8-Day Turkey and Jordan Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour and Late Evening Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast around 8:30 am, check out of the hotel and prepare for an exciting day ahead with the Full Day Istanbul Old City Tour. Istanbul, rich in historical and cultural treasures, is ready to unfold its wonders before you.

First, you will visit the Grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that originally served as a cathedral, later functioned as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. It showcases centuries of history, blending elements of both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport at around 5:00 pm for your late evening flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and taken to your hotel.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Romantic Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Full Day Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 am to start your full-day tour of Cappadocia’s enchanting landscape and historical sites.

The morning part of the tour includes:

• Göreme Open-Air Museum: Explore the cave churches adorned with ancient Byzantine art and frescoes.
• Pigeon Valley: Offers a panoramic view of the region, known for its unique pigeon houses carved into the volcanic tuff.
• Uçhisar Visit – Photo Stop (15 minutes): A brief stop at Uçhisar to capture some memorable photos of the stunning landscapes.
• Lunch: Savor a meal at a local restaurant, experiencing the traditional flavors of Cappadocian cuisine.

In the afternoon, the exploration continues:

• Fairy Chimneys in Pasabag: Witness these natural wonders, famous for their unique geological formations.
• Kaymakli Underground City: Tour this ancient, multi-level underground city, rich in history and culture.
• Devrent Valley: Known as Imagination Valley, famous for its surreal lunar landscape and animal-shaped rock formations.

As the day winds down, you’ll be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and provided with a transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Depart Istanbul for Amman (flight not included). A hotel transfer will be provided upon arrival in Amman

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. There, you will board your international flight to Amman. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Amman for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

• Overnight in Amman
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Sulaf Luxury OR Seven Roses Hotel OR Downtown Hotel Apartments or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: Visit Madaba, Mount Nebo, Shobak Castle and Little Petra

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin your journey to Madaba, a Byzantine-era Christian center known for its churches and historical ruins. Explore the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, which houses an extraordinary mosaic map of the Promised Land.

Next, you will head to Mount Nebo, where the Tomb of Moses offers stunning panoramic views of the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.

Your journey continues along the ancient Road of Kings, stopping at Shobak Castle, a historical fortress built in 1115 under the rule of King Baldwin I.

Finally, visit Little Petra, an intriguing archaeological site featuring buildings and facades carved into the sandstone walls.

After an exciting day touring Petra, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

• Overnight in Petra
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Petra Canyon Hotel OR Petra Moon Hotel OR Petra Boutique Hotel OR Petra Guest House or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Discover Petra; Jeep Tour of Wadi Rum

After breakfast, you will be picked up to explore Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nabatean city, also known as the Red Rose City. Enter this ancient wonder through the 1km-long Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering 80m-high cliffs. Marvel at the vibrant colors and intricate rock formations as you uncover elaborate rock-cut tombs, theatres, temples, and other remarkable structures.

After your visit to Petra, you will head to Wadi Rum for an unforgettable 2-hour jeep tour. Experience the unparalleled beauty of the desert as you witness the dramatic landscape bathed in the fiery hues of sunset, with the sky turning shades of orange and red.

Enjoy a delicious dinner and an overnight stay at a Wadi Rum camp.

• Overnight in Wadi Rum
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Rum Oasis Luxury Camp OR Sun City Camp or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Travel from Wadi Rum to Dead Sea

After breakfast, you will be picked up from the Wadi Rum camp to travel to the Dead Sea, renowned as the lowest point on Earth. Along the way, marvel at the unique salt formations and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The Dead Sea is not only a natural wonder but also a rich source of therapeutic salts and minerals.

Upon arrival at the Dead Sea, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.

• Overnight in Dead Sea
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Dead Sea Spa Hotel OR Ramada Resort OR Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Departure from Dead Sea to Amman Airport

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Dead Sea (hotel check-out is before 11:00 AM) and will then be transferred to the Queen Alia International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir and from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul only.
• 2 nights accommodation at a 4-star hotel with breakfast in Istanbul.
• 1 night accommodation at a cave hotel with breakfast in Cappadocia.
• 1 night accommodation at a 4-star hotel with breakfast in Amman.
• 1 night accommodation at a 4-star hotel with breakfast in Petra.
• 1 night accommodation at a Sun City Camp with breakfast in Wadi Rum.
• 1 night accommodation at a 4-star hotel with breakfast in Dead Sea.
• English-speaking guide during the tours in Turkey.
• English-speaking driver during the tour in Jordan.
• Guide in Petra (2 hrs).
• 2 hours jeep ride in Wadi Rum.
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Flight ticket from Istanbul to Amman.
• Visa to enter Turkey & Jordan.
• Escorting tour guide.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This tour will be private in Jordan but in a shared regular group tour in Turkey.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.