Essentials of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Istanbul

  Welcome to Istanbul! When your flight lands at the airport, a private transfer will escort you to the hotel. After check-in, the remaining time of the day is free at leisure.

  • Istanbul

• Day 2: Istanbul

  As the cultural and historical center of Turkey, Istanbul has a wealth of heritage waiting for your exploration. The first is the Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century. Walk around this palace and especially the Imperial Harem to get a glimpse of royal life.

  Continue to visit the Hagia Sophia, where the numerous, huge and exquisite mosaics always amaze you. Nearby is the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue-tiled interior walls. Step into this amazing building to feel the peaceful atmosphere. After that, go down the stairs and enjoy a surprising underground experience at the Basilica Cistern. Finally, take a leisurely walk around the ancient Hippodrome, where you can see the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 3: Istanbul - Cappadocia

  Fly to Kayseri in the early morning. On arrival, you will be transferred to Cappadocia by private vehicle.

  The tour starts with Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley, where you can see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Later, drive to Avanos and make a stopover at a workshop, where you can try to make your own pottery. Afterward, explore some finest cave churches in the Goreme Open Air Museum. Continue to enjoy a fabulous panorama of Cappadocia from the Uchisar Castle, and then end today's tour at the Pigeon Valley.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 4: Cappadocia

  Today, you will visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks with raw beauty and historical features. Later, descend into the Kaymakli Underground City. You can pass through the narrow passageways and stairs to visit houses, churches, and kitchens inside the city. After that, continue to Cavusin Valley to find the troglodyte settlement. You can even find a breathtaking rock-cut church with beautiful frescoes at the Cavusin Kilise. After lunch, head to the Red Valley and visit the Wine House.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 5: Cappadocia - Izmir - Kusadasi

  After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Izmir, with a stopover in Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to visit the Agora directly. It used to be a marketplace built in Roman Era and now is an Open Air Museum. Later, drop by the Kizlaragasi Hani, originally an inn for trade caravans from the East carrying silk and spices. Afterward, head to Kusadasi to stay overnight.

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  • Kusadasi

• Day 6: Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi

  Today, you will enjoy a full-day tour of Ephesus. As one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean, you can get some idea of the city's original splendor from the ruins, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celsus Library. After the tour, return to Kusadasi.

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  • Kusadasi

• Day 7: Kusadasi - Izmir, Departure

  Enjoy some leisure time in Kusadasi before driving to the airport in Izmir for an onward flight to your next destination.

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