About the trip
Discover the best of Turkey on a memorable 9-day journey combining Istanbul's historic landmarks, the peaceful Princes' Islands, Cappadocia's spectacular landscapes, and the ancient wonders of Ephesus and Pamukkale. Explore Istanbul's Old City, enjoy a relaxing excursion to Buyukada, travel to Cappadocia by domestic flight and discover its fairy chimneys and cave heritage. Continue to Kusadasi to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, the House of Virgin Mary, Hierapolis and the magnificent Pamukkale Travertines. With daily departures, guaranteed departure from a minimum of 2 guests, small-group tours with a maximum of 8 guests and domestic flights included, this itinerary offers a convenient introduction to Turkey's cultural, historical and natural highlights.
Meals
8 Breakfast & 5 Lunches
Max. Group Size
8
Guide Languages
English
Highlights
- Enjoy comfortable accommodation for 8 nights across Istanbul, Cappadocia and Kusadasi
- Savor daily breakfasts, along with lunches on full-day tour days, as per the itinerary
- Receive a welcome package with tour vouchers, an Istanbul map and other tourist information
- Travel between Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir (with transfer to Kusadasi) and back to Istanbul by domestic flights
- Enjoy private transfers throughout the trip
- Explore Istanbul's historic Old City, including Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
- Enjoy a scenic ferry journey to Buyukada, the largest of the Princes' Islands, and discover its lavish Ottoman mansions and Victorian summer villas
- Discover Cappadocia's valleys and fairy chimneys, including Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos and Uchisar Castle
- Visit the Cappadocia Open Air Museum, known for its historic wall paintings dating back to the 10th century
- Enjoy an optional early morning hot air balloon tour over Cappadocia's valleys and surrounding landscapes
- Explore the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus and Antique Theatre, along with the House of Virgin Mary
- Discover Hierapolis, including the Necropolis, Great Baths, Frontinus Street, Theatre and Cleopatra's Pool, and walk along the spectacular Pamukkale Travertines
Meals
8 Breakfast & 5 Lunches
Accommodation
Barin Hotel or Similar
3 nights in Istanbul
Heaven Cave House or Similar
2 nights in Cappadocia
By Karaaslan Inn or Similar
3 nights in Kusadasi
Included in the price
Istanbul
- 3 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Istanbul Old City Tour on a small-group basis.
- Photo stop at Hagia Sophia Mosque.
- Visit to the Byzantine Hippodrome.
- Visit to the Blue Mosque.
- Guided Tour at Topkapi Palace.
- Visit to the Grand Bazaar.
- Princes' Islands excursion including ferry journey to Buyukada.
- Visit Buyukada's Ottoman mansions and Victorian summer villas.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- Welcome package including tour vouchers, an Istanbul map and other tourist information.
- Daily bottled water.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.
- Private airport transfers with new-model vehicles.
Cappadocia
- 2 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Cappadocia Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to Devrent Valley.
- Visit to Pasabag (Monk Valley).
- Visit to Avanos.
- Visit to the Cappadocia Open Air Museum.
- Visit to Uchisar Castle.
- Domestic flight tickets with 15 kg allowance.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- Entrance fees to museums.
- Daily bottled water.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- All parking fees and highway tolls.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.
- Private airport transfers with new-model vehicles.
Kusadasi
- 3 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Ephesus Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to the Ancient Roman City of Ephesus.
- Visit to the Arcadian Way.
- Visit to the Roman Baths.
- Visit to the Temple of Hadrian.
- Visit to the Library of Celsus.
- Visit to the Antique Theatre.
- Visit to the House of Virgin Mary.
- Full-day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to Hierapolis Ancient City.
- Visit to the Necropolis, Great Baths, Frontinus Street and Theatre.
- Visit to the Martyrion of St. Philip.
- Visit to the Antique Pool, also known as Cleopatra's Pool.
- Visit to the Pamukkale Travertines.
- Domestic flight tickets with 15 kg allowance.
- English-speaking local tour guides.
- Entrance fees to museums.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.Daily bottled water.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
Istanbul
- 3 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Istanbul Old City Tour on a small-group basis.
- Photo stop at Hagia Sophia Mosque.
- Visit to the Byzantine Hippodrome.
- Visit to the Blue Mosque.
- Guided Tour at Topkapi Palace.
- Visit to the Grand Bazaar.
- Princes' Islands excursion including ferry journey to Buyukada.
