8-Day Turkey Tour from Washington D.C. (Flights Included)

Departure from Washington D.C.

Your Turkish adventure begins today with your departure from Washington D.C. Please make your own way to Dulles International Airport (IAD) and proceed to the airline counter for your check-in and baggage drop. Once you board your international flight to Istanbul, settle into your seat and enjoy the transatlantic crossing as you make your way toward one of the world's most storied cities, where the continents of Europe and Asia meet across the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus. Rest well during the flight — an extraordinary week of exploration awaits.

Arrival in Istanbul – Free Day to Settle In

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), our representative will be waiting to greet you and assist with a smooth transfer to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to unwind following your long-haul flight. Depending on your energy level, take a leisurely stroll through the atmospheric streets around Sultanahmet Square, where centuries of history surround you at every turn, or enjoy a traditional Turkish tea at a local café. There is no scheduled group activity today, giving you the perfect opportunity to acclimate and prepare for the exciting days ahead. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul Old City Highlights – Byzantine & Ottoman Treasures

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of Istanbul's most celebrated landmarks. Begin at the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a monumental structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum over its 1,500-year history, showcasing stunning mosaics and an awe-inspiring dome.

Next, cross the square to the Blue Mosque, famous for its cascade of domes, six slender minarets, and over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles in mesmerizing shades of blue. Continue to the Hippodrome, the former chariot-racing arena and social heart of Byzantine Constantinople, where you can admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.

Enjoy a lunch of traditional Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers. In the afternoon, discover Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Wander through its ornate courtyards, treasury halls, and enjoy sweeping views over the Golden Horn.

Conclude the day at the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with more than 4,000 shops offering carpets, ceramics, spices, jewelry, and more. Return to the hotel by approximately 5:00 PM, with the evening free at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul

Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, join your fellow travelers for a morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a transfer to Eminönü Pier, where you will first visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar, a colorful marketplace brimming with exotic spices, dried fruits, Turkish delight, and fragrant teas.

Board a boat and sail along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia. As you glide between two continents, take in panoramic views of Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and elegant Ottoman-era waterfront mansions lining both shores.

The cruise concludes around 12:15 PM. Return to your hotel to collect your luggage, then transfer to Istanbul's domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your cave hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the evening is free to relax or take a quiet walk through the surrounding village. Overnight in Cappadocia.

North Cappadocia Tour – Fairy Chimneys & Cave Villages

For an optional early morning experience, you may book a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's surreal landscape of valleys and rock formations (available at additional cost, must be pre-booked, and is subject to weather conditions).

After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, your guide will lead the group on a full-day North Cappadocia tour. Begin at Devrent Valley, often called Imagination Valley, where wind-sculpted rock formations resemble animals and fantastical shapes. Continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), famous for its striking mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys that once sheltered hermit monks.

Next, visit the charming town of Avanos, renowned for its centuries-old pottery tradition on the banks of the Kızılırmak River. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with fellow travelers. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned cave village comprising three interconnected valleys with ancient dwellings, churches, and a mosque carved directly into the rock.

Before heading back, stop near Uchisar for a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping vistas across the Cappadocian landscape — a perfect photo opportunity. The tour concludes around 4:00 PM with a transfer back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

South Cappadocia Tour – Flight to Izmir & Transfer to Kuşadası

After breakfast, check out of your cave hotel and prepare for a full day of exploration. Around 9:30 AM, your guide will meet the group for the South Cappadocia tour. Begin with a visit to the Red Valley, where the rock face glows in shades of crimson, orange, and pink. Continue with a scenic walk through Rose Valley, passing ancient rock-cut churches adorned with faded frescoes amid dramatic geological formations.

Next, visit Çavuşin Village, home to some of the oldest cave dwellings in the region and historic churches once used by early Christian communities. Around noon, pause for lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, admire the views at Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffsides. Then descend into Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, a remarkable subterranean complex of tunnels, living quarters, and storage rooms used for centuries as a refuge by early Christians.

The tour concludes around 3:30 PM. Transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, a representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kuşadası (approximately 1 hour drive). Overnight in Kuşadası.

Ephesus Full-Day Tour & Flight Back to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of your hotel around 8:30 AM and join your guide for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean world. Walk along the marble-paved Curetes Street, the city's grand main avenue, as your guide brings the ancient world to life. Visit the Temple of Hadrian, adorned with exquisite mythological reliefs, and stand in the awe-inspiring Great Theater, which once seated 25,000 spectators for performances and gladiatorial contests. Admire the elegant Trajan Fountain, an ornamental monument that once supplied water to the city's residents.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with the group. In the afternoon, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site in the forested hills above Ephesus, believed to be where Mary spent her final years. Continue to the site of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — only a single column remains, but the historical significance is immense. Your final stop is the Isabey Mosque, a beautiful 14th-century Seljuk masterpiece with intricate stonework and graceful arches.

Around 4:00 PM, transfer to Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Departure from Istanbul

Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast at the hotel before checking out (standard check-out is by 12:00 PM). Based on your flight schedule, you will be transferred seamlessly to Istanbul Airport for your journey back. We wish you a safe and comfortable flight home, carrying wonderful memories of your time in Turkey!