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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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15 - 20
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Airplane
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Group
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English
Tour Overview
Explore Turkey’s most iconic destinations on this 8-day tour of Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Cappadocia. Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise, visit Istanbul’s world-famous landmarks, soak in Pamukkale’s thermal pools, and wander through the ancient city of Ephesus. In Cappadocia, you’ll have the option to soar above its fairy-tale landscapes in a hot air balloon (available at an extra cost). With flights between regions included, this tour offers a hassle-free and unforgettable Turkish experience.
Highlights:
- Scenic Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia
- Discover Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque
- Domestic flights for easy regional travel
- Visit ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale’s white terraces
- Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (extra cost)
Full Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) at any time, our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request, so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at your hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up to start your full-day tour exploring the iconic sites of Istanbul. Your first stop will be the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former basilica and mosque that now serves as a museum, showcasing breathtaking Byzantine architecture and mosaics. Next, you’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), renowned for its beautiful blue İznik tiles and six towering minarets. Then, you’ll explore the ancient Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), the former social and sporting center of Constantinople, where chariot races and political events once took place.
Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, your tour continues with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Here, you can explore its lavish courtyards, rooms filled with precious artifacts, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Your final stop will be the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops offering everything from handmade carpets and jewelry to spices and souvenirs.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure, perhaps exploring more of Istanbul on your own or relaxing. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request, so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise (approximately 4 hours). The tour starts with a scenic drive to Eminonu Pier, where you’ll have a brief visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This lively market is known for its vibrant stalls filled with aromatic spices, teas, and Turkish delights.
Next, you’ll board a shared boat for a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia. As you sail, you’ll take in views of iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the impressive Bosphorus Bridge. You’ll also pass ancient citadels, elegant mansions, and the picturesque shorelines of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
After the cruise, you will return to your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage before being transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Denizli, which takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes. Upon arrival in Denizli, our team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Pamukkale: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel OR Hierapark Thermal & Spa Hotel Deluxe
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel, and around 10:30 am, you will be picked up for a full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
The first destination is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will explore notable sites such as the Temple of Apollo, the impressive Theatre, the expansive Necropolis, and the Roman Baths. You will also encounter other significant landmarks like the Domitian Gate, Frontinus Street, the Agora, and the Byzantine Gate.
At approximately 12:30 pm, you’ll have an hour of free time to explore Pamukkale on your own. Stroll along the terraces of calcified mineral pools and take in the surreal landscape. If you’re interested, you can swim in the renowned Pamukkale Antique Pools, also known as Cleopatra’s Pool, though entry is at your own expense.
Following your free time, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit Karahayit, home to the famous Red Springs, known for their therapeutic red-colored thermal waters.
Afterward, you’ll return to Pamukkale to witness the natural beauty of the Cotton Cliffs, or Cotton Castle, where stunning white terraces created by mineral-rich waters cascade down the hillside.
After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you will begin the drive to Kusadasi, which takes approximately 3.5 hours. You can expect to arrive around 7:30 pm, check in to your hotel, and have the rest of the evening to relax. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Kusadasi: Efe Boutique Hotel, Derici Hotel, Neopol Hotel Deluxe, or Marina Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin a full-day tour of Ephesus. Explore the ancient Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, once a major cultural and commercial hub. Key highlights include the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Great Theater, and the Library of Celsus.
After lunch, you’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final years. Then, we will pass by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though little remains of this once grand structure. The final stop will be at the Isabey Mosque, a stunning example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture.
After the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting with a sign displaying your name to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.
After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day tour of North Cappadocia. The tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, where you’ll see the region’s famous fairy chimneys, known for their unique shapes. Next, explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), famous for its towering mushroom-shaped rock formations.
You will then drive to the city of Avanos, known for its pottery-making tradition along the banks of the Red River. After lunch, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, a stunning complex of ancient cave dwellings and churches that offer insight into the region’s rich monastic history. Towards the end of the tour, you will stop at Uchisar for a brief 15-minute visit to enjoy the panoramic views of the area, without entry into the castle.
