Curetes Street, Trajan Fountain, Baths of Scholastica, Hadrian Temple, Latrina, Celcus Library, the gate of Mihridates and Mazues, Commercial Agora, and The Grand Theater. The Grand Theater, built in the 3rd century B.C., was later expanded by the Romans in the 1st century A.D. to accommodate 24,000 spectators.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - Visit the House of Virgin Mary, located on the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the house’s discovery, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited and prayed here.

Pamukkale - After Ephesus, drive to Pamukkale (3 hours), check into a thermal hotel, swim in the hotel’s thermal pools, and stay overnight.

Hierapolis Laodicea - Istanbul (Breakfast)

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Travel to the healing city of Hierapolis. Visit the ancient city, including the Theatre, Apollo Temple, and the magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. The travertine terraces at Pamukkale are one of the most spectacular natural wonders, resembling snow or cotton balls, which inspired the Turkish name Pamukkale (cotton castle).

Laodicea - Continue to Laodicea, established in the 3rd century BCE by Seleucid Antiochus II and named after his wife Laodicea. Built on the Lycus Tributary of the Meander River, it was known as Laodicea on Lycus to distinguish it from other similarly named cities. Laodicea is the last of the seven churches. As a crossroads of two important roads, it held a significant commercial and logistical position.

Denizli Çardak Airport - Transfer to Denizli Airport for a 1-hour flight back to Istanbul.

Sabiha Gökçen Havalimanı - Upon arrival at Sabiha Gokcen Airport or Istanbul Airport, a representative will meet you with a sign displaying your name and provide a private transfer to your hotel.

Home (Breakfast)

İstanbul Havalimanı - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and receive a private transfer to the airport for your flight home. This marks the end of our services.

• Cave Hotel in Cappadocia: Yunak Evleri or Gamirasu Cave Hotel or similar
• Professional licensed tour guide
• 5 Star Hotel in Pamukkale: Pam Thermal or Colossea Thermal or similar
• Transportation with air-conditioned minivan/minibus
• Domestic flights: Istanbul-Cappadocia-Izmir & Denizli-Istanbul (15 kg check-in & 8 kg cabin)
• 7 nights accommodation with bed & breakfast
• Entrance fees with pre-paid tickets to skip the line
• Hotels in Istanbul: Yasmak Sultan or Dosso Dossi Old City or similar
• Hotels in Kusadasi: Carina Hotel or Marina Suits or similar
• 7 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner, and 1 Lunch

• International flight tickets
• Any drinks and the meals not mentioned in including section
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities

This 8-day mini group tour (maximum 10 people) offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s top destinations without making you feel hurried. Ideal for travelers with limited time or those who dislike planning, all logistical details such as domestic flights, accommodations, and most meals are taken care of. Istanbul is one of the world’s most beautiful and enigmatic cities. Explore its history, religion, beauty, culture, and lifestyle. Cappadocia is a land of mystery with stunning rock formations and underground cities. In Ephesus, walk through history along marble streets lined with magnificent public buildings, and visit Pamukkale Thermal Springs and the ancient city of Laodicea. Enjoy cave hotel accommodations in Cappadocia and selected centrally located boutique and 4-star hotels. The small group size ensures personalized service with an informative, friendly, and professional guide. Domestic flights are included, with an option for a private tour for your family.

• Dress code is smart casual
• In the event of any museum closures, an alternative similar museum will be visited. On Tuesdays : Topkapi Palace replaced by Underground Cistern, On Sundays: Grand Bazaar will be replaced by Spice Market. Grand Bazaar on the 17th July, 18th July, 19th July, 24th Sept., 25th Sept., 26th Sept., 27th Sept. will be replaced by Arasta Bazaar. On Fridays: Blue Mosque is open from 14.30 to 16.30

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.