Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll land at Istanbul SAW Airport and get transferred to your hotel. It's a straightforward arrival day, so you can settle in and get some rest before exploring the city tomorrow. The drive from the airport takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Day 2
Istanbul - Cappadocia
Start your day early hitting Istanbul's main sights. You'll see Hagia Sophia first, then move through Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman sultans once lived. The Hippodrome comes next, followed by the Blue Mosque and a walk through the Grand Bazaar with its thousands of shops and stalls. After lunch, you head to the airport for an afternoon flight to Cappadocia. Check into your hotel there by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Hagia Sophia
- Guided tour of Topkapi Palace
- Guided tour of Hippodrome
- Guided tour of Blue Mosque
- Guided tour of Grand Bazaar
Landmarks/POIs Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Hippodrome Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar - Day 3
Cappadocia
Today you're exploring Cappadocia's unique landscape and history. Begin at Goreme Museum to see the rock-cut churches, then walk through Devrent Valley where natural rock formations look like animals. Stop at Pasabagi to see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. In Avanos, you'll have traditional Turkish lunch and try pottery-making with local craftspeople. Wrap up with sunset views from Goreme town and Uchisar Rock Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Typical Turkish lunch in Avanos)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Goreme Museum
- Guided tour of Devrent Valley
- Guided tour of Pasabagi (Monks Valley)
- Traditional Turkish lunch in Avanos
- Pottery-making experience with local experts
- Goreme Panorama viewing
- Guided tour of Uchisar Rock Castle
Landmarks/POIs Goreme Museum Devrent Valley Pasabagi Avanos Goreme Panorama Uchisar Rock Castle - Day 4
Cappadocia - Izmir
Head out to explore more valleys and the underground cities. Rose Valley shows off its pink rock formations, and you'll pass through Cavusin village in Red Valley. Pigeon Valley has historic dovecotes carved into the cliffs. Then you descend into the Underground Cities, which go down eight levels and sheltered Christians centuries ago. Stop at Ortahisar to see its dramatic rock formation. An afternoon flight takes you to Izmir, then you drive to Kusadasi.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Rose Valley
- Guided tour of Cavusin village
- Guided tour of Pigeon Valley
- Guided tour of Underground Cities
Optional Activities
- Walking in Pigeon Valley
Landmarks/POIs Rose Valley Cavusin Pigeon Valley Underground Cities Ortahisar - Day 5
Kusadasi - Pamukkale
You're heading to Pamukkale, a UNESCO site famous for white mineral terraces formed by hot spring water. Walk across these terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis above them. The necropolis here has about 1200 gravestones and is the largest in Anatolia. Later, soak in the Sacred Pool where warm mineral waters flow over old Roman ruins. It's a mix of natural wonders and history in one location.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Pamukkale terraces
- Guided tour of ancient city of Hierapolis
- Visit to Sacred Pool at Hierapolis
Landmarks/POIs Pamukkale Hierapolis - Day 6
Kusadasi - Istanbul
This day focuses on biblical and classical sites in the Ephesus region. Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a church from the 6th century built on an even older 1st century foundation. Walk through Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean, seeing the Library and the massive Roman theatre. Stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Fly back to Istanbul that afternoon and check in at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Guided tour of House of Virgin Mary
- Guided tour of Ancient Ephesus
- Visit to Temple of Artemis (Artemision)
Landmarks/POIs House of Virgin Mary Ancient Ephesus Temple of Artemis - Day 7
Istanbul
Have breakfast at your hotel and get transferred to Istanbul Airport based on your flight time. That wraps up the tour and you'll head home with memories of Turkey's historical and geological treasures.
- Meals
- Breakfast
