7-Day Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale

Day 1: Pickup and transfer to hotel in Istanbul

1. Pass by
   "Upon your arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some free time and an overnight stay in Istanbul."

Day 2: Private Guided Istanbul Old City Walking and Bosporus tour

1. Sultanahmet Square
   40m
   Byzantine Hippodrome and Sultanahmed square: Main center for sports ,entertainment,theathre and events during the Roman and Byzantian Empire period. We will take you The Mysterical Serpentine Column,Egyptian Obelisk and the German fountain of Willhelm II
2. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Meaning of Hagia Sophia is holly wisdom church.Built by Byzantium king I. Justinanus.Converted to a mosque during Ottoman time. Used as a museum almost 75 years nowadays using as a mosque. One of the best and oldest architecture of Istanbul
3. Blue Mosque
   30m
   Sultan Ahmed(Blue Mosque): Blue mosque is one of the most famous Mosque built at Ottoman Sultan Ahmed. It is famous with 6 minaretes and the iznic tiles insight. The blue color Iznic tiles given the name of the mosque.
4. TopkapI Palace
   1h 30m · Admission ticket not included
   Topkapi Palace: Founder by Fatih Sultan Mehmed Han at 1473. Topkapı Palace used almost 380 years as a Empire administrative centre and residential place of Ottoman Sultans and his families. 4000 People used to live insight .Now it s one of the biggest museum in Istanbul.
5. 30m · Admission ticket not included
   Underground Cistern:Bassillica Cistern found by Byzantium King I Justinanus underground of the Constantinapol between the years B:C 526 527. The Cistern builted to meet water needs of the city. Nowadays this underground cistern using for events and as a museum.
6. Grand Bazaar
   1h 30m
   Grand Covered Bazaar: The oldest and most famous biggest antique mall of the World built around 4000 squaremeters land.There are lot of Turkish traditional shops insight as u can find hand made carpets,jewelleries ,antique stuffs ,silk products and spices shops.
7. Bosphorus Strait
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Bosphorus Strait (also called the Bosporus) is a natural waterway that divides Istanbul and separates the continents of Europe and Asia. It connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and is one of the busiest and most strategic maritime passages in the world. The Bosphorus is known for its stunning scenery, with historic landmarks, beautiful waterfront homes, and iconic bridges such as the Bosphorus Bridge (15 July Martyrs Bridge) and the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
8. Istanbul
   Pass by
   "Please note: This is a walking tour, and only a private guide is included. Lunch, entry fees, and any necessary transportation will be paid at your own pace."

Day 3: Fly to Cappadocia And Depart For North Of Cappadocia Tour

1. Istanbul
   2h
   Early in the morning pickup from the hotel that you reside and transfer to the Saw/Ist Airport. Fly to Cappadocia and Depart for the South Cappadocia Tour. End of Tour Overnight in a Cave Hotel
2. Zelve Open Air Museum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Thanks to ancient civilizations and mother nature that leave us such a wonderful landscapes and lightning of historical sides in Cappadocia. Zelve open air museum the best attraction places of Cappadocia to give us a chance to get most visitors and having a lot information about ancient rock cut churches, monasteries' formations and houses.
3. Goreme Panorama
   30m
   Here is the most amazing place to see best view of Cappadocia , refreshment and for sure most wonderful landscape in Cappadocia
4. Fairy Chimneys
   30m
   Visitors to Monks Valley can wander among the towering fairy chimneys, marveling at their intricate shapes and textures. Many of the rock formations are hollowed out, revealing ancient living spaces, chapels, and even remnants of frescoes dating back to the Byzantine period.
   
   Exploring Monks Valley offers a glimpse into the geological wonders and rich history of Cappadocia. The surreal beauty of the landscape, coupled with its cultural significance, makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the mystique of this extraordinary region.
5. Devrent Valley
   30m
   Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is an extraordinary geological formation located in Cappadocia, Turkey. This captivating valley is famous for its unique rock formations that resemble various shapes, animals, and some objects, sparking the imagination of visitors and earning it the nickname "Imagination Valley."
6. The Three Beauties (Uc Guzeller)
   30m
   "Three Beauties" in English. Uç Güzel, also known as Üç Güzeller, is indeed a notable rock formation located near Ürgüp in Cappadocia, Turkey. This formation consists of three prominent fairy chimneys standing side by side, which have become an iconic symbol of the region.
   
   These three distinct rock formations, with their slender, cone-shaped structures, are often featured in photographs and postcards showcasing the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Visitors to the area can admire the Three Beauties from various viewpoints, capturing their beauty against the backdrop of the stunning Cappadocian scenery.
7. Avanos
   1h
   Avanos is a city found by Hitites, hosted Roman, Seljuks and Ottoman Empires. This lovely town is 6 km far from Goreme and famous with their traditional kick wheel hand made potteries and ceramics. We would like to share our old traditional way of making potteries on the kick wheel in this town.

Day 4: Optional Hot Air Balloon Riding And North Cappadocia Tour Fly To Ephesus

1. Cappadocia
   7h
   "If you already have a hot air balloon ticket, you will be picked up very early in the morning and taken to your hotel around 8:00 am. If you do not have a balloon flight ticket, you can contact us to book one optionally. After finishing breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up at 10:30 am, and you'll depart for the South of Cappadocia Tour. During the tour, we will visit either Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City (entry fee included), Red Valley, Cavusin Village, Rose Valley, Love Valley, and Uchisar Castle (entry fee at your own pace, and climbing is not recommended), and Pigeon Valley. The tour will conclude around 17:00, and at the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Asr/Nav airport to fly to Ephesus. Upon landing at Izmir airport, our airport representative will welcome you at the exit gate and call your driver to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Ephesus where you'll be staying."
2. Red Valley
   30m
   Exploring Red Valley offers visitors a unique opportunity to hike amidst the towering rock formations, winding pathways, and hidden caves. The valley's trails lead through a labyrinth of stunning geological features, providing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside and fairy chimney rock formations.
3. Cavusin
   30m
   Exploring Cavusin Village allows visitors to wander through narrow streets lined with historic stone houses and dwellings, many of which are still inhabited today. The village's intriguing architecture and labyrinthine alleys provide a sense of stepping back in time, offering an immersive experience in Cappadocia's cultural heritage.
4. Rose Valley
   30m
   Rose Valley, also known as Güllüdere Vadisi in Turkish, is a picturesque valley located in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. This enchanting valley is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, unique rock formations, and vibrant hues, particularly during sunrise and sunset.
   
   The name "Rose Valley" is derived from the rose-colored tints that illuminate the valley's rock formations, creating a captivating sight reminiscent of
5. Uchisar Castle
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Uchisar Castle is a prominent historical landmark located in Uchisar, a town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Perched atop a tall volcanic rock formation, Uchisar Castle is one of the tallest fairy chimney rock formations in the region and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
   
   Originally carved out by ancient civilizations thousands of years ago, Uchisar Castle served various purposes throughout its history, including as a fortress and a place of refuge during times of conflict. The castle's strategic location made it an important defensive stronghold for the region.
6. Pigeon Valley
   30m
   Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia, Turkey, is one of the region's most iconic and picturesque destinations. Situated near the town of Göreme, Pigeon Valley earned its name from the countless pigeon houses carved into the soft tuff rock formations.
   
   In the past, pigeons played a vital role in the agricultural life of Cappadocia. The locals built these pigeon houses to collect the birds' droppings, which served as valuable fertilizer for their crops. The valley's unique landscape, with its towering rock formations, caves, and lush vegetation, creates a stunning backdrop for hiking, photography, and exploration.
   
   Today, Pigeon Valley is a popular hiking route for visitors to Cappadocia. The trail winds through the valley, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and vineyards. It's an excellent place to immerse oneself in Cappadocia's natural beauty and history while enjoying a peaceful stroll amidst breathtaking scenery.
7. Ozkonak Underground City
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The Özkonak Underground City is one of the many fascinating underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey. It's located near the town of Avanos, in the Nevşehir Province. Like other underground cities in the region, Özkonak was carved into the soft volcanic rock over centuries by early inhabitants seeking refuge from invaders, harsh weather conditions, and persecution.
8. Izmir
   Pass by
   Following the conclusion of your tour, seamless transfer arrangements will be made for your journey to the airport, where you'll board your flight bound for Izmir(Ephesus). Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and personally escorted to your hotel in Izmir.

Day 5: Full Day Ephesus Tour

1. Ephesus Ancient City
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Ephesus was an ancient city used as port for many civilizations. The ancient city was very important for christians community becouse its mentioned as one of the Seven Churhes in the book of Revelation is here. You will also see The Library of Celsus, The Temple of Hadrian,Anfie Theater and many mores..
2. Ephesus Ancient City
   20m · Admission ticket included
   The Celcius Library: It s an ancient Roman constructer insight Ephesus. The Celcius library is one of the unique remaining library from the Romans.
3. The House of the Virgin Mary
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Virgin Marry House: It is located on Bulbul Mountain and 9 km far from Selcuk Town. Saint John brought Virgin Marry 6 years after Jesus Death. As we knew from history Virgin Marry spend her last days of her life in this house.
4. The Temple of Artemis
   30m
   The temple is one of the seven wonders of the World. This biggest temple was founded by Lydia King Croesus
5. Harbour Gymnasium
   30m
   Ancient Harbor and Hamam: The hamam is located South of Virgin Marry house and now it s like a small lake and Turkish Goverment has planing to make it functional again.

Day 6: Depart For Full Day Pamukkale Tour & Fly Back To Istanbul

1. Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi
   1h · Admission ticket included
   It s an ancient city of Greek and now it s converted to a museum. This area has ben visiting for thermal springs since the time of Ancient Greeks. It was added Unesco Heritage site in 1988
2. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The meaning of Pamukkale is Cotton Castle. It gots this name becouse of the apperance. Its a natural site in Denizli.Pamukkale is famous for a carbonate minarel left by the flowing thermal spring water and healing skins disaese.
3. Cleopatra Pools
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   It s stuated above the Pamukkale Travertine and particularly amazing location fed by the same hot springs water and here you can bath and swim . It was built as a pool for Cleopatra.
4. 2h
   "At the end of your tour, you will take a flight from Denizli Airport to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our team will greet you at Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST) and transfer you to your hotel."

Day 7: End of the Days Back to Home

1. Istanbul
   2h
   "End of the days, we will arrange your transfer to the airport based on your international flight schedule." Please inform us if you would like to extend your staying in Istanbul so based on your schedule we can arrange your airport transfer for an another day

Pickup details

"Pickup and drop-off services are available from Airbnb locations, hotels, ports, airports, and other areas within Istanbul. If your location is not listed, please specify your address by sending us an email."

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Flight tickets are economy class for all options, with 15 kg check-in luggage and 8 kg hand baggage allowance for each domestic flight. If you require additional baggage allowance, please contact us directly.
• The balloon ride is available as an optional activity and is not included in the price for all options. Balloon flight ticket prices vary based on season and demand. For accurate information, please specify your request in the special requests section when booking this tour. We will promptly contact you to provide the latest details
• Please note that hot air balloon flights require optimum weather conditions. All flights are subject to cancellation by the Civil Aviation Authority at any time, and there is no right to object to these decisions. Safety is paramount, and decisions made for flight safety reasons are final. While Cappadocia offers rich historical experiences beyond balloon flights, we advise considering the possibility of flight cancellations if your visit is solely for this activity
• The package prices are based on accommodation in standard double or triple rooms. If you prefer a single room, a supplement cost will apply. Please inquire about the single room supplement cost when booking.
• Supplier will send your domestic flight tickets two days before of your departure date
• If your balloon flight ticket reservation with us is canceled due to weather conditions, you will receive a full refund
• Pick-up service is available from various hotels in Istanbul.
• This tour/activity offers two options: a small group tour with a maximum of 15 people and a private tour exclusive to your group
• We may adjust the pickup time based on the flight schedule to ensure you can join the tours in Cappadocia
• "We might change the route of the plan and the accommodations between cities based on direct flight tickets from/to Ephesus and Cappadocia."