- Visit Buyukada's Ottoman mansions and Victorian summer villas.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- Welcome package including tour vouchers, an Istanbul map and other tourist information.
- Daily bottled water.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.
- Private airport transfers with new-model vehicles.
Cappadocia
- 2 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Cappadocia Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to Devrent Valley.
- Visit to Pasabag (Monk Valley).
- Visit to Avanos.
- Visit to the Cappadocia Open Air Museum.
- Visit to Uchisar Castle.
- Domestic flight tickets with 15 kg allowance.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- Entrance fees to museums.
- Daily bottled water.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- All parking fees and highway tolls.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.
- Private airport transfers with new-model vehicles.
Kusadasi
- 3 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Ephesus Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to the Ancient Roman City of Ephesus.
- Visit to the Arcadian Way.
- Visit to the Roman Baths.
- Visit to the Temple of Hadrian.
- Visit to the Library of Celsus.
- Visit to the Antique Theatre.
- Visit to the House of Virgin Mary.
- Full-day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to Hierapolis Ancient City.
- Visit to the Necropolis, Great Baths, Frontinus Street and Theatre.
- Visit to the Martyrion of St. Philip.
- Visit to the Antique Pool, also known as Cleopatra's Pool.
- Visit to the Pamukkale Travertines.
- Domestic flight tickets with 15 kg allowance.
- English-speaking local tour guides.
- Entrance fees to museums.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.Daily bottled water.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
Day-wise Itinerary
ExpandDay 1: Arrival In Istanbul – Begin Your Turkish Journey
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be warmly welcomed and enjoy transfer to your Old City hotel along with a welcome package including vouchers, a map, and tourist information. After checking in, refresh yourself and spend rest of the day at leisure—relax or explore historic streets, savor Turkish tea and baklava at rooftop spots in Fatih (Queb Rooftop, Mimar Sinan Roof, or Kubbe-i Aşk), try traditional hot sand coffee at Şark Kahvesi in the Grand Bazaar, or experience coffee-ground fortune-telling in Taksim (Symbol Cafe Teras, Melekler Kahvesi, or Kadınlar Kahvesi) before your overnight stay.
- Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Explore Istanbul's Historic Old City
- After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul's historic Old City.
- Begin your journey with a photo stop at Hagia Sophia Mosque, allowing you to admire this iconic landmark celebrated for its remarkable Byzantine architecture. Continue to the Byzantine Hippodrome, the historic site where chariot races were once held and an important part of Istanbul's ancient heritage.
- Next, visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, renowned for its impressive architecture and beautiful blue Iznik tiles.
- Continue to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, and enjoy a guided tour at this magnificent landmark reflecting the grandeur of the Ottoman era.
- The tour concludes at the Grand Bazaar, Turkey's largest covered market with approximately 4,000 shops. Wander through its vibrant lanes, discover traditional products and souvenirs, and experience the lively atmosphere of one of Istanbul's most famous shopping destinations.
- Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. In such cases, the sightseeing will be replaced with either the Underground Cistern or the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced with the Spice Bazaar.
- Overnight stay in Istanbul.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 3: Excursion To Buyukada – Discover The Princes' Islands
- After breakfast, around 8 - 8:30 am, depart from your hotel and travel by ferry to Buyukada (Big Island), the largest of the Princes' Islands and a peaceful seaside escape from Istanbul.
- Enjoy scenic views of Istanbul's historic waterfront as the ferry leaves the Golden Horn, with the domes and minarets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque visible along the way.
- Pass the surrounding islands with their charming Ottoman houses before arriving at Buyukada.
- Explore the island's lavish Ottoman mansions and beautiful Victorian summer villas. Enjoy lunch and relax while taking in views of Istanbul's historic skyline.
- Return to Istanbul by ferry and transfer back to your hotel.
- Overnight stay in Istanbul.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 4: Fly From Istanbul To Cappadocia – Discover The Land Of Fairy Chimneys
- After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport by private vehicle for your direct domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (1 hr).
- Upon arrival, you will be met by the local representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia.
- After check-in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
- Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
- (Breakfast)
Day 5: Explore Cappadocia – Valleys, Fairy Chimneys & Cave Heritage
- You may begin your day with an optional early morning hot air balloon tour to enjoy magnificent views of Cappadocia's valleys and surrounding landscapes.
- After breakfast at 9:30 - 10 am, begin your Cappadocia tour with Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, known for its spectacular fairy chimneys and beautiful landscapes.
