11 Days Istanbul Ephesus Pamukkale Cappadocia By Bus By Plane
Tour Style : Turkey Tour
Duration : 11 Days / 10 Nights
Highlights : Istanbul – Ephesus – Aspendos – Perge – Antalya – Cappadocia
Day 1 – Istanbul – Arrival Day
Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul City Tour
We depart at 09:00 for the Istanbul city tour. Topkapi Palace The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Lunch break and then we head to the SPICE BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) the air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. After the tour you have the option to experience the BOSPHORUS Boat Cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus which is connecting Asia to Europe. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul.
Evening Flight To Izmır
Stay Kusadası
Day 3:Ephesus Tour at 09:00am
A fully Guided Ephesus Tour starts at 09:00, one of the best preserved ancient ruins in the world. A visit to Ephesus – once the commercial centre of the ancient world – is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. Overnight in Kusadasi / Ephesus.
Overnight in Kusadasi Ephesus.
Day 4 – Pamukkale Tour at 08:15am
08:30 we depart on our tour of Pamukkale travertine’s and the ancient city of Hierapolis. You will visit Domitian Gate, Colonnaded Gate, and Cathedral, Red waters of Karahayit, Lunch, Pamukkale Museum, and The Travertine’s of Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 5 – Pamukkale to Antalya
After breakfast depart to Antalya (5 hour drive). Antalya in ancient times it covered all Pamphylia that means “the land of all tribes”. Attalia, the ancient name of Antalya, is derived from that of the Pergamon King Attalos II Philadelphus, who founded the city on the Pamphylian seacoast around 150 BC. It is know that it was visited by St. Paul by way of Perge in 46 A.D., that it was an important trading centre in the 2nd century A.D. and that the Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130 A.D. was commemorated with new monuments. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to discover Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 6– Antalya Perge Aspendos Tour
After breakfast depart to Antalya (30 minute drive).
Perge : According to the geographer Strabon. Perge has been founded by Akhas who came down here after the Trojan wars. Perge was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great passed through here. In the following years, Perge went under the control of Pergamon when the Kingdom of Pergamon became a part of the Roman city. Especially in the first and the second centuries BC, Perge became one of the richest towns in Pamphylia. Therefore it is not a surprising that St. Paul started his campaign in Anatolia from Perge in 46 AD.
After the tour, departure for Aspendos. Lunch break on the way.
Aspendos: The eastern land of Antalya was called Pamphylia in ancient times. Aspendos (Belkis) lies 47 km east of Antalya in the Pamphylian plain. In 486 BC, Greeks and Persians had a great battle here (Greeks won, they didn’t stay for long). During the reign of he Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-80 AD) Aspendos got its theatre, which is the best preserved of all. It was built by Romans and maintained by Byzantines and Seljuks. The ruins of the ancient city are extensive and include a stadium, an agora, and a basilica.
Evenıng Bus to Cappadocia
Day 7– Fairy Chimneys Tour at 09:30am
In this day you will be able to see:
DEVRENT VALLEY: Devrent is situated on the northern slopes of Aktepe, 1km from Pasabaglari (Monks’ Valley) and 5 km from Avanos. The ruins at Devrent are spread over three valleys, which also house several pointed fairy chimneys with large stems.
LOVE VALLEY: The best place to see three-headed fairy chimneys. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by incredible natural rock formations; a spectacular scene.
AVANOS: A center of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC, it is a town where you will be invited to visit a traditional pottery workshop, which is possibly set deep into the hillsides. The clay, which comes from the Red River passing through the town, gives life both to the land and to the local economy.
UCHISAR: Uchisar is a troglodyte town situated right in the middle of Cappadocia. It is named after the enormous piece of rock in the center of the town, which was once used as a castle. This extraordinary rock is the highest peak of the area with the view of whole Cappadocia and Erciyes (Argeus) Mountain.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight in a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 8–Rose Valley & Mazıkoy Underground City Tour at 09:30am
You will be picked up from your hotel for Full day tour of South Cappadocia. In this day you will be able to see:
KIZILCUKUR: is an isolated valley behind Urgup. It has beautiful rock formation with some great hidden rock-carved churches. The most interesting part of this area is the countless tracks connecting the small villages and towns through vineyards and gardens like a spider net. It is always possible to see villagers working in the area and offering grapes, apples or apricots to you.
CAVUSIN: One of the oldest settlements in the area, Cavusin is situated 2km from Goreme, on the Göreme-Avanos road. The Church of St.John the Baptist offers a panoramic view of the village. This church and its paintigs date back to the 5th century, making the oldest church in the region. It had a large courtyard which is unusual for Cappadocia, this has been eroded away
however.
