Description
A comprehensive 9-day journey through Turkey's most iconic destinations. Start with two full days exploring Istanbul — from the Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of the Old City to a scenic Bosphorus cruise through the city's European and Asian shores. Fly to Izmir and discover the ancient Greek-Roman city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to the otherworldly calcium terraces of Pamukkale, then travel to magical Cappadocia for two days of guided tours through fairy chimney valleys, underground cities, and ancient cave churches, staying in a traditional cave hotel. Return to Istanbul for a free day to explore at your own pace before departure. All domestic flights, hotel transfers, guided tours with licensed guide, and lunches are included. Guaranteed daily departures from your hotel in Istanbul.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Istanbul Old City: Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Scenic Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia
- Discover ancient Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary
- Marvel at Pamukkale's white calcium terraces
- Two days exploring magical Cappadocia
- Stay in a traditional cave hotel
- North & South Cappadocia guided tours
- Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia
- Free day in Istanbul to explore at your own pace
- All domestic flights
- transfers
- guided tours and lunches included
Tour Information
- Cultural
- Duration: 9 days
- Starting Time: Flexible (depends on arrival flight)
- Max Group Size: 18 people
- Languages: English, Spanish
- Meeting Point: Istanbul Airport (Sabiha Gokcen or Istanbul Airport)
- Ending Point: Istanbul Airport
- Instant Confirmation
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW), our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the neighborhood on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.
Istanbul Old City Tour
Full-day guided tour of Istanbul's historic peninsula. Visit the ancient Hippodrome, admire the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), hear the fascinating history of Hagia Sophia from outside, explore Topkapi Palace including the Harem section, and wander through the legendary Grand Bazaar. Lunch included. Overnight in Istanbul.
Istanbul Bosphorus Tour & Flight to Izmir
Morning Bosphorus cruise sailing past Ciragan Palace, Maiden's Tower, and Rumeli Fortress. Visit the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), see the Galata Tower from outside, stroll along Istiklal Avenue through the Pera district, visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate and St. George Church, and discover the colorful houses of Fener & Balat. Lunch included. Evening domestic flight to Izmir, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary
Full-day tour of one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. See the Temple of Artemis ruins, enter ancient Ephesus through the Magnesia Gate, visit the Odeum, the magnificent Grand Theatre (capacity 25,000), the Temple of Hadrian, and the iconic Library of Celsus. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos. Lunch included. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Travel to Pamukkale to marvel at the stunning white travertine terraces known as the Cotton Castle. Walk along the petrified calcium cascades and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis with its Basilica, Roman Theatre, and Roman Baths. Optional swim in Cleopatra's Antique Pool (extra 10\u20ac). Lunch included. Overnight bus journey to Cappadocia (optional flight supplement available for more comfort).
North Cappadocia Tour
Discover the magical landscapes of northern Cappadocia. Visit Pasabag (Monks Valley) with its remarkable fairy chimneys, Devrent (Imagination Valley) with its animal-shaped rock formations, the pottery town of Avanos, Uchisar Castle with panoramic views, and the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum with its ancient cave churches and frescoes. Lunch included. Overnight in a traditional cave hotel.
South Cappadocia Tour & Flight to Istanbul
Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimney landscape (supplement available). Then explore southern Cappadocia: Love Valley and Goreme Panorama viewpoint, the stunning Red & Rose Valleys, the old Greek village of Cavusin, a fascinating underground city carved deep into the earth, and Pigeon Valley. Lunch included. Evening domestic flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Free Day in Istanbul
A full free day to explore Istanbul at your own pace. You might revisit your favorite spots, discover new neighborhoods, shop for souvenirs, or simply relax. Optional activities available: Turkish bath (hamam), Turkish night show, or explore the Asian side of Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Departure
Transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport according to your flight schedule. End of our services. We hope you enjoyed your 9-day Turkey adventure!
What's Included
- All transfers related to tours and flights
- All domestic flights and ground transport (15kg checked + 8kg carry-on included)
- 6 full days of guided excursions with lunch (drinks extra), transport, licensed guide and entrance fees
- All hotel nights with breakfast included
- All taxes
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Dinners
- Tips (not obligatory but recommended)
- Optional activities (balloon ride, Turkish bath, Turkish night show, ATV tour)
Important Information
The order of excursions may vary without prior notice, without affecting the included visits or losing any part of the program.
Guaranteed daily departures upon your arrival in Istanbul.
International flights are not included and must be purchased separately.
Domestic flights included: Istanbul-Izmir and Cappadocia-Istanbul.
Hotel accommodation: 4 nights Istanbul, 1 night Kusadasi, 1 night overnight bus (or flight with supplement), 1 night cave hotel in Cappadocia.
On Day 3, you must check out of your Istanbul hotel and leave your luggage before the tour. You will collect it before the airport transfer (~17:30).
On Day 5, departure is early (~07:00). If breakfast is included, request a breakfast box from your hotel the night before.
The overnight bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia is a regular line bus and is a long journey. Flight upgrade supplement is available for more comfort.
Arrival in Cappadocia (Urgup) is expected around 07:00-07:30.
Cleopatra's Pool in Pamukkale is optional (extra ~10€, paid locally).
Optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (extra cost, weather-dependent).
Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
Please bring sunscreen, a hat, and water — especially in summer months.
For international departures, arrive at the airport 2 hours before; hotel pickup 3 hours before departure is recommended.
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