Day 1: Upon your arrival at the Istanbul airport, you will be greeted by a driver at the terminal’s exit gate who will provide a private transfer to your pre-booked hotel in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. The first day of your trip is designed to give you some time to rest and explore the area around your hotel, with no professional tours planned. This is an ideal opportunity to acquaint yourself with your surroundings and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Day 2: Following breakfast at your hotel, your knowledgeable guide will meet you in the lobby to begin a full day walking tour of Istanbul’s old city. You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city, with visits to some of its most iconic sites.
Your first stop is the stunning Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. This magnificent mosque is famous for its striking blue tiles and impressive architecture, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul. Your guide will take you inside, where you can marvel at the beautiful mosaics and intricate details.
Next, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the impressive Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans. This sprawling complex is a true masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and design, with its ornate courtyards, lush gardens, and fascinating museums. Your guide will take you through the palace’s many rooms and halls, giving you an in-depth look at its rich history and cultural significance.
After the palace, you’ll visit the breathtaking Hagia Sophia museum, one of the most important landmarks in Istanbul. This stunning Byzantine masterpiece was once a church, then a mosque, and is now a museum. Your guide will take you through the museum’s many galleries, showcasing the impressive collection of artifacts and artwork.
After an exciting morning of sightseeing, you’ll take a break for lunch at a restaurant of your choice, where you can sample some of Istanbul’s delicious cuisine.
In the afternoon, your tour continues with a visit to the ancient covered street market known as the Grand Bazaar. This bustling market is a shopper’s paradise, with hundreds of stalls selling everything from colorful textiles to handmade jewelry. Your guide will help you navigate the maze of shops and stalls, giving you insider tips on bargaining and finding the best deals.
At the end of the tour, your guide will assist you with a walk back to your hotel, providing you with more insights and recommendations for your time in Istanbul.
On Day 3, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure from Istanbul to Izmir, where you’ll experience one of the most iconic sites of the ancient world: Ephesus.
Your day begins with an early morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir, arranged after your reservation of this package. Your driver will be waiting for you at Izmir airport to take you on a private transfer to the start location of your Ephesus tour.
Upon arrival, your expert private guide will accompany you on a full day visit and sightseeing tour of the ancient city of Ephesus. You’ll get to explore the magnificent ruins of this once-thriving metropolis, walking in the footsteps of the Greeks, Romans, and early Christians who called it home.
Your guide will take you to see some of the most important landmarks in the city, including the impressive Celsus Library, a striking example of Roman architecture and design. You’ll also get to visit and see the Temple of Hadrian, an imposing structure built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Next, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Great Theater, a massive amphitheater that once held up to 25,000 spectators for public performances and ceremonies. You’ll be able to imagine the excitement and drama of ancient performances that took place on this stage.
After that, you’ll view the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your guide will tell you about the fascinating history of this temple and its significance in the ancient world.
Finally, you’ll visit and enter the House of Virgin Mary, a humble stone dwelling believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. This site is a place of pilgrimage for many Christians, and your guide will give you insights into its spiritual significance and historical importance.
At the end of the Ephesus tour, your driver will take you to your pre-booked hotel room for an overnight stay. This will be a day you won’t forget, filled with ancient history, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance.
Day 4: After breakfast at your hotel, you will embark on a journey to the stunning natural wonder of Pamukkale. Your private vehicle and driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic drive to this breathtaking destination.
Upon arrival, your private guide will accompany you on a full day tour of Pamukkale’s must-see attractions. You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will witness the impressive ruins of ancient baths, temples, and monumental gates. You will also see the Necropolis, a vast cemetery that features unique sarcophagi, including the Sarcophagus of Marcus Aurelius.
Next, you’ll have a chance to stay and swim at Pamukkale, the “cotton castle.” Here, you’ll witness the natural thermal pools and cascading white terraces that form an otherworldly landscape. To fully indulge in this experience, you can rent a private bathing room on-site.
In addition, you’ll visit the Cleopatra Swimming Pool, which is believed to have been a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra. It’s a perfect place to cool off and enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters.
After a full day of exploring Pamukkale, you’ll head back to your pre-booked hotel room for a comfortable overnight stay.
Day 5: Your day will start with a comfortable and scenic private vehicle transfer to Cappadocia, with a short break at the picturesque Salda River. The journey will take approximately 6 hours, giving you ample time to admire the stunning landscapes en route. Upon arrival, you’ll check-in to your pre-booked hotel room, where you will stay for the first night of your Cappadocia visit.
Cappadocia, located in the heart of Türkiye, is a captivating region famous for its unique geological formations and fairy chimneys. The area is also home to numerous underground cities, rock-cut churches and monasteries, and breathtaking valleys, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
During your stay in Cappadocia, you will have the opportunity to explore the most remarkable attractions of the region with your private guide. The following days will be full of exciting tours to different sites, each with its own unique charm and significance.
Day 6: After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will meet you in the lobby to begin your full-day tour of northern Cappadocia. You’ll start by walking around and taking in the panoramic view of the iconic Uchisar Castle, a towering structure that was carved out of a natural rock formation and used as a fortress in ancient times.
Next, you’ll visit Pasabag Museum, also known as the Monks Valley, where you’ll find some of the most unique and interesting fairy chimneys in Cappadocia. These mushroom-shaped rock formations were formed by volcanic eruptions and have been shaped over time by the forces of wind and water.
Afterwards, you’ll explore Dervent Valley, where you’ll see some of the most impressive and surreal rock formations in Cappadocia. This valley is also known as “Imagination Valley” because of the strange shapes and figures that the rocks seem to form, such as the “camel” and “mushroom” rocks.
You’ll then visit Avanos Town, famous for its pottery-making tradition that dates back to the Hittite period. Here, you’ll observe local experts create handmade pottery using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. You’ll also have a chance to shop for rare and valuable handmade products that are unique to this region.
At the end of your tour, your guide and driver will drive you back to your hotel for a second overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 7: On your second day in Cappadocia, your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel for a full day tour of the following sites:
Enjoy the panoramic view of the Goreme valley from the Goreme Panorama viewpoint
Explore the underground city of Cappadocia, an ancient network of tunnels and rooms that served as a refuge during times of war
Visit the historic Greek village of Ortahisar and learn about its unique architecture and cultural significance
Take in the stunning views of Pigeon Valley, named for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs
Visit the Kaledibi Monastery, a historic site that showcases the religious and cultural heritage of the region.
At the end of your Cappadocia tour, your guide and driver will provide a private transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival at Istanbul airport, your driver will be waiting to escort you to your pre-booked hotel in Istanbul via private transfer.
Day 8: On the final day of your stay in Istanbul, you will have the day free to explore the city at your own leisure. Take a stroll through the winding streets of the city, indulge in some shopping, or relax in one of the city’s many cafes. Your private transfer to the airport will be arranged according to the timing of your international flight ticket, ensuring that you have plenty of time to make your way to the airport for your departure
