Turkey Highlights Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

Arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, where our representative will assist with transfers to your hotel. After check-in, relax and refresh from your journey. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely stroll at Taksim Square or Galata Tower area, soaking in the vibrant nightlife, bustling streets, and panoramic city views. Dinner can be arranged at a local Turkish restaurant or near Istiklal Street. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, set off on a guided Old City Tour. Explore Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine marvel, followed by the Blue Mosque, famed for its blue Iznik tiles. Walk through the Hippodrome of Constantinople before visiting the lavish Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman sultans’ residence. Break for a traditional Turkish lunch, then shop at the Grand Bazaar, home to thousands of shops. In the evening, enjoy a Bosphorus Sunset Cruise, watching Istanbul’s skyline transform under twilight. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your 1-hour flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, drive about an hour to Kusadasi, a beautiful seaside town on the Aegean coast. Check into your hotel and relax by the beach or pool. The day is free for leisure—you may enjoy the promenade, taste Aegean seafood, or unwind with sunset views over the harbor. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full-day guided Ephesus tour. Walk through the impressive ruins of Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved Roman cities, including the Library of Celsus and the Grand Theatre. Visit the sacred House of Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. For those seeking adventure, an optional Pamukkale day trip can be arranged. Return to Kusadasi for overnight stay.

After breakfast, fly from Izmir to Kayseri/Nevşehir (via Istanbul), typically taking 3–4 hours including transit. Upon arrival, begin exploring Cappadocia, starting with Uchisar Castle, a natural rock fortress offering panoramic views. Continue to Pigeon Valley, where dovecotes carved into cliffs create a picturesque landscape. Check into your cave hotel—an unforgettable Cappadocian experience. Evening at leisure with optional Turkish Night Show. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, enjoy the North Cappadocia Tour. Visit Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) to see whimsical rock formations, then explore Pasabag (Monks Valley) with its famous fairy chimneys. Continue to Avanos Village, renowned for pottery-making since 2000 BC, where you can watch live demonstrations. After lunch, discover the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes. End the day at Esentepe viewpoint for sweeping views of Goreme Valley before returning to your cave hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Wake up early for the Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional, weather dependent), offering spectacular sunrise views over Cappadocia’s valleys. After breakfast, embark on the South Cappadocia Tour. Visit Derinkuyu Underground City, once a refuge for early Christians. Explore the scenic Ihlara Valley with its rock-hewn churches, then stop at the striking Selime Monastery, carved into volcanic rock. Conclude with a visit to Pigeon Valley for photographs before returning to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul (1 hr). Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some last-minute shopping at the Spice Bazaar or Istinye Mall. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward departure, marking the end of your Turkey adventure.