Istanbul to Cappadocia & Izmir - 9 days
Istanbul to Cappadocia & Izmir - 9 days
Istanbul to Cappadocia & Izmir - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 32
Age range:
5-75
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia and Izmir, exploring Turkey's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll visit iconic sites like Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque, with an optional Bosphorus cruise. In Ankara, delve into the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Ataturk's Mausoleum. Discover Cappadocia's unique terrain, with optional excursions to Goreme and a hot air balloon ride. Relax in Pamukkale's thermal pools and explore the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. Finally, unwind on Izmir's beaches or tour the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Enjoy guided sightseeing, luxurious accommodations, and seamless transfers throughout this unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival in the city, you will be escorted to our hotel. There is a brief welcome meeting with our guide and then the rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax or head out and explore the city, formerly known as Constantinople.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, we discover the sights of Istanbul, one of Europe's oldest and most fascinating cities, straddling the border with Asia. We visit Topkapi Palace, which was home to the majority of Ottoman sultans between 1453 and 1852. Take in the Hippodrome, once home to chariot racing, and uncover the beautiful Blue Mosque.
We see spectacular Hagia Sofia from the outside, and you can opt to go inside for an additional fee. The church was constructed in the 6th century in the Byzantine capital. It was later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and is still functioning as a mosque today. It is considered one of the world's greatest architectural marvels.
Our final stop is the Grand Bazaar, a vibrant marketplace filled with a maze of narrow alleys and shops. Here, we can explore thousands of stalls offering everything from traditional Turkish carpets, ceramics, and jewellery to spices, textiles, and souvenirs. There is an optional dinner, complete with traditional belly dancing entertainment for an additional fee.
Day 3: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul - Ankara. After breakfast, you can explore Istanbul further at leisure or opt for an exhilarating Bosphorus cruise (additional fee) and experience the magnificent strait that divides Asia and Europe. The shores of the Bosphorus are dotted with elegant neighbourhoods, grand Ottoman palaces, historic fortresses, charming old wooden villas, hotels, parks, gardens, restaurants, and cafés.
We then embark on a scenic drive to the vibrant capital city of Ankara, where we'll spend the night.
Day 4: Ankara
Location: Ankara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ankara - Cappadocia. After breakfast, we explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a historic caravanserai (traditional Silk Road inn). The museum showcases artifacts dating back 7,500 years, including the world's most extensive and priceless collection of Hittite relics.
We then visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the revered father of modern Turkey. After our visit, we set off on a drive to Cappadocia. Along the way, we'll explore a 13th-century caravanserai and uncover the intriguing underground city of Saratli, one of many subterranean settlements built for protection and spiritual reasons. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at our hotel.
For those seeking further excitement, you can join an optional Whirling Dervishes performance for an additional fee, to experience this mesmerizing display of traditional dance and spiritual ritual.
Day 5: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Opt to start your day with an exhilarating hot air balloon tour, floating gently above Cappadocia's volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and ancient caves as the sun rises. (booked and paid locally)
After breakfast, spend the day as you please, or join us on an optional full-day tour of Cappadocia for an additional fee.
We explore the historic region of Goreme, nestled among stunning rock formations. Dating back to the Roman period, this area is home to numerous rock churches, remnants of a time when Christianity flourished here. We'll also visit the Red Valley. Next, we head to Avanos, renowned for its exquisite pottery. Here we can take part in a brief pottery workshop to learn about the local craft in a cave.
On our way back to the hotel, we will make a stop at the Devrent Valley, known for its impressive rock formations.
Day 6: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cappadocia - Pamukkale. After, breakfast at our hotel, we say goodbye to Cappadocia as we journey to Pamukkale. On arrival, there is an included dinner and you can spend the rest of the night at leisure in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pamukkale - Izmir. Today we visit the unique cotton fortress of Pamukkale. This surreal landscape, often referred to as the 'Cotton Castles,' was sculpted by frequent earthquakes in the fault depression of the Menderes River basin. We’ll be captivated by the gleaming white cliffs, crystalline marble, and sparkling quartz formations that shimmer in the sunlight. Whilst here, we can also visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in our hotel’s thermal pool.
Later, we will make our way to Izmir, where we will have dinner and spend the night.
Day 8: Izmir
Location: Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you have the choice to unwind in Izmir at leisure. This resort town is home to fabulous beaches, with Ilica and Cukuralti being top choices. Alternatively, you can join our optional tour of the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus, for an additional fee.
Ephesus served as a pivotal cultural hub in the past and continues to captivate visitors today. We will walk alongside 2,000-year-old marble streets, marvel at the grandeur of an ancient theatre, explore the breathtaking Library of Celsus and the impressive gymnasium, and be awe-inspired by the remarkable Hadrian's Temple.
The optional tour also visits the House of the Virgin Mary, an important Catholic shrine believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years, accompanied by Saint John. We also visit a regional rug production centre.
Back in Izmir, the final night of our tour is at leisure.
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Izmir - Istanbul. Your Turkish adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before an included transfer to the Istanbul airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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8 breakfast and 5 dinners
Enjoy 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners included in the tour package.
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8 nights 4-5 star hotels
Stay in 4-5 star hotels for 8 nights during the tour.
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Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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One arrival transfer on day 1 and one departure transfer on day 9 included per booking
One arrival transfer on day 1 and one departure transfer on day 9 are included per booking.
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All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
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Guided sightseeing in Istanbul, Ankara & Pamukkale
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Ankara, and Pamukkale.
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go
This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions are not included in the tour package and may incur additional fees.
Mode of Transport
Travel in private modern air-conditioned vehicles with all relevant transfers included, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in 4-5 star hotels, providing comfort and luxury throughout your journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia and Izmir.
Age Policy
Min: 5 (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) Max:75
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in 4-5 star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 5 dinners.
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Is there a tour guide provided?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, one arrival transfer on day 1 and one departure transfer on day 9 are included per booking.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional excursions available, including a Bosphorus cruise, a Whirling Dervishes performance, a hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia, and a tour of the ruins of Ephesus.
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What activities are available in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you can opt for a hot air balloon tour, join a full-day tour to explore the historic region of Goreme, visit the Red Valley, participate in a pottery workshop in Avanos, and see the rock formations in Devrent Valley.
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What can I do during my free time in Izmir?
In Izmir, you can relax at the beach or join an optional tour of the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus.
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What historical sites will we visit in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you will visit Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. You can also see Hagia Sofia from the outside and opt to go inside for an additional fee.
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years old, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum age is 75.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.