Tour Overview
| Duration | 8 Days / 7 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Turkey |
| Cities | Istanbul → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Cappadocia |
| UNESCO Sites | 4 (Ephesus, Pamukkale/Hierapolis, Goreme, Historic Istanbul) |
| Tour Type | Private Tour — More time at each highlight |
| Price | From US$1,490 per person (4★ hotels, domestic flights included) |
Data source: turkeytravel.com — extended itinerary for deeper exploration
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul
- Airport pickup, transfer to Sultanahmet hotel
- Evening free to explore the old city or enjoy a Turkish bath (hamam) experience
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Treasures
- Hagia Sophia — Full guided tour of the 1,500-year-old wonder
- Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi) — Underground Byzantine water reservoir with 336 marble columns, atmospheric lighting, and the famous Medusa head pillars
- Blue Mosque — Active mosque with stunning Iznik tile interior
- Hippodrome & German Fountain
- Topkapi Palace & Harem — Comprehensive tour including the Harem (private quarters of sultans, wives, and concubines)
- Grand Bazaar — Free time for shopping
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: Bosphorus & Asian Side
- Spice Bazaar — Morning exploration of Istanbul’s aromatic market
- Bosphorus Cruise (Full) — Extended 2.5-hour cruise to the Black Sea mouth, passing:
- Dolmabahce Palace (365 rooms, 285kg crystal chandelier)
- Ciragan Palace (now Kempinski Hotel)
- Rumeli Fortress (1452, built by Mehmet the Conqueror)
- Anadolu Kavagi — Brief stop at the fishing village at the Black Sea mouth
- Kadikoy (Asian Side) — Ferry to Kadikoy, explore the vibrant food market and Moda neighborhood
- Evening Flight to Izmir
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4: Ephesus Full Day
- Ephesus Ancient City — Extended visit with Terrace Houses included:
- Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Curetes Street, Temple of Hadrian
- Terrace Houses — 6 restored Roman elite homes with intact frescoes and mosaic floors (heated floors, running water systems)
- Public latrines, brothel, and Hadrian’s Gate
- House of Virgin Mary
- Sirince Village — Charming Greek-Turkish village in the hills, famous for fruit wines and olive oil. Taste local wines and explore cobblestone streets
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 5: Pamukkale & Hierapolis
- Pamukkale Travertines — Walk the white terraces
- Hierapolis — Roman Theatre, Necropolis, Temple of Apollo
- Cleopatra’s Pool — Optional swim
- Aphrodisias (optional add-on) — Stunning ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, with the best-preserved stadium in the ancient world (30,000 seats) and a magnificent Tetrapylon gateway
- Evening Flight to Cappadocia
Overnight in Cappadocia (cave hotel).
Day 6: North Cappadocia
- Optional Hot Air Balloon at sunrise
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Pasabag (Monks Valley)
- Devrent Valley
- Avanos — Pottery demonstration and lunch by the Red River
- Sunset at Red Valley — Spectacular viewpoint for Cappadocia’s famous sunset colors
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7: South Cappadocia
- Kaymakli Underground City — Explore 4 of the 8 levels open to visitors
- Ihlara Valley — 14km gorge with a gentle 4km hike along the Melendiz River, passing rock-cut churches hidden in the canyon walls (Agacalti Church with Ascension fresco, Snake Church with St. George)
- Selime Monastery — Largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia, 13th century cathedral-sized complex carved into a volcanic cone
- Pigeon Valley — Panoramic viewpoint
- Farewell Dinner — Traditional Turkish testi kebab (clay pot kebab), broken open at your table
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 8: Cappadocia Departure
- Morning at leisure or optional ATV quad bike tour through the valleys
- Transfer to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevsehir (NAV) airport for departure
What’s Included
- 7 nights accommodation (4★ hotels + 3 nights cave hotel)
- 2 domestic flights
- Professional English-speaking guide
- All transfers, 7 breakfasts + 5 lunches
- All entrance fees
- Full Bosphorus cruise + Basilica Cistern
