Charming 9-Day Tour of Turkey

Welcome to Turkey!

Upon your arrival at the airport, a friendly member of our team will be there to warmly greet you and provide a comfortable private transfer to your accommodation in Istanbul.

After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and recover from your journey. You may choose to relax at your hotel, explore the vibrant streets of Istanbul at your leisure, or enjoy a traditional Turkish meal at a local restaurant.

Tomorrow, your exciting adventure through Turkey’s most incredible destinations begins!

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul

Sights Visited

Exploring the Vibrant City of Istanbul
Today, embark on a journey through Istanbul, a city where history, culture, and modern energy merge to create an unforgettable experience. With majestic minarets piercing the skyline, bustling bazaars, and grand palaces, Istanbul is a city that captivates at every turn.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🏰 Topkapi Palace – The Ottoman Imperial Residence
Step into the grandeur of the Topkapi Palace, the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. Explore its ornate chambers, royal treasures, and lush gardens, while learning about the lives of sultans, concubines, and courtiers who once walked these very halls.

🕌 Istanbul’s Iconic Mosques
Marvel at the architectural brilliance of Istanbul’s world-famous mosques, where mathematical ingenuity and stunning domes create some of the most breathtaking spiritual spaces in the world.

🛍 Grand Bazaar – A Shopper’s Paradise
Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world, home to over 4,000 shops selling everything from handwoven carpets and intricate jewelry to spices and souvenirs. Get ready to haggle like a local and take home unique Turkish treasures!

🏟 Hippodrome – Reliving the Glory of Byzantium
Stand in the heart of Istanbul’s ancient past at the Hippodrome, once the stage for chariot races, political events, and imperial ceremonies. Today, its monuments and obelisks tell the story of the city’s rich history.

💡 Our Recommendation
After the tour, if you have time and want to explore more, visit the Spice Bazaar—a sensory feast of vibrant colors, fragrant spices, Turkish tea, and sweet delights. While not included in the tour package, it’s a wonderful way to end your day. You can return to your hotel at your own pace.

📌 Important Notes
Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays
Blue Mosque: Limited entry on Fridays due to prayer services
Topkapi Palace: Closed on Tuesdays

🚐 Pickup Information
We offer hotel pickups from centrally located areas, including:
✔ Sultanahmet
✔ Sirkeci
✔ Laleli
✔ Aksaray
✔ Taksim
For hotels outside these areas, an additional charge may apply—please contact our team for details.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul

Sights Visited

A Day on the Bosphorus – Palaces, Landmarks & Scenic Views
After a hearty breakfast, get ready for a day of breathtaking scenery, rich history, and architectural wonders as you explore the Bosphorus Strait, the legendary waterway that divides Europe and Asia.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🏛 Dolmabahce Palace – The Ottoman Jewel
Begin your day with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, a lavish Ottoman residence that once housed sultans and dignitaries. Admire:
✔ Extravagant interiors featuring crystal chandeliers, gold leaf ceilings, and intricate carpets
✔ The world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, an awe-inspiring masterpiece
✔ Stunning gardens and waterfront terraces, offering spectacular views over the Bosphorus
📌 Important Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On these days, the tour will begin two hours later.

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Through History
Set sail on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks line the shores. Marvel at:

✔ Maiden’s Tower – A mysterious, legendary tower standing alone in the middle of the water.
✔ Kucuksu Pavilion – A charming, ornate Ottoman palace showcasing architectural elegance.
✔ Rumeli Fortress – The imposing medieval stronghold built by Sultan Mehmed II to prepare for the conquest of Constantinople.
✔ The Old Walls of Constantinople – The centuries-old city walls that once protected Byzantium.
✔ Ortakoy Mosque – A magnificent Baroque-style mosque set against the stunning Bosphorus backdrop.
✔ Ciragan Palace – A former Ottoman palace, now one of Istanbul’s most luxurious hotels.
✔ Bosphorus Bridge – Sail beneath this iconic bridge that links Europe and Asia, symbolizing Istanbul’s unique position between two continents.

🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – Breathtaking Views Over Istanbul
After returning to land, visit Pierre Loti Hill, a romantic, scenic viewpoint that offers unforgettable panoramic views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn.
✔ Capture postcard-worthy photos of the city’s stunning skyline
✔ Enjoy a cable car ride down the hill, offering even more spectacular views

🌅 Tour Conclusion
At the end of the day, return to your hotel to relax and reflect on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s historical and natural beauty.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul

Sights Visited

Discovering the Spiritual and Historical Heart of Konya

This morning, take a flight to Konya, a city steeped in history and spiritual significance. With a past spanning over 3,000 years, Konya is most famous as the 13th-century home of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, the mystic Sufi poet and founder of the Whirling Dervishes. Today, you will explore the city’s rich heritage, traditional crafts, and historic villages, before continuing your journey to Cappadocia.

📍 Highlights of the Konya Tour

🕌 Mevlana Sites – The Heart of Sufi Mysticism
Step into the world of Rumi as you visit the mosques, madrasa (Islamic schools), tombs, and museums dedicated to his life and teachings. Learn about his profound philosophy of love, unity, and spirituality while admiring the exquisite Ottoman and Seljuk architecture that defines these sacred places.

🛍 Konya Grand Bazaar – A Local Treasure
Explore the Grand Bazaar, a bustling hub of commerce and tradition, where local artisans sell handmade goods, spices, textiles, and more. This is a great place to experience the local culture and pick up a unique souvenir.

🎨 Felt House – An Ancient Craft
Delve into Konya’s 2,500-year-old felt-making tradition, a craft passed down through generations. Watch skilled artisans transform raw wool into beautiful, intricate felt designs, and learn about the historical importance of this time-honored art form.

🏡 Sille Village – A Timeless Settlement
Just outside Konya lies Sille Village, a historical gem where Greeks and Turks lived side by side for over 800 years until 1922. Wander through its charming streets and discover:
✔ Hagia Eleni Church, built by the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, making it one of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world.
✔ Traditional stone houses, ancient chapels, and carved rock dwellings, showcasing the village’s rich cultural heritage.
✔ A peaceful atmosphere, where every street corner tells a story of the past.

🚌 Evening Transfer to Cappadocia
After completing your Konya tour, you will be transferred to the bus station to catch a public bus to Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia. Upon arrival, a member of our team will meet you at the Goreme bus station and transfer you to your hotel for a restful night before your next day’s adventure.

🏨 Overnight in Cappadocia

Sights Visited

Today, embark on a full-day South Cappadocia tour, complementing your North Cappadocia experience with visits to some of the most extraordinary and hidden gems of this unique region. From ancient underground cities to spectacular valleys, this journey showcases the remarkable blend of history, nature, and cultural heritage that makes Cappadocia a truly magical destination.

📍 Highlights of the South Cappadocia Tour

🔦 Underground City – A Hidden World Beneath Cappadocia
Descend into one of Cappadocia’s largest and most fascinating underground cities, carved into the soft volcanic rock. Dating back to the 8th–7th centuries BCE, this labyrinth once served as a refuge for early Christians fleeing persecution.
✔ Explore its multi-level tunnels, featuring homes, churches, schools, and communal areas.
✔ Discover the ingenious ventilation system that kept residents safe underground.
✔ Witness how these underground dwellings provided shelter and security for centuries.

🕊 Pigeon Valley – A Unique Connection Between Humans & Nature
Named after the countless pigeon houses carved into the rock formations, Pigeon Valley tells a story of how these birds were once used for communication, agriculture, and even fertilization in Cappadocia. Enjoy stunning views as you walk through this picturesque valley, surrounded by fairy chimneys and rock-cut dwellings.

⛪ Meskendir Valley – A Walk Through History
Wander through Meskendir Valley, where ancient rock-carved churches and hidden cave dwellings provide insight into the early Christian communities that once flourished in this region.
✔ Marvel at the well-preserved frescoes and mosaics, dating back centuries.
✔ Enjoy the serene landscapes, perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

🌄 Exploring Other Valleys of South Cappadocia
Your tour will also take you to several other valleys, each with its own unique rock formations, colors, and geological wonders. The landscapes of Cappadocia are like no other place on earth, offering awe-inspiring views at every turn.

