8-Day Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul | Small Group of 12 Pax | Meals Included

Upon arrival at Istanbul / SAW Airport, you will be greeted and drives to your hotel. Check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Your first stop is the Hagia Sophia. Upon its completion, it was the largest building on Earth, rivaled only by structures like the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Wall of China. It served as the religious center of the city throughout the Byzantine period. Next, visit Topkapı Palace. This palace was not only the imperial residence of the Sultan but also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire, housing its rulers for nearly 400 years. The tour continues to the Hippodrome, built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD. During the Roman period, this was the civic center of the city, capable of holding up to 100,000 spectators. Afterwards, you will see the Blue Mosque, built by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I and completed in 1616. Today, it remains one of the most iconic landmarks of the old city, famous for its six minarets and magnificent dome. Finally, explore the Grand Bazaar. With its 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops, it is one of the greatest marketplaces in the world. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel for your overnight stay in Istanbul.

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, and leave your luggage at the lobby. According to your pick-up time meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit the Spice Bazaar, which was called the Egyptian Bazaar during the Ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought from Egypt and Asia. Next, cruise on the Bosphorus, where you will enjoy a magnificent view of both history and nature. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. After the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. Take your luggage and head to the airport for your 1 hour 15-minute domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver, who will take you safely to your hotel for check-in.Overnight in Kusadasi.

According to your tour pick-up time, meet your guide and start your full-day tour. First, visit Pamukkale, the "Pools of Heaven on Earth." Pamukkale has long been a popular settlement where hot springs were believed to have healing powers, making it considered the earliest spa on earth, where people historically traveled long distances in search of a cure. The unique terraces were formed by running warm spring water at a temperature of 35°C, containing calcium bicarbonate. Today, Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which contains the largest necropolis in Anatolia, with 1,200 gravestones. One of the highlights of the site is the Sacred Pool, where shallow thermal waters ripple over a scattering of ancient Roman ruins beneath the surface. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Upon breakfast at the hotel, check out. According to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. First, visit The House of the Virgin Mary, where a church was built in the 6th century AD on top of the foundations of a 1st-century AD house. The church has been declared by the church as the final house where Mary spent her last days. Next, continue to Ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city on the planet, after Rome, with more than 250,000 citizens. Ephesus is so well-preserved that walking on its ancient streets, among the beautiful monuments like the third-largest library of the ancient world or the largest Roman theater on the Asian continent, will make you feel like a time traveler. Then, visit the Temple of Artemis (or Artemision), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was famous in antiquity, making Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage site. After the tour, you'll be driven to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver, who will take you safely to your hotel. Check-in and overnight in Cappadocia.

According to your tour pick-up time, meet your guide and begin your full-day tour. First, explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum, which consists of many rock-cut churches from the second half of the 9th century, adorned with beautiful, colorful frescoes on the walls. Then, visit Devrent Valley, renowned for its quirky, animal-shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo created by nature itself. One of the most remarkable formations is a rock pillar that resembles the Virgin Mary holding Jesus Christ. Take in the unique lunar landscape of the valley and feel as though you've entered another world. Following that, head to Pasabagi, also known as Monks Valley. "Pasabagi" means "Pacha's Vineyard." The hermitage of the Simeon monks was here, and a chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon) along with a hermit's shelter are carved into one of the fairy chimneys with three heads. Pasabagi contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, featuring twin and even triple rock caps. This style is unique to the region, and these fairy chimneys are commonly referred to as "mushroom-shaped." Afterwards, visit Avanos, where you will enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and experience pottery-making with local experts. Following lunch, continue to Goreme Panorama, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the fairy chimneys. Next, proceed to Uchisar, where the natural Uchisar Rock Castle provides a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area. At the end of the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Upon breakfast at the hotel, check out. According to your tour pick-up time, meet your guide and begin your full-day tour.
First, visit Rose and Red Valley, an incredibly unique area of Cappadocia with sharp ridges, tinted in pink, especially during sunset. The minerals in the sandstone give it a pink tinge, which becomes more evident as the day progresses, peaking at sunset when the sun directly shines on the valley, giving it that beautiful shade of pink that attracts many visitors.
Following that, head to Cavusin, a village surrounded by a valley that gradually widens, known as Red Valley. The houses here are carved into massive rock formations, and the village is renowned for its rock churches.
Proceeding on, explore Pigeon Valley, which gets its name from the countless man-made dovecotes (pigeon houses) carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Pigeon Valley is one of the best spots for walking in the beautiful Cappadocia region.
Afterward, visit the Underground Cities, once a refuge for 15,000 Christians. These settlements played a significant role in the development of Christianity, as they provided shelter and a place of worship, remaining in use until the end of the 7th century AD. Discover the ancient bedrooms, church, meeting hall, and food storage rooms in this eight-story city, connected by 30 km of corridors and passageways.
The tour continues with a visit to Ortahisar, a charming town famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets, and lovely churches, as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named.
At the end of the tour, you will be driven to Kayseri Airport for your 1 hour 30-minute domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, your driver will greet you and take you safely to your hotel. Check-in and overnight in Istanbul.

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and according to your flight time drive you to Istanbul Airport. End of our service.