Classic Turkey Private Tour – 7 Days

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our representative will greet you at the exit with a sign bearing your name. You will be transferred to your hotel by private van. After check-in, enjoy a free day exploring Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Meet your local guide in the hotel lobby for a private mini-van tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City:

Hippodrome: The ancient Roman and Byzantine chariot racing arena.
Topkapı Palace: Ottoman Empire’s first imperial palace, home to 24 sultans.
Hagia Sophia: Iconic 6th-century church, once the largest in the world.
Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Famous for its blue tiles and impressive architecture.
German Fountain: Gift from German Kaiser Wilhelm II to Sultan Abdülhamid II.
Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets with 4000 shops.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise starting from Kabataş Pier:

Bosphorus Strait: Natural waterway dividing Istanbul into European and Asian sides, linking the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.
Ortaköy Neighborhood: Picturesque area by the First Bosphorus Bridge on the European shore.
Küçüksu Palace: 19th-century Ottoman hunting lodge on the Asian side, lavishly decorated.
Rumeli Fortress: Historic Ottoman fortress guarding the narrowest point of the Bosphorus.
Anadolu Kavağı: Charming fishing village at the northern tip of the Bosphorus.
Black Sea: Cruise to the northern end of the Bosphorus connecting to the Black Sea.

After the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

Transfer to Istanbul Airport early morning for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, meet your local guide for a full-day tour of Cappadocia’s highlights:

Devrent Valley: Famous for its whimsical rock formations.
Paşabağ Valley: Known for some of the best fairy chimneys in the region.
Göreme Open Air Museum: UNESCO site with rock-cut churches and ancient frescoes.
Uçhisar Castle: The highest viewpoint offering panoramic views and rock-cut dwellings.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Optional) Early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.

Continue with a tour including:

Red Valley: Stunning red-hued valley with early Christian rock churches.
Çavuşin Village: Historic village with rock-carved houses and churches.
Pigeon Valley: Named after its unique pigeon holes carved into the rocks.
Kaymaklı Underground City: Ancient subterranean refuge used by early Christians.

At the end of the day, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Izmir.

Explore the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus and surrounding sights:

Isa Bey Mosque: Outstanding example of Anatolian Islamic architecture (14th century).
Ephesus Ruins: One of the best-preserved ancient cities of the Ionian period.
House of the Virgin Mary: Believed to be the final residence of St. Mary, a pilgrimage site.
Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Sirince Village: Charming village famous for its local wines and traditional ambiance.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Early morning departure for Pamukkale:

Aphrodisias Ancient City: Renowned for its marble sculptures and Tetrapylon.
Hierapolis: Ancient holy city with thermal springs and ruins perched above Pamukkale.
Pool of Cleopatra: Swim among ancient ruins in this UNESCO-protected thermal pool.
Pamukkale Travertines: Natural terraces formed by calcium-rich hot springs, known as the “Cotton Castle.”

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.