This five-day adventure will take you to Istanbul and Cappadocia, two of the most-visited places in Turkey. In the first part of the trip, you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing tour in Istanbul, where you will be visiting all major highlights of the country, such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
As the city that straddles Asia and Europe, Istanbul is steeped in rich history. Formerly known as Constantinople, it was once part of Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Here you will find many ancient relics and landmarks of those bygone eras.
The next part of the tour, you will be visiting the incredible Cappadocia, known world over for its unique landscape. Here, you will spend two days exploring the wonders of the place, including the Goreme Open Air Museum and the underground city of Derinkuyu.
So come join us in this incredible tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia. You won’t have to spend a moment worrying about timing or transportation as everything has been arranged for you, even the Internal flight tickets.
A great trip. A lot of ground covered. Tour notes had explained clearly that early starts were common and how much travel time was involved. Our modern, generously sized, coach and regular stops made it very comfortable. Our guide, Alcan Sisli, and driver, Attila, were of the high quality I expect from Explore! trips. Alcan was passionate about his country and extremely knowledgeable about all our points of interest. He took great care to include everyones wishes and needs when making plans and quickly knew us as individuals. He was unfailingly cheerful and looked after us all very competently, even when we perhaps did our own thing! We all got our turn to sit near the front of the coach to ask all those odd questions you might hesitate to ask in the whole group, though as usual the group, 12 in all, was such an interesting mix of backgrounds and personalities that it very soon felt as if we were just one big family. I miss them all now I'm home again! The accommodation was an eclectic mix of small city rooms to surprisingly luxurious bigger ones. All clean and with amazing buffet breakfasts. Food was varied - if sometimes a little solidly based on traditional Turkish meals. Fabulous fresh fish. Interesting 'greasy spoon' cafes with amazing dishes and the chance to try great local specialities. The attractions were as described - but even more spectacular in reality. The Mosques, Cotton Castle terraces, Rock formations and cave dwellings, Greco Romano remains etc were all fantastic and the final visit to Gallipoli was powerfully atmospheric. Our only disappointment was the unusually cold and wet weather during our particular trip dates but it didn't dampen our spirits and the only thing we couldn't do was the optional balloon flight. Another year perhaps. Now just got to sort out the 100s of photos and eat the Turkish Delight.
Walking through ancient ruins, sailing along the Aegean, and exploring Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar—every day was an adventure! Highly recommend this trip for history lovers!
Enhance your Istanbul vacation by exploring the captivating highlights of Cappadocia in just 3 days, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey via plane (with included tickets) to optimize your time.
Upon arrival in Cappadocia, embark on an enriching journey led by a certified, English-speaking guide. Over 2 full days, immerse yourself in the region's wonders, traversing through Devrent Valley, Monk's Valley, and encountering the enchanting Fairy Chimneys. Stroll the charming streets of Avanos, steeped in picturesque beauty, and explore the ancient treasures of Goreme's open-air museum, a testament to centuries of Christian history. Delight in the scenic beauty of Red Valley, Pigeon Valley, and a 5-kilometer hike through the stunning Güllüdere valley before returning to Istanbul by the end of day 3.
This comprehensive tour package encompasses accommodation, select meals, expert guidance, seamless transportation, and inclusive flight tickets. For further information, refer to the detailed itinerary and the list of inclusions provided.
Enhance your ANZAC experience & see the best of Turkey in our 10 day tour. Start your tour in Istanbul and experience an unforgettable cruise along the magnificent Bosphorus. View the astonishing natural formations of caves and fairy chimneys in Cappadocia and bathe in the natural healing pools of Pamukkale. Visit Troy, Pergamum and the ancient wonder of Ephesus. Then head to Gallipoli to pay respect to fallen Soldiers at Anzac Cove and be a part of the National Services for Australians or New Zealanders.
