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9 Days , 2 Countries , 5 Cities
Turkey – Seven Churches of Asia Minor & Istanbul with Patmos
The seven of the major Churches of Early Christianity, dating from the first century AD,…
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Turkey is a country that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Turkey’s stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Istanbul, Ephesus, and Cappadocia are three of the top destinations in Turkey that are a must-visit for every traveler. In this article, we will explore these three destinations in detail and give you a glimpse of what makes them so special.
Istanbul – The City of Two Continents
Istanbul is a city that is unique in every way. It straddles two continents, Europe and Asia, and offers a fascinating blend of East and West. Here are some of the top attractions that you must visit during your stay in Istanbul.
Top Attractions in Istanbul
- Hagia Sophia – A former church, mosque, and now museum, Hagia Sophia is a stunning example of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
- Blue Mosque – It is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul.
- Topkapi Palace – It was the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years and is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
- Grand Bazaar – It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world and is a shopper’s paradise.
Ephesus – A Window to Ancient Civilization
Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and offers a glimpse into the life of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Here are some of the top attractions in Ephesus.
Top Attractions in Ephesus
- The Library of Celsus – The Library of Celsus is one of the most iconic structures in Ephesus and is a testament to the advanced engineering and architectural skills of the ancient Greeks.
- The Great Theater – The Great Theater is one of the largest ancient theaters in the world and could seat up to 25,000 spectators.
- The Temple of Artemis – The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Cappadocia – A Land of Fairy Chimneys and Hot Air Balloons
Cappadocia is a unique destination that has otherworldly landscape, underground cities, and hot air balloon rides. Here are some of the top attractions in Cappadocia.
Top Attractions in Cappadocia
- Goreme Open-Air Museum – It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into the rock-cut churches and monasteries of Cappadocia.
- Fairy Chimneys – They are unique rock formations that have been shaped by wind and water erosion and are a must-visit for every traveler.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides – Balloon Rides are a popular activity in Cappadocia and offer breathtaking views of the landscape.
Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Turkey and explore Istanbul, Ephesus and Cappadocia!
Countries Visited
Turkey
Places Visited
İstanbul
Suggested Duration
7 days
Travel Styles
Cultural Tours
ITINERARY
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DAY 1
![Picture of Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey which was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinianos]()
Picture of Galata Tower in Istanbul, Turkey which was built by the Byzantine Emperor JustinianosWelcome to Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to the Istanbul!
Upon arrival, meet with your driver and transfer to your accommodating hotel. Spend the day at leisure to relax and rest after your overseas flight in this astonishing city.What's included?
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Accommodation
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Transfer
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DAY 2
![Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans, Istanbul]()
Topkapi Palace was home to all the Ottoman sultans, IstanbulIstanbul - Full day city tour
After breakfast, pick up from the hotel and the journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. We’ll visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping.
Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul.What's included?
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Breakfast
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Accommodation
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Tour
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Transfer
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DAY 3
![Spices Market in Istanbul]()
Spices Market in IstanbulIstanbul - Continue your journey
After breakfast, pick up from the hotel. First visit Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and several other herbs and spices. Later we will join a boat trip on the Bosphorus, a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. Afternoon visit. Underground cistern.
Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul.What's included?
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Breakfast
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Accommodation
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Tour
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Transfer
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DAY 4
![Celsus Library Ephesus, Turkey]()
Celsus Library Ephesus, TurkeyKusadasi - Visit the Artemission Temple and Ephesus
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for the morning flight to Izmir. Arrive at Izmir Airport, meet your guide, and drive to Ephesus (45 minutes drive). First, visit the Artemission Temple, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia and one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean dating back to 2000 years. After the Ephesus visit, you can see some traditional carpet weaving techniques and enjoy viewing some splendid displays of beautiful carpets at the local handicrafts center. Afternoon, visit the House of Virgin Mary. This house is located in the Aladag Mountains, 5 miles from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until she died in 48 A.D. Transfer to a hotel overnight.
Overnight at your hotel in Kusadasi.What's included?
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Breakfast
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Accommodation
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Tour
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Transfer
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DAY 5
![Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia, Turkey]()
Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia, TurkeyCappadocia - Explore the Fairy Chimneys, Pigeons Valley and Underground City
Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Izmir airport for morning flight to Cappadocia (via Istanbul)
Arrive at Kayseri airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon begins your tour in Cappadocia. The first meeting is with Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup which are famous as they appear on all Cappadocia advertisements. Then we head on to Pigeons Valley; later we’ll descend into the center of the earth in the Kaymakli Underground City one of the largest and the deepest of 200 others in Cappadocia. After the tour program transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.What's included?
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Breakfast
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Accommodation
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Tour
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Transfer
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Cruise/Boat
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DAY 6
![The incredible archaeological sites of Cappadocia in Turkey]()
The incredible archaeological sites of Cappadocia in TurkeyCappadocia - Discover the Chimneys and Devrent Valley
After breakfast, take our second day private Cappadocia tour. Drive to Devrent Valley, take a walk through this lunar landscape where different rock formations can be seen. After seeing the best examples of the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos Town, which is famous for tile and pottery workshops. After lunch, our next stop is the Goreme Open Air Museum where you will enjoy the fantastic rock churches and beautiful frescoes from various centuries decorating the walls of the churches. Then we drive to the Uchisar Rock Castle, which is the highest and the most dominant point, giving us a breathtaking panorama. We end the day visiting Esentepe Windy Hill for a panoramic view and taking photos. Transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul.
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.What's included?
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Breakfast
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Accommodation
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Tour
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Transfer
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DAY 7
Depart to Istanbul Airport
Today is the final day in our journey. Morning is your to relax and have breakfast until your departure. Later, check-out at noon and private transfer to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight.What's included?
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Breakfast
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Transfer
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PRICES
Starting from $2,210 per person
Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on 4-star/ Boutique Class accommodation
Price excluding international flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
Please inquire to request a quote for your custom trip!
Request a quote for a trip fully customized to your preferences.
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GALLERY
HIGHLIGHT
What’s Included?
- 6 nights accommodation at 4* / Boutique class central hotel
3 nights in Istanbul
1 night in Kusadasi
1 night in Cappadocia
1 night in Istanbul - BB accommodation in Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Cappadocia
- Transfers & Transportation by private vehicle (Mercedes Vito)
- Domestic flights Istanbul – Izmir & Izmir – Kayseri in economy class
- Professional English-speaking guide services.
- Entrance fees to the museums/sites (as mentioned in your program)
Sightseeing Highlights Included
- City tour in Istanbul is the only city situated on two continents. Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place.
- Visit the Grand Bazaar
- Explore Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) for shopping: The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and several other herbs and spices.
- Excursion by boat on the Bosphorus along the waterway separating Europe and Asia.
- Visit the Underground cistern.
- Visit the Artemission Temple, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.
- Explore Ephesus, one of the 12 cities of Ionia and one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, dating back to 2000 years.
- Visit House of Virgin Mary; at the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until she died in 48 A.D.
- Discover Cappadocia and meet with Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup
- Discover the Pigeons Valley and descend into the earth’s center in the Kaymakli Underground City.
- Visit Devrent Valley, Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valle, and Avanos Town, famous for tile and pottery workshops.
- Explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, where you will enjoy the fantastic rock churches and beautiful frescoes from various centuries decorating the walls of the churches.
- Visit Uchisar Rock Castle, the highest and the most dominant point.
- Esentepe Windy Hill is for a panoramic view and taking photos.