Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Beyoğlu Walking Tour Dinner Included
- Arrival: Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul, transfer from the airport, and check in to your hotel.
- Taksim Square & Istiklal Street: Visit Taksim Monument, see the historic Hagia Triada Church, and stroll down Istiklal Street past traditional inns, European-era buildings, dessert shops, and the magnificent Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passage).
- St. Anthony of Padua: Admire the striking architecture of this historic church.
- Galata Tower: Walk through the historic streets of Beyoğlu and Galata to view the famous Galata Tower (exterior visit), followed by free time in the evening.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour & Dinner Bosphorus Cruise Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Hagia Sophia: Visit the historic 4th-century architectural marvel, once the world's fourth-largest church.
- Blue Mosque: Explore the iconic 17th-century mosque famous for its six minarets and over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles.
- Hippodrome: Discover the ancient center of Byzantine entertainment and civil events.
- Grand Covered Bazaar: Wander through one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4,000 shops, featuring a handmade Turkish carpet demonstration.
- Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Enjoy an evening cruise passing iconic sights like Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden's Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridges, accompanied by a delicious dinner, live entertainment, and traditional shows.
Optional Museum (50€ additional cost per person): 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.
Day 3 – Istanbul Relics Tour Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Basilica Cistern: Descend into the magnificent subterranean Roman-era water reservoir.
- New Mosque & Historic Churches: Visit the New Mosque, the historic Church of St. Mary of Blachernae, and the Palace of Blachernae.
- The Bulgarian St. Stephen Church: View this unique cast-iron Orthodox church.
- Spice Bazaar: Experience the vibrant stalls, exotic aromas, and free time for shopping.
Day 4 – Istanbul to Cappadocia via Ankara Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Scenic Bus Journey & Ankara: Take an 8-hour scenic bus ride to Cappadocia, stopping en route in Ankara to visit Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- Arrival: Arrive in Cappadocia for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5 – Cappadocia Underground City & Goreme Open Air Museum Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Özkonak Underground City: Explore one of the region's best-preserved subterranean cities.
- Göreme Open Air Museum: Discover rock-cut churches featuring 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus Christ.
- Çavuşin & Avanos: Visit the abandoned village of Çavuşin and watch a traditional pottery-making workshop in Avanos.
- Valleys & Rock Formations: Tour Love Valley, Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), and the Three Beauties fairy chimneys.
- Evening Entertainment: Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner accompanied by a folkloric dance show and unlimited drinks.
Optional Hot Air Balloon: Early morning hot air balloon flight available upon request.
Day 6 – Cappadocia to Pamukkale via Konya Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Konya: Journey toward Pamukkale, stopping in Konya to explore its rich history tied to the poet Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes, alongside a medieval Silk Road caravanserai.
- Pamukkale: Arrive to admire the stunning natural white limestone thermal terraces. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7 – Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour to Izmir Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
- Pamukkale & Hierapolis: Walk along the travertine thermal pools and explore the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, with an opportunity for local textile outlet shopping.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Explore the 9,000-year-old city featuring the Celsus Library, Curetes Street, Roman baths, and the site of the Artemision (Temple of Artemis).
- Şirince Village: Visit this charming 19th-century village famous for local handicrafts and fruit wine tastings (blackberry, blueberry, melon, strawberry), followed by a visit to a leather production center. Transfer to Izmir for overnight.
Day 8 – Izmir City Tour & Airport Transfer Breakfast & Lunch Included
- İzmir Highlights: Drive along the scenic Kordon, visit the iconic 1901 Clock Tower in Konak Square, and explore the historic Asansör elevator offering panoramic city views.
- Ancient Agora: Tour the well-preserved 2nd-century Roman marketplace.
- Departure: Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.