Istanbul to Cappadocia

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival Istanbul

  Welcome to Istanbul, the historic center of Turkey! Upon arrival, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel, with a private transfer.

  • Istanbul

• Day 2: Istanbul, Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar

  Today you will enjoy a full day exploration in Istanbul with your own English-speaking guide and private car. Start your tour with a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the only sea link between the eastern European countries of the Black Sea and the rest of the world. Pass by old wooden mansions, marble palaces, and majestic mosques along the shoreline. After disembarking, make a stopover at the Rumeli Fortress and then head to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Market. Wander through this captivating market with your guide and take in the myriad of sights, flavors, and aromas.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 3: Istanbul, It's All History and Culture

  Spend today exploring the historical areas of Istanbul on a privately guided tour. As you walk around the gorgeous courtyards of the Topkapi Palace, appreciate the numerous mosaics inside the Hagia Sophia, marvel at the decorative blue tiles on the interior walls of the Blue Mosque, gaze at Medusa's head in the Basilica Cistern, and stop at the Serpent Colum and Obelisk on the Hippodrome of Constantinople, your knowledgeable guide will be at your side and share with you the profound history behind them.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 4: Istanbul - Ephesus - Kusadasi

  Fly from Istanbul to Izmir this morning. From the airport of Izmir, with a 1-hour drive, you will reach Ephesus, an ancient Greek city built in the 10th century BC. From the ruins of the main sites, such as Arcadian Way, the Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celsus Library, it could be easy to imagine how prosperous it used to be. The Shrine of the Virgin Mary and Basilica of St. John nearby are also worth visiting. After the tour, proceed to your hotel in Kusadasi.

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  • Kusadasi

• Day 5: Kusadasi - Pamukkale

  Pamukkale, known as the "cotton castle", can be reached through a 3-hour drive from Kusadasi. Snow-white limestone formed big or small travertine terraces, and mineral-rich waters reflect the light blue light in the sunlight. What a miraculous world it is! The journey will be connected with a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis to make sure that you can keep away from the crowds of travelers as much as possible and find the most beautiful side of this "cotton castle".

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  • Pamukkale

• Day 6: Pamukkale - Cappadocia

  Transfer from Pamukkale to Cappadocia today. Upon arrival, a private vehicle with driver and guide will escort you to your cave hotel with superb views of the area. Wish you a wonderful night!

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 7: Cappadocia

  The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia draw countless travelers from all over the world. Devrent Valley and Pasabagi Valley are like sculpture museums made by nature. Letting your imagination run wild, you will be happy to find the camel-shaped rocks and fairy chimneys standing out to the sky. With a stopover at Avanos, continue the journey to the Goreme Open Air Museum. The rock-cut churches and the ancient frescoes inside will provide you with lively history and art of the post-Iconoclastic period. After that, enjoy a fabulous panorama of Cappadocia at the Uchisar Castle and then end with a visit to Pigeon Valley.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 8: Cappadocia

  Spend your day exploring more of the spectacular Cappadocia, accompanied by your private driver and guide. Start by making your way to Ortahisar, a castle built in a huge rock to serve as a sanctuary for the Christians who were persecuted in the Iconoclastic period. Continue your day with a visit to the subterranean city of Kaymakli, the largest one in this area and a great place to know the life of the ancient inhabitants. The afternoon will be spent at the Red Valley and Wine House, where you can relax with green nature and fertile vineyards.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 9: Cappadocia, Departure

  Time to say goodbye and look forward to seeing you again! We are sure you will not run out of things to see and do in this charming country even the second time you come.

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