Your incredible journey begins with a seamless transfer service from Kusadasi Harbour, Izmir Airport, or local bus stations straight to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to settle in, relax, and prepare for the exciting adventure ahead.

Enjoy your first night in the Ephesus region, staying in either Selçuk or Kuşadası, where you’ll be surrounded by rich history and stunning coastal scenery.

Overnight in Selcuk or Kusadasi.

Today, your adventure truly begins as you explore one of the most remarkable ancient sites in the world—Ephesus. After being picked up from your accommodation, you’ll be taken on a journey through time, walking among some of the best-preserved marble ruins of the ancient world.

Once one of the Ancient Capitals of Roman Asia, Ephesus was the second-largest city of the ancient world, home to over 200,000 residents more than 3,000 years ago. As you explore, you’ll witness the grandeur of this ancient metropolis, from the awe-inspiring Library of Celsus to the vast Great Theatre that once hosted up to 25,000 spectators.

Your journey continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred Christian pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent the final years of her life. The tranquil setting and deep historical significance make this an unforgettable stop.

Next, marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—the legendary Temple of Artemis. Though only ruins remain today, the temple once stood as a monumental tribute to the goddess Artemis, drawing visitors from across the ancient world.

After an inspiring day of exploration, you’ll return to your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries.

Overnight in the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

🍽️ Morning Departure & Arrival in Pamukkale
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation and begin your journey to Pamukkale, which translates to “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch before starting your exploration of this breathtaking natural wonder.

🌿 Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

• Walk along the surreal white travertine terraces, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the hillside.
• Take a guided tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis, an impressive Greco-Roman city that once served as a spa retreat for the elite.
• Visit the well-preserved theater, necropolis, and Cleopatra’s Pool, where legend says Queen Cleopatra once swam in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

🪂 Optional: Pamukkale Paragliding Experience
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, paragliding over Pamukkale offers a breathtaking aerial view of both the stunning white terraces and ancient ruins. Enjoy a thrilling flight with unmatched panoramic scenery, creating unforgettable memories from above.

🚍 Overnight Bus to Cappadocia
After a full day of exploration, you will board an overnight bus bound for Cappadocia, preparing for the next chapter of your adventure in Turkey’s magical land of fairy chimneys.

🌙 Overnight: Overnight bus to Cappadocia

🌄 Morning Arrival in Goreme, Cappadocia
Wake up to the breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes of Göreme, Cappadocia. Upon arrival, one of our crew members will assist you in getting to your accommodation, where you can rest, relax, or catch up on sleep after your overnight journey.

🛞 Optional Tour: ATV (Quad) Bike Safari – Sunset Adventure
For those who want to add a touch of adventure to their day, an exciting Quad Bike Safari is available in the late afternoon.

• Start Time: Approximately 17:00 PM
• Ride through dusty trails, valleys, and unique rock formations.
• Take in a spectacular sunset over the ancient valleys of Cappadocia.
• A fully guided experience, perfect for thrill-seekers and photography lovers alike.

🌙 Evening Optional Tour: Turkish Night Show & Dinner

• Enjoy an immersive cultural evening in a traditional cave restaurant.
• Watch colorful Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, and live music.
• Indulge in a delicious traditional Turkish dinner while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
• A fun and festive night, offering a glimpse into Turkish heritage and traditions.

After an eventful day, return to your accommodation and enjoy a peaceful night in Cappadocia.

Overnight: Cappadocia

☀️ Early Morning (Optional): Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
For those looking to experience Cappadocia from a breathtaking perspective, a sunrise hot air balloon flight is an unmissable adventure.

• Take off at dawn, floating above the surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations.
• Watch the golden sunrise illuminate the Cappadocia terrain from high in the sky.
• A once-in-a-lifetime experience with unparalleled views and photo opportunities. (This activity is optional and requires an additional cost.)

🍽️ Breakfast & Pick-up for the Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation to begin exploring the highlights of South Cappadocia.

