Best Turkey 8-Day Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus

Day 1: Istanbul

1. Istanbul
   4h
   Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel from the airport in Istanbul today.

Day 2: Istanbul, Cappadocia

1. Cappadocia
   12h
   After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
   This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transfrred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.

Day 3: Goreme Open-Air Museum

1. Goreme National Park
   6h · Admission ticket included
   Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers... a night you won't forget!

Day 4: Konya

1. Mevlana Muzesi
   8h · Admission ticket included
   We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.

Day 5: Pamukkale

1. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
   7h · Admission ticket included
   Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.

Day 6: Laodicea, Kusadasi

1. Laodicea
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Day 7: Ephesus, Istanbul

1. Ephesus Ancient City
   8h · Admission ticket included
   Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before exploring the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Day 8: Istanbul Airport

1. Istanbul
   2h
   After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends before being transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Single Supplement is available for this tour (310 euro additional).
• Deluxe Room at Adem Pira Hotel in Pamukkale.
• The optional half day Spice Bazaar and Bosphorous tour starts at 13:00. If flying into Istanbul on this day ensure you have left enough time to clear the airport, transfer to your hotel, check-in and be ready at reception before 13:00. We recommend considering an extra night in Istanbul beforehand.