8 Day Wonders of Turkey Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – Airport Transfer & Leisure Time

1. Pass by
   Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), meet your local representative at the international arrivals hall, holding a sign with your booking code. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore independently.

Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul City Tour – Byzantine & Ottoman Highlights

1. Sultanahmet District
   Pass by
   After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s old city.
2. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Explore this architectural marvel that served as a cathedral and mosque for centuries. Marvel at its grand dome, mosaics, and religious significance.
3. Blue Mosque
   30m
   Visit the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and striking blue tiles.
4. 20m
   Walk through the ancient chariot racing arena and see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
5. Topkapi Palace Museum
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the opulent palace of the Ottoman sultans and explore its treasury, courtyards, and optional Harem section.
6. Grand Bazaar
   1h
   Discover one of the world’s oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, leather goods, and more.
7. Sultanahmet District
   Pass by
   Tour ends around 5:00 PM with drop-off back at your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3: Morning Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia

1. Bosphorus Strait
   Pass by
   After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 AM to join a guided Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise tour.
2. 30m
   Stroll through the fragrant spice and food market near the Galata Bridge.
3. Bosphorus Strait
   1h 15m · Admission ticket included
   Sail along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy views of Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Ottoman-era mansions. (1.5 hours) Return to your hotel around 12:15 PM.
4. Pass by
   Then, collect your luggage and transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) for your evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.
5. Pass by
   Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel in Ürgüp for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 4: Magical North Cappadocia Tour – Fairy Chimneys & Ancient Valleys

1. Urgup
   Pass by
   After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your cave hotel at around 9:30 AM to begin a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia.
2. Devrent Valley
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Wander through Devrent Valley, famous for its surreal rock formations shaped like animals and objects. Let your imagination roam as you capture whimsical photos in this naturally sculpted landscape.
3. Pasabag Vadisi
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Explore Pasabag’s stunning fairy chimneys, with their mushroom-shaped rock caps. Learn about the hermits who once lived inside these formations, adding a touch of mystique to the scenery.
4. Avanos
   1h
   Visit the riverside town of Avanos, known for its red clay pottery traditions dating back to the Hittite era. Watch a pottery demonstration and learn about ancient techniques still in use today.
5. Zelve Open Air Museum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Step into the ancient Zelve Monastery complex, home to centuries-old cave dwellings, churches, and tunnels. This site offers a vivid glimpse into monastic life in early Cappadocia.
6. Uchisar Castle
   15m
   Stop for panoramic views of Cappadocia at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region. While interior access is restricted, the outside view is perfect for scenic photography.
7. Urgup
   Pass by
   Around 4:00 PM. Transfer back to hotel. Free time for optional activities or rest. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Underground Cities & Valleys – South Cappadocia Tour + Flight to Izmir via Istanbul

1. Urgup
   Pass by
   Hotel checkout after breakfast. Pickup around 9:30 AM. Full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia.
2. Red Valley
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Explore Red Valley’s dramatic rock formations and red-toned cliffs, especially vibrant in daylight. Discover hidden cave churches while hiking this unforgettable route.
3. Rose Valley
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Enjoy a scenic hike through Rose Valley, admired for its soft pink rock formations and ancient cave chapels. It’s one of the best places to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
4. Cavusin Village
   45m · Admission ticket included
   Wander through the historic village of Cavusin, where abandoned rock-cut homes and churches reflect early Christian architecture and Cappadocia’s timeless charm.
5. Pigeon Valley
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Admire the cliffside dovecotes carved to house pigeons used in farming and messaging. Enjoy expansive valley views and learn about their surprising cultural role.
6. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Descend into the fascinating underground city of either Kaymakli or Ozkonak. These subterranean refuges feature kitchens, cellars, and ventilation shafts used during times of conflict.
7. Pass by
   After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul.
8. Pass by
   Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6: Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Thermal Wonders and Ancient Ruins

1. Pass by
   After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi around 7:30 AM and transferred to the central meeting point in Selçuk. Once the full group has assembled, the tour will depart for Pamukkale at approximately 8:30 AM. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a short restroom break halfway through the journey.
2. 1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Explore the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis with its vast necropolis, grand theater, Roman baths, and ancient gates. Walk along Frontinus Street and see the blend of Greco-Roman architecture.
3. 45m · Admission ticket included
   Marvel at the white calcium terraces formed by thermal springs. Walk barefoot on the mineral-rich formations and take in views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
4. 1h · Admission ticket not included
   Swim among submerged Roman columns in this famous thermal pool, believed to be a gift to Cleopatra. Entry ticket is not included and must be paid on-site.
5. Pass by
   End of tour around 4:00 PM. Return to your hotel in Kusadasi by approximately 7:30 PM. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 7: Ephesus Tour – Flight to Istanbul

1. Kusadasi
   Pass by
   After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kusadasi around 8:30 AM. You will then be picked up by your guide to begin a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey.
2. Ephesus Ancient City
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Walk along the marble-paved streets of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Highlights include the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, and the impressive Great Theater.
3. 30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the peaceful stone house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years. Nestled on a hillside, this sacred site is a place of pilgrimage and quiet reflection.
4. The Temple of Artemis
   15m · Admission ticket included
   View the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little remains today, this site offers insight into Ephesus’ former grandeur and religious importance.
5. Isa Bey Mosque
   30m
   Admire this 14th-century Seljuk mosque, known for its beautiful stonework, marble columns, and large courtyard. A great example of Anatolian Islamic architecture blending multiple styles.
6. Pass by
   At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) for your late evening flight to Istanbul.
7. Pass by
   Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 8: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour

1. Pass by
   After breakfast, check out from your hotel (by 12:00 noon). You will be transferred to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) based on your flight schedule. End of Services

Pickup details

Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), your experience begins with a smooth and secure airport transfer. After clearing passport control and customs, proceed to the arrivals area. If arriving at IST, please go to Exit Door 8, where you will find our representative holding a sign with the code T 34—this code is uniquely assigned to identify our travel agency. You will then be greeted and transferred to your hotel.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness