10-Day Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia

Arrivo a Istanbul in qualsiasi momento. Al vostro arrivo all'aeroporto di Istanbul (IST) o all'aeroporto Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), il nostro team vi attenderà all'uscita dell'area arrivi internazionali con un cartello recante il vostro nome. Verrete quindi trasferiti in hotel per il check-in. Pernottamento a Istanbul.

Il resto della giornata è libero per rilassarsi o esplorare la città a proprio piacimento. In alternativa, puoi scegliere di unirti al Crociera notturna sul Bosforo con cena e spettacolo a un costo aggiuntivo. Questa attività facoltativa offre una serata magica sul Bosforo, con una deliziosa cena, intrattenimento dal vivo e una vista mozzafiato sui monumenti illuminati di Istanbul.

Dopo la colazione, intorno alle 8:30, verrete prelevati dal vostro hotel per un tour guidato di un'intera giornata alla scoperta dei monumenti bizantini e ottomani più iconici di Istanbul. Per prima cosa, visitate Santa Sofia, un capolavoro che è servito da cattedrale, moschea e ora museo, mettendo in mostra secoli di patrimonio cristiano e islamico. Poi, dirigiti verso il Moschea Blu, celebre per le sue splendide piastrelle blu di Iznik e i sei imponenti minareti, un segno distintivo dell'architettura ottomana.

Proseguire con una sosta al Ippodromo, Un tempo cuore pulsante della vita sociale bizantina, qui potrete ammirare l'Obelisco di Teodosio, la Colonna Serpentina e la Fontana Tedesca, ognuna ricca di significato storico. Dopo queste esplorazioni, concedetevi una pausa pranzo in un ristorante locale e assaporate la cucina tradizionale turca.

Nel pomeriggio, scopri Palazzo Topkapi, l'antica residenza dei sultani ottomani. Passeggia tra i suoi grandiosi cortili e tesori e, facoltativamente, visita l'Harem, gli appartamenti privati del sultano e della sua famiglia. Concludi la giornata nella vibrante Gran Bazar, Uno dei mercati coperti più grandi e antichi del mondo. Esplora la sua vivace atmosfera e curiosa tra una vasta gamma di merci, dalle spezie ai tappeti, dai gioielli alle ceramiche. Al termine del tour, intorno alle 17:00, verrai riaccompagnato in hotel. Il resto della serata sarà a tua disposizione per rilassarti o esplorare Istanbul a tuo piacimento. Pernottamento a Istanbul.

Dopo la colazione, verso le 8:30, verrete prelevati dal vostro hotel per partecipare alla crociera mattutina di mezza giornata sul Bosforo. La giornata inizia con una visita al Mercato delle spezie (Bazar egiziano), dove potrete immergervi nei colori vivaci, nei profumi e nell'atmosfera di uno dei mercati più iconici di Istanbul.

Dopo la visita, salirai a bordo di una barca condivisa per una crociera panoramica lungo il Bosforo — il famoso stretto che separa l'Europa dall'Asia e collega il Mar Nero al Mar di Marmara. Durante la crociera, goditi viste mozzafiato di Palazzo Dolmabahçe, Palazzo Beylerbeyi, il maestoso Ponte sul Bosforo, oltre a fortezze secolari ed eleganti dimore sul lungomare che costeggiano entrambe le sponde.

After the cruise, you will return to your hotel around 12:15 AM to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Upon your arrival at Denizli Airport, our representative will meet you at the exit gate and assist you with your transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in and an overnight stay. Overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At around 10:30 am, you will be picked up to begin your guided Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour. Your first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you’ll explore remarkable landmarks such as the Tempio di Apollo, IL Teatro, IL Necropoli, e il Terme romane — traditionally believed to be the martyrdom site of St. Philip.

After exploring these fascinating historical sites, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Karahayit, famous for its sorgenti termali rosse and mineral-rich waters known for their healing properties.

Next, visit the world-renowned Travertini di Pamukkale (Cotton Cliffs), also called the Castello di cotone, where you’ll have about an hour of free time to walk along the gleaming white terraces and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. You may also choose to swim in the Piscine antiche di Cleopatra — an optional experience available for an additional fee. At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel around 8:30 am. You will then be picked up and met by your professional tour guide to begin your full-day guided tour of Efeso, one of the most important and best-preserved ancient cities of the Greco-Roman world. Once a major center of trade, culture, and religion, Ephesus was among the greatest cities of the ancient Mediterranean.

Your tour begins with a visit to the Tempio di Adriano, one of the most elegant and well-preserved structures in the city, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian. Admire the intricate carvings and the detailed archways that stand as a testament to the city’s artistic excellence. Stroll along Curetes Street, the main thoroughfare of ancient Ephesus, lined with remnants of shops, columns, and monumental gates. Continue to the impressive Grande Teatro, capable of seating 25,000 spectators. This grand structure hosted concerts, theatrical performances, and even gladiator contests. From the top, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable panoramic view of the ancient city.

Successivamente, visita il Fontana di Traiano, built in honor of the Roman Emperor Trajan. The ornate remains of the fountain reflect the wealth and grandeur of Ephesus at its height. After exploring these iconic sites, enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, sampling authentic local flavors.

