From Istanbul: Best of Turkey 8 Days, 7 Nights Guided Tour

Discover Turkey’s historic highlights with a 7-night guided tour including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, and Ephesus.

This eight-day tour suits travelers interested in history, culture, and natural wonders, covering iconic sites and unique experiences across Turkey.

Highlights

• Explore Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia
• Discover Cappadocia’s landscapes, including Goreme and the underground city
• Visit Konya, home to the Whirling Dervishes
• Tour Ephesus with its Grand Theater, Celsus Library, and Hadrian’s Temple
• Explore Hierapolis and its white terraces and thermal pools

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Meet your representative and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Walking Tour (Breakfast)
Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome on a guided walking tour. Explore the Grand Bazaar for shopping. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia – Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
Morning flight to Cappadocia. Visit the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup, descend into Ozkonak Underground City, and see panoramic views from Uchisar Rock Castle. Overnight in a cave hotel.

Day 4: Full-Day Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
Explore Devrent Valley’s rock formations and visit Avanos to watch traditional pottery making. Tour the Goreme Open Air Museum. Overnight in a cave hotel.

Day 5: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (Breakfast, Dinner)
Drive to Pamukkale via Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana. Overnight in a thermal hotel, with time to swim in thermal pools.

Day 6: Pamukkale – Kusadasi (Breakfast, Dinner)
Tour the ancient city of Hierapolis, its white terraces, and thermal pools. Transfer to Kusadasi for overnight stay.

Day 7: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Istanbul (Breakfast)
Visit the Temple of Artemis, Ephesus ancient city including Baths of Scholastica, Library of Celsus, Hadrian’s Temple, and Grand Theater. See the House of the Virgin Mary shrine. Fly from Izmir to Istanbul for overnight.

Day 8: Departure from Istanbul (Breakfast)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

The tour can be reverse-organized depending on flight availability, visiting the same locations in alternate order. For Saturday arrivals, the Istanbul tour occurs last, on the seventh day.

Note on Hagia Sophia: Live guiding inside Hagia Sophia is not allowed. Guests must use smartphones and headphones for audio guidance. Headphones are available for purchase at approximately 3.5 USD. Guests without smartphones should follow signage inside the monument.

Inclusions

• Entry fees to all listed sites
• 7 nights accommodation in boutique, cave, and 4-star hotels
• Licensed guides throughout
• Domestic flights: Istanbul to Cappadocia and Izmir to Istanbul
• Air-conditioned minivan transportation with driver
• 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Exclusions

• Lunches, drinks, and dinners in Istanbul and Cappadocia
• Personal expenses
• Visa Fees
• Travel Insurance

Important Information

• The itinerary may be reversed based on flight and hotel availability
• The tour involves walking; comfortable low-heeled shoes and casual clothes are recommended
• Bring sunglasses and hats
• Cameras are recommended
• Bring swimwear for thermal pools at the Pamukkale hotel
• Typical hotels include:
  
  • Istanbul: Yasmak Sultan, Celal Sultan Hotel, or Recital Hotel (or similar)
  • Cappadocia: Melekler Evi, Zeydem Suites, or Fresco Konakları (cave hotels)
  • Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel (or similar)
  • Kusadasi: Efe Butik or Neopol Deluxe (or similar)

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For best experience, book early to secure preferred flights and hotels. Bring a smartphone with headphones for Hagia Sophia, comfortable shoes for walking, and swimwear for thermal pools.