🎭 Optional Evening Activity: Turkish Night Show & Dinner
After your day of exploration, you have the option to immerse yourself in Turkish culture with a Turkish Night Show in an authentic cave restaurant.

📌 Experience Highlights:
✔ Traditional folk dances from different regions of Turkey
✔ Whirling dervishes performing their mystical Sufi dance
✔ Live music and colorful costumes showcasing Turkey’s cultural diversity
✔ A delicious traditional Turkish dinner, served in a unique cave setting

📌 Pick-up & Additional Cost:
✔ Pick-up from your hotel in the evening.
✔ This activity is not included in the tour package and requires an additional fee.

🌅 Tour Conclusion
After a day filled with historical discoveries and breathtaking landscapes (and an optional night of cultural entertainment), return to your hotel to relax and unwind.

🏨 Overnight in Cappadocia

Sights Visited

Hot Air Balloon Ride & North Cappadocia Tour
Today, experience the magic of Cappadocia from both above and below! Begin your morning with an optional hot air balloon ride, followed by an unforgettable North Cappadocia Tour, exploring its stunning landscapes and historical treasures.

🎈 Optional Early Morning Tour: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
Why not start your day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience? A hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes is truly unforgettable.
📌 Tour Details:
✔ Float above fairy chimneys, valleys, and ancient cave dwellings as the sun rises.
✔ Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that make for perfect photo opportunities.
✔ After landing, celebrate with a traditional champagne toast and receive a flight certificate.
📌 Additional Cost: This optional activity is not included in the itinerary but can be added for an extra fee.

🚶‍♂️ North Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, set off on your North Cappadocia Tour, where you’ll explore some of the most famous and awe-inspiring sites of this UNESCO-listed region. With your expert guide, uncover the fascinating history and beauty of Cappadocia’s rock-carved villages and otherworldly landscapes.

📍 Highlights of the Day

📸 Goreme Esentepe Viewpoint – A Stunning Start
Begin the day with panoramic views of Goreme and its surrounding valleys. With fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and dramatic rock formations stretching as far as the eye can see, this is the perfect photo stop.

🏛 Goreme Open-Air Museum – A UNESCO Heritage Treasure
Step into history at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, one of Cappadocia’s most significant landmarks. This vast complex of rock-hewn churches, chapels, and monasteries is home to beautifully preserved Byzantine frescoes that tell stories of early Christianity.

⛪ Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Home of the Fairy Chimneys
Walk among the most iconic fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley. These tall, mushroom-shaped rock formations were once inhabited by hermit monks, adding to their mystical charm.

🎨 Avanos – The Center of Pottery & Handicrafts
Visit the charming town of Avanos, nestled along the Red River. Renowned for its handmade ceramics and pottery traditions, Avanos is the perfect place to watch master artisans at work and even try your hand at pottery-making.

🪨 Three Beauties of Urgup – A Natural Wonder with a Legend
Marvel at the famous Three Beauties, a trio of naturally sculpted rock formations in Urgup. Local legends add a romantic tale to these formations—be sure to ask your guide for the story!

✈ Evening Transfer to Ephesus
At the conclusion of your North Cappadocia Tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, our team will greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel in the Ephesus region, where you can rest and prepare for the next day’s adventure.

🏨 Overnight in Ephesus

Sights Visited

Journey Through Time – Exploring the Wonders of Ephesus
This morning, after a delicious breakfast, set off on an extraordinary journey to one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world—Ephesus. A place of legendary history and architectural marvels, this site offers a remarkable glimpse into life over 3,000 years ago.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🏛 Ancient City of Ephesus – A Walk Through History
Step into the grandeur of Ephesus, once a thriving metropolis of over 250,000 residents. As you walk along the marble streets, discover:
✔ Civic and government buildings, including temples, courts, and shops.
✔ The Library of Celsus, one of the most iconic structures of the ancient world, once housing over 12,000 scrolls.
✔ The Agora, the bustling marketplace where traders from all over the Mediterranean gathered.
✔ The brothel, a fascinating insight into the daily life and customs of Ephesus.
✔ The Great Amphitheater, a massive venue seating over 25,000 spectators, where plays, political discussions, and gladiatorial battles once took place.

