DAY 1 Arrival Airport Transfer Istanbul
You will be picked from Istanbul Airport and taken to your hotel. Today there is no scheduled activity, you will meet with our guide next day at 09:30 AM
DAY 2 Highlights of Istanbul – Flight Cappadocia
Today you will check-out hotel and discover highlights of Istanbul, and then you will take flight to Cappadocia.
09:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up: Meet with your guide and begin your journey through Istanbul’s rich Ottoman and Byzantine history.
10:00 AM – Topkapi Palace (Optional): Discover the former residence of Ottoman sultans, with its intricate architecture and artifacts. (Optional, as per schedule and entrance tickets)
11:30 AM – Blue Mosque: Step inside this architectural gem and admire its serene beauty and iconic blue tiles.
12:00 PM – Hippodrome: Walk through the ancient Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine chariot races, with historical monuments and obelisks.
1:00 PM – Lunch Break (Optional): Enjoy a break for lunch at a local restaurant (cost not included).
2:00 PM – Hagia Sophia (Optional): Explore the iconic Hagia Sophia, a blend of Byzantine and Islamic art and architecture. (Optional, based on schedule and ticket availability)
3:30 PM – Grand Bazaar: Get lost in the vibrant maze of the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for Turkish treasures and souvenirs.
5:00 PM – Bosphorus Cruise: End the day with a scenic Bosphorus cruise, witnessing the beautiful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shores.
6:30 PM – Transfer to Istanbul Airport: After the cruise, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Upon arrival in Cappadocia, transfer to your Cave Hotel for a restful night. Breakfast is included.
Optional Morning Activity: For early risers, experience an optional hot air balloon tour over Cappadocia’s breathtaking landscapes at sunrise (additional cost).
Your tour typically starts around 09:00 and concludes by 16:00 at the latest.
Highlights of the day:
Goreme Esentepe – Panoramic View: Our journey begins at the Esentepe viewpoint, a breathtaking panoramic spot between Uçhisar and Göreme. From here, you’ll take in stunning views of the unique Cappadocian landscape, including the fairy chimneys and the charming town of Esentepe.
Zelve Open-Air Museum: Next, we visit the Zelve Open-Air Museum, an extraordinary site that once served as a monastic and Christian learning center. This historical area features ancient monasteries, churches, and chapels adorned with beautifully preserved frescoes, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich past.
Pasabag (Monks Valley): Our tour continues to Paşabağ, also known as Monks Valley, famous for its iconic three-headed fairy chimneys. The valley, often called “Pasha’s Vineyard,” boasts some of the most striking rock formations in Cappadocia, creating an otherworldly landscape.
Devrent Valley: A short drive takes us to Devrent Valley, renowned for its surreal rock formations that resemble a lunar landscape. The small, pointed fairy chimneys here create an imaginative setting, with some formations resembling animals and mythical creatures.
Avanos Pottery Workshop: We then visit the charming town of Avanos, a hub of pottery-making since 3000 BC. The town is known for its skilled artisans who use clay from the Red River to create beautiful ceramic pieces. Visitors will have the chance to see a traditional pottery workshop and witness the craftsmanship firsthand.
Love Valley: Our final stop is the extraordinary Love Valley, where erosion over millions of years has shaped towering rock formations, some reaching up to 40 meters. This dramatic landscape features cone-shaped pillars, pinnacles, and fairy chimneys, making it one of the most unusual and photogenic spots in Cappadocia.
Arrival at Your Cave Hotel: End the day with a relaxing evening in your cave hotel, with breakfast included for the next day.
DAY 4 Flight to Izmir & Ephesus Tour
Today you will “hotel check-out” and then take a flight to Izmir.
#Some days there might no direct flights between Cappadocia/Izmir , so flights would be connected flight with 1 stop over.
Embark on an early morning adventure starting with hotel pick-up at 05:00 AM. Catch an 08:00 AM flight to Izmir, a quick one-hour journey. Upon arrival, we will whisk you away directly to Ephesus, where you’ll step foot at the Magnesia Gate of the Ephesus Ancient City around 10:30 AM.
Highlights of the tour include:
Library of Celsus: Marvel at the grandeur of this ancient library, known for its striking facade and intricate architectural details.
Temple of Hadrian: Explore the impressive ruins of this well-preserved temple dedicated to the Roman emperor Hadrian.
Hercules Gate: Pass through the monumental Hercules Gate, an entrance adorned with impressive reliefs and sculptures.
Grand Theatre: Be awestruck by the sheer size and magnificence of the Grand Theatre, which once accommodated thousands of spectators.
The Snake Cult of Asklepios: Learn about the intriguing ancient snake cult associated with healing and visit the ruins of the Asklepion, an ancient medical center.
Herm (Marker) of Hermes: Admire the stone marker dedicated to the Greek god Hermes, symbolizing travelers and boundaries.
Stone-carving of the goddess Nike: Witness the intricate stone-carving depicting the goddess Nike, a symbol of victory and triumph.
Fountain of Trajan: Discover the ancient fountain dedicated to the Roman emperor Trajan, adorned with ornate sculptures.
Ruins of Artemis Temple: Explore the remnants of the legendary Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
St. Mary’s House (optional): If desired, visit the sacred site believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary spent her final years.
16:00: After the tour, you will be taken to your hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your Kusadasi hotel, prepare for your departure. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, there are no scheduled activities, allowing you flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. However, you have the option to book one of our exciting optional activities for the afternoon.
Choose from a range of experiences, such as:
- Bosphorus Cruise: Embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, taking in breathtaking views of Istanbul’s skyline and iconic landmarks.
- Turkish Cooking Class: Delve into the flavors of Turkish cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Learn how to prepare traditional dishes and indulge in a delicious meal.
- Turkish Bath Experience: Indulge in a rejuvenating Turkish bath experience, complete with a relaxing massage and traditional spa rituals.
- Shopping Excursion: Explore the vibrant markets and bazaars of Istanbul, such as the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, and immerse yourself in the city’s bustling shopping scene.
Or you can enjoy the rest of your day exploring the captivating city of Istanbul, indulging in its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine.
DAY 6 Farewell Istanbul & Turkey
Departure airport transfer and end of our services.
If you like you can add extra nights in Istanbul to extend your stay.