Classic Turkey Tour: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Welcome to Istanbul, the historic center of Turkey! Upon arrival, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel with a private transfer. If time permits, you can visit the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant, aromatic marketplace dating back to the 17th century.

Spend the day exploring Istanbul's 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, and marvel at the grandeur of the Suleymaniye Mosque. This great Ottoman architecture blends spiritual serenity with panoramic views over Istanbul. Then, gaze at Medusa's head in the Basilica Cistern, and stop at the Serpent Column and Obelisk on the Hippodrome of Constantinople. Your knowledgeable guide will be at your side and share with you the profound history behind them.

Today, you will explore more of Istanbul with your knowledgeable tour guide. Start with a Bosphorus cruise, where you'll take in sweeping views of the city's landmarks, including the Galata Tower. Then, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, once the royal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. This palace in white will captivate you with its delicate exterior and opulent decor.

This afternoon is free at leisure for your own discoveries. For a journey into the fragrant world of exotic spices and dried fruits, consider visiting the famed Spice Market. You can also join a cooking class to learn the secrets behind delectable Turkish cuisine with the guidance of experienced chefs.

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.

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".

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!

The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia draw countless travelers from all over the world. Devrent Valley and Pasabag 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. Continue your journey to the Göreme 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.

Spend your day exploring more of the spectacular Cappadocia. In the early morning, you can go up to the hotel's terrace for a hot air balloon view. Witnessing hundreds of air balloons slowly rising to the sky, backgrounded by the rosy alpenglow, would be an unforgettable experience.

For some special activities, consider hiking along the Red Valley in the afternoon for sunset chasing, or relax with green nature and fertile vineyards at a local wine house.

In the morning, transfer to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul (the journey takes about 2.5 hours).

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.