- Continue to Pasabag, also known as Monk Valley, to see its distinctive double- and triple-headed rock formations.
- Proceed to Avanos, famous for its pottery and the Red River (Kızılırmak), where lunch will be served.
- After lunch, visit the Cappadocia Open Air Museum, known for its historic wall paintings dating back to the 10th century and depicting the life of Jesus Christ and monks.
- The final stop will be Uchisar Castle, a natural rock formation and one of the largest mass fairy-chimney formations in the region.
- Return to your hotel after the tour.
- Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 6: Fly From Cappadocia To Izmir And Transfer To Kusadasi
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir.
- Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be welcomed by the local representative and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
- The remainder of the day is free at leisure to relax or explore the surroundings.
- Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
- (Breakfast)
Day 7: Explore Ephesus – Ancient Roman Heritage
- After breakfast at 9:30 - 10 am, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour of the Ancient Roman City of Ephesus.
- Explore the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus and Antique Theatre, discovering the remarkable remains of this ancient city.
- In the afternoon, continue to the House of Virgin Mary.
- At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
- Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 8: Excursion To Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Ancient Ruins & Travertines
- After breakfast, depart for Hierapolis at 8 - 8:30 am, the ancient Greco-Roman city located above the hot springs.
- Explore the large Necropolis, Great Baths, Frontinus Street, Theatre, Martyrion of St. Philip and Antique Pool, also known as Cleopatra's Pool.
- Continue to the spectacular Pamukkale Travertines, the natural white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Enjoy a walk along the travertines before concluding the tour.
- Return to your hotel in Kusadasi.
- Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 9: Transfer From Kusadasi To Izmir And Fly To Istanbul - Departure From Istanbul
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, the tour concludes, allowing you to connect to your onward or outbound flight.
- (Breakfast)
Exclusions
Expand- Personal expenses such as hotel minibar charges.
- Drinks at meals.
- Tips to the local guide and driver.
- Optional hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia.
Terms and Conditions
Expand- The tour is available every day.
- Minimum 2 guests are required for guaranteed departure.
- Small-group tours are operated with a maximum of 8 guests.
- Domestic flight tickets are included with a 15 kg baggage allowance.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be replaced by the Underground Cistern or Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and will be replaced by the Spice Bazaar.
- Rooms and domestic flight tickets cannot be held without a down payment.
- A 20% deposit is required to confirm the booking.
- 100% payment must be completed 14 days prior to arrival.
- Normal hotel check-in time is 14:00 hrs.
- Normal hotel check-out time is 12:00 hrs.
- Early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability and may be confirmed with extra payment.
- If the mentioned hotels are not available at the time of booking, similar-basis hotels will be provided.
- Above 11 years are considered as adult
- Mentioned hotels are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be replaced with similar-category hotels.
- Package rates are based on the specified room category. Any upgrade will be at an additional cost.
- Standard check-in time is at 14:00 (02:00 PM) to 15:00 (03:00 PM) and check-out time is by 12:00 PM.
- Early check-in and late check-out are not included and if the guests want to do so, then there will be an additional supplement and should be borne by the guests.
- Connecting rooms, adjoining rooms, specific floor, bed type or special room requests are subject to hotel availability.
- Meals will be provided as mentioned in the itinerary. Menu and restaurant arrangements are subject to availability.
- Special dietary requirements must be advised at the time of booking and are subject to availability.
- Tips, laundry, porterage, beverages, minibar, room service, telephone calls and other personal expenses are not included unless specifically mentioned.
- Optional tours, activities, experiences and upgrades are available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance where applicable.
- No refund will be provided for any unused, partially used or missed services.
- No refund will be provided for services missed due to late arrival, early departure or changes made by the guest.
- There will be American / continental breakfast or similar served at the hotel and the company cannot make any changes in the menu.
- Any physical or mental disability requiring special attention or treatment must be noted at the time of reservation.
- Original Indian passport valid for a minimum of 06 months beyond the travel.
- Standard check-in to the hotel is 1400/1500 hours and check-out is always 1100/1200 hours.
- The itinerary can be altered due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather/heavy traffic conditions. No refunds will be provided in such cases.
- Images shown are for illustrative purposes only. Actual scenery, vehicle models, and local experiences may vary depending on weather, seasonality, and itinerary availability.
- Meals are not included on arrival day and no meals except breakfast on departure day.
