6 Days: Istanbul

Tour overview:

This 6-day journey offers a captivating exploration of Turkey’s cultural and historical treasures. Begin in Istanbul, where grand mosques, bustling bazaars, and imperial palaces reveal the city’s timeless charm. Continue to Cappadocia to marvel at its surreal fairy chimneys, ancient cave churches, and underground cities carved into volcanic rock. Conclude your adventure in Kusadasi with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus and the revered House of the Virgin Mary. A perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty, this itinerary showcases the very best of Turkey in one unforgettable experience.

Day 1 - Arrival

Transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Full Day Istanbul

Breakfast in your hotel, visit Topkapi Museum, Blue Mosque, Hipodrome, Hagia Sophia (just from outside), Grand Bazaar. (B)

Day 3 - Cappadocia

Arrive in Kayseri Airport and visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the alls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going back to the hotels.(BLD)

Day 4 - Cappadocia.

Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and drive to Ihlara Valley, created from the ashes of the volcanic Mt. Hasan. After hiking through the valley, which is watered with Melendiz River by Belisirma, proceed to Selime with hollowed out citadel and churches where fairy chimneys rest on the steep hillside. Stop at Yaprakhisar village to take photos. In the afternoon, visit to Derinkuyu Underground Village where dwellings with stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches and wineries were used as refuges for the Christian communities. Thereafter transfer to your hotel. (BLD)

Day 5 - Izmir (Kusadasi)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival transfer to your hotel and overnight in Kusadasi.(B)

Day 6 - Kusadasi-Ephesus

After Breakfast a full day tour of Ephesus, and the Virgin Mary's stone cottage. Transfer to Izmir airport end of service.(B)