8 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Pergamon, Ephesus Tour

When your flight arrives at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), we'll be waiting at the international arrivals exit. Look for our team holding a sign with your name. We'll then transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

The afternoon is yours, with no scheduled sightseeing or required walking. You can rest after your flight or take a short walk near your hotel. Bring comfortable shoes if you head out, since Istanbul's sidewalks can be uneven.

For an optional evening out, you can join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show. You'll see the waterfront along the Bosphorus Strait from the water. Dinner and entertainment are part of this optional cruise, which costs extra. Bring a light layer for the breeze on deck.

No meals are included today. If you stay ashore, you can choose a local restaurant for dinner at your own expense. You'll spend the night in Istanbul.

• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Included Meal(s): None

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel at around 8:30 AM to explore Istanbul with your guide and fellow travelers. Your first stop is Hagia Sophia, completed in 537 AD. Look up at its massive dome as your guide explains its Byzantine origins.

Next, you'll visit the Blue Mosque, known for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets. At the Byzantine Hippodrome, you'll stand where chariot races once drew crowds. Expect several hours on your feet throughout the day, with walking between nearby sights. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing covering shoulders and knees; women should bring a headscarf for mosque visits.

You'll then explore Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for centuries. Its courtyards and collections offer a closer look at life in the Ottoman court. We'll stop for lunch in the Old City before continuing to the market.

After lunch, explore the covered lanes of the Grand Bazaar, browsing ceramics, textiles, and other souvenirs. The lanes can get crowded, so keep your belongings close and follow your guide's meeting instructions. Bring water for the walking and time spent waiting outside.

After the tour, we'll transfer you back to your hotel at around 5:00 PM. Your evening is free, with an overnight in Istanbul. You can choose a local restaurant for dinner at your own expense.

• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Your day starts early, with pickup from your Istanbul hotel for your airport transfer. You'll catch an early-morning flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, then transfer to Cappadocia. There, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers to begin your full-day North Cappadocia tour.

First, you'll visit Devrent Valley to see its fairy chimneys and animal-shaped rock formations. Next comes Pasabag Valley, also called Monks Valley, with its mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Expect walking on uneven ground at several stops, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.

We'll then drive to Avanos, a town known for pottery, for lunch. After lunch, you'll explore Zelve Open Air Museum, with caves and ancient churches carved into volcanic rock. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, as exposed paths can get hot.

Your final stop gives you around 15 minutes for photos of Uchisar Castle and the surrounding landscape. You'll view the rock-cut castle from outside; entry to its interior isn't part of this visit. We'll then transfer you to your hotel for check-in and your overnight in Cappadocia.

This evening, you can opt for a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner at an additional cost.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): None

After breakfast, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers at around 9:30 AM, with pickup from your Cappadocia hotel. Your guide will explain the day's route before you set out to explore South Cappadocia. For an earlier start, you can book an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride at an extra cost.

You'll begin at Red Valley, exploring rock-cut churches before hiking approximately 5 km through Rose Valley. Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. The trails can be dusty, and exposed stretches get hot.

Next, you'll visit Cavusin Village, where old cave houses and churches remain cut into the rock. We'll stop for your included lunch around noon, then drive to Pigeon Valley. Look for the pigeon houses carved into the valley's rock faces.

In the afternoon, you'll explore Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. These underground spaces sheltered Christian communities, with rooms connected by narrow passages. Expect steps and low ceilings, which can be uncomfortable if you're sensitive to enclosed spaces.

After the tour, we'll transfer you to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your flight to Izmir through Istanbul. At Izmir airport, a representative will meet you holding a sign with your name. You'll then transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi, where you'll spend the night.

• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel at around 8:00 AM. We'll take you to the meeting point in Selcuk, where you'll first meet your fellow travelers. The drive to Pamukkale starts at 8:30 AM and takes about three hours. After about 1.5 hours, you'll have a 10-minute restroom stop.

You'll arrive at around 11:45 AM and stop for your included lunch before sightseeing. At around 1:00 PM, you'll begin exploring with your licensed guide. Your visit includes Pamukkale's Cotton Cliffs, formed by calcium-rich thermal water depositing minerals across the hillside.

You'll also explore the City of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. Expect substantial walking over uneven ancient paving, with limited shade. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. You'll need to remove your shoes wherever walking on the travertines is permitted.

After the guided visit, you'll have free time to explore on your own. If open during your visit, the Cleopatra Antique Pools offer an optional swim at your own expense. Bring a swimsuit and towel if you'd like to swim. Your guide will confirm the meeting point and time before you head off.

At around 4:00 PM, we'll begin the return transfer to your hotel. You'll arrive at around 7:00 PM for your overnight in Kusadasi. For dinner, you can choose a local restaurant at your own expense.

• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, you'll be picked up from your hotel at around 8:30 AM for Pergamon. You'll explore with your guide and fellow travelers, starting at the hilltop Acropolis of Pergamon.

Here, you'll see the remains of a Hellenistic capital, including its library and royal buildings. Your guide will explain the Altar of Zeus, whose foundations remain here rather than the complete monument. You'll also hear how Pergamon became one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation.

Next, you'll visit the Asclepieion of Pergamon, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asklepios, the god of medicine. Your guide will explain how water, herbal remedies, and dream interpretation formed part of treatment. Lunch is included during the tour, though the menu isn't specified.

Expect walking over uneven ancient paving and slopes, especially at the Acropolis. Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for exposed sections. After the tour, we'll transfer you back to your hotel at around 5:30 PM. You'll spend the night in Kusadasi.

• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, you'll meet your guide and fellow travelers at around 8:30 AM before setting out to explore Ephesus. We'll pick you up from your hotel, and your guide will explain the day's route. First, you'll visit the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Only scattered remains survive, so your guide will help you picture its original scale.

Next, you'll explore the Ephesus Ancient City Ruins, with marble streets, public buildings, and the Library of Celsus. Expect substantial walking over uneven stone, with limited shade and possible crowds. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. After exploring, you'll stop for your included lunch.

After lunch, you'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be where Mary spent her final days. The site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. Then, you'll continue to Isa Bey Mosque, built in 1375. Bring clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, plus a headscarf for women visiting the mosque.

In Sirince Village, you'll have one hour to explore independently, without your guide. This former Greek village has sloping lanes, traditional shops, and local wine production. You can browse the shops or try regional foods and wines at your own expense.

After the tour, we'll transfer you to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. On arrival, our representative will meet you holding a sign with your name. We'll then transfer you to your hotel for your overnight stay in Istanbul.

• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel in Istanbul before 12:00 noon. We'll then transfer you from your hotel to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details.

There are no scheduled sightseeing stops today. Walking is mainly through the airport, where the distance to your gate can be considerable. Wear comfortable shoes, and keep your passport and flight details handy in your carry-on.

END OF OUR SERVICE AND TOURS. Your airport transfer is arranged according to your flight details.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast