A Taste of Turkey

This tour hits the three major tourist destinations in Turkey: Istanbul, the city that spans two continents and three civilizations; Ephesus, one of the world’s finest examples of an ancient classical city; and Cappadocia, with its unique geographical landscape. You will have just enough time in each to leave you wanting more.

Day 1: Istanbul

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 08.30AM. In the morning we will visit the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. After lunch, we will explore Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Istanbul

We will start the day with a visit to Rustem Pasa Mosque and the Spice Market, followed by a half day Bosporus cruise. In the afternoon we will take a flight to Izmir and transfer to the hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 3: Ephesus

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will meet you and drive you to Ephesus for the day. You will see the Temple of Artemis (Diana),which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Celsus library, and the House of Virgin Mary, where many think she spent the final years of her life. After the tour, we will drive to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 4: Kusadasi to Cappadocia

After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to the Izmir airport for a mid-day or late afternoon flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival in Kayseri, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. You will have the rest of the day free to explore on your own. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Cappadocia

After breakfast at your hotel, we will depart at about 9:30AM to visit the sights and unique landscape of Cappadocia, including the Dervent Valley and its fairy-chimneys; Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley) and its mushroom-shaped pinnacles; Avanos, a center of terra-cotta art, for a pottery demonstration and lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum with its rock-cut churches that date back to hundreds of years, many filled with excellent examples of Byzantine art. Our last stop is a visit to the Uchisar rock castle for a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6: Cappadocia

After breakfast at your hotel we will depart at 9:30AM for Red Valley to explore its famous rock – cut churches and go for a 5km hike through the Güllüdere Valley. We will visit the village of Çavuşin, which is famous for its houses and churches of Christian clergymen. We will have lunch in Pigeon Valley. After lunch, we will visit Kaymakli, an underground city which descends 8 floors below ground. On the way back to your hotel, we will visit the natural castles at Ortahisar. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 7: Istanbul

After breakfast at your hotel we will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day free.

Day 8: Istanbul

The tour ends after breakfast at your hotel.