Turkish Delight - 8 Day Tour
In just 8 days, you will visit the four most famous and captivating scenery, sights and ancient ruins of Turkey. First we explore the heart and soul of Turkey…Istanbul, its captivating history, the unique buildings, great food, culture and people. Your expert guide will reveal the history, stories and people and their forward thinking and intelligence. The white stunning travertines at Pamukkale are a remarkable piece of nature. Then there is the captivating UNESCO listed archaeological sites of Hierapolis and Ephesus. Transporting you back in time, Ephesus was once a very important centre of trade and commerce, 2000 years ago. Then we go east to explore the spectacular Cappadocian landscape, created as a result of the volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago and sculptured by erosion. Visit the fascinating large underground cities, built by Christians to escape persecution.
Highlights:
- Istanbul -Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palce, Grand Bazaar
- Ephesus- the Celsus Library and Theatre
- Pamukkale- the Travertines and Heirapolis
- Cappadocia- the stunning volcanic scenery and underground cities
Day 1 : Kusadasi
We will pick you up at your Istanbul hotel and transfer you to the airport for an afternoon flight to Izmir. From the Izmir airport we will transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi. You will have the day to explore this resort town on your own. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 2 : Pamukkale
After breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up from your hotel in Kusadasi and we drive to Pamukkale. This famous World Heritage Site of natural formation created over time by deposits of calcium carbonate dropped by the flowing water from the natural springs. Walk barefoot on the marble white travertines or do the Optional bathing (not included in the price) of the Antik pool. After lunch we’ll visit Hieropolis. In addition to the Necropolis we’ll see the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, and the Theatre. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3 : Ephesus
After breakfast at your hotel we drive to Ephesus for the day. You will see the Celsus libray and the spectacular theatre amongst many other things. After leaving Ephesus we visit theTemple of Artemis (Diana) which is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and the House of Virgin Mary, where many speculate she spent the final years of her life. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4 : Kusadasi to Cappadocia
After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to Izmir for a mid-day flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival in Kayseri, we will transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to relax or explore (and do one of many optional activities). Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 : Cappadocia
After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll depart about 9:30AM to visit the sights and unique geographical 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 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’ll go to the Red Valley to explore its famous rock – cut churches and go for a 5km hike through the Güllüdere Valley. We’ll visit the village of Çavuşin, famous for its houses and churches of Christian clergymen. We’ll have lunch in Pigeon Valley. After lunch, we’ll visit Kaymakli, an underground city the goes 8 floors below ground. On the way back to your hotel, we’ll visit the natural castles at Ortahisar. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7 : Cappadocia to Istanbul
You will have the day free to explore Cappadocia on your own. There are many activities to do. Early in the evening we will transfer you to the Kayseri airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul we will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 8 : Istanbul
Your tour ends after breakfast ar your hotel.
Highlights
- This is a small group Tour for 8 days and 7 nights.
- You need a moderate amount of fitness to be able to walk for up to 3 hours at a time over uneven surfaces in some places.
- You may wish to add on more days in Istanbul as this trip does not include Istanbul sightseeing.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- All airport transfers from/to your hotel
- Domestic flight Istanbul to Izmir, Izmir to Kayseri and Kayseri to Istanbul
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- 7 Nights hotel accommodation
- Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coaches
- Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches
- Entrance fees to the all the sites
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- International flights
- Optional programs
- Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast)
- Tips – driver, guide, hotel staff etc.
- Any other meals, cost or services not specified in ‘price includes"
Route
- İstanbul
- Izmir
- Kusadasi
- Pamukkale
- Göreme