Itinerary Details

Day 1 (Arrival to Istanbul)

Upon your arrival at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our representative will welcome you at the international terminal exit, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel located in the Old City (Sultanahmet) area. Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time in the afternoon. If you arrive in the morning, it is possible to arrange some tours for the same day. Overnight stay will be in Sultanahmet.

Day 2 (Full Day Istanbul Tour, including breakfast and lunch)

The day’s tour begins with a meeting at your hotel with our guide at 9:00 AM. Your first stop will be Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans located on the slopes of Sarayburnu. This palace features a blend of various architectural styles and is recognized as the most visited museum in Turkey. During the visit, you will explore the Ottoman Empire’s treasury, royal garments, and the Sacred Relics. Please note that the Harem section is not included in the standard itinerary and requires an additional entrance fee.

The tour will proceed with a stroll through The Hippodrome, which historically hosted chariot races, celebrations, public gatherings, executions, and other significant events during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. This walking tour through The Hippodrome will last approximately 45 minutes.

Our following stop will be at a local restaurant for lunch, where you will enjoy a variety of delicious traditional Turkish dishes. After lunch, you will visit the iconic Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia) Museum, a unique monument that embodies the fusion of Christian and Islamic heritage. Originally constructed in 537 AD by the Roman Emperor Justinian, it was transformed into a mosque during the 15th century. Your visit will last about one hour, during which you will explore the courtyard, entrance hall, main gallery, and upper gallery.

Next, you will visit the magnificent Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), renowned for its exquisite examples of Turkish tile artistry. Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque is a celebrated symbol of Istanbul, situated prominently in the city’s historic heart. The last stop of the day will be the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets worldwide, boasting over 4,000 shops. After this, our guide will escort you back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 3 (Full Day Istanbul Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Beginning with a 9:00 AM meeting at your hotel with our guide, the day starts with a drive along the impressive City Walls of Istanbul. The Walls of Constantinople, among the most extensive ancient fortifications, were constructed by Constantine the Great to protect the city from land and sea invasions after it was established as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

The tour will continue with a visit to the Golden Horn, a vital natural harbor that has played a significant role in Istanbul’s development. This inlet splits the European shoreline into two sections, stretches approximately 8 kilometers, and widens toward its northern end. At the southern end, two streams merge from both sides.

After exploring the Golden Horn, we will proceed to the Spice Bazaar. This lively bazaar is a must-visit destination in Istanbul. While the Grand Bazaar is the most famous covered market, the Spice Bazaar is known for being the most vibrant, aromatic, and interactive, allowing visitors to sample many of its goods. Constructed in 1664 as part of the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) complex, it is locally known as Mısır Çarşısı, meaning the "Egyptian Bazaar" or "Corn Market."

After visiting the Spice Bazaar, we will embark on a boat cruise along the Bosporus Strait. This traditional journey takes you under the Bosporus Bridge that links Europe and Asia. Along the shores, you will admire historic wooden mansions, elegant marble palaces, fortified castles, and quaint fishing villages. Highlights of the cruise include views of the Rumeli Fortress and the impressive Dolmabahce Palace.

Next, we will visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, now preserved as a museum. The palace offers an authentic glimpse into 19th-century Ottoman architecture, complete with original furnishings and beautifully maintained gardens where the sultans spent their summers.

Our final stop will be Camlica Hill, the highest vantage point in Istanbul, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus. Take some time to relax amidst the beautiful traditional gardens while soaking in the stunning scenery. The tour will conclude around 4:00 PM, after which you will be transported back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 4 (Flight to Cappadocia and Cappadocia Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Starting with an early hotel pick-up around 5:00 AM, you will be transferred to Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel where you will enjoy breakfast.

After breakfast, your exploration of the enchanting Cappadocia region begins with a visit to the most iconic site: the Goreme Open Air Museum. This site has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 and features some of the finest preserved rock-cut churches in the region. Next, you will explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), famous for its unique mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. The fairy chimneys here are among the best preserved in Cappadocia and provide a clear understanding of their geological formation.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos. Following lunch, you will witness a kick-wheel pottery demonstration, a craft with a history of over 4000 years. Originating from the Hittite civilization, this traditional pottery art remains a vital part of Avanos' cultural heritage. Afterwards, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, where your guide will explain the importance of Christianity and monastic life in the region. While Zelve may not have the elaborate frescoes found at other sites, it features an extensive maze of rooms and tunnels. The valley is also famous for its numerous pointed fairy chimneys that rise about 40 feet above the valley floor. The day ends with a visit to Devrent Valley, a stunning natural landscape where rock formations resemble various shapes, including the famous camel-shaped rock. You will then return to your hotel at around 4:00 PM. Overnight stay in Goreme.

Day 5 (Private Cappadocia Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight in the early morning can be a good start the day with sunrise.

Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at 10:00 AM to begin a hike through the stunning Red & Rose Valleys, some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Cappadocia. Along the way, you will discover numerous pigeon houses, spectacular views of Uchisar Castle, and ancient rock-cut churches that are over 1000 years old. The hike will last approximately 1.5 hours and conclude at Cavusin Village, an abandoned Greek settlement offering incredible panoramic views.

Cavusin Village was deserted in the 1950s due to falling rocks. After enjoying the scenic vista of the village, we will drive to the Uchisar Castle Viewpoint for a closer look at the magnificent castle. Following this, lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can try the famous "Pottery Kebab."

After a 30-minute drive, we will visit the remarkable Kaymakli Underground City, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cappadocia. The city is renowned for its well-planned and highly organized design, featuring everything from living spaces, bedrooms, stables, and communal kitchens to a church and cemetery, all fortified to safeguard its residents.

Our journey continues to Mustafapasa (Sinasos) Village, which was once home to both Turkish and Greek communities until the compulsory population exchange in 1924. Here, you will see numerous historic Greek houses, an Ottoman Madrasah, and an old church. After the visit, you will be driven back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. Overnight stay in Goreme.

Day 6 (Flight to Ephesus, free day at leisure)

We will collect you from your hotel two hours prior to your flight and transfer you to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport. You will take a direct* flight to Izmir Airport. Upon arrival, our driver will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel located in Selcuk. The rest of the day is at your own pace with free time to relax. You may choose to visit the St. John Basilica or the Selcuk Museum, both conveniently close to your accommodation. Overnight stay in Selcuk.

Day 7 (Ephesus Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

We will pick you up from your hotel around 09:00 AM and head to The House of the Virgin Mary. This historic site was discovered by Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich, a German nun, in 1812. Through detailed visions, she described a journey to Jerusalem in her sleep where she saw St. John and the Virgin Mary traveling from Jerusalem to Ephesus. She recalled a rectangular stone house constructed by St. John specifically for the Virgin Mary.

The travertine pools are unique natural formations created by thermal springs rich in calcium bicarbonate, chalk, and limestone. These travertines flow down the hillsides in a way that closely resembles a frozen waterfall. The tour will conclude around 4:00 PM, after which we will transfer you to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our driver will welcome you and escort you back to your hotel located in the Old City (Sultanahmet). Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 9 (Transfer to airport for departure flight)

On your final day in Turkey, you will have a free day at leisure until it is time for your transfer to the airport. We will then drive you to either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your departure flight back home.

* Please note that direct flights to Izmir might not be available during the winter months or may operate only in the afternoon. In such cases, we will offer connecting flight options. Flight ticket prices can affect the overall package cost, which may vary slightly depending on the timing of your booking.

We offer 3 different accommodation categories for pricing based on your preference. Kindly refer to the Pricing section above for detailed package rates.

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