10 Days Wonders of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Pergamon, Ephesus and Cappadocia

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – Welcome to Turkey

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be ready and waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area. They’ll be holding a sign with our agency code clearly displayed for easy identification. Afterward, you’ll be swiftly transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, an experience enhanced with dinner and a show.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Hotel Mosaic OR Holiday Inn Istanbul City or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, our professional tour guide will pick you up to join the full-day tour of Byzantine and Ottoman relics, revealing Istanbul’s captivating heritage.

Our first destination is the illustrious Hagia Sophia, an awe-inspiring testament to Byzantine architecture. Originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now serving as a museum, this architectural marvel is a sight to behold with its beautiful mosaics and grand dome.

The journey continues to the historic Hippodrome, once the bustling heart of Byzantine public life. Here, you’ll witness intriguing monuments such as the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius.

Next, we visit the iconic Blue Mosque, an enduring symbol of Istanbul’s rich history, with its striking domes and minarets. Step inside to appreciate the beautiful interior adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles.

Mid-day, we break for lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant where you can savor a variety of delectable local dishes, including succulent kebabs, tangy mezes, and sweet baklava.

After lunch, we head towards the majestic Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman Sultans. As you wander through its opulent courtyards and ornate rooms, you’ll learn about the fascinating lives of the sultans, courtiers, and eunuchs who once inhabited this palace.

Our day concludes at the vibrant Historical Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Explore the myriad stalls offering a diverse array of goods, from Turkish carpets and ceramics to exotic spices and sweets.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to relax.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Hotel Mosaic OR Holiday Inn Istanbul City or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Morning Cruise – Fly to Denizli

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 8:30 am by our professional guide for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Your day commences with a scenic drive to the Eminonu pier, where you’ll briefly visit the aromatic Spice Market, a living testament to Istanbul’s trading past.

From there, you’ll join a shared boat cruise along the Bosphorus, a strait that serves not only as a link between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara but also as a bridge between the continents of Europe and Asia. During the cruise, soak up the sights of the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, as well as numerous historic fortresses and stately mansions set against the beautiful European and Asian shorelines.

After the cruise, you’ll return to your hotel to collect your luggage. Then, a transfer will take you to the Istanbul airport for a flight to either Denizli, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival at Denizli airport, a meet and greet service will be provided, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in.

• Overnight in Pamukkale.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi.

Your day starts with breakfast, followed by a 10:30 am pick-up from your hotel. You’ll first explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, rich in history with the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, marking the martyrdom site of St. Philip. Following this fascinating exploration, a well-deserved lunch break awaits.

The afternoon invites you to Karahayit, a destination famous for its healing thermal springs and unique red water. From there, the journey continues to the stunning Cotton Cliffs of Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Castle. This natural wonder, created by calcified mineral deposits, forms beautiful terraces and pools. You can choose to swim in the historical Cleopatra Antique Pools at an extra charge.

Your day of discovery concludes around 4:00 pm, paving the way to Kusadasi. You’re estimated to arrive by 7:00 pm, after which you can relax in your hotel with a comfortable overnight stay.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: Pergamon Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at approximately 8:30 AM for a trip to Pergamon. There, you’ll explore the Acropolis, a significant cultural hub during the Hellenistic Period. It was renowned for its library, school of architecture, government buildings, and the Altar of Zeus. It is also famous for being one of the Seven Churches mentioned in Revelation.

Next, you’ll visit the Asclepion, a healing temple dedicated to Asclepius, the God of Health. In ancient times, treatments here included massages, mud baths, drinking sacred water, using herbal remedies, and dream diagnosis.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 6:00 PM.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir

After breakfast at your hotel around 8:30 am, your tour guide will meet you to commence your full-day tour of Ephesus. You will explore the ruins of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city known for its historical significance. Your itinerary includes visits to the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

Following lunch, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. The tour will also take you past the Temple of Artemis, although there’s little remaining of what was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your next stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque.

Later, you will be taken to the Sirince Village, an old Greek village acclaimed for its scenic beauty and wine production. Here, you will have an hour to explore on your own, taste local foods and wines, and visit various small traditional village shops.

Once the tour ends, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to either Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul. Upon your arrival at either the Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, a representative with a sign displaying your name will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: North Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast, prepare to be picked up from your hotel at around 9:30 am. You will join a full-day tour that takes you through the highlights of North Cappadocia.

Your first stop will be Devrent Valley, also known as the “Imagination Valley”. Here, you will marvel at unique rock formations, shaped by nature into an intriguing lunar landscape. Let your imagination roam as you interpret the shapes of these geological curiosities.

Next, you will proceed to Pasabag Valley or Monks Valley. This location is famous for its iconic fairy chimneys – tall, cone-shaped rock formations that have been naturally sculpted by centuries of erosion. Take time to explore and appreciate the beauty of this unique geological phenomenon.

The tour will then take you to the city of Avanos. Known for its time-honored tradition of pottery-making, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a pottery workshop and witness local artisans breathing life into clay.

Following Avanos, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at a local restaurant. As you savor delicious traditional Turkish cuisine, take in the breathtaking views of the Cappadocian landscape.

After lunch, your journey continues to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was one of the earliest monastic settlements in Cappadocia and was inhabited until 1952. You’ll have the chance to explore rock-cut dwellings and churches and learn about the region’s rich history.

Finally, you will visit Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. The castle offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape. It’s a perfect spot for memorable photos. Please note that the interior of the Uchisar castles is not accessible for visits.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 pm. You will have the rest of the day free to relax, explore the city on your own, or take part in any optional activities that are offered.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: South Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 am to start your full-day tour of South Cappadocia.

Your day starts with a visit to the enchanting Red Valley, known for its fiery-hued rock formations that give the valley its name. Take a walk in this surreal landscape and take in the captivating geological formations.

Following the Red Valley, you will venture to the equally beautiful Rose Valley, also known as Gulludere Vadisi. This area is famous for its varied tones of pink and red, which are most prominent during sunset. Be prepared for some fantastic views and photo opportunities.

Next, you will explore Cavusin Village. Here you will witness traditional cave houses and age-old churches that give you a unique perspective on local history and lifestyle.

Around noon, you will enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. Relish a variety of traditional Turkish dishes while you take in the stunning landscape that surrounds you.

After lunch, the tour will lead you to the Pigeon Valley, also known as Guvercinlik Vadisi. Here, numerous pigeon houses carved into the rocks will be a fascinating sight. Historically, these pigeon houses were used to gather guano, which was used as a natural fertilizer in vineyards.

The final stop of the day takes you underground, to either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. The choice depends on local conditions. You will explore this network of tunnels, rooms, stables, and chapels, created by early Christians as a refuge during times of persecution.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Fly back to Istanbul and have a free day to explore the city

After enjoying breakfast, check out from your hotel in Cappadocia. You will be picked up and transferred to Kayseri Airport for your morning or afternoon flight to Istanbul, depending on flight availability. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and provided with a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure and rest.

• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Hotel Mosaic OR Holiday Inn Istanbul City or similar (Standard quality).

Day 10: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Denizli, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Istanbul) as specified in the itinerary.
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-Star Hotels, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Services of a professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch).
• All entrance fees are as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.