Description

Tour Summary: 

Looking for an unforgettable tour in Turkey. Explore this European and Asian destination over our guided 8 days tour. You will visit Istanbul, Izmir/Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. Look no further than Eco Travel Shop! Explore our small group adventure holidays and tours to Turkey. Contact our sales team to find out more information and help answer any questions. All our flight inclusive tours from UK are ATOL Protected.

Day 1: Istanbul - Arrival Day
Meeting with your greeter at Istanbul International Airport and transfer to hotel. You can relax or explore the region by yourself for the rest of the day. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour - (Breakfast and Lunch are included)

The Istanbul city tour will start at the Old City after the delicious breakfast. Hippodrome is the main rota that was inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 1985 and the living heritage of both Byzantines and Ottomans can be seen. Around Sultanahmet, The German Fountain -which was gifted by German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898-, the Obelisk of Theodosius – nearly 3,500 years old, was brought to the Hippodrome by Theodosius from the Temple of Karnak about in 390- can be seen. Serpent Column -considered that it was at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi before- and
the Column of Constantine that was brought from Apollon temple in Rome are other highlighted sites of the tour.

The next stop is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque). Its breathtaking design is the synthesis of 200-year-old of Ottoman mosque architecture with Byzantine church architecture. The mosque is reflecting majesty and grandeur concepts through its architectural features and its green, white Iznik tiles are fascinating with the blue ornaments of the dome.

Hagia Sophia Mosque which is referred to as the “8th Wonder of the World” is another amazing site that is more than 1,500 years old. The light creates a fascinating atmosphere while flowing inside from the dome windows, combining a colorful, mystic view when it reaches the mosaics on the wall. The lunch break will be around at 13:00 before shopping in Asıl Efendi where all kinds of authentic gifts can be found such as Turkish tastes, Turkish coffee, exotic spices, herbs, and handicrafts. The tour ends with a hotel transfer.

Day 3: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Flight to Izmir / Kusadasi (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

An amazing Bosporus Boat tour will be waiting for you after breakfast. On the shoreline, you will witness the imposing view of old wooden villas, palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. The Ottoman palaces Dolmabahce, Yildiz, Ciragan, and Beylerbeyi will admire you by their elegant architecture with a warm welcome. Ortaköy with its iconic view and Rumeli Fortress which is a well-designed military architecture will be next. After a lunch break in a Turkish restaurant the Grand Spice Bazaar where you can find authentic goods such as Turkish tastes, Turkish coffee, exotic spices, herbs, and handicrafts.

The tour ends with transportation to Istanbul Airport for a domestic flight to Izmir. Next check in to hotel in Kusadasi, have dinner, and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 4: Kusadasi - Ephesus Tour - Turkish Village Sirince (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Ephesus is a 9000 years old city that houses The biggest temple dedicated to Artemis is The Artemision which is considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. This guided tour will focus the Curetes street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library, Grand theatre House of the Virgin Mary with details in this outstanding example of a Roman port city.

Sirince is local 19th-century architecture is well preserved and the village in its reputation goes beyond the borders of the country Izmir. It is famous for its homemade wines that are specially made from different kinds of fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, melons, and strawberries. Here the tour includes wine tasting and learning how to make fruit wine in the wine houses. Plus handicrafts made by local women can be bought and a very famous leather production center will be the next stop. After a rich daily trip overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5: Kusadasi - Pamukkale Tour (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Around 8:00 the tour will move to the world-famous marvel of calcite travertines to Pamukkale. Before walking or swimming in Pamukkale’s travertine pools we will have a lunch break around 13:30. Walking around white calcium terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis, lying in the natural, hot springs waters will renew your body. The region at the same time has well-known textile products that and there will be an outlet shopping chance. At approximately 18.30 we will be on the way back. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6: Kusadasi - Izmir to Nevsehir / Kayseri Airport and Cappadocia (Breakfast and Dinner included)

After breakfast, there will be a domestic flight from Izmir Airport to Cappadocia. After check-in, the hotel rest of the day is yours to explore Cappadocia.

Please Note: If you are wishing to join the optional activity of Cappadocia Hot Air Ballooning for tomorrow, please contact your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning.

Day 7: Cappadocia Underground City & Goreme Open Air Museum (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

A new day, new destinations… The day starts with an Ozkonak Underground city visit that was built in Idis Mountain where volcanic granite-made tuff layers are quite dense and the galleries are connected by tunnels. The Goreme Open Air Museum will be the following destination that can be said that it is the heart of Cappadocia. The region was Listed as a Unesco World Heritage site in 1985 and it hides the churches of Durmuş Kadir, Yusuf Koç, El Nazar, Saklı, Meryem Ana (Virgin
Mary) Kılıçlar, Tokalı, and Dark churches. Plus Convent of Monks and Nuns, Chapel of St Basil, and St. Barbara can be seen either with lots of captivating church interior paintings that have reached today. With a few minutes’ walk, Cavusin will be waiting for you and you can explore The Christians who created living spaces for themselves in the fairy chimneys of those fleeing the oppression of the Romans. Lunch will be in Avanos which is the home of pottery dating way back to the Hittites. There will be a workshop visit and shopping chances here that can’t be missed. Love Valley and Devrent Valley that you can see the symbols of Cappadocia Three Beauties. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 8: Cappadocia to Istanbul - End of Tour (Breakfast included)

After breakfast, you will have free time in Cappadocia. This remarkable tour ends with departing for Kayseri airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul and home next. Until we meet on another exceptional travel hope the best for you.

Included: 

• All Transport
• Professional English-speaking Guide
• Meals in the itinerary
• Accommodations
• Domestic Flights

Not Included: Personal expenses and Optional tours