7-Day Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) at any time, our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.

First, visit Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.

Next, head to Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

Continue with a stop at Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life. Here, admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each steeped in historical significance.

After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

In the afternoon, discover Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan and his family.

Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Explore its lively atmosphere and browse through an array of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore more of Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, at around 8:30 AM, you will join a Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a transfer to the Eminönü Pier, where you’ll enjoy a brief visit to the historic Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)—a vibrant marketplace known for its exotic aromas and colorful stalls.

Following your visit, you’ll board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia. As you sail, take in panoramic views of architectural gems such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, as well as Ottoman-era mansions, fortresses, and picturesque waterfront neighborhoods.

The cruise concludes around 12:15 PM, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri, with an approximate flight time of 1.5 hours. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the evening is free for you to relax or explore your surroundings. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For an optional early morning experience, you may book a Hot Air Balloon Ride to witness breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys and rock formations. This activity is available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance.

After breakfast, at around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day North Cappadocia Tour. The tour begins with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its imaginative rock formations and fairy chimneys. Your next stop will be Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where you’ll see striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles that define the region’s unique landscape.

The journey continues to the charming town of Avanos, known for its rich pottery tradition along the Kızılırmak River. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned cave village that offers fascinating insight into Cappadocia’s monastic history.

Before concluding the tour, you’ll have a short stop near Uchisar for panoramic views and photo opportunities. Although entry to Uchisar Castle’s interior is not permitted, the viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes.

The tour ends around 4:00 PM, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or enjoy optional activities. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional Evening Activities (available at an additional cost):
– 2-hour ATV Tour
– 2-hour Horseback Riding Tour
– 1-hour Whirling Dervish Show
– Turkish Night Show with Dinner – featuring traditional music, folk dances, and a full Turkish meal.

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and prepare for your final day in Cappadocia. At around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and meet your guide for the South Cappadocia Tour. Your guide will provide a brief overview of the day’s itinerary before heading to your first stop: Red Valley. Here, you’ll explore stunning rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the colorful formations of Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, noted for its historic cave homes and churches used by early Christian clergy. Around noon, you’ll pause for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), followed by a guided exploration of either the Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City—fascinating subterranean shelters used by early Christians.

The tour ends around 3:30 PM, after which you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon your arrival at Izmir Airport, a representative holding a sign with your name will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Kuşadası.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel around 8:30 AM. You will be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and once a thriving Greek port and cultural hub.

Your tour begins with a walk along Curetes Street, the main thoroughfare of Ephesus, where your guide will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The first major stop is the Temple of Hadrian, known for its detailed mythological reliefs. You’ll then continue to the grand Great Theater, which could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators and was once the stage for ancient plays and even gladiator battles.

Next, you’ll visit the Trajan Fountain, a beautiful monument that once served as a key water source for the city. Your guide will share insights into the engineering and significance of Ephesus’s urban planning.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Tucked into the hills near Ephesus, it offers a tranquil setting for reflection.

You will then stop by the remnants of the once-mighty Temple of Artemis—once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now a powerful symbol of the city’s historic legacy.

Your final visit of the day will be to the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, an architectural gem of the Seljuk period, showcasing intricate stonework and a harmonious blend of cultures.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight schedule. This concludes your tour and our services.