See the main Ottoman and Byzantine monuments of Istanbul
Explore the tufa rock formations and rock-cut dwellings of Cappadocia
Walk down the marble streets of Ephesus, and discover the House of the Virgin Mary
Cruise between 2 continents on the Boshphorus Straits
Marvel at the "Cotton Castles" of Pamukkale
Watch carpet weaving demonstrations and leather fashion shows
Learn about the whirling sufi dervishes of Konya
Discover the underground cities of the early Christians
Overview
Marvel at the monuments, landscapes and rituals of Anatolia and western Turkey on a 9-day tour from Istanbul. See the “Cotton Castles” of Pamukkale, go to the historic city of Ephesus, and explore the dramatic rock-cut dwellings of Cappadocia.
What to Expect
See - and learn about - some of Turkey’s most acclaimed cultural and historical treasures on a 9-day tour into central Anatolia. Marvel at the Ottoman palaces and wooden homes of Istanbul, walk among the tufa rocks of Cappadocia, visit the final home of the Virgin Mary, and much more.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, transfer to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul (B, L)
After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of the Byzantine and Ottoman highlights of Istanbul. Go to the illustrious Topkapi Palace (harem section optional) to see the courtyards and buildings of the sultan’s vast complex. Visit the Hippodrome, site of chariot races during the Byzantine Empire. See the former Byzantine church and later mosque of Hagia Sophia. Marvel at the blue iznik tiles and slender minartets of the iconic Blue Mosque, and wander the alleys of the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered market and home to nearly 4,000 tiny shops.
Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise - Kusadasi (B, D)
Cruise the Bosphorus Straits in the morning for wonderful views of Istanbul's European and Asian sides. Relax as you pass the marble palaces, wooden villas of the Ottoman era, and luxury residences. Cruise to Rumeli Fortress, built to control entry to the Bosphorus Strait and protect Istanbul. Return to your hotel to freshen up before the afternoon transfer to the airport for the short flight to Izmir. Transfer to Kusadasi to check into your accommodation for the night.
Day 4: Ephesus (B, L, D)
Today you will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, stopping en route at the Isa Bey Mosque. Walk down the marble streets of Ephesus to the Celsus Library, once able to store more than 12,000 scrolls. See the Temple of Hadrian and Trajan Fountain, before going to the “Great Theater" where St. Paul once preached. After a buffet lunch, visit a carpet co-operative to see the exquisite hand-woven Turkish carpets. Continue to the shrine of Mother Mary, believed to be the dwelling where she spent the last days of her life. Go to the Ephesus Archeological Museum and Temple Of Artemis (Diana) to see the remains of one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World." Before your transfer to Kusadasi, watch a fashion show at a leather outlet.
Day 5: Kusadasi - Pamukkale (B, L, D)
After breakfast, transfer to Pamukkale, famed for its healing thermal baths. Marvel at the snow-white calcium terraces and petrified waterfalls of the limestone “Cotton Castles.” After lunch, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, where the necropolis contains the tombs of more than 1,200 from the Hellenic period. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 6: Pamukkale - Konya -Cappadocia (B, L)
Depart Pamukkale for Konya, home of the sufi Whirling Dervishes. Go to the Mausoleum of Mevlana to learn more about the mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader that founded the order. Continue to the 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai of the Silk Road. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Cappadocia for your overnight stay.
Day 7: Cappadocia (B, L, D)
Explore the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, starting in the Devrent Valley at Pasabagi. According to legend, “the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies” here, giving rise to the popular description of the dramatic rocks as “Fairy Chimneys.” Next, go to the Avanos Center of Terracotta Art before lunch, and learn about the ancient techniques of pottery. Continue to Goreme Open Air Museum to see some of the best examples of Byzantine art. Enjoy the panoramic views from the citadel of Uchisar Rock Castle. End your tour at a carpet co-operative to learn how the beautiful carpets are woven by hand. Overnight in Cappadocia, with an optional Turkish belly and folk dance show at a cave restaurant.
Day 8: Cappadocia - Istanbul (B, L)
Explore the rock-cut churches of the Red Valley in southern Cappadocia. Then, hike through the Gulludere Valley to the abandoned village of Cavusin, site of two important churches; the Basilica dedicated to St. John the Baptist on a cliff above the village, and Cavusin Church, also known as the "Great Pigeon House," built to commemorate a visit by the Cappadocian Emperor Nicephorus Phocas. After lunch, see the dovecotes of Pigeon Valley, and visit the Underground City of Kaymakli to see where early Christians lived in fear and faith. Built around nearly 100 tunnels, some of the dwellings are still in use as storage areas, stables, and cellars. An optional 3.5-hour hot air balloon ride is available in the late afternoon, providing the chance to float above the rocks and see Cappadocia from a different perspective. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Day 9: Istanbul (B)
Enjoy some free time in Istanbul befofe the transfer to the airport if you’ve not booked an extension.
What's Included
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
Accommodation in 4-star hotels
Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch)
Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
English-speaking escort/guide
Entrance fees as per itinerary
Hotel taxes and services charges
What's Not Included
Gratuities to tour staff
All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
Beverages (except those served at breakfast)
Visa fees
Domestic flight
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