Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul (no meal)
Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk airport and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Full-Day Istanbul Classic City Tour (breakfast-lunch)
Pick-up from your hotel. You will visit the main attractions of Istanbul (the capital of the Ottoman Empire until 1923) on this full-day tour. St Sophia; the magnificent Byzantine ancient church (turned into the main mosque of Istanbul), and a unique sample of Byzantine architecture, Blue Mosque; one of the biggest mosques of the Istanbul from 17th century and famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets, The Ancient Hippodrome; the square in front of the Blue Mosque covers the site of the Ancient Hippodrome where once chariot races were held. The main monument left today is the impressive granite obelisk, carved in Egypt around 1,500 BC and brought to Constantinople in 390 AD. Our tour will continue with a visit to Topkapi Palace; it was once the residence of Ottoman sultans and their harem. We will finish the tour with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sundays and on Feast days). The oldest and largest marketplace in the world with a unique collection of handmade carpets, jewelry, leader, and souvenirs. End of the tour return to your hotel and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise (breakfast)
Even if you are a short-term or long-term visitor to Istanbul, a Bosphorus cruise is really a good way to experience what Istanbul really looks like and its diversity. You will visit Rustem Pasa Mosque first then walk through the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market). You will find here mystical smells of different aromas of various spices and many shops selling vegetables, fruits, fish, and flowers. The Bosphorus cruise takes about 1.5 hours. The Bosphorus strait connects the sea of Marmara to the Black Sea and separates Europe and Asia. During this excursion, you will see the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maidens Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli and Anadolu fortresses, and Ottoman Residences. End of the tour return to your hotel and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4: Istanbul/Cappadocia – Cappadocia Tour 1 (breakfast-lunch)
Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Arrive at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport and transfer to Cappadocia for your tour. Visit Devrent Valley was under the water 20 million years ago, it rose up above the water after volcanic eruptions. After years and years, the rocks formed in a variety of different shapes. Then we will go to Pasabagi, also named Monks Valley (Rahipler Vadisi), you can see some special housing and living areas here which are also only can be found in this area. After lunch in Avanos, we will visit Goreme Open-Air Museum. Then we will continue to Esentepe where you can see the panoramic view of Goreme valley and Goreme village with fairy chimneys, different rock formations, and cave houses. Finally, we will visit the natural rock castle in Uchisar, many rooms connected to others with stairs, tunnels (Optional), or passages. End of the tour transfer to your hotel at Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia Tour 2 (breakfast-lunch)
Depart from your hotel to visit Red valley, explore the famous rock-cut churches, and walk 4-5 km through the Gulludere valley. Then visit Cavus village. This village is famous for the houses and churches of Christian clergymen. After lunch drive to the Pigeon valley. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli or Oz Konak underground city where early Christians lived in fear and faith. Transfer back to the hotel around 5:00 pm. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional tour: Hot Air Baloon Ride.
Day 6: Cappadocia/Izmir (breakfast)
Depart from your hotel and transfer to Kayseri airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrive at Izmir airport and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 7: Hierapolis and Pamukkale tour (breakfast-lunch)
In the morning you will visit the Hierapolis; Necropolis (cemetery) of Hierapolis which is one of the biggest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia with 1,200 graves, the Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, the Main Street, and Byzantian Gate. Then, you walk to the natural warm water terraces which were formed by running warm water that contains calcium. A swim in the effervescent waters of the Sacred Pool should be at the top of the list on any travel itinerary. In addition to a high level of natural radioactivity, the water contains calcium bicarbonate, calcium sulfate, magnesium, and carbon dioxide and after a swim, you should simply dry off and let the minerals do their magic. Then we will proceed to the Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8 : Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour / Izmir – Ist. (breakfast-lunch)
During the Ephesus Full day tour, you will see the ruins in the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary. Ephesus was once the most important commercial center of western Anatolia. After lunch visit the House of the Virgin Mary (reputed to be where she spent her final days). End of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 9: Departure (breakfast)
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. End of our services.
No extra hidden cost..!
What’s Included
All mentioned transfers in the program (some regular, some private).
All mentioned tours in the program including transportation with air-conditioned buses,guidance (in English) and entrance fees (Regular local tours).
(You can ask for other language options for groups).
All meals as described in the itinerary as B Breakfast, L Lunch.
All local taxes.
Flight tickets from Istanbul to Cappadocia /Cappadocia to Izmir/ Izmir to Istanbul.
8 nights accommodation in 3,4 or 5 star hotels according to your choice.
What’s Not Included
Tips (optional).
International flight tickets.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served in breakfast).
Travel insurance.
Visa (if needed).
Personal expenses.
No extra hidden cost !
4 Class Hotel samples:
Istanbul : http://www.recitalhotel.com
Cappadocia : http://www.mithracavehotel.com
Kusadasi : http://www.ilaydaavantgarde.com
3 Class Hotel samples:
Istanbul : http://megarahotel.com
Cappadocia : https://www.hotelasiaminor.com
Kusadasi : http://hotelilayda.com
Deborah Machin 2019-04-18
The whole 9 days was top notch from the airport transfer to our first hotel right up til our transfer home. The hotels were all very clean, friendly staff and also centrally located so that if you did fancy a walk around in the evening it was so easy to do so. Each and every tour with www.greeceturkeytours.com was professionally guided, pick up serivces were always on time and the tours were so endearing due to the knowledge from the tour guide - we had burak which we definitely recommend. Highlights of Turkey Package is a fabulous option if you are looking to see the most hot touristic spots in one vacation which is exactly what i wa looking for. I can easily say i thoroughly enjoyed my Highlights of Turkey package that i was recommended by Vedat so a massive thankyou for that.Mr Ian Grindey 2019-04-18
Where to start.....Highlights of Turkey Package was perfect in everyway. Incredible tours that were full of interesting facts / knowledge and sights, our tour guide Fezo was so friendly - polite and so full of knowledge we called him a walking encyclopedia! Favourite tour has to be Cappadocia and the Hot air balloon tour at sunrise as the views were breathtaking it was like a fairytale to see the cast over the alsorted fairy chimneys. However Istanbul was also incredible to see especially the Hagia Sophia with all the history and artifact you can see here. I would say if your planning to visit Turkey you have to book on the Highlights of Turkey Package with www.greeceturkeytours.com and ask for Vedat as he was absolutely superb.Sarah Naden 2019-04-25
Perfect perfect perfect is all there is to say about our time on the Highlights of Turkey Package, 9 days filled with sightseeing the main hot spots of Turkey, staying in beautiful hotels that are filled with very helpful and friendly staff and in fantastic locations. Each arranged tour ran on time with no problems and also guided by a professional english speaking tour guide named Fezo as we called him, the knowledge fezo has of his country and all the historical places we visited blew me away and actually have the upmost respect for him...thankyou so much fezo! Our highlights of Turkey package was booked with vedat from www.greeceturkeytours.com and from the very moment of first contact we knew our holiday would be a dream come true due to the great commuincation between us, recieving all our tickets and details in plenty of time and having a 24/7 contact line just incase. Go ahead and give them ago and be sure you will have the best holiday you could ask for.