MAZIKOY: One of largest and deepest of the 40 others in Cappadocia. They both have eight floors, although not all are open to the public.
PIGEON HOUSE: Visit the pigeon houses and rock formations.
Overnight in a Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 9– Cappadocia to Istanbul
After breakfast you will have free time shoping in Cappadocia. Evening we depart for Kayseri Airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul. Transfer from Kayseri airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10 – Istanbul
BOSPHORUS Boat Cruise A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Çiragan Palace, 300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore. At Ortaköy a great variety of artists gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortaköy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries.
RUMELI FORTRESS Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months to control and protect Bosphorus. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. DOLMABAHCE PALACE The summer residence of ottoman sultans whit its original furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian. BOSPHORUS BRIDGE unique change to step from one continent (Asia) to another ( Europe) CAMLICA HILL the highest point in Istanbul. at the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the Bosphorus from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style. Possibility to see jewellery, handicrafts centre and leatherware show. Free time provided for shopping. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11– Istanbul – End of Tour
After breakfast check out from the hotel. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another tour with us.
What is included
- Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul Ataturk Airport
- Domestic flights from Istanbul to Izmir
- Bus Tıckets from Antalya to Cappadocıa
- Domestic flights from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- All hotels wıth Breakfast
- 1 Full Day Istanbul city tour
- 1 Full Day Istanbul Bosphorus cruise
- 1 Full Day Ephesus tour
- 1 Full Day Pamukkale tour
- 1 Full Day Antalya tour
- 2 Full Day Cappadocia tour
- All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
- Return airport transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Please Note: Hagia Sophia and Dolmabahce Palace closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar closed on Sundays
Not included :
Drinks, tips to guide and driver, personal expenses and optional tours:
Highly Recommended in Cappadocia :
- Hot-Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia: 295 Euros per adult cash payment (no child reduction)
Hot-Air Balloon Watching Photo Tour by Taxi: 60 Euros per person (no child reduction) - Whirling Dervishes Show: 40 Euros per person
- Turkish Night (traditional folk dances, belly dancers, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, 3-course meal, transfer to and from your hotel): 80 Euros per person
- Turkish Baths (Hamam): 80 Euros per person
- Horseriding: 60 Euros per person (1 hour)
- ATV / Quad: 55 Euros (1 hour)
Traditional Arts and Crafts in Turkey - Gifts and Souvenirs from Turkey:
Turkey has a rich history of authentic traditional handicrafts. Most famous Turkish items come from Cappadocia and goods were handmade here and transported along the Silk Road to Istanbul and the coastal areas.
Carpets and kilims: Carpets and kilims from Central Anatolia are world-famous. In Cappadocia, carpets are still handmade on authentic looms using natural dyes for the wool. You can see a free demonstration to see these age-old techniques still in use today.
Ceramic and pottery: Cappadocia has been famous since Hittite times for the beautiful and unique pottery and ceramics. Today, the best of the traditional ceramics and tiles on sale in Istanbul and other major cities are made in Avanos, Cappadocia.
Onyx and semi-precious stones: In Turkey, Cappadocia has the onyx mines where the highest quality onyx is found. Local artisans are experts at making items of jewellery made with precious and semi-precious stones, silver, and 22 and 24 carat gold.
Leather goods: Turkey is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of leather goods. You can find a wide range of quality leather goods in Uchisar, Cappadocia.
Spices: Istanbul Spice Market, once the largest spice trading venue of the medieval world, with its abundant stalls still featuring piles of edible exotics is a definite highlight for anyone exploring Istanbul.
Highly Recommended in Turkiye
- Istanbul Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Yacht - 100 EUR pp
An Istanbul sunset cruise on a yacht is indeed a wonderful way to experience the old city from a unique perspective. With breathtaking views of the city's iconic landmarks bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, it is an unforgettable sight to behold. Admire the stunning panoramic vistas of the famous landmarks of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Maiden's Tower, and Ortakoy Mosque, among others. See Tour Details - Paragliding in Pamukkale - 100 EUR pp
An amazing experience in Pamukkale for adventurers and adrenalin lovers. An exciting, safe and joyful experience of a lifetime.
You will be able to explore the vast beauty of the white Pamukkale terraces and the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis from above. See Tour Details - Paragliding in Fethiye - 125 EUR pp
Paragliding in Fethiye is a unique gift for yourself, loved ones or friends. Get off the ground, see the world from a dizzying height, soar freely like a bird on the rising air currents over the mountains. The location and terrain of the mountains and the scenic beauty of the area have made it one of the centres of world paragliding. See Tour
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