Treasures of Turkey, Private Tour
- 8 Days
- From : Istanbul
- To : Cappadocia
- Tour or Private
- Guide : English
- Minimum age : - Years Old
* This product requests separate payment. Promotion code or coupon from Ticket Here is not applicable.
Enjoy this eight-day mesmerising tour that covers some of the most important historical and natural wonders in North and West Turkey beginning with the captivating city of Istanbul. Visit the famous Mosque, admiring its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles and explore the ancient Hippodrome in Istanbul. Then, enjoy a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world, explore the calcium terraces of Pamukkale, see the lunar landscape in Cappadocia, and much more during this memorable trip in Turkey.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Istanbul: Served as a capital city to the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, this Euro-Asian city never fails to enthral, with its beautiful buildings in the old city of Sultanahmet overlooking the Bosphorus strait which separates the city between Europe and Asia. You can find anything you might be looking for and more in beautiful Istanbul.
Ephesus: Discover the ruins of this once vast city, including the Temple of Artemis, the Roman baths, the Library of Celsus, and the House of the Virgin Mary.
Sirince: Stroll the paths of a picturesque whitewashed Anatolian village, which is home to a thriving wine production industry.
Pamukkale: Visit one of Turkey’s top attractions and catch a glimpse of the white travertines formed by calcified minerals running down a hillside.
Cappadocia: The Ancient region in central Anatolia, situated on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains, in the centre of present-day Turkey boasts a lunar-landscape and early Christain churches carved out of volcanic rock.
What’s included?
TOUR GUIDE:
- Fully escorted by English speaking tour guide on private basis
ACCOMMODATION:
- Seven nights accommodation in indicated category of hotels
MEALS:
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 lunches on days 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- As noted in the itinerary, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, ancient Hippodrome, Old Istanbul, the Yerebatan Underground Cistern, Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Bosphorous Cruise, Ephesus, Meryemana, Şirince, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Derinkuyu Underground City, Goreme open-air museum, Uchisar rock castle and visit several churches and chapels in Cappadocia
TRANSPORT
- Modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Local airport transfers as mentioned in itinerary
- Arrival airport transfer from Istanbul.
OTHER:
- All applicable government taxes and fees
- Meet and greet on day 1.
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights, airport fees of any kind
- Meals, other than specified in itinerary
- Optional offered tours and events
- Beverages
- Porterage
- Tips
Please note
- Day 3: Istanbul – Izmir flight is not included and our recommendation is not to book a flight prior to 16:00 hrs. Recomendation to book for domestic flight Istanbul – Izmir: TK2328 IST-ADB
- Day 6: Izmir – Cappadocia (via Istanbul) flight is not included and our recommendation is to book a flight prior to 10:00 hrs. Recomendation to book for domestic flight Izmir – Cappadocia: TK2311 dep ADB 09:50 via IST – departure IST TK2012 12:20 arr. ASR Kayseri at 13:45.
- St. Sophia Museum is closed on Mondays
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
- The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday
- Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.
What do I need to bring?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Turkey. Shoes should be removed before entering a mosque or private house. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 – 2 Istanbul:
- Superior Hotel Category = Dosso Dossi Old Town Hotel or similar 4*
Day 3- 5 Kusadasi:
- Superior Hotel Category = Charisma Deluxe hotel or similar 5*
Day 6-7 Cappadocia:
- Superior Hotel Category = Maze of Cappadocia Hotel or similar 4*
Cancellation policy
- Once ordered, this tour cannot be cancelled or refund or amended at any circumstances.
Day 1 : ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Arrive at Istanbul airport where a representative will meet and greet you before you are transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relaxing in the hotel or exploring the surroundings on your own.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 : ISTANBUL
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast before you are picked up from the hotel to start a tour of the old city, known as Sultanahmet. The first stop is Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures and the Holy Mantle, as well as enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next, see Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque located across from St. Sophia and built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Continue with visiting the ancient Hippodrome and admiring the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. After a delectable lunch break, wander around the Grand Covered Bazaar. In this labyrinth of streets and passages, there are more than 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area, such as the goldsmiths street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, and many other surprises. If you want to end the day in a special way, choose between the optional 1001 Nights Dinner Show.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 : ISTANBUL – KUSADASI (575 KM – 1 Hr flight + 1 Hr transfer each end)
After a tasty breakfast, enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise. From the boat, admire the array of beautiful sites, including the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), old city walls, Topkapi Palace and many other impressive landmarks. After this traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia, indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and head towards the Istanbul Ataturk airport to catch your flight to Izmir. On arrival, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in. Your flight to Izmir is not included.
Overnight in Kusadasi. Lunch included.
Day 4 : KUSADASI – EPHESUS – KUSADASI (40 km – 30mins)
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and depart for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world. This once thriving metropolis gives a real feel of how the city once looked, as you walk down marble-paved streets and admire the remains of the Celsus Library, Hadrian’s Temple and the amphitheatre. We then move on to Meryamana or House of the Virgin Mary which is in a hilltop location a short distance from Ephesus. According to the stories, Mary spent her last years here and was sanctified by the Roman Catholic Church. Indulge in a delicious lunch and then visit a carpet weaving centre to watch the ancient practice of carpet-weaving. Afterwards, explore Sirince, a pretty village which sits high up in the hills behind Selcuk and was once inhabited by Anatolian Greeks. The narrow, cobbled streets are packed with stalls selling local products such as homemade jams, souvenirs, wine, and textiles. Famous for its fruit wines, we will visit the vineyards and learn how to make fruit wine with the local winemakers. Before returning to Kusadasi, the final stop is at a leather production centre where you will have the opportunity to get good factory rates. In the evening completely unwind while enjoying an optional Turkish bath.
Overnight in Kusadasi. Lunch included.
Day 5 : KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE – KUSADASI (200 Km – 3 Hrs)
After a tasty breakfast, we depart for Pamukkale. On arrival, enjoy a luscious lunch. Afterwards, visit the spellbinding calcium terraces of Pamukkale, known as the Cotton Castle, and walk around this natural phenomenon which has been formed by calcium deposits in the water trickling down the hillside and solidifying into white travertines. Then, wander around the charming ancient city of Hierapolis which sits above the travertines. The beautiful city was popular among the Romans for the healing powers of its natural spring water. And if you feel adventurous, choose one of the optional activities available. You can enjoy a memorable hot-air balloon ride or have fun paragliding in Pamukkale. Afterwards, return to Kusadasi.
Overnight in Kusadasi. Lunch included.
Day 6 : KUSADASI – CAPPADOCIA (790 Km – 1 Hr 25m Flight + 1 Hr Transfer Each End)
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel before heading to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport in Cappadocia. Arrive in Cappadocia, enjoy a comfortable transfer to hotel, check-in and freely enjoy rest of the day. If time permits enjoy an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia or choose between the evening optional activities, which are a Whirling Dervish show and a Turkish Night show. Have fun! The flight to Cappadocia is not included.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7 : CAPPADOCIA
A new day brings more surprises, right after a lovely breakfast at your hotel. Drive to Derinkuyu underground city, one of the best preserved and deepest underground cities in Cappadocia, reaching 55 metres below ground and having eight levels open to visitors. We then visit Uchisar Castle, the highest point of Cappadocia for a panoramic view of the valleys below. After Uchisar, we visit Goreme Open Air Museum where early Christian churches carved out of the rock are decorated with beautiful religious frescoes dating from the 10th century. Next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. Then, we enjoy a relaxing lunch stop at Avanos and continue with a visit to a pottery workshop, to see how the local ceramics are made. Afterwards, we move on to Pasabagi where you can see rock formations in the shape of three-headed fairy chimneys and visit a workshop to see Cappadocian handwoven carpets and kilims. Next stop is Devrent Valley, also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. Then, we go to a wine shop in Urgup for a lovely tasting session. Last stop is the Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys, representing the symbol of Cappadocia. This tour will end in the evening when you are returned to your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia. Lunch included.
Day 8 : DEPART CAPPADOCIA
Enjoy a tasty breakfast and explore Cappadocia at leisure before transferring to the local airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
Breakfast included.