Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
Your representative meets you when you land and drives you to the hotel. The afternoon and evening are completely open, so take some time to get settled or start wandering around Istanbul at your own pace. This is a good chance to shake off travel fatigue and get a feel for the city.
Optional Activities
- Explore Istanbul at your own pace
- Day 2
Istanbul
After grabbing breakfast at the hotel, you'll join a guided tour hitting the main sights. The itinerary includes Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia's exterior, the Blue Mosque, and then the Grand Bazaar where you can wander the stalls. You'll cover a lot of ground today, so wear comfortable shoes and plan for a full day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Topkapi Palace
- Visit exterior of St. Sophia
- Guided tour of Blue Mosque
- Explore Grand Bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Topkapi Palace St. Sophia Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar - Day 3
Istanbul to Ankara to Cappadocia
You'll head out early from Istanbul toward Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its museum, which tells the story of Turkey's modern founding. From there, the drive continues to Cappadocia. You'll arrive in time for dinner and overnight, giving you a chance to rest before exploring tomorrow.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Mausoleum of Ataturk and Museum
Landmarks/POIs Mausoleum of Ataturk 
- Day 4
Cappadocia
If you want to catch an early morning hot air balloon ride, you can see Cappadocia's rock formations from above (weather permitting). Spend the day checking out the underground cities carved into the stone, walking through the Open Air Museum in Goreme, and visiting Uchisar's fortress. An optional evening with a traditional Turkish show and dinner is available if you're interested.
Included Activities
- Guided visit to underground city
- Guided tour of Open Air Museum in Goreme
- Guided visit to Uchisar natural fortress
Optional Activities
- Early morning hot air balloon tour
- Evening Turkish show and dinner
Landmarks/POIs Open Air Museum Uchisar 
- Day 5
Cappadocia to Pamukkale
You'll leave early for Pamukkale and stop along the way at the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai, a historic inn from the silk trade route. Once you arrive in Pamukkale, you'll see the famous white mineral terraces that cascade down the hillside. Settle in for dinner and the night after a long but rewarding day.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Sultanhan Caravanserai
Landmarks/POIs Sultanhan Caravanserai 
- Day 6
Pamukkale to Izmir
Start by walking through Hierapolis, an ancient city sitting above the white terraces, and visit the Necropolis with its rows of tombs. Then head to Selcuk to see the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world (though it's ruins now). The drive continues to Izmir where you'll have dinner and stay overnight.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Hierapolis
- Guided tour of Necropolis
- Guided visit to Temple of Artemis
Landmarks/POIs Hierapolis Necropolis at Hierapolis Temple of Artemis - Day 7
Izmir to Ephesus to Sirince and back to Izmir
You'll drive to Ephesus and spend time at the library, the grand theatre, and various temples scattered throughout the site. After that, head to the village of Sirince, a small traditional town where you can walk around the shops, check out local goods, and try some regional wines. It's a nice contrast to the ancient ruins. You'll return to Izmir for the evening.
Included Activities
- Guided visit to Library of Ephesus
- Guided visit to Theatre of Ephesus
- Guided visit to temples in Ephesus
- Visit to Sirince village
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Sirince
Landmarks/POIs Ephesus Library of Ephesus Theatre of Ephesus Sirince 
- Day 8
Izmir Departure
This is your final day. You'll be picked up and taken either to Kusadasi port if you're catching a ferry to Samos, Greece, or to Izmir airport for your next destination. Depending on your timing, you may have a bit of time to grab coffee or handle any last-minute shopping before heading out.
