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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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15 - 20
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Airplane & Bus
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Group
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English
Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Turkey’s most iconic destinations. Begin in vibrant Istanbul, explore spiritual Konya, and marvel at the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Continue to the thermal terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Ephesus. This immersive tour blends rich history, stunning landscapes, and authentic Turkish culture.
Highlights:
- Tour Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
- Visit the tomb of Rumi in Konya, a center of Sufi culture.
- Soar over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys in an optional hot air balloon ride (extra cost).
- Relax in the mineral-rich pools of Pamukkale.
- Walk the ancient streets of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus.
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This optional activity offers a magical evening on the Bosphorus, featuring a delightful dinner, live entertainment, and stunning views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks.
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 be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.
First, visit Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.
Next, head to Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.
Continue with a stop at Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life. Here, admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each steeped in historical significance.
After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.
In the afternoon, discover Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan and his family.
Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Explore its lively atmosphere and browse through an array of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore more of Istanbul at your leisure. 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 around 8:30 am, join the Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. Start with a drive to the pier in Eminönü, where you’ll visit the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This vibrant market offers a rich array of spices, herbs, and other Turkish delights.
Next, board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait dividing Europe and Asia. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the impressive Bosphorus Bridge. Admire the centuries-old waterfront mansions, ancient citadels, and the scenic European and Asian shorelines.
After the tour ends around 12:15 pm, you will be dropped back at your hotel to collect your luggage before transferring to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Konya, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy a relaxing evening at your leisure. Overnight in Konya.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Konya: Hilton Garden Inn Konya OR Novotel Konya
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 be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 am to begin your Konya tour. The first stop is the Mevlana Museum, home to the Tomb of Rumi, a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims and admirers of Rumi’s teachings worldwide. Next door, visit the Sultan Selim Mosque, an Ottoman-era structure that stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage.
Following these visits, enjoy lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, where you can savor authentic local dishes.
After lunch, the tour continues with a drive along Mevlana Caddesi, Konya’s main avenue, to Alaettin Hill, a prehistoric tumulus. Here, explore the Alaaddin Mosque, a 1000-year-old structure where Rumi is known to have prayed. In the mosque’s courtyard, see the tombs of many Seljuk Turkish sultans who ruled during Rumi’s lifetime and sought his spiritual guidance.
Descending the north side of Alaettin Hill, pass the remains of the Seljuk sultan’s palace and admire the elaborate portal of the medieval Great Karatay Medrese, a renowned theological college. The tour concludes with a visit to the Mosque and Tomb of Shams-i Tabrizi, Rumi’s closest companion and spiritual mentor, whose bond inspired many of Rumi’s poetic works.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the Konya bus station, where you will board the intercity coach to Cappadocia (approximately 3.5 hours). Upon arrival at the Goreme bus station in Cappadocia, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. 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 unforgettable experience, consider starting your day with an early morning hot air balloon ride. Soar above Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys to enjoy breathtaking aerial views. Please note this optional activity is available at an additional cost.
After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day North Cappadocia Tour.
The tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, known for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations resembling animals. Next, you will explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to stunning mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Following this, you will continue to the charming town of Avanos, famous for its pottery and ceramics, where you will enjoy a lunch break and have time to admire the town’s artistic heritage.
In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum, which offers insight into the region’s monastic history, showcasing rock-carved caves, ancient churches, and traces of early Christian life. The final stop is a panoramic viewpoint near Uchisar Castle. You will have time to take stunning photos of this iconic rock fortress before returning to your hotel.
After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.
For the evening, you may choose to join additional activities such as a 2-hour ATV tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, a 2-hour horseback riding tour to experience the stunning landscape up close, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show to witness the mesmerizing Sufi tradition. Alternatively, you can opt for a Turkish Night show with dinner, featuring live music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. These activities are available at an extra cost. 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 approximately 9:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up for a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia. After a briefing on the day’s activities, the tour begins with a visit to Red Valley, where you’ll explore its famous rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), known for its stunning natural beauty.
Next, head to Cavusin Village, a historic settlement featuring ancient houses and churches that once served as homes for Christian clergymen. Around noon, take a break to enjoy a local lunch.
After lunch, continue to Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), famous for its breathtaking landscapes and pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Later in the afternoon, explore an underground city, either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, which provided shelter for early Christians during times of persecution.
After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your leisure. 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, check out of your hotel in Cappadocia. You will be picked up and transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Izmir, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. 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 around 7:30 am, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk to join the full group. The journey to Pamukkale will begin at approximately 8:30 am, with a 3-hour drive. There will be a 10-minute stop for a restroom break halfway through the trip, around 1.5 hours into the drive.
Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 11:45 am, the group will first enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, around 1:00 pm, the guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis will begin with a professional licensed tour guide.
In Pamukkale, you will explore the spectacular Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by deposits of calcareous salts, creating dazzling white terraces. You’ll also visit the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city. Highlights include the basilica, the Theatre, and the Roman Baths.
At the end of the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to explore the area on your own. During this time, you may opt to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (optional and at your own expense). Your guide will inform you about the exact meeting point and time.
After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
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, check out from your hotel. Around 8:30 am, you’ll be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities and a former Greek port and cultural hub.
Start with a walk along Curetes Street, Ephesus’s main avenue leading to its most remarkable landmarks. The first stop is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure featuring intricate reliefs that depict the city’s founding myths. Next, visit the Great Theater, a magnificent amphitheater that seated up to 25,000 people. Known for its exceptional acoustics, it hosted dramas, gatherings, and gladiatorial contests.
Continue to the Trajan Fountain, a decorative monument showcasing the city’s advanced water supply system.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Nestled on a hillside, this modest stone house is believed to have been Mary’s final residence. It remains a pilgrimage site and a peaceful place for reflection.
Next, stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain, the site reflects the grandeur and historical significance of ancient Ephesus.
Conclude the tour with a visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning 14th-century Seljuk structure featuring a tranquil courtyard and intricate tile work.
After the tour, you will be taken to Izmir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will meet our representative, who will transfer you 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, check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out time is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights and bus tickets as per the itinerary.
- English-speaking guide during the tours.
- 3 nights in Istanbul at a special-class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
- 1 night in Konya at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
- 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
- 2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
- Meals as per the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
- Entrance fees mentioned 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 explicitly mentioned in the program.
- Drinks and dinner.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
Important Information:
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described in the program will take place.
- This is a regular group tour, but it can be provided as a private tour upon request at an additional cost.
- Regular group tours include shopping stops as part of the itinerary.
- Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking.
- The Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays due to religious prayer services. On these days, only the outside area of the Blue Mosque can be visited.
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
- The sequence of the daily tours within the itinerary may vary depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets, the opening/closing times of various historical sites, and other logistical considerations.
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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