Discover the heart of Turkey on our captivating 9-day "Turkey Classics" tour! Begin in Istanbul, exploring its iconic Old City gems like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, plus a scenic Bosphorus cruise between continents. Marvel at Cappadocia's unique lunar landscape, fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities, with an optional folklore evening. Journey along the Silk Road to Konya and its Mevlana Museum, then witness Pamukkale's dazzling white travertines and the ruins of Hierapolis. Your adventure culminates in Ephesus, exploring its grand Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis site, and enjoying a wine tasting in Şirince. This expertly guided tour is perfect for experiencing Turkey's most celebrated historical and natural wonders.
The Best of Turkey Tour is an 8-day journey that showcases the country's most iconic historical, cultural, and natural wonders. Perfect for travelers with limited time, this tour offers a well-balanced itinerary covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus—ensuring you experience Turkey’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage. After a fulfilling exploration of Turkey’s most fascinating sites, you’ll return to Istanbul, marking the end of this unforgettable journey. With expert guides, seamless transportation, and comfortable accommodations, the Best of Turkey Tour is ideal for those seeking an immersive yet efficient exploration of Turkey’s top highlights.
Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Turkey, commencing in the vibrant city of Istanbul. From there, explore captivating Cappadocia, where hidden underground cities, the Open Air Museum, and the natural fortress of Uchisar await your discovery. Continue your adventure by visiting Pamukkale and the historic city of Hierapolis. In Selcuk, pay homage to the ancient Temple of Artemis and meander through the picturesque village of Sirince. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, tasty food, and natural wonders.
Highlights of Turkey tour takes you to the most essential sites to see over 8 days. Start off with vibrant Istanbul and discover the diverse history and incredible monuments before a cruising on the Bosphorus. Ride to the magical Cappadocia and watch the fairy-chimneys unfold from a hot-air balloon. Splash into white-washed thermal pools of Pamukkale and walk the impressive ruins of Ephesus. Then fly back to Istanbul in comfort.
This guided, small-group tour is for those who wish to discover Cappadocia, the land of fairy chimneys and underground cities. Catch a flight to Cappadocia on Day 2 and spend the day discovering the highlights of northern Cappadocia such as the Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos and the Valley of Three Beauties.
Up next is the southern part of the region that includes places like the Red Valley, the Castle of Cavuşin and the Çavuşin Valley, the Valley of Love and the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. We can also book an optional hot air balloon flight during your stay in Cappadocia if you wish to.
Please scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
Do you want to discover some of the most popular destinations of Turkey but have a limited time? If your answer is yes, then this is the tour for you. Join us as we discover the gems of Turkey and set out to explore places like Ephesus, Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Also included in the itinerary is a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia, the fabled land of fairy chimneys.
Please note that we do not operate big bus tours with 40 people in one bus. We only operate small-group tours of up to 15 people. The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below. However, please note that the schedule may vary due to availability and other issues.
Departure from Istanbul: 07:00 am to 07:30 am. Arrive in Izmir: 08:00 am to 08:30 am
Departure from Cappadocia: 07:00 pm to 09:30 pm. Arrive in Istanbul: 8:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city.
For travelers interested in discovering the key highlights of Turkey in less than a week, this is the tour for you. Included in this itinerary is a comprehensive exploration of Cappadocia (including both its northern and southern parts) as well as trips to the ruins of Ephesus and the ethereal travertines of Pamukkale.
Book this itinerary for an unforgettable holiday in Turkey and leave it to us to plan your accommodation, transportation and other services. The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below. Please note that this is subject to availability and may vary depending on weather and other factors.
From Istanbul: The flight leaves between 07:00 to 07:30 am and arrives in Izmir between 08:00 and 08:30 am.
From Cappadocia: The flight leaves between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm and arrives in Istanbul between 9:00 pm and 11:50 pm.
This 1 day tour, starts and ends in Cappadocia, Turkey.
Duration: 10 am to 5 pm
Visit Derinkuyu Underground city, which is 85 m deep and Ihlara Valley along the Melendiz river. Selime Monastery and Yaprakhisar panaroma.
