Splendors of Turkey — 8 Nights Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul. Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, Istanbul is Türkiye’s largest city and cultural, historical, and economic heart. Straddling both Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait, it uniquely bridges two continents and civilizations. Once known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, Istanbul served as the capital of the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire, and Ottoman Empire, leaving an extraordinary architectural and cultural legacy. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at hotel. Between 08:30 – 09:00 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided city tour of Istanbul. The tour begins with a visit to the exterior of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Continue to the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of chariot races and public gatherings during the Byzantine era. Next, visit the beautiful Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and impressive Ottoman architecture. The tour then proceeds to Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans and a significant symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Later, enjoy time at the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest covered market with more than 4,000 shops offering carpets, jewelry, souvenirs, and traditional goods. After the tour, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul Note: (*** Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, replaced by Underground Cistern or Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum & Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, replaced with Spice Bazaar) Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at hotel. Between 08:00 – 08:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a relaxing day trip to the Princes' Islands, located in the Sea of Marmara. From Istanbul, you will take a scenic ferry ride passing the historic Golden Horn and rounding Sarayburnu, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the domes and minarets of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.During the ferry journey, you will pass several picturesque islands with charming Ottoman-era houses before arriving at Büyükada, the largest and most popular of the Princes’ Islands. Breakfast at hotel and check out. Our local representative will transfer you to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your flight (ticket included with 15 Kgs allowance) to Cappadocia. Upon arrival to Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevsehir Airport (NAV), transfer to your hotel for check in process. Rest of the day will be free at leisure for relax. Overnight in Cappadocia You may choose to start your day with an optional early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride over the spectacular valleys of Cappadocia, offering breathtaking views of the unique landscape and fairy chimneys.Enjoy sumptuous breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your tour. The first stop is Devrent Valley (also known as Imagination Valley), famous for its unusual rock formations that resemble animals and various shapes. Continue to Pasabag Valley, also known as Monk’s Valley, where you can see the impressive double and triple-headed fairy chimneys. Later, proceed to Avanos for lunch. This charming town is well known for its traditional pottery and is located along the famous Kızılırmak River (Red River), the longest river in Turkey.After lunch, visit the iconic Göreme Open Air Museum, considered the heart of Cappadocia. This UNESCO-listed site is renowned for its ancient cave churches and beautiful frescoes dating back to the 10th century, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and early Christian monks. The final stop of the day will be Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia and a massive natural rock formation offering panoramic views of the region. After the tour, return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia After a sumptuous breakfast, we check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir (internal flight included). Upon arrival, meet our representative and proceed with your transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace. You may enjoy a walk along the beautiful Kordon Promenade, visit local cafés, or explore nearby shopping areas. Overnight stay in Izmir After a sumptuous breakfast at hotel, you will be picked up around 09:30 – 10:00 am for your tour of Ephesus. On this tour, you will see the Ancient Roman City of Ephesus, explore the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library, and the Antique Theatre. In the afternoon visit the famous Sirince village with the cute village houses. At the end of the tour transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi After sumptuous breakfast, pick-up from your hotel between 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. and proceed to visit Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city built above natural hot springs. Explore highlights such as the large Hierapolis Necropolis, Great Baths of Hierapolis, Frontinus Street, the Hierapolis Theatre, and the Martyrion of Saint Philip. You will also visit the antique pool, also known as Cleopatra’s Pool. Finally, experience the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale Travertines, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, where you can enjoy a barefoot walk. After the tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Kusadasi After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul and our tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. You can connect to your outbound flight.