Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul - Welcome to Turkey! Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Our representative will greet you at the airport 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 - At 9:00 a.m., after breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your journey in Istanbul, the only city in the world located on two continents. Known as Byzantium, Constantinople, and Istanbul, this city has a history spanning over 2600 years, with nearly 1600 years as the capital of two of the world’s greatest empires, the Byzantine and Ottoman. Our first stop is the Hippodrome, the site of chariot races and Byzantine riots.

Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace served as the residence of the Ottoman sultans and was also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was built between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the weapons section.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - A short walk away is the Hagia Sophia, constructed in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit:
Live guiding is not permitted in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests must use their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can purchase them at the entrance for 3.5 USD. The system is similar to an audio guide system. Guests without smartphones will follow the signs and the information provided on them.

Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque is renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles.

Kapali Carsi - The Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops, attracting between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is famous for its jewelry, pottery, and spices. The Grand Bazaar is our last stop before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Istanbul Fly to Cappadocia & Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)

Cappadocia - Our driver will pick you up from your 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, you will continue to the Cappadocia region, approximately 50 minutes away.

Fairy Chimneys - Your first encounter with Cappadocia includes visiting the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup, which are the most popular and frequently featured in advertisements.

Pigeon Valley - Next, we head to Pigeon Valley, where pigeons have always been significant to the people of Cappadocia. People carved pigeon houses to keep them in specific locations. You will see that the houses for the pigeons resemble those for people.

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

Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)

Pasabag - Experience the best examples of fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley. Pasabag features some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, with twin and even triple rock caps—formations unique to Cappadocia! Locals refer to them as mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

Avanos - We drive further to Avanos Town, renowned for its tile and pottery workshops. We will have a lunch break here in Avanos.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - After lunch, our next stop is the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where you will admire the fantastic rock churches and beautiful frescoes from various centuries decorating the church walls.

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

Cappadocia - At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (Breakfast, Dinner)

Cappadocia - After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Pamukkale.

Sultanhani Kervansarayi - On the way to Pamukkale, we will visit the 13th-century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and continue to Konya.

Mevlana Muzesi - On the way to Pamukkale, we will visit the 13th-century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and continue to Konya.

Pamukkale - Upon arrival in Pamukkale, check into your thermal hotel for an overnight stay. You will have the opportunity to swim in the thermal pools until 10:30 p.m.

Pamukkale Tour & Kusadasi (Breakfast, Dinner)

Pamukkale - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Hierapolis and the travertine terraces.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, featuring the Theatre, Apollo Temple, and the magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. We will visit the travertine terraces at Pamukkale, one of the most spectacular natural wonders, formed from various mineral springs on a vast white cliffside. It resembles creations from snow or cotton balls, giving the scenery the Turkish name Pamukkale (cotton castle). Then drive to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

Kusadasi - After the tour, drive to Kusadasi, approximately 3 hours away. Upon arrival in Kusadasi, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

Kusadasi – Ephesus – Istanbul by flight (Breakfast)

Kusadasi - After breakfast, drive to the Ephesus region, approximately 25 minutes away.

The Temple of Artemis - First, visit the Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.

Ancient City of Ephesus - Continue to Ephesus and walk through history along marble streets lined with magnificent public buildings, including The State Agora, Odeon, Memnius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, Polio Fountain, Curetes Street, The Trajan Fountain, The 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 to accommodate 24,000 spectators by the Romans in the 1st century A.D.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - After Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. This house is 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 discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed here. After the Ephesus tour, drive to Izmir airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Izmir - At the end of the tour, transfer to Izmir airport for your flight back to Istanbul.

Istanbul - Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Home (Breakfast)

Istanbul - After breakfast, check out from the hotel and receive a private transfer to Istanbul airport according to your flight time. This marks the end of our services.

• Hotels in Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal, Pam Thermal Hotel or similar
• Hotels in Kusadasi: Elite World Hotel, Efe Boutique or similar
• CAVE Hotels in Cappadocia: Zeydem Suites, Melekler Evi Cave Hotel or similar
• Domestic flight tickets (Istanbul-Cappadocia and Izmir-Istanbul) 15 kg check in and 8 kg cabin
• Boutique Hotels in Istanbul: Yasmak Sultan, Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar
• 7 Breakfasts & 2 Dinners
• Professional licensed Tour guide/guides
• Entrance Fees (Our guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line)
• All transportation by A/C ‘NO SMOKING’ vehicle
• 7 nights accommodations in given hotels below

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

This intimate group tour, accommodating a maximum of 10 people, offers a fully guided exploration of Western Turkey’s most renowned attractions. Experience the iconic sites of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus on an 8-day tour that is both comprehensive and unhurried. Ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer not to plan, this tour covers all logistical aspects, including domestic flights, accommodations, and most meals.

Stay in 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, and there is an option for a private tour tailored for your family.

• Dress code is smart casual
• Depends upon flight availabilities , this program can be organised reverse. ( Istanbul - Ephesus - Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia ) Same places will be visited. Saturday arrivals : Istanbul tour will be at the end of the tour on Friday. Istanbul to Izmir flight will be on Day 2.

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.