Turkey Highlight Tour with Seven Churches

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our representative will welcome you and drive you to Istanbul city center. After a nice breakfast at a local café, we will head to Taksim Square and walk along popular Istiklal Street. Then, we will visit St. Antuan Church and Galata Tower. You can enjoy spectacular terrace view of Istanbul from the tower.

Then, we take the historical Finike from Galata to Karakoy. We will stop by historical Karaköy Güllüoğlu Baklavacısı to taste popular baklava in Karaköy and see its authentic streets. From there, we head to Galata Bridge and Karakoy. After that, we take a Bosphorus boat tour from Eminönü (Shared boat-Not private boat). Enjoy the magnificent architecture of Istanbul along with famous landmarks such as the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Anatolia Fortress, and Maiden’s Tower, discovering both European and Asian sides of Istanbul during our boat tour.

After the boat tour, our representative will drop you off at your hotel in Istanbul for overnight stay.

Have your breakfast and get ready to explore the old city Istanbul. Starting at Hippodrome, we will visit Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and Istanbul Archeological Museum. Finally, we will visit the ancient Grand Bazaar. Feel free to shop for souvenirs and marvel at beautiful artwork before driving to Pergamon for the night.

Following breakfast, we will visit one of the Seven Churches – Pergamon. We will explore the Acropolis with its pagan temples and Altar of Zeus, church of Pergamos and healing center, and Aesculapius. Then, we drive to Thyatira (now called Akhisar).

Afterwards, we continue our drive to Smyrna (Izmir) Antic City to visit Church of Smyrna, one of the seven Christian churches in Asia Minor, followed by a visit to the church of St. POLICARP – the oldest church in ancient Smyrna. Then, we drive to Kusadasi where our representative will drop you off at your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, we will visit Kusadasi Marina, Perion Island and Kusadasi castle. Then, we head to the House of Virgin Mary, where she is said to have spent her final years. From there, we visit the ancient city of Ephesus. We will continue our journey by visiting various UNESCO listed ruins such as Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library and the Great Theatre, Public Latrines and Roman Baths.

Enjoy a serene walk through grand Arcadian Avenue and take some time to relax around Agora. Then, we will visit the Church of St. John and explore traditional Sirince houses and local markets in Sirince Village in Selcuk.

After a good breakfast, we will move from Salihli to another one of the seven churches – Sardis. Explore the great Temple of Artemis and the Temple of Cybele. We will also visit some ancient Lydian houses, the gymnasium and reconstructed Synagogue. From there, we will head to another one of the seven churches – Philadelphia. See the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick and some 11th-century frescoes.

Then, we drive to Pamukkale. We will visit Laodicea ancient city. Here, we will check out the ancient theater, the remains of basilica and ancient stone water pipes. We will also visit the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, the 2nd century AD theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium and the Necropolis. After the tour, we will drive to your hotel in Pamukkale where you will stay overnight.

Today is a day of relaxation. After your breakfast, feel free to relax in thermal pools and cool down in calcium rich mineral springs around Pamukkale Travertines. Then, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and visit Cleopatra Polls (Swimming is optional and extra). We will also visit the Amphitheater. In Hierapolis, we will also visit the Martyrium of the Apostle Philip. After the tour, we will drive to Konya and head to the hotel for overnight stay.

In the morning, we will drive to Cappadocia after breakfast. On the way, we will stop by Sulhanhani Kervansaray. Then, visit Selime ancient city. Afterwards, we will explore the natural beauty and ancient sites in Ihlara Valley. Walk along the Valley near Melendiz River and stop by ancient cave churches and historical destinations. We will also visit Belisirma Village in the Valley. Then, explore Kaymakli / Derinkuyu Underground Cities. Afterwards, we will head to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight stay.

Optional activity early morning: Hot air balloon tour over Cappadocia. Return back to hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, you can relax for a while. Then, we will visit Openair Göreme Museum. From there, we will head to Paşabağ and Zelve Open Air Museums to see the Fairy Chimneys closely. We will stop by Dervent Valley to see animal shaped rock formations. Then, drive to Avanos. Take a walk along Kizilirmak river and then visit Urgup Three Beautifuls. Afterwards, stop by Güvercinlik Valley and visit Uçhisar Castle. Enjoy panoramic view of Cappadocia from the top of castle. Enjoy beautiful sunset of Cappadocia before driving to Ankara.

Today is your final day of the tour. After you check out of your hotel, our representative will escort you to Ankara Airport for your flight back home.