Echoes of Time: A Journey Through Istanbul, Cappadocia & the Aegean

Discover the best of Turkey on this unforgettable journey that blends rich history, natural wonders, and vibrant culture. Begin in the magnificent city of Istanbul, where East meets West. Cruise along the Bosphorus, stroll through lively neighborhoods like Ortaköy and Taksim, and shop in the world-famous Grand Bazaar. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the ancient Hippodrome — each telling the story of empires past.

Continue to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, known for its unique rock formations and cave dwellings. Soar above the fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon at sunrise, and explore underground cities, open-air museums, and local pottery traditions.

Next, head to the Aegean coast and the charming town of Kuşadası. From there, step back in time in the ancient city of Ephesus, visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, and experience the beauty of Şirince Village.

The journey concludes with a visit to the surreal white terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, before returning to Istanbul for your departure.

This tour offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and natural beauty—an ideal way to experience the soul of Turkey.

Over the course of this tour, you'll embark on a journey through some of Turkey's most iconic and historically rich destinations.

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After arriving at Istanbul Airport. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at around 9:00 AM to begin a full day of exploring Istanbul.

The day starts with a visit to Ortaköy, a charming neighborhood known for its beautiful mosque by the Bosphorus and lively atmosphere.

Next, you will enjoy a regular Bosphorus cruise, offering stunning views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks from the water.

After the cruise, the tour continues to Taksim Square and İstiklal Street, the vibrant heart of the city, where you can experience modern Istanbul with its shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Finally, the day concludes with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, is one of Istanbul’s most famous and vibrant markets. Located in the Eminönü district, it is filled with the rich aromas of spices, herbs, teas, dried fruits, and Turkish delights. Built in the 17th century, it offers a colorful and traditional shopping experience where visitors can explore local flavors and souvenirs.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at around 9:00 AM to start an exciting day of sightseeing in Istanbul.

The tour begins with a visit to Topkapı Palace, the historic residence of Ottoman sultans.

Next, you will explore the magnificent Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii, famous for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture.

After that, you will see the Hippodrome, the ancient center of Byzantine public life. The tour continues to the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum.

Finally, you will visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience local culture. At the end of the day, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

You will be picked up from your hotel by a greeter and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kayseri, the gateway to Cappadocia.

Upon arrival, you will visit the Göreme (panorama) a scenic viewpoint in Cappadocia offering breathtaking views of the Göreme Valley and its famous fairy chimneys. It’s a popular stop for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset, where you can see the unique rock formations and hot air balloons filling the sky.

Next, you will explore the fascinating Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the largest and deepest underground cities in Cappadocia, Turkey. Built by early Christians to escape persecution, it consists of tunnels, rooms, kitchens, storage areas, and even churches carved into the soft volcanic rock. Visitors can explore several levels of this fascinating subterranean world.

Then, you will see Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, carved into a massive rock formation. It was once used as a fortress and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys. Visitors can climb to the top for one of the best photo spots in the region.

You will spend the night in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at around 10:00 AM.

You will begin your journey with Zelve Open Air Museum, one of the oldest and most impressive cave towns in Cappadocia. It features a maze of rock-cut dwellings, churches, and tunnels carved into the soft volcanic rock, offering a glimpse into the daily life of early Christian communities.

Paşabağ Fairy Chimneys, (also known as Monks Valley) is famous for its unique fairy chimneys—tall, mushroom-shaped rock formations. The valley was once home to hermit monks, and visitors can explore small chapels carved inside the rocks.

You will also explore Devrent Valley with its unique rock formations, and the charming town of Avanos, where you will experience a pottery-making activity. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

You will take a flight from Kayseri to Izmir.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kuşadası for an overnight stay.

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel around 10:00 AM.

The day’s program includes a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, located near Selçuk in western Turkey. It was once a major Roman city and home to the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Visitors can explore impressive ruins like the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and ancient streets that reflect the grandeur of Roman architecture and urban life.

You will also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred Christian site located near Ephesus in Turkey. It is believed to be the place where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. Recognized by the Catholic Church, it is visited by both Christians and Muslims as a holy place of pilgrimage and prayer.

The last destination will be the picturesque village of Sirince, a charming hillside village near Ephesus in western Turkey, known for its traditional stone houses, narrow streets, and peaceful atmosphere. The village is famous for its homemade fruit wines, olive oil products, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a popular stop for those looking to experience authentic Turkish village life.

Overnight stay in Kuşadası.

You will be picked up early from your hotel, around 8:00 AM, to visit the spectacular Pamukkale Travertines, natural white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the mountainside in southwestern Turkey. The name “Pamukkale” means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, and the site is famous for its stunning, snow-white appearance. Visitors can walk barefoot on the terraces and enjoy the warm, healing waters that have been used as a spa since ancient times.

You will also explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city located near Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey. It was famous for its natural hot springs, which were believed to have healing properties. Visitors today can explore the ruins of a large Roman theatre, temples, baths, and the ancient necropolis, as well as enjoy the thermal pools just as people did thousands of years ago.

Later, you will take a flight from Denizli back to Istanbul for an overnight stay.

On your final day, a greeter will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your international flight home.

• Travel health insurance is mandatory.
• If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the tour will be cancelled.
• Sample hotels are confirmed on the date of booking in case of availability. Otherwise, similar hotels will be booked.
• In the event of bad weather, time scarcity, traffic jams, and similar situations, the Guide may make changes to the tour program.
• The locations given in the itinerary can be changed with other places if they are closed.
• During the tours, you will be walking approximately 2 km every day on uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines, and steps.
• You must wear comfortable clothing, flat walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen in summer months, and raincoats, warm clothes, winter walking shoes, umbrella, etc. in winter.
• The order of the sites visited may change to avoid crowds.
• You will need your passport at check-in for all domestic flights.
• Domestic flights are economy class. Luggage limit 15kg + 8kg handbag.