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Istanbul

Turkey

This 8-day private tour of Turkey allows you to experience the best of Turkey in a relatively short time. You'll have the opportunity to appreciate the unique architecture carved into rocks in Cappadocia, absorb the rich historical culture in the ancient city of Ephesus, and feel the vibrant atmosphere in Istanbul. Your English-speaking tour guide and comfortable transfers are included, so you can simply enjoy the trip. .

Day 1

Upon your arrival in Istanbul airport, a local representative will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. The rest of the day will be left for you to recover from jet lag.

Day 2

The guided sightseeing starts with the Topkapi Palace where shows the powers of Ottoman Empire. 

TopkapI Palace

Then the guide will lead you to visit the ancient Hippodrome, which is now a public square, and only three monuments still stand there. 

Hippodrome

Next turns to the nearby Blue Mosque is named so because it is decorated by over 20,000 blue and white İznik tiles inside; this round-roof building is also a landmark of the city.

Blue Mosque

In the afternoon, continue to visit Hagia Sophia Museum which is a unique example of religious architecture combining Christian and Islamic style.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

After, spend the rest time of this afternoon at the bustling shopping mart, Grand Bazaar. Dated to 1461, it is one of the world’s oldest markets. The commodities here mainly include jewelry, candies, lights, porcelains and carpets. 

After today's sightseeing, your guide will escort you back to the hotel.

Grand Bazaar

Day 3

After breakfast, you will embark on a boat for an amazing cruise on Bosphorus River, during which you will see the Dolmabahce Palace, churches, mosques, graveyards and Bosphorus Bridge along the river. It will last for about 2 hours.

Bosphorus Strait

After tour, transfer you to airport. Fly to Izmir. Upon landing, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in Kusadasi where you will spend two nights. The rest of day is free for you explore the charming coastal town.

Izmir

Day 4

Today you will have a full day sightseeing in Ephesus. There, you will see quite a lot historical sites, such as Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Roman Baths and Grand Theater. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to visit Artemis Temple. It is one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Sadly, only a column stands there nowadays, surrounded by some rocky ruins. Then, pay a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where Virgin Mary spent her last time of life. When today's visits end, transfer you back to the hotel.

Ancient City of Ephesus

Day 5

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up and send you to Izmir airport for you to take the flight to Cappadocia. If the direct flight is not available, we'll help you to transfer in Istanbul. Upon arrival, your local driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport, holding a welcome board with your name on, and send you to the hotel. The rest of the day is for your own plan. 

Cappadocia

Day 6

Today, your local guide will accompany you to explore the northern Cappadocia. The first stop will be Goreme Open Air Museum, which is a UNESCO World Cultural and Landscape Heritage with nearly 1,000 cave churches and monasteries.

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Then, you will go to Pasabag, also called Monks Valley, to see the interesting rock formations looking like mushrooms and fairy chimneys. 

Pasabag

In the afternoon, drive through the Imagination Valley to visit the Devrent Valley, where many natural rocks in animal shapes lie. 

Devrent Valley

At last, on the way back to the hotel, pass through Love Valley for you to admire the incredible night views of Cappadocia.

Love Valley Cappadocia

Day 7

After breakfast in hotel, the southern Cappadocia tour will begin with the visit to the Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the deepest underground cities of Cappadocia which can accommodate as many as 20,000 people.

Kaymakli Underground City

The second stop of today will be the beautiful Lhlara Valley. There, your guide will escort you to hike for 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 mi) to explore the small rock-cut churches along the river. Around noon, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant in Belisirma, a small village along the Melendiz Stream. 

Ihlara Valley

In the afternoon, get to Selime Monastery, the largest rock cathedral in Cappadocia. 

Selime Monastery

Pigeon Valley will be our last stop today, where you will have a chance to take the wonderful photos of groups of caves like pigeon nests and unusual wind-erosion landform. 

Pigeon Valley

Finally at the end of the day, you will be transferred to the airport to take the return flight to Istanbul. Arriving in the late evening, your local driver will pick you up and send you to the hotel safely.

Day 8

According to the schedule of your leaving flight, your driver will transfer you to the airport by the private car and see you off.

Best Turkey Tour to Ephesus and Cappadocia from Istanbul

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Istanbul Historical & Heritage Tours Itinerary (2026 Guide) – What You'll See & Do

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Istanbul