🌿 Highlights of the South Cappadocia Tour:

🏛️ Underground City – Explore one of Cappadocia’s famous subterranean cities, used by early Christians as a hiding place from invaders. Walk through its tunnels, storage rooms, churches, and ventilation shafts.

🏰 Uchisar Castle Panorama – Enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia from the highest rock fortress in the region.

🌄 Meskendir Valley Walk – A peaceful nature walk through scenic valleys, hidden rock-cut churches, and ancient cave dwellings.
🪨 Pigeon Valley – Known for its thousands of pigeon houses carved into the rock, this valley offers another stunning viewpoint over Cappadocia.

📷 Love Valley or Red Valley – Depending on the season, you may visit one of these stunning valleys known for their unique rock formations and vibrant landscapes.

🌙 Evening – Return to Your Accommodation
After a full day of exploration, return to your accommodation in Cappadocia for a well-earned rest.

Overnight: Cappadocia region.

Today is your last day to soak up the breathtaking landscapes and historical wonders of Cappadocia. You will be picked up from your accommodation to explore some of the oldest settlements and unique rock formations in the North Cappadocia region.

🌿 Highlights of the North Cappadocia Tour:

🏡 Visit Traditional Villages – Step into small, charming villages, learning about local traditions and handicrafts, including pottery and carpet weaving.
🪨 Monks Valley (Pasabag) – Discover the famous fairy chimneys, once used as hermit dwellings by Christian monks. This is one of the most iconic landscapes in Cappadocia.

🌄 Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Be amazed by whimsical rock formations that resemble animals and objects, shaped naturally over centuries.

🕌 Avanos – The Pottery Town – Visit the town of Avanos, famous for its traditional pottery workshops, where artisans have been crafting ceramics for generations using the red clay from the Kizilirmak River.

📷 Goreme Panorama – Stop at one of the best viewpoints in Cappadocia to take in stunning panoramic views of the surreal landscape.

🌆 Evening Transfer & Overnight Bus to Istanbul
After a day of exploring, you will have time to relax before boarding your overnight bus to Istanbul, marking the end of your Cappadocia adventure.

🚌 Overnight: Overnight bus to Istanbul

After your overnight bus journey, you will arrive in the vibrant and historic city of Istanbul, where ancient and modern life blend seamlessly. Today is yours to explore at your own pace before your guided tours begin the next day.

🚶‍♂️ Free Day Options – What to Do in Istanbul:

• 🕌 Get a Sneak Peek of Iconic Landmarks – Stroll through the Sultanahmet district and admire the exteriors of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace before your official visits tomorrow.
• 🛍️ Go Shopping at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Market – Pick up handcrafted souvenirs, Turkish delights, jewelry, and spices in one of the world’s oldest markets.
• 🌊 Take a Bosphorus Ferry Ride – Enjoy a scenic cruise between Europe and Asia, soaking in stunning views of palaces, mosques, and bridges.
• ☕ Discover Istanbul’s Café Culture – Relax with a Turkish tea or coffee in a traditional café, people-watch, and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.
• 🏘️ Explore Off-the-Beaten-Path Neighborhoods – Visit Balat for its colorful streets and historical charm or take a ferry to Kadıköy on the Asian side for a more local experience.

🌙 Evening in Istanbul
As night falls, enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner at a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views, or indulge in street food like kebabs, börek, or baklava.

🛏️ Overnight in Istanbul

Today, you will embark on a guided exploration of Istanbul, uncovering its majestic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant bazaars.

🚐 Morning Pickup from Your Accommodation
Your day begins with a pickup from your hotel in one of Istanbul’s central areas, before heading off to visit some of the city’s most iconic attractions.

🏛️ Highlights of Your Istanbul Tour:

• 🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – One of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles, grand domes, and elegant minarets. (Please note: Access is limited on Fridays due to prayer times.)
• 🌟 Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) – A breathtaking masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman architectural splendor.
• 🏰 Topkapi Palace – The magnificent palace of the Ottoman Sultans, where you will explore its lavish rooms, ancient treasures, and stunning gardens, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus. (Closed on Tuesdays.)

🛍️ Shopping & Bazaar Experience:

• Grand Bazaar – Wander through the world’s largest and oldest covered market, home to thousands of stalls selling handmade carpets, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs. (Closed on Sundays.)
• Spice Bazaar – A feast for the senses, where you can experience the rich aromas of exotic spices, Turkish delight, and fragrant teas.

💡 Our Recommendation:
After your tour, if you’d like to continue exploring at your own pace, we highly recommend spending more time at the Spice Bazaar to fully soak in its colors, scents, and lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to pick up authentic Turkish flavors and gifts to take home.

📌 Important Notes:

• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
• Blue Mosque has restricted access on Fridays due to prayers.
• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
• Hotel Pickups: We provide pickups from central locations, including Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim. If your accommodation is outside these areas, additional charges may apply—please check with our team.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

Today, you will embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise and a guided city tour, exploring the rich history, stunning palaces, and breathtaking viewpoints of Istanbul.

🚐 Morning Pickup & Dolmabahce Palace Tour
Your day begins with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, an architectural masterpiece built between 1842 and 1853.
This Neoclassical and Baroque Rococo-style palace served as the residence of the last six Ottoman Sultans.
It was also the summer residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk until his passing in 1938.
Marvel at its lavish interiors, crystal chandeliers, and ornate ceilings, symbolizing the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
(Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays, and tours on this day will begin at 11:30 AM instead.)

⛴️ Bosphorus Cruise – A Journey Through Time
After your palace visit, you will board a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, sailing from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

🌊 Sights Along the Cruise:
🏝️ Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary tower on a small islet, once a lighthouse, radio station, hospital, and now a museum & restaurant.

🏰 Old Constantinople Walls – Built to protect the city for over 1,600 years, these walls were breached only twice in history.
🏛️ Kucuksu Palace – A small yet stunning hunting lodge built by Sultan Abdülmecid, where you’ll stop for one hour to explore its exquisite design.

🏨 Ciragan Palace – A magnificent Ottoman palace turned luxury hotel, partially destroyed by fire in 1910 and restored in the 1990s.

🕌 Ortakoy Mosque – A beautifully designed mosque with distinctive pink mosaics, located along the waterfront.

🌉 Bosphorus Bridge – One of the famous bridges connecting Europe and Asia, offering a spectacular view of Istanbul.

🏰 Beylerbeyi Palace – The summer retreat of the Ottoman Sultans, visible from the boat.

🏯 Rumeli Castle – Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II, this mighty fortress played a crucial role in the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople.

🚎 Panoramic Bus Tour & Pierre Loti Hill Cable Car Ride
After the cruise, you will board a bus for a scenic drive through the old city, passing through the Sultanahmet district before heading to one of Istanbul’s most picturesque viewpoints.

🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – Named after French novelist Pierre Loti, this hill offers one of the most romantic panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
☕ Enjoy a cup of traditional Turkish coffee at a local café while admiring the scenery.
🚡 Take a cable car ride to the top, where you will witness breathtaking views of Istanbul, then glide back down for even more spectacular perspectives of the city.
🏛️ Final Views of the Old City Walls – On your way back to the hotel, the bus will take you around the ancient Constantinople city walls, offering a final glimpse into the city’s imperial defenses.
🕔 Return to Your Hotel: Around 17:00-18:00

📌 Important Notes:
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays; on these days, the tour starts at 11:30 AM instead.
Küçüksu Palace, Pierre Loti Hill, and Dolmabahce Palace are the only stops where you will explore on foot; all other sights are viewed from the boat or bus.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

Today marks the official end of your incredible Taste of Turkey Tour. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Turkey’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.

✈️ Need Help with Onward Travel?
If you require any assistance with your next steps, we are happy to help with:
✔️ Domestic flights or bus tickets to your next destination.
✔️ Additional accommodation bookings in Istanbul or other cities.
✔️ Private transfers to the airport or other locations.
✔️ Travel recommendations for more hidden gems in Turkey.
✔️ Any last-minute queries or assistance to ensure a smooth departure.

Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. We wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you back to Turkey again in the future!