Itinerary Details

Day 1 (Arrival to Istanbul)

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

Day 2 (Full day Group Istanbul Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

The tour begins with a meeting at a central location at 9:00am, where you will be welcomed by our professional tour guide. The exact meeting point will be shared with you during the booking process. Your first stop will be the Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of the Ottoman Sultans, beautifully situated on the slopes of Sarayburnu. The Topkapi Palace showcases a blend of various architectural styles and stands as the most visited museum in Turkey. During your visit, you’ll explore the imperial treasury, royal garments, and Sacred Relics from the Ottoman era. Please note, the Harem section is not included in the standard itinerary and requires a separate entry ticket.

The tour continues with a guided walk through the historic grounds of The Hippodrome, which once served as the main stage for chariot races, imperial ceremonies, public executions, uprisings, and celebrations during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The stroll through The Hippodrome will last approximately 45 minutes. This concludes the morning half-day portion of the tour.

Our journey will continue with a break for lunch at a traditional local restaurant, where you'll enjoy a variety of authentic Turkish dishes. The afternoon program begins around 13:30, starting with a visit to the Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia)—an architectural marvel that reflects both Christian and Islamic heritage. Originally constructed in 537 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian, it was later transformed into a mosque in the 15th century. During your approximately one-hour visit, you'll explore the courtyard, entrance hall, main hall, and upper gallery.

Next, we’ll head to the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles—a masterpiece of Turkish tile artistry. Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque has become a powerful symbol of Istanbul and remains a central highlight of the city. Our final destination for the day is the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, featuring over 4,000 shops offering everything from jewelry to spices. After exploring the bazaar, your guide will assist you with directions back to your hotel around 17:00. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

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

At 09:00am, your guide will meet you directly at your hotel to begin the day. We will start by driving alongside the historic City Walls of Istanbul. These ancient fortifications, known as the Walls of Constantinople, were originally built by Constantine the Great and served as a formidable defense system for the Eastern Roman Empire, protecting the city from both land and sea invasions for centuries.

Our next stop will be the iconic Golden Horn, a historically vital feature of Istanbul's development. This natural, sheltered harbor played a major role in the city's maritime and commercial success. The inlet divides the European side of the city into two parts, stretching approximately 8 kilometers in length and widening as it extends northward. Its far end is fed by two small rivers from either side.

Following our time at the Golden Horn, we will proceed to the vibrant Spice Bazaar. Known for its enchanting aromas and vibrant atmosphere, the Spice Bazaar is one of Istanbul’s most colorful, flavorful, and immersive marketplaces. Unlike the Grand Bazaar, which is renowned for its size, the Spice Bazaar captivates visitors by allowing them to smell, taste, and experience its offerings firsthand. Constructed in 1664 as part of the Yeni Camii (New Mosque) complex, it is referred to in Turkish as Mısır Çarşısı, meaning the “Egyptian Bazaar” or “Corn Market.”

Following our visit to the Spice Bazaar, we will embark on a Bosphorus boat cruise, sailing along the stunning Bosphorus Strait, which serves as the natural boundary between Europe and Asia. This scenic journey offers views of historic wooden mansions, opulent marble palaces, ancient fortresses, and quaint fishing villages lining both shores. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to see landmarks such as the Rumeli Fortress and the majestic Dolmabahce Palace.

Next, we will visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, once the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans, now open to the public as a museum. Adorned with original 19th-century furnishings and surrounded by exquisite landscaped gardens, this palace offers a remarkable glimpse into the grandeur of Ottoman architecture during that period.

Our final stop is the panoramic Camlica Hill, known as the highest point in Istanbul. From here, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the city and the Bosphorus, all set amidst beautifully designed traditional Ottoman-style gardens. Take time to unwind and absorb the stunning views. The tour will conclude around 16:00, after which we will return you to your hotel. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 4 (Group Cappadocia Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

With an early pick-up from your hotel around 05:00am, you will be transferred to either Istanbul Airport 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’ll enjoy a well-prepared breakfast before the tour begins.

Following breakfast, your exploration of the enchanting region of Cappadocia will begin with a visit to the world-renowned Goreme Open Air Museum, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Here, you will discover some of the finest rock-carved churches in the area, remarkably preserved over centuries. The journey continues to Cavusin Village, once home to both Greek and Turkish communities living side by side until 1924. You will walk through the abandoned village, inhabited until the 1950s, later evacuated due to frequent rockfalls. Our next destination is Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for its unique, mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. The formations in Pasabag are among the most well-preserved in the region, providing a clear example of how these natural wonders came to be.

We will enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant in the town of Avanos. After lunch, you’ll attend a kick-wheel pottery demonstration, a craft that dates back over 4,000 years. Originating during the Hittite period, pottery has become a cornerstone of Avanos’ cultural legacy. The tour continues with a visit to the fascinating Zelve Open Air Museum, where your guide will explain the historical significance of monastic life and early Christianity in the region. While Zelve may not have elaborate frescoes, its complex of carved chambers and tunnels tells an extraordinary story. The valley is also known for its dramatic landscape filled with tall, pointed fairy chimneys that soar nearly 40 feet high. The final stop will be Devrent Valley, a surreal site where the naturally shaped rocks resemble animals and figures—most famously, the camel-shaped rock formation. After this magical experience, we will return to your hotel at approximately 4:00 PM. Overnight stay in Goreme.