After the tour is completed, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 pm. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at the hotel around 9:30 am, you will be picked up by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore its famous rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the beautiful Rose Valley.
Next, you’ll visit Cavusin Village, known for its ancient houses and churches. Around noon, we’ll stop for lunch. Afterward, the tour continues to Pigeon Valley, famous for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.
In the afternoon, you’ll visit either the Kaymakli Underground City or the Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians lived to escape persecution.
After the tour, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, depending on the availability of return flights, for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request, so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 pm) and then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight schedule. This will mark the end of our tour and services.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including arrivals and departures
- Domestic flight tickets as specified in the itinerary
- Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary
- 3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast
- English-speaking guide during tours
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets
- Visa to enter Turkey
- Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
- Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost)
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Drinks with meals
- Travel insurance (recommended)
IMPORTANT INFO:
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
- This is a regular group tour, but if requested, at additional cost, it can be provided as a private tour.
- The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
- Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
- For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
- For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
- For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
- For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
- For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
- Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. On tours operated on Fridays, you will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area. No visitation inside the Blue Mosque is allowed for tourists on Fridays.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı).
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
- During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
- On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
After reviewing the detailed tour itinerary, you can make an online reservation by following these steps:
- Select Your Tour Details:
- Go to the tour itinerary page.
- On the right side of the page, find the online booking form.
- Select the number of travelers and your desired tour start date.
- Choose Extra Options (Add-Ons):
- Proceed to the next step to view available add-ons.
- Choose any extra options you wish to include in your tour package.
- Provide Your Information:
- Continue to the checkout page.
- Fill in the required personal information.
- Click the “Book Now” button.
- Enter Passenger Details:
- In the final step, provide the necessary passenger information using your passport details.
- Submit the form to complete your reservation request.
- Confirmation and Payment:
- After submitting, your reservation request will reach us.
- Within 24 hours, we will send you a secure payment form link via email.
- Complete the payment form by entering your credit card information.
- Once the required deposit amount is charged to your credit card, your tour reservation will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
Deposit Payment
- For most tours in Turkey, a 30% deposit is required to guarantee your reservation. However, for certain tours, full payment may be requested to confirm your booking.
- A 30% deposit payment is requested when booking online. Once the deposit is paid, your reservation is secured.
Remaining Balance Payment
- The remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival in Istanbul.
- You can pay the remaining balance in cash (USD or Euros) to our company representative.
Credit Card Payment Option
- Alternatively, you may pay the remaining balance using a credit card, such as Visa or MasterCard.
- Please note that a 4% bank processing fee will apply if you choose to pay by credit card.
Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.
Cappadocia offers a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience, all available at an additional cost:
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
- ATV Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden trails on an exciting ATV (quad bike) tour. It’s a thrilling way to discover the area’s natural beauty off the beaten path.
- Horseback Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the valleys and hills of Cappadocia. Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” this activity offers a unique perspective of the region.
- Whirling Dervish Show: In the evening, immerse yourself in Turkish culture by attending a traditional Whirling Dervish Show. Witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, a spiritual dance that has been performed for centuries.
- Turkish Night Show with Dinner: Experience an authentic Turkish Night Show featuring traditional music, folk dances, and belly dancing performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
- Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath, a unique experience that combines steam, massage, and cleansing rituals.
These activities can be arranged upon request and are not included in the standard tour package. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.
Yes, you can swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during your free time. This activity is optional and comes at an additional cost. The tour guide will provide you with the exact meeting point and time for rejoining the group afterward.
On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.
Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.
Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour starts. In this case, the cost of all flight and bus tickets—which are non-refundable—will be deducted from your paid balance, and the remaining amount will be refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the tour, the full amount paid will be considered non-refundable, as a “no-show” policy will apply.
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