About This Tour
Embark on a 9-night, 10-day adventure through the enchanting landscapes and historical marvels of Turkey. With TripNest’s carefully curated itinerary, you’ll journey from the vibrant streets of Istanbul, past its mesmerizing mosques and bazaars, to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia. Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s “fairy chimneys” and explore the stunning underground cities. Move on to Pamukkale’s terraced pools, and visit the ancient cities of Ephesus and Troy, where history comes alive. Along the way, enjoy guided tours, seamless transportation, and comfortable accommodations in carefully selected hotels, ensuring a hassle-free and memorable journey.
Highlights
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Soar above Cappadocia’s stunning rock formations at sunrise, offering panoramic views and an unforgettable experience.
- Istanbul’s Iconic Sights: Explore the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, getting immersed in the rich culture and history.
- Pamukkale’s Thermal Pools: Walk on the unique white travertine terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.
- Ephesus Ruins: Discover the impressive ruins, including the Celsus Library, Terrace Houses, and the Great Theatre.
- Troy Tour: Visit the legendary city of Troy, uncovering its ancient ruins and historical landmarks.
What’s Included
- Two full-day Istanbul tours
- Two full-day Cappadocia tours
- Full-day tours in Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Troy
- Accommodation in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Kusadasi
- Airport transfers and domestic flights
- Bus tickets (where required)
- Entry fees to museums and sites
- Meals as per the itinerary
- English-speaking guide and driver with daily expenses
- Taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Optional activities (like the hot air balloon ride)
- Tips for drivers and guides
- International flight tickets
- Insurance
- Turkey entry visa
- Personal expenses (alcohol, laundry, etc.)
- Any other expenses not mentioned in the included section
Testimonials
Tour Plan
Expand allCollapse allWelcome to Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, where your adventure begins. A representative from TripNest will greet you at the airport and arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Check-in and unwind after your journey. The rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul or relax at the hotel. Enjoy your first night in this vibrant city.
Istanbul Iconic Sights Tour
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full-day tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at the Blue Mosque, an architectural marvel known for its six minarets and striking blue tiles. Next, stroll through the historic Hippodrome, home to Roman-era monuments like the Serpentine Column. Marvel at the Hagia Sophia from the outside, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Visit the Grand Bazaar, where you can browse a myriad of shops selling everything from spices to textiles. After lunch, explore Topkapi Palace, once the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire. In the evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia, where you’ll spend the night.
Cappadocia Regional Tour
Early risers can opt for a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys at sunrise. After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour of the region, starting at Devrent Valley, known for its unique rock formations. Continue to Pasabag (Monk Valley) to see fairy chimneys with unusual caps. After lunch, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum to explore ancient churches and frescoes. The tour concludes at Uchisar Castle, a fortress carved into a fairy chimney. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Hiking and Underground City Tour
Begin with breakfast, then embark on a day of exploration starting in Red Valley, known for its colorful rock cliffs and fairy chimneys. Visit Cavusin, a Greek village with rock-cut churches, before heading to the underground city of Ozkonak, the largest in the region. The tour concludes at Ortahisar Castle, the largest fairy chimney in Cappadocia. End the day with an overnight bus journey to Pamukkale.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Arrive in Pamukkale and check in at your hotel for a brief rest before starting the tour. Explore the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Castle. Visit Hierapolis, an ancient city with extensive ruins, including a necropolis, amphitheater, and thermal pools. After exploring Hierapolis, head to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Ephesus and Surroundings
After breakfast, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims. Proceed to the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its well-preserved ruins like the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian. After lunch, visit Isa Bey Mosque and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Take an evening flight to Istanbul and check into your hotel.
Free Day in Istanbul
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore Istanbul at your own pace. This day is left free for you to relax, shop, or further explore the city’s many attractions. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Europe & Asia Tour
Enjoy a full day exploring both European and Asian Istanbul. Cruise the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia, taking in palaces, mosques, and mansions along the way. Visit the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar, known for its colorful spices and sweets. Cross the Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill for panoramic views. Continue to Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer residence of the Ottoman sultans, before returning to your hotel.
Troy Tour
Set off early for a full-day tour of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history dating back 4,000 years. Visit the reconstructed Trojan Horse, ancient city walls, and various archaeological layers revealing different eras of the city's past. Learn about the legend of the Trojan War as you explore the ruins. After the tour, transfer back to Istanbul for the final night of your tour.
Departure
After breakfast, bid farewell to Turkey. You’ll be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your return flight, concluding your memorable journey with TripNest.