Loading available options...
Overview
- Duration:8 days 7 nights
- Travelers:1 - 24 guests
- Tour Type:Group tour, Private tour
- Language:English, Spanish
Discover the Best of Turkey on this captivating 8-day tour, journeying through the heart of Istanbul, the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the stunning natural terraces of Pamukkale. Begin your adventure in Istanbul, where East meets West, exploring its rich history and vibrant bazaars. Fly to Cappadocia to experience its surreal landscapes and ancient cave dwellings. Continue to Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities, before concluding your journey in Pamukkale, famous for its white calcium terraces and thermal waters. Each location is steeped in history and unique beauty, making this tour a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural wonders—truly the Best of Turkey.
Highlights
- Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
- Cruise along the Bosphorus and enjoy stunning views from Pierre Loti Hill
- Discover the surreal landscapes and cave dwellings of Cappadocia
- Experience an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia at sunrise
- Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis and House of Virgin Mary
- Marvel at the white travertine terraces and thermal waters of Pamukkale
- Walk through the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including the theater and the Martyrdom of St. Philip
- Enjoy seamless domestic flights and guided tours across Turkey’s top destinations
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival to Istanbul - Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our staff will greet you at the exit gate and transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to relax and explore Istanbul at your leisure.
Day 2 | Ottoman & Byzantine Relics Tour - Istanbul
On day two, start your day with a visit to the famous Hagia Sophia basilica, followed by a tour of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Explore the ancient Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar before enjoying lunch. After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire. Return to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 | Dolmabahce Palace, Asian Side, Golden Horn & Bosphorus Cruise Tour - Istanbul
Start the day with a visit to the Dolmabahce Palace, followed by a trip over the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill. Afterward, tour the Golden Horn and see the 21km long City Walls of Istanbul. Enjoy the beautiful view from the cable car as you climb the hill to the café named after the famous French writer Pierre Loti. Then, take a cruise along the Bosphorus and enjoy lunch on the boat. Return to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 | Flight to Kayseri - Transfer to Cappadocia – North Cappadocia Tour – Cappadocia
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for the early morning flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, transfer to Cappadocia and start your day with a gentle hike through orchards and unusual volcanic rock formations. Visit the old Christian Village of Cavusin, followed by lunch break and an excursion to Pigeon Valley. Continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum and Uchisar for a panoramic view of the landscape. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 | Hot Air Balloon Tour - South Cappadocia Tour - Cappadocia
On Day 5, you can take an optional Hot Air Balloon Tour for a unique view of Cappadocia. After the tour, return to the hotel for breakfast. Then, proceed to Rose Valley to see the first inhabited rock-cut houses, and visit the Church of St. John the Baptist for a panoramic view of the village. After lunch, visit Kaymakli Underground City, the widest underground city in Cappadocia, and Ortahisar with its Castle of Ortahisar. Overnight stay in Göreme.
Day 6 | Flight to Izmir - Ephesus Tour - Kuşadası
After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri Airport for a flight to Izmir. Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Located in modern-day Turkey, it was an important center of trade and culture in the ancient world, with a history dating back to the 10th century BC. We will visit Ephesus Open Air Museum, the House of Virgin Mary, and the remains of the Artemis Temple. Then, transfer to Kuşadası to check in the hotel for a free evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 7 | Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour - Transfer to Denizli - Flight to Istanbul
Today, we will visit Pamukkale, a natural wonder featuring thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the mountain slope, resembling a frozen waterfall. After free time to walk on the terraces, we will visit the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis, which covers over a mile of ruins. Here we will see the Martyrium of St. Philip, where the apostle is said to be buried in a worship chamber surrounded by eight chapels. After the tour, we will transfer you to Denizli Çardak Airport for your early evening flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred to the hotel for a free evening to explore and shop. You will stay overnight in Istanbul.
Day 8 | Istanbul - Final Departure
On Day 8, depending on your flight time, you will check out (at 12:00) and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight.
Includes/Excludes
- Hotel accommodation in the category of your choice
- Domestic flight tickets including taxes
- Sightseeing tours on a semi-private basis (or private basis on request)
- Licensed tour guide assistance during the sightseeing tours
- Main entrance fees to all sites visited as per the itinerary
- Fast-track entries to the museums and natural parks
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for tours and airport transfers
- Domestic land and air transport between each destination
- Optional hot air balloon ride experience with an extra cost
- Taxes and handling service
- 24/7 support during your trip
Frequently asked questions
What is included in the Best of Turkey 8-Day Tour package?
The package includes hotel accommodation, domestic flights, guided sightseeing tours, entrance fees to main attractions, airport transfers, and meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Is the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia included in the tour price?
The hot air balloon ride is an optional experience and comes with an additional cost. You can book it in advance or during your stay in Cappadocia.
What are the main destinations covered in this tour?
This 8-day tour covers Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Hierapolis, offering a blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.
What is the best time of year to join this tour?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are considered the best times, with pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Optional Services
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
Unforgettable hot air balloon experience over Cappadocia valleys
$300/person
from$2,010 /person