8 Days Private Tour of Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be met with our company representative in the airport’s arrivals area who will be holding a signboard with your name on it. After meet and greet, you will then be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Istanbul. Rest of the day will be at leisure.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast at approximately 9:00 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day private tour. The first is the Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century. Walk around this palace and especially the Imperial Harem to get a glimpse of royal life.

Continue by visiting the Hagia Sophia, which today is a museum encompassing both Christianity and Islam. Nearby is the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue-tiled interior walls. Step into this amazing building to feel the peaceful atmosphere. After that, go down the stairs and enjoy a surprising underground experience at the Basilica Cistern. Finally, take a leisurely walk around the ancient Hippodrome, where you can see the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Fly to Kayseri from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel for your transfer to the airport to catch your early morning flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to Cappadocia where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day private tour of North Cappadocia.

The tour starts with Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley, where you can see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Later, drive to Avanos and make a stopover at a workshop, where you can try to make your own pottery. Afterwards, explore some finest cave churches in the Goreme Open Air Museum. Continue to enjoy a fabulous panoramic view of Cappadocia from Uchisar Castle, and then end today’s tour at the Pigeon Valley. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in.

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

Day 4: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly to Izmir from Kayseri

Today, you will visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks with raw beauty and historical features. Later, descend into the Kaymakli Underground City. You can pass through the narrow passageways and stairs to visit houses, churches, and kitchens inside the city. After that, continue to Cavusin Valley to find the troglodyte settlement. You can even find a breathtaking rock-cut church with beautiful frescoes at the Cavusin Kilise. After lunch, head to the Red Valley and visit the Wine House.

• 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: Pamukkale Tour

After breakfast, you will visit the unique Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascade with its therapeutic thermal pools. Drive to Hierapolis to visit the Roman and Christian remains and the first modern spa centers of the ancient world. Return to Kusadasi and overnight at your hotel.

• 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 back to Istanbul

After breakfast, Drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. It was built in the 10th century BC on the site of the former Arzawan capital by Attic and Ionian Greek colonists. See the marble streets, Antique Theater, Arcadian Way, a Roman Bath, the Celsus Library, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy a drive through Sirince Village. The village offers a Turk-Greek experience while visiting restored Orthodox churches and local shops featuring handcrafts (including olive oil). Visit cafes nestled in this quaint village and purchase incredible homemade wines. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Free day in Istanbul to explore

After breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure; no services provided, you can pre-book an optional shared group tour. We recommend an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise*

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Ayasultan Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: 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 as mentioned in this itinerary.
• All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle.
• All domestic flights from city to city are mentioned above.
• 4 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch).
• Visits and entrance fees 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.
• 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.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.