Following lunch, continue to the Casa della Vergine Maria, a sacred Christian pilgrimage site where it is believed that Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. The peaceful surroundings offer a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer at the wishing wall. Before concluding your tour, make a brief stop at the Tempio di Artemide — once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a single column remains today, it still evokes the magnificence of Hellenistic architecture.

Finally, visit the Moschea di Isacco, a masterpiece of 14th-century Seljuk architecture, known for its elegant courtyard and intricate stonework. Your tour will conclude around 4:00 pm. Afterward, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir via Istanbul. Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For an additional option, you may book an early morning Giro in mongolfiera in Cappadocia to witness the magical landscape from above — an unforgettable experience offering breathtaking views of the valleys and fairy chimneys. Please note that this activity is optional and available at an extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day guided North Cappadocia Tour. Your tour starts with a visit to Valle di Devrant, also known as Imagination Valley, famous for its unique rock formations resembling animals and fairy chimneys sculpted by nature. Continue to Valle di Pasabag (Monks Valley), where you can admire the striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles — some of the most iconic formations in Cappadocia.

Next, drive to the charming town of Avanos, situated on the banks of the Kızılırmak River and renowned for its traditional pottery and handmade ceramics. Here, you’ll visit a local workshop and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, continue to the fascinating Museo all'aperto di Zelve, one of Cappadocia’s earliest monastic settlements, where you can explore cave dwellings, ancient chapels, and tunnels that reveal the early Christian history of the region. Before returning to your hotel, you will stop at the panoramic viewpoint of Uchisar Castle to capture spectacular photos of the surrounding valleys. Please note that entry inside the castle is not permitted.

At around 4:00 PM, your tour will conclude, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or join one of the optional evening activities.

For additional activities, you may choose from a Cappadocia ATV Tour, UN Equitazione in Cappadocia tour through the valleys, or attend a Cappadocia Whirling Dervish Show to witness the spiritual Sufi ceremony. Alternatively, enjoy a lively Spettacolo serale turco in Cappadocia con cena, featuring traditional music, folk dances, and delicious regional cuisine. All optional activities are available at an extra cost. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 AM, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day South Cappadocia tour. Your guide will begin with an overview of the day’s highlights before heading to Valle Rossa, known for its vibrant colors and rock-cut churches. Here, you’ll enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the beautiful Valle delle Rose (Güllüdere Vadisi), offering stunning views and historical cave dwellings.

Successivamente, visita Villaggio di Cavusin, a historic settlement home to ancient rock-carved homes and churches that were once inhabited by Christian monks. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the picturesque Valle dei Piccioni (Güvercinlik Vadisi), named for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore one of Cappadocia’s fascinating subterranean cities—either the Città sotterranea di Ozkonak, where early Christians lived in secrecy to escape persecution. After the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is free to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The day starts with a stop at Esentepe Village, offering a panoramic viewpoint over Goreme and its striking fairy chimneys—an ideal photo opportunity.

From there, continue to the Città sotterranea di Derinkuyu, a fascinating subterranean settlement originally used by the Hittites and later expanded by early Christians seeking refuge. Explore its maze of tunnels, stables, kitchens, and ventilation shafts. Next, you’ll head to the lush Valle di Ihlara for a scenic 4 km hike along the Melendiz River. The valley is rich with hidden rock-cut churches adorned with ancient frescoes from the early Christian period.

After the hike, enjoy a relaxing riverside lunch in Villaggio di Belisirma. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Monastero di Selim, carved into volcanic rock and serving as a cathedral-sized complex for monks in the 13th century. The final stop of the day is Yaprakhisar, a dramatic landscape famous for its otherworldly rock formations—and notably used as a filming location for Star Wars.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 PM. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, you will be picked up around 9:30 AM to embark on the Blue Tour of Cappadocia. The tour begins with a visit to the Città sotterranea di Kaymakli, one of the most intricate underground cities in Cappadocia. Originally built with eight levels—four of which are open to visitors—it offers insights into the remarkable sheltering systems that once protected up to 5,000 people during times of conflict.

Your journey continues to Soganli Valley, a serene open-air museum near a traditional Cappadocian village. This valley is renowned for its distinctive rock-cut churches decorated with frescoes dating from the 9th to the 13th century. The tour also includes a stop at Şahinefendi (Sobesos), a recently uncovered archaeological site featuring intricately designed Roman mosaics and the remains of ancient dwellings.

Next, you’ll visit Keslik Monastery, located near the village of Cemil, where you can view centuries-old frescoes that are illuminated only by flashlight—adding a mystical ambiance to the experience. The final stop is Mustafapasha (Sinassos), a charming former Greek village celebrated for its beautifully preserved stone houses and unique architectural blend of Greek and Ottoman influences.

At around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Dopo la colazione, effettuerete il check-out dal vostro hotel a Istanbul (l'orario standard di check-out è entro le 12:00). In base all'orario del vostro volo, sarete trasferiti all'aeroporto internazionale di Istanbul (IST) o all'aeroporto Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Questo segnerà la fine del nostro tour e dei nostri servizi.

Desideri prolungare le tue vacanze? Se desiderate aggiungere altri giorni di relax a Istanbul, in Cappadocia o a Kusadasi, potete personalizzare facilmente il vostro itinerario. Vi basterà indicare la vostra preferenza per le notti aggiuntive nel modulo di prenotazione al momento della prenotazione.