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.
SAILING HOLIDAY: Journey in style from delightful Dubrovnik northward towards stunning Split and explore gorgeous islands en route including Brac and the eye-catching Zlatni Rat Beach. See the world class National Park of Mljet and enjoy 8 glorious days aboard a beautiful cruise ship - complete bliss!
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.
Calling all sun-seeking adventurers! Take an eight-day trip to Sicily and explore dramatic cliffside villages, soak in the Sicilian sunshine and take in the scenic views of clear waters (did we mention the deliciously fresh seafood?). From the volcanic valleys of Mt Etna to the timeworn streets of Syracuse and the Baroque wonders Ragusa, get ready to discover the varied sides of Sicily. Take a step back in time as you explore the ruins of the Valley of the Temples and learn of the rich anti-Mafia history in Palermo. Eat good food, drink local wines and learn about the region with a handy local by your side – there's a reason everybody loves Italy!
My frst trip with Explore and it didn’t disappoint. Massimo our guide was very good and all the events were excellent. I particularly loved the farm visit to see Mozzarella being made and the olive oil & wine tasting. I also loved the walks! The accomodation was ok but not always comfortable and I personally would have liked just a bit more time between activities as it seemed very rushed! I will certainly look at booking Explore again in the future!
We had a great day in Sintra with our driver Bruno- he was very professional. He timed the site visits perfectly so we were easily able to spend time at the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, and Quinta da Regaleira in one day, with a break for a delicious lunch in Sintra and a stop to wander in town. He even treated us to our first taste of Ginjinha! Thank you, Bruno for an unforgettable day to a beautiful place!
In just one day you can explore the most attractive spots of Cappadocia and get the chance to take some of the most amazing photos of your life! One this day tour, we'll pick you up from your hotel and, in a private comfortable vehicle, our local guide will take you to all the highlights of Cappadocia in just one day, including visits to:
Uchisar Castle (30 minutes)
Cavusin (1 hour)
Ozkonak Underground City (1 hour 30 minutes)
Pigeon Valley (1 hour)
Pasabag (1 hour)
Devrent Valley (15 minutes)
Goreme Open-Air Museum (2 hours)
There is no need to think about routes or driving to go to each place, you will just enjoy your trip to Cappadocia!
This exceptional tour through Central Europe's most iconic cities offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and leisurely discovery, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Your journey starts in Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic, where you will immerse yourself in the allure of this historic city. Enjoy the scenic views along the Vltava River, which gracefully winds through the heart of Prague. You will have the opportunity to visit the majestic Prague Castle, the picturesque Charles Bridge and the enchanting Old Town Square with its famed Astronomical Clock. Stroll through the city’s historic center and immerse yourself in centuries of rich history and breathtaking architecture. Then, leaving Prague behind you will travel to Vienna, Austria's elegant capital. As you traverse the scenic landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia, you will witness the imperial past and cultural splendor of this beautiful city. With a panoramic tour of Vienna, you will be introduced to architectural masterpieces such as the Vienna State Opera, the grand Hofburg Palace and the stately buildings along the Ringstrasse. Your journey advances as you proceed to Budapest, the capital city of Hungary. Here, you will explore the city's distinct districts, from the bustling streets of Pest with its neo-Gothic Parliament building to the historic Buda district, home to the Royal Palace and the romantic Fishermen’s Bastion before concluding your tour.
Immense yourself on this captivating self-driven odyssey from Rome to Amalfi, traversing scenic routes, this journey unfolds amidst picturesque landscapes and historic marvels. Departing Rome's vibrant cityscape, the drive leads through charming villages and past ancient ruins, offering glimpses into Italy's rich heritage. As the road winds along the dramatic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, the azure expanse of the Tyrrhenian Sea provides a breathtaking backdrop. Experience the charm and beauty of Amalfi, a coastal gem with colorful architecture, a storied cathedral and a relaxed atmosphere. Admire the stunning cliffs, azure waters and picturesque villages. Explore Iconic landmarks like Positano and Ravello which epitomize Mediterranean charm. This self-drive experience encapsulates the essence of Italy, blending cultural richness with natural beauty.
Embark on an immersive 7-day journey through Turkey's most iconic historical sites and natural wonders! Begin in Istanbul, exploring its magnificent Old City, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, with an optional Bosphorus cruise. Journey to the poignant Gallipoli battlefields and unravel the myths of ancient Troy before discovering the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Marvel at Pamukkale's stunning white calcium terraces and therapeutic hot springs, gaining insights into local crafts. This captivating tour seamlessly blends deep historical insights with breathtaking beauty, concluding conveniently in the vibrant resort town of Marmaris.
This 8-day Turkey tour takes you from bustling Istanbul to the Mediterranean at Kusadasi and then inland to the beautiful scenery of Cappadocia. The itinerary is designed to combine some of Turkey's classic highlights in a week's visit, balancing bustling cities, beautiful scenery, ancient ruins and modern Turkey. You'll stay in a mix of 4-star and boutique style properties along the way.
Starting in Istanbul, the beating heart of Turkey and historically a vitally important connecting point between the continents of Europe and Asia, we visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Spice Bazaar, Hippodrome and take a cruise on the Bosphorus before flying south to the Mediterranean coast at Kusadasi. We have two nights here, and a tour to the nearby ruins at Ephesus. One of the best preserved ancient Greek & Roman sites in the whole of the Mediterranean region, this is a spectacular site with a fascinating history. We'll also visit a village famous for producing local fruit wines, and learn about the importance of carpet making in Turkey. Our next stop is at the stepped calcium travertines and hot pools at Pamukkale, before we continue into the centre of Turkey along the ancient Spice Route, passing old caravanserais and visiting the Mervlana museum at Konya on the way. This brings us to picturesque landscape of Cappadocia where we visit the strange rock formations, cave chuches and 'fairy chimneys' in the Goreme valley and venture down into one of the labarynthine underground cities built by Christians centuries ago to hide from persecution. The tour then finishes with a drive (or optional flight) via Ankara back to Istanbul where extra nights are available to spend more time exploring the city.