Destinations: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale Natural Park, Izmir, Ephesus Ruins
Destinations: Gallipoli, Canakkale, Pergamon Acropolis, Troy Archaelogical Site
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale Natural Park, Izmir, Ephesus Ruins
Ancient cities, towering Turkish minarets and mesmerising natural landscapes await on this unforgettable small-group tour, uncovering layers of Turkiye’s history and culture. See where sultans used to live at the decorated Topkapi Palace, and marvel at the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Float between two continents on an unforgettable cruise upon the Bosphorus Strait. Tunnel through towns of ‘fairy chimneys’ in Cappadocia – and optionally seize the opportunity to soar above the stone formations on a breathtaking hot air balloon ride as the sun rises (at an additional cost). Journey to Pamukkale, where terraces of white mineral-rich waters cascade down the hillside and discover the ancient city of Ephesus, a testament to the marvels of Roman engineering.
Travel comfortably with spacious private coach transport, airport transfers and internal flights across Turkiye. From the grandeur of Istanbul, to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the coastal allure of Izmir, take yourself on the journey of a lifetime steeped in history, enjoying local dining and unique experiences along the way.
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale Natural Park, Izmir, Ephesus Ruins
Destinations: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale Natural Park, Izmir, Ephesus Ruins
Destinations: Gallipoli, Canakkale, Pergamon Acropolis, Troy Archaelogical Site
Welcome to Istanbul! A city born from a blend of European and Asian influences, Istanbul is full of intriguing sights and ancient wonders, from its spellbinding architecture to its exceptional cuisine.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in time for a welcome meeting with your fellow travellers and an enticing dinner at a local restaurant.
Start your morning with a visit to the elaborate Topkapi Palace, former residence of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Wander its sprawling grounds and intricately decorated halls, then sit down to a filling lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, journey to the streets of Istanbul’s fascinating Sultanahmet neighbourhood. Discover the area’s charm on a guided walk through the Hippodrome – once an ancient Roman circus and the lively heart of Constantinople – witness the grandeur of the Blue Mosque and its six soaring minarets, and admire the silhouette of the magnificent Hagia Sophia – a mind-bending 6th-century Byzantine mosque.
This evening, follow the comforting aromas to the Spice Bazaar and lose yourself amongst the fragrant stalls.
Spend the morning touring Istanbul’s most important neighbourhoods and uncover its historic and modern architectural treasures, walking alongside the streetcar down bustling Istiklal Avenue. Reach the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world – for time at leisure, where you can peruse the colourful wares of over 4,000 shopfronts.
Later, embark on a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, gliding through the waters that separate Europe and Asia. Admire the verdant shorelines and palatial ‘yali’ – wooden mansions built right on the waterfront.
Back ashore, take your private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in and a satisfying dinner.
Adorned with stunning caves and ‘fairy chimneys’ — unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks – Cappadocia is a truly otherworldly landscape.
Choose to rise early for the sunrise of a lifetime on an optional hot air balloon flight over the magical fairy chimneys (additional costs apply). A bucket-list item for keen travellers, this is an experience not to be missed.
Later this morning, explore the wondrous formations up close and learn how the region’s soft tufa rock has allowed for the creation of incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and more. Take in incredible natural formations in the Avcilar and Guvercinlik Valleys, then trace the signs of successive civilisations carved in the town of Uchisar.
Later on, delve into one of the oldest and finest Turkish crafts on a visit to a carpet-weaving workshop. This evening, relax at your hotel over dinner and optionally join the unique ritual of the Sufi whirling dervishes at a live show.
Optional activity:
Fill up with a buffet breakfast at your hotel, then pay a visit to a traditional pottery workshop to learn about the skilled process of working with clay. See a wonderfully preserved 13th-century caravanserai, a roadside inn for weary travellers of centuries past.
Descend into the underground city of Serhatli – an ancient Christian refuge – then continue to Konya, home of Turkiye’s famous Sufi whirling dervishes. Take a tour of the Mevlana Museum for a window into the history of the dervishes, then check in at the opulent Dedeman Konya Hotel. Head out to explore the town or relax at the hotel before dinner.
Today, depart for Pamukkale – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonder of mineral-rich hot springs. From petrified calcareous waterfalls to striking stalactites, there’s no shortage of natural beauty here.
Later, set out to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its 15,000-seat amphitheatre. Dating from the 2nd Century BCE, this impressive structure even now offers spectacular acoustics.
Check in at the Hotel Doga Thermal Health & Spa to rest up and relax. Perhaps savour the spa and massage services of this lavish resort, then indulge in a delightful evening meal with your travel companions.
Today, drive along the coast to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Ephesus, originally the most important Greek settlement in the region. Stroll through this beautifully preserved ancient city, admiring the delicate detail of the Temple of Hadrian and the resolute facade of the Library of Celsus.
Visit a fur production centre for an insight into Turkish craftsmanship, then continue to Izmir for your onward flight to Istanbul. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a flavourful dinner at a local restaurant.
Savour one more breakfast, then collect your luggage and depart for Istanbul Airport (IST). Say goodbye to Turkiye’s rich history, and reminisce on the natural marvels, ancient cities and vibrant culture you experienced on your journey.
North of the Taurus Mountains lies the enigmatic settlement of Cappadocia. Shaped by erosion, this collection of volcanic rock towers and caves have been carved into a unique set of churches and dwellings in an elaborate complex of tunnels.
Unearth the sites fascinating history as a Christian refuge dating back to the 4th Century BCE as you follow the interconnected structures across the Avcilar and Guvercinlik Valleys. Wander the underground city beneath the distinctive ‘fairy chimneys.’ Or perhaps join an optional hot air balloon ride to watch the sunrise over this beguiling landscape (additional costs apply).
With a name suitably translating to ‘cotton castle,’ Pamukkale provides a magical escape – unique terraces of mineral-rich turquoise waters cascade down a hillside crystalised in the shape of fluffy white clouds. You’ll have the opportunity to walk on the terraces, perhaps bathe in the pools and explore the ancient ruins of Heirapolis, an ancient Roman spa city located atop the hill. Marvel at the colossal heated waterfalls and inviting natural pools, formed over thousands of years and intricately adorned with stalactites.
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation, if you choose to change; change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes.’
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
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Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Fully Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour director and driver with you throughout the entire trip, from start to finish.
Partially Guided Tour: You’ll have a tour driver and local guides at specific locations or portions of the trip, but not the entire time. There might be different local guides for different regions.
Self-Guided Tour: You will not have a guide for your trip. You will be provided detailed trip notes with elements, such as accommodation and transport, pre-booked for you.
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins and ends at Istanbul International Airport (IST), with roundtrip airport transfers.
Roundtrip flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Please book your flights to arrive at Istanbul International Airport (IST) at 5pm on Day 1. If joining the regular tour, please book your flights to depart from Istanbul International Airport (IST) after 10am on Day 8. If joining the extended tour, please book your flights to depart from Istanbul International Airport (IST) after 10am on Day 10.
Roundtrip airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
Turkiye
Time zone: GMT+3
Telephone: +90
Currency: Turkish Lira
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city. Cash is advised when visiting rural areas.
Language: Turkish
Climate: Cold, snowy winters (December-March) and hot, dry summers (June, July and August), though nights remain cool.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.