🏡 House of the Virgin Mary – A Place of Peace & Pilgrimage
Nestled in the hills above Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, widely believed to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years under the care of Saint John. This sacred and peaceful site is now a place of pilgrimage, attracting visitors from around the world.
📌 Key Features:
✔ A humble stone house preserved as a shrine and place of reflection.
✔ A wishing wall, where visitors leave personal notes and prayers.
✔ A baptismal font and sacred spring, believed to have healing properties.

🏺 Temple of Artemis – A Wonder of the Ancient World
Stand on the historic site of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While only the foundations and a single reconstructed column remain today, the sheer scale of this site gives insight into its former grandeur.
✔ Learn about the rich mythology and significance of Artemis, the goddess of the hunt and fertility.
✔ Imagine the temple as it once stood—one of the largest structures of its era.

🕌 Isabey Mosque – A Seljukian Masterpiece
Conclude your tour with a visit to the Isabey Mosque, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture.
✔ Admire the intricate stone carvings and calligraphy adorning its walls.
✔ Marvel at the harmonious blend of Ottoman and Persian influences in its design.
✔ Learn about its historical importance and how it has remained a symbol of resilience for centuries.

🌅 Tour Conclusion
After a day filled with historical wonders and breathtaking sites, return to your accommodation to relax and reflect on the incredible journey through time.

🏨 Overnight in Ephesus

Sights Visited

Today, embark on a journey to one of Turkey’s most stunning natural wonders—Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle. With its brilliant white terraces, cascading thermal pools, and breathtaking landscapes, Pamukkale is truly a sight to behold.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🌊 Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle
Marvel at Pamukkale’s dazzling white terraces, formed over millions of years by calcium-rich thermal waters that have cascaded down the mountainside, creating natural travertine pools that look like frozen waterfalls.
✔ Walk barefoot on the travertines, feeling the warm, mineral-rich waters beneath your feet.
✔ Relax in the natural thermal pools, long believed to have healing properties.
✔ Enjoy the unreal landscape, set against the backdrop of lush green mountains and blue skies—a photographer’s dream.
📌 Bring Your Bathing Suit! You’ll have the chance to dip into the pools and experience the soothing waters firsthand.

🏛 Hierapolis – The Ancient Spa City
Perched above Pamukkale lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, a once-thriving Roman and Byzantine metropolis built around the healing properties of Pamukkale’s thermal waters.
✔ Walk through the ruins, where scattered columns, temples, and bathhouses tell the story of a civilization that flourished for centuries.
✔ Swim in the Ancient Thermal Pool (Cleopatra’s Pool), where you’ll float among fallen Roman columns, said to have toppled during an earthquake centuries ago.
✔ Explore the Hierapolis Amphitheater, an incredibly well-preserved structure offering breathtaking views over the ruins and surrounding landscapes.

🌅 Tour Conclusion
After a day of exploration and relaxation, return to your accommodation for the evening, reflecting on the natural beauty and rich history of Pamukkale & Hierapolis.

🏨 Overnight in Ephesus

Sights Visited

After enjoying a final breakfast in Ephesus, it’s time to say goodbye to the incredible journey you’ve experienced across Turkey’s most breathtaking destinations.

🚗 Private Airport Transfer
A private transfer will take you to Izmir Airport, where you will board your domestic flight back to Istanbul. From there, you can continue your journey home or explore Istanbul further if you have extra time.

💙 A Journey to Remember
We hope this 9-day adventure has been a truly unforgettable experience, filled with history, culture, natural beauty, and cherished memories.
🙏 Thank you for choosing us to be part of your journey! We look forward to welcoming you again for another extraordinary adventure in the future.

✨ Until next time! Safe travels!