Highlights
- Istanbul Exploration - Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Istanbul, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
- Cappadocia's Unique Landscapes - Experience the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, renowned for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and the opportunity for an optional hot air balloon ride.
- Ancient Ephesus - Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, and visit the revered House of the Virgin Mary.
- Pamukkale's Thermal Pools - Relax in the natural thermal pools of Pamukkale, known for their striking white travertine terraces, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Inclusions
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Accommodations with breakfasts specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flight tickets included (The luggage allowance is 15 kg for check-in & 8 kg for hand bag per person.)
- Tour pick-up and drop-off services
- Expert-guided tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus led by professional English speaking guides
- Lunches on the tours
- Entry fees for all attractions in the itinerary
- Costs for parking, fuel, tolls, and bridge crossings
- Inclusive of local taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- Personal expenses not covered by the tour
- Beverages during lunches
- Dinners
- Entry fee to the Cleopatra Antique Pool in Pamukkale
- Optional tours and excursions
- Additional activities like the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
Remarks
- The exact pickup time will be confirmed upon booking.
- Please arrive at the designated pickup location 15 minutes before the scheduled time.
- It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, as shade is minimal during summer.
- The tour itinerary may be adjusted to avoid crowding at popular spots.
- Notify us in advance if you wish to participate in a hot air balloon flight.
- If there is no direct flights between Cappadocia and Izmir on your travel dates, a connecting flight via Istanbul will be arranged.
10-Day Tour of Turkiye’s Top Highlights
Day 1 – Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul Airport and meet our travel team. Transfer to your hotel and check in.
Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul Historical Walking Tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
Join your local guide and other participants for a full-day historical tour.
Visits Include:
- Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, once a church, then a mosque, and now a museum.
- Blue Mosque: Known for its stunning blue-tiled interior and six minarets.
- Hippodrome: The ancient center of chariot races and political activities.
- Topkapi Palace: The opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.
Return to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 3 – Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM – Start a guided sightseeing tour covering:
- Byzantine City Walls: The historic defensive walls of Constantinople.
- Golden Horn: A natural harbor that played a significant role in the city’s development.
- Spice Bazaar: A vibrant market with exotic spices, sweets, and local products.
- Boat cruise on the Bosphorus: Enjoy stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and mansions as you sail between Europe and Asia.
The tour concludes in Sultanahmet, leaving the afternoon free.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 4 – Fly to Cappadocia & North Cappadocia Tour
Additional activity 1: Hot air balloon flight is highly recommended; however, please note that the cost of the balloon tour is not included in this package. You can add it through the extra activities section when making your reservation.
Additional activity 2: To capture breathtaking photos with hot air balloons, join a Cappadocia hot air balloon watching tour.
04:00 AM – Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. (The pick-up time can change according to your flight time.)
07:00 AM – Fly to Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport according to the availability. (The departure time can change according to the tour date and availability.)
08:30 AM – Upon arrival, transfer to Cappadocia’s city center.
Begin a guided tour of North Cappadocia, visiting:
- Devrent Valley: Famous for its unique fairy chimney formations resembling animals.
- Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Known for its impressive mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
- Avanos: A charming town renowned for its traditional pottery-making.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: A fascinating historical and religious site with ancient cave dwellings and churches.
- Uchisar Castle: A natural rock fortress offering panoramic views of the region.
Transfer to your hotel after the tour.
Overnight: Cappadocia.
Day 5 – South Cappadocia Tour
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:30 AM – Meet your guide for a full-day South Cappadocia tour.
Highlights Include:
- Ozkonak Underground City: An intricate underground city used for shelter and defense.
- Red Valley: A picturesque valley with stunning red rock formations.
- Cavusin Village: Known for its ancient rock-cut churches and houses.
- Ortahisar: A quaint town with a towering rock castle in its center.
- Pigeon Valley: Famous for its dovecotes carved into the cliffs.
Return to your hotel after the tour.
Overnight: Cappadocia.
Day 6 – Cappadocia to Izmir by Flight
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Free time before your transfer to the airport.
Fly to Izmir and meet your travel team upon arrival. (The flight time will be given to you after your booking. Please let us know if you want to check in advance.)
Then, we will transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk.
Overnight: Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Day 7 – Pamukkale Tour
Breakfast at the hotel. Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Pamukkale.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Begin your guided tour, including:
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ancient ruins, including the theater and necropolis.
- Famous Calcium Terraces: Marvel at the natural white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.
- Optional swim in the antique thermal pool (additional fee).
Return to Kusadasi after the tour.
Overnight: Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Day 8 – Ancient Ephesus & Virgin Mary House
Breakfast at the hotel.
Start your guided tour, by visiting:
- Ephesus Ancient City: One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, featuring landmarks like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.
- Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Isabey Mosque: A beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.
- Virgin Mary House: A sacred site believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary.
Return to your hotel after the tour.
Overnight: Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Day 9 – Kusadasi – Istanbul
Breakfast and check out from the hotel.
Transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival, meet your travel team and transfer to the hotel.
Free time for the rest of the day.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 10 – Fly Home
Breakfast and check out from the hotel by 12:00 PM.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home. Tour Ends.
Thank you for choosing our 10-day Turkiye Highlights Tour. We hope you had an unforgettable journey filled with cultural discoveries, historical marvels, and breathtaking natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure!
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