Day 5 (Group 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 morning will begin at 09:30 with a hotel pick-up in Goreme. After a short 5-minute drive, we’ll arrive at the Goreme Panorama Point, offering a breathtaking view over Goreme Town and the surrounding valleys of Cappadocia. Here, your guide will share insights into the region’s history and unique landscape. Our next stop, after a 40-minute drive, is the incredible Derinkuyu Underground City—the deepest subterranean complex in Cappadocia. You'll explore multiple levels reaching 60 meters below the surface, all designed to provide shelter and protection during ancient times.

We’ll continue the journey with a visit to one of Turkey’s most impressive natural wonders: the Ihlara Gorge. A scenic 3-kilometer hike through this lush canyon will be among the highlights of the day. For about one hour, we’ll follow the river path, encountering Byzantine-era cave churches adorned with beautiful frescoes. The hike concludes near the peaceful Belisirma village, where we’ll enjoy lunch at a charming riverside restaurant.

After lunch, a 15-minute drive takes us to the awe-inspiring Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut monastery in the region. You’ll have a chance to explore its cathedral, church chambers, kitchen, and monastic quarters after a short climb. Following this, we’ll drive approximately 1.5 hours to the Uchisar area, where you’ll witness a demonstration of traditional stone carving techniques and visit the picturesque Pigeon Valley, named for the many pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. The tour will conclude around 17:30, with a transfer back to your hotel. Overnight stay in Goreme.

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

We will pick you up approximately two hours before your flight and transfer you to either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your direct flight to Izmir Airport. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Selcuk. Today is yours to spend at leisure. You may choose to explore nearby landmarks such as the St. John Basilica or the Selcuk Museum, both within walking distance of your hotel. Overnight stay in Selcuk.

Day 7 (Group Ephesus Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Your day begins with a hotel pick-up around 09:00am, followed by a scenic drive to the sacred site known as the House of the Virgin Mary. This location is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years, and its significance was brought to light in 1812 by a German nun, Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich. Through her detailed visions, she spiritually traveled to Jerusalem and saw St. John guiding the Virgin Mary to Ephesus. In her vision, she described a stone house with a rectangular layout, which was said to have been built by St. John for her.

Following our visit to this sacred site, we’ll take a short 10-minute drive to the remarkable Ancient City of Ephesus, home to one of the largest archaeological excavations in the world. During the tour, you’ll explore significant landmarks such as the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Scholastica Baths, and the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian. One of the highlights will be the magnificent Library of Celsius, a symbol of ancient knowledge and grandeur. We will also visit The Grand Theatre, where St. Paul once preached. This theater, with a seating capacity of 24,000, was the largest in antiquity. Our exploration of the ruins will take approximately 2 hours, followed by a well-deserved lunch break.

After lunch, we’ll continue to the site of the historic Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Our final destination will be Sirince Village, reached after about a 15-minute drive. This charming settlement remained a Greek Orthodox village until the population exchange agreement in 1924 between the Republic of Turkey and Greece. During this period, Greek citizens living in Turkey were exchanged with Turkish citizens living in Greece. The tour will conclude around 4:30pm, after which we will return you to your hotel. Overnight stay in Selcuk.

Day 8 (Group Pamukkale Tour – Flight to Istanbul, breakfast and lunch included)

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up around 08:00am and set off on a drive of approximately 2.5 hours to reach the ancient city of Hierapolis. Upon arrival, we will explore key historical sites, including Turkey’s largest Necropolis (ancient cemetery), the Domitian and Byzantium Gates, the Main Street, and the grand Roman theatre, which once held an audience of up to 20,000 people. After touring the theater, you’ll have some free time to swim in the famous Cleopatra Pool if you wish — please note that entry requires an additional fee of 10 Euros. Following our exploration of the ruins, we’ll proceed to the stunning Travertine terraces, one of Pamukkale’s most iconic natural wonders.

The travertine pools are unique natural formations created by thermal springs rich in calcium bicarbonate, chalk, and limestone. These travertines flow down the hillside in a cascading manner, resembling a frozen waterfall in appearance. The tour will conclude at approximately 4:00pm, followed by a transfer to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our driver will welcome you and escort you to your hotel located in the Old City (Sultanahmet) area. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 9 (Transfer to airport for flight back home)

On your final day in Turkey, you will have a free day at your own pace until it’s time for your transfer. We will then take you to either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your flight home.

* Please note that direct flights to Izmir might not be available during the winter months or may operate only in the afternoons. In such cases, we will provide connecting flight options. The overall package price may vary slightly depending on how early or late the flights are booked, due to changes in airfare rates.

We offer three distinct pricing categories based on the type of accommodation. For detailed package prices, please refer to the Pricing section above.

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