Istanbul – Cappodocia – Ephesus 7 Days

Our representative will meet you at Istanbul Airport holding a sign with your name on it and transfer you to your Istanbul hotel. You are free for the rest of the day. You may explore the streets of Istanbul at your own will. Accommodation in Istanbul. 

Meet at your hotel lobby at 10:00 to start the day’s tour. We will begin by visiting the Saint Sophia Museum, originally built as a church by the emperor Justinian in 532-537. It was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period before becoming a museum. Our next destination will be the Topkapı Palace, which functioned as the administrative hub of the Ottoman Empire for more than 400 years, spanning from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Moreover, it was also the place of residence for the Sultans and their families. The exhibit showcases an exceptional array of treasures from the Ottoman Imperial Treasury, including precious jewels, diamond-encrusted daggers and swords, war armor, exquisite silver items, and Chinese porcelain. Visitors can also admire the opulent attire of sultans and their family members and sacred relics such as the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak, Hırka-i Sherif.Please note that the Treasury and Harem sections are included in the program After the lunch break (excluded) at a local restaurant, we’ll stroll around the Hippodrome Square, where horse races, entertainment, sports, and political activities were held during the Roman and Byzantine periods. During our walk, we’ll see the Serpent Column from Delphi in Greece, the Egyptian Obelisk from Egypt, the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, and the tombs of Ottoman sultans and princes. Afterward, we will be touring the Blue Mosque, also identified as the Sultanahmet Mosque, which was constructed from 1609-1617 and recognized for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its name.

Meet at your hotel lobby at 9:30 to start the day’s tour.We will begin exploring the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and most expansive enclosed bazaar worldwide, consisting of 61 covered streets and with over 4000 shops where you can purchase a plethora of items, including carpets, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, garments, bags, decorations, spices, and home textiles.We will stroll Spice Bazaar In the notes of Western historians, this bazaar was described as a place where all kinds of spices are sold in large barrels. During the Ottoman period between the 15th and 20th centuries, only spices were sold here.Today, most of the shops in the bazaar are similar to each other. In a typical Spice Bazaar shop, you can buy Turkish delight, tea leaves, various local nuts, dried fruits, saffron and, of course, spices.After the lunch break (excluded) at a local restaurant Then We continue to Dolmabahçe PalaceThe grand Dolmabahçe Palace was the last and likely most expensive residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. It has 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and six hammams (Turkish baths) and is set along the beautiful waters of the Bosphorus. There are many beautiful furnishings, artworks, and other priceless treasures on display but one of the most spectacular is the 4.5-tonne crystal chandelier hanging in the Grand Ceremonial Hall. It’s the largest chandelier in the world!Private YachtWith private yachts, you can enjoy an exclusive sightseeing experience on the Bosphorus from the private deck of your luxurious yacht on a 2-hour private cruise past some of Istanbul’s most famous sites.You’ll admire the beautiful scenery with 360 degree views from the spacious upper fly-bridge, or enjoy relaxing in comfort on the sun deck or in the comfortable outdoor and indoor lounges.End of the tour and transfer to airportPrivate transfer to the Istanbul Airport for flight CappadociaEnd of transfer stay at Cappadocia

We will start our tour of the day after breakfast at 09:00 am. First, we will visit the Uçhisar Castle, situated at the highest hill of Cappadocia, shaped by flowing volcanic lavas. Next, we will visit the Pigeon Valley and Göreme Open Air Museum which is home to fantastic monasteries and chapels like the Dark Church, Apple Church, Snake Church, and Saint Barbara Church. You will see the sceneries and figures from the Old and New Testaments on well-preserved frescos from the iconoclastic period. Afterward, we will explore the Çavuşin Village, one of the oldest Greek villages of this region, and visit Love Valley, a popular valley for hikers and photographers, to marvel at its tall fairy chimneys and other rock formations.Afterward, we will have lunch in Avanos town, (Excluded) located nearby River Kızılırmak. Here, we will see how world-famous pottery and ceramic are made. You can also join a pottery atelier and learn how to use the traditional kick wheels and buy souvenirs if you like. Next, we will see the Paşabağı Valley. Some of the mushroom-shaped rock formations here are several meters high. Fairy chimneys shaped by erosion for many years were used as houses by various religious groups, therefore it is also known as the Monks Valley. Next, we will visit Devrent Valley, also known as Valley of Dreams, which is famous for its rock formations resembling different animal figures. Mustafapaşa Village, an old Greek town formerly known as Sinasos, where Orthodox Greeks and Turks lived together until 1924. Here, we will observe the local life and see the authentic stone houses built by Sinasos architects.End of the tour and transfer to hotel. Accommodation in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour in early hours of morning between 04.00 am and 05.00 am.After Hot Air Baloon tour you will get back to hotel for breakfast. Our tour will start after breakfast and the first stop of the day will be Afterward, we will visit the Keşlik Monastery. The frescoes inside the monastery will leave you fascinated. After examining these rare murals with our guide, we will continue with our next stop, Şahinefendi (Sobesos) excavation area. In the Şahinefendi Sabesos excavation area, you will see tombs, basilica, mosaic stones, and Roman baths. Afterward, we will visit Kaymaklı Underground City which is believed to be the oldest underground city in Cappadocia. It is estimated that people have been living inside the houses built in the rocks since the Paleolithic Period. However, we know that they were mostly used for protection against Roman, Persian, and Arab attacks. They were also used as storehouses. You will be amazed to see how people lived in these underground cities with endless narrow tunnels and stairs. Finally, you can participate in one of the adventure activities such as ATV Safari or Horseback Riding for 1-3 hours in the afternoon. Accommodation in Cappadocia.After Tour Transfer to Airport for Izmir flight.

You will be greeted at Kusadasi Port or your hotel, based on your accommodation details. Our journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, driving you first to the House of the Virgin Mary, revered as a pilgrimage site by Christians worldwide and situated approximately 5 km away from Ephesus.According to legend, Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. John, journeyed to Ephesus and chose this house to spend her final years. Pope Paul VI blessed and recognized this house as Mary’s own during his visit in 1967.Continuing on, we arrive at the upper gate of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman ancient cities in the Ionian Region, boasting a population of 250,000 at its peak. Our exploration begins with a stroll through the city, spanning approximately 4 km. Some of the major highlights of this trip include:Ephesus Theater: The second-largest amphitheater in the world (after the Colosseum in Italy), renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Saint Paul and numerous priests preached here following the Roman Empire’s approval of Christianity.We stop at local restaurant for lunch ( excluded )Celsus Library: The third-largest library of ancient times, dedicated to the renowned Roman consul Celsus. Prepare to be transported back 2500 years as you marvel at its magnificent architecture, reliefs, and sculptures.Additionally, you’ll encounter numerous remnants from various periods of the Roman Empire, including the Temple of Domitian, the Odeon, the Medical School, the Scholastica Bath (the second-largest Roman Bath in Turkey), the Love House, various Monumental Fountains (dedicated to great emperors), the Latrines (public toilet), the Commercial Agora, Curetes Street, Arcadian Street (Ephesus harbor), and the Terrace Houses (additional charge).End of the tour transfer to hotel

Transfer to Airport