About the trip
Experience the diverse highlights of Turkey on a memorable 9-day journey covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi and Antalya. Explore Istanbul's historic Old City, discover Cappadocia's spectacular valleys and fairy chimneys, visit the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary, and explore the remarkable ruins of Hierapolis and the natural beauty of Pamukkale. Continue to Antalya for a city tour featuring waterfalls, Kaleici, historic landmarks and the ancient harbour. 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 well-rounded introduction to Turkey.
Meals
8 Breakfast & 5 Lunches
Max. Group Size
8
Guide Languages
English
Highlights
- Enjoy comfortable accommodation for 8 nights across Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi and Antalya
- Savor daily breakfasts and delicious lunches at key points along the journey, as per the itinerary
- Travel by domestic flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir (with transfer to Kusadasi) and back to Istanbul from Antalya
- Private transfers between airports, hotels and tour stops throughout the trip
- Istanbul's historic Old City, including Hagia Sophia, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar
- Cappadocia's valleys and fairy chimneys, including Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos, Cappadocia Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle
- Optional hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia
- Ancient city of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, Library of Celsus and Antique Theatre
- Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a place of quiet reflection and pilgrimage
- Hierapolis, including the Necropolis, Great Baths, Frontinus Street, Theatre and Cleopatra's Pool
- Marvel at the spectacular Pamukkale Travertines, cascading white mineral terraces
- Antalya's historic Kaleici Old Town, including Hadrian's Gate, Clock Tower and the Ancient Harbour
- Discover the scenic Karpuz Kaldıran and Kursunlu Waterfalls
Meals
8 Breakfast & 5 Lunches
Accommodation
Barin Hotel or Similar
2 nights in Istanbul
Heaven Cave House or Similar
2 nights in Cappadocia
By Karaaslan Inn or Similar
2 nights in Kusadasi
Ring Downtown Hotel or Similar
2 nights in Antalya
Included in the price
Istanbul
- 2 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotels.
- 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.
- Welcome package including tour vouchers, an Istanbul map and tourist information.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- 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
- 2 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.
- English-speaking local tour guides.
- Entrance fees to museums.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- All parking fees and highway tolls.
Antalya
- 2 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Antalya City Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to Karpuz Kaldiran Waterfalls.
- Photo stop at Konyaalti Beach.
- Visit to Kaleici Old Town.
- Visit to Hadrian's Gate.
- Visit to the Clock Tower.
- Visit to the Fluted Minaret.
- Visit to Palm Street.
- Visit to the Ancient Harbour.
- Visit to Kursunlu Waterfalls.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- 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.
Istanbul
- 2 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotels.
- 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.
- Welcome package including tour vouchers, an Istanbul map and tourist information.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- 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
- 2 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.
- English-speaking local tour guides.
- Entrance fees to museums.
- Daily breakfast throughout the stay, plus lunch on the excursions, as detailed in the itinerary.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- All parking fees and highway tolls.
Antalya
- 2 nights' accommodation at the mentioned hotel.
- Full-day guided Antalya City Tour on a small-group basis.
- Visit to Karpuz Kaldiran Waterfalls.
- Photo stop at Konyaalti Beach.
- Visit to Kaleici Old Town.
- Visit to Hadrian's Gate.
- Visit to the Clock Tower.
- Visit to the Fluted Minaret.
- Visit to Palm Street.
- Visit to the Ancient Harbour.
- Visit to Kursunlu Waterfalls.
- English-speaking local tour guide.
- 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.
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: 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 4: 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 to 10am, 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 5: 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.
- Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
- (Breakfast)
Day 6: Explore Ephesus – Ancient Roman Heritage
- After breakfast at 9:30 - 10am, 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 7: Excursion To Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Ancient Ruins & Travertines
- After breakfast, depart for Hierapolis at 8 - 8:30am, 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.
- After the excursion, continue to Antalya and transfer to your hotel.
- Overnight stay in Antalya.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 8: Explore Antalya – Historic Old Town & Waterfalls
- After breakfast, depart for a full-day Antalya city tour.
- Begin with Karpuz Kaldiran Waterfalls, where the waterfalls meet the sea, followed by a photo stop at Konyaalti Beach.
- Continue to Kaleici, Antalya's historic Old Town, and explore its charming streets and landmarks, including Hadrian's Gate, Clock Tower, Fluted Minaret, Palm Street and the Ancient Harbour.
- Admire the traditional old houses of Kaleici before continuing to Kursunlu Waterfalls.
- Enjoy some free time at the waterfalls before returning to your hotel.
- Overnight stay in Antalya.
- (Breakfast & Lunch)
Day 9: Fly From Antalya 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.
- Optional entrance fees for Hagia Sophia Mosque
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
- Meals are not included on arrival day and no meals except breakfast on departure day
