Istanbul to Cappadocia: Turkey’s Wonders

Welcome to Istanbul, the city where Europe meets Asia. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW), you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to relax after your journey and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Stops: Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar

1. Hagia Sophia
Step inside the world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest building on Earth after the Egyptian Pyramids and Great Wall of China. This architectural masterpiece was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine era.
Duration: 1 hour • Admission not included
2. Topkapı Palace
Explore Topkapı Palace, the historic residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the administrative heart of the empire for nearly 400 years. Marvel at its luxurious rooms, gardens, and priceless collections.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission not included
3. Hippodrome
Visit the ancient Hippodrome, built in 203 AD by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. Once capable of holding 100,000 spectators, it was the city’s main social and sporting center in Roman times.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry
4. Blue Mosque
Admire the iconic Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), built in 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I. Famous for its six elegant minarets and striking dome, it remains one of Istanbul’s most recognizable landmarks.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry
5. Grand Bazaar
End the day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring over 4,000 shops and 18 entrances. Browse vibrant textiles, jewelry, spices, and souvenirs.
Duration: 2 hours • Free entry

Stops: Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul Airport, Izmir Airport, Kusadası

1. Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)
Start your day at the vibrant Spice Bazaar, historically known as the Egyptian Bazaar during the Ottoman era. Explore colorful stalls offering herbs, spices, teas, and traditional Turkish delights. It’s a feast for the senses and a great spot to shop for souvenirs.
Duration: 2 hours • Free entry

2. Bosphorus Cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe meets Asia. Admire historic landmarks and stunning architecture along the shoreline, including Dolmabahçe Palace, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the elegant parks and pavilions of Yıldız Palace. This two-hour cruise offers a perfect mix of history and natural beauty.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission included

3. Transfer to Istanbul Airport (SAW / IST)
After the cruise, return to your hotel to collect your luggage and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission included

4. Arrival at Izmir – Transfer to Kusadası
Upon landing at Adnan Menderes Airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred safely to your hotel in Kusadası. Check-in and relax after your journey.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

5. Kusadası – Overnight Stay
Spend the night in Kusadası, a beautiful coastal town offering easy access to Ephesus and the Aegean coastline. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
Duration: Overnight stay • Free entry

Stops: Kusadası, Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Hierapolis, Return to Kusadası

1. Pick-up from Kusadası
Begin your day with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Kusadası. Meet your guide and get ready for a full-day excursion to one of Turkey’s most famous natural and historical wonders.
Duration: 3 hours • Free entry

2. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
Visit the Pamukkale Thermal Pools, famously known as the “Cotton Castle.” These stunning white terraces are formed by calcium-rich thermal waters flowing at 35°C, historically believed to have healing properties. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale has been a destination for wellness and relaxation for centuries.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission not included

3. Hierapolis Ancient City
Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to Anatolia’s largest necropolis with over 1,200 gravestones. Walk through Roman ruins and discover the Sacred Pool, where thermal waters gently ripple over submerged ancient structures—offering a unique blend of history and relaxation.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

4. Return to Kusadası
After a day of exploration, return to Kusadası and your hotel for an overnight stay. Enjoy the evening at leisure, reflecting on the day’s natural and historical wonders.
Duration: 3 hours • Free entry

Stops: House of Virgin Mary, Ancient Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, Izmir Airport, Kayseri

1. House of Virgin Mary (Meryemana)
Start your day with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a historic site built in the 6th century AD atop a 1st-century foundation. Believed to be the final home of Mary, this sacred site attracts pilgrims and visitors from around the world.
Duration: 1 hour • Admission not included

2. Ancient City of Ephesus
Explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the 1st century AD, it was the second-largest city in the world after Rome, with over 250,000 inhabitants. Walk along ancient streets and marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Celsus Library and the continent’s largest Roman theatre, immersing yourself in a journey through time.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission not included

3. Temple of Artemis
Visit the Temple of Artemis (Artemision), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Dedicated to the goddess Artemis, this site was a major pilgrimage destination in antiquity.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

4. Transfer to Izmir Airport
After your tour, return to Adnan Menderes Airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri.
Duration: 2 hours • Free entry

5. Arrival in Kayseri & Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival in Kayseri, your driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Prepare for the next day’s adventure to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

Stops: Göreme Open-Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Paşabağ, Avanos, Göreme Panorama, Uçhisar

1. Göreme Open-Air Museum
Begin your day at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring numerous rock-cut churches from the 9th century. Admire the colorful frescoes that beautifully decorate the walls and ceilings of these historic chapels.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission not included

2. Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
Visit Devrent Valley, famous for its unusual animal-shaped rock formations. Often called a “sculpture zoo created by nature,” this lunar-like landscape even features a rock resembling the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. Capture incredible photos in this surreal environment.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

3. Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
Explore Paşabağ, also known as Monks Valley. Here you’ll find some of Cappadocia’s most striking fairy chimneys, including unique mushroom-shaped formations. Learn about the hermitage of St. Simeon and the fascinating history of the area.
Duration: 1 hour • Admission not included

4. Avanos
Stop in Avanos for a traditional Turkish lunch. Experience hands-on pottery making with local artisans, a centuries-old craft that defines this charming town on the banks of the Kızılırmak River.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

5. Göreme Panorama
Enjoy breathtaking views at Göreme Panorama, offering one of the best vantage points to admire Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and unique landscapes. Perfect for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

6. Uçhisar Castle
Conclude the day at Uçhisar, home to the tallest natural rock formation in Cappadocia. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the region, a perfect way to end your day of exploration.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

Stops: Rose Valley, Çavuşin, Pigeon Valley, Kaymaklı Underground City, Ortahisar, Kayseri Airport, Istanbul Airport

1. Rose Valley & Red Valley
Start your day exploring Rose and Red Valleys, known for their unique pink-tinted ridges. The mineral-rich sandstone glows beautifully at sunrise and sunset, offering one of Cappadocia’s most stunning natural vistas.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

2. Çavuşin Village
Visit the historic Çavuşin Village, nestled in a widening valley also called Red Valley. The village features homes carved into massive rock formations and is famous for its ancient rock churches.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

3. Pigeon Valley
Walk through Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of man-made dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic tuff. This scenic valley is ideal for a leisurely stroll while enjoying Cappadocia’s remarkable landscape.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

4. Kaymaklı Underground City
Discover Kaymaklı Underground City, an eight-story subterranean settlement that once sheltered up to 15,000 Christians. Explore ancient bedrooms, churches, meeting halls, and food storage areas connected by 30 km of tunnels, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Christian life.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission not included

5. Ortahisar
Visit Ortahisar, known for its friendly locals, charming stone houses, narrow streets, and historic churches. Don’t miss the castle-like rock formation that gives the town its name and provides a stunning panoramic view.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

6. Transfer to Kayseri Airport (ASR)
After the tour, drive to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul.
Duration: 2 hours • Admission included

7. Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, your driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Relax and enjoy your final evening in this vibrant city.
Duration: 1 hour • Free entry

Stop: Istanbul Airport

After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) according to your flight schedule. Sit back and relax as you are safely transported, concluding your unforgettable journey through Turkey’s historic sites, natural wonders, and vibrant cities. End of our services.
Duration: 1 hour • Admission included