Arrival: Meet your driver at Istanbul (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) airport.
Activity: Transfer to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district.
Evening: Free time to explore the local area or enjoy a welcome dinner overlooking the Bosphorus.
Admire the Byzantine architectural marvel of the sixth century, the Hagia Sophia.
Blue Mosque: Well-known for its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.
The Harem and Treasury were located at Topkapi Palace, the former home of the Ottoman Sultans.
Hippodrome: Take in the Roman Serpent Column and the Egyptian Obelisk.
Grand Bazaar: Explore one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 stores.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market): A sensory journey through exotic spices, Turkish delight, and teas.
Bosphorus Cruise: A boat trip along the strait separating Europe and Asia, passing Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
Travel: Afternoon or evening flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport).
Overnight: Check into a traditional “cave hotel.”
Optional: Sunrise hot air balloon flight (highly recommended).
Goreme Open-Air Museum: UNESCO site with rock-cut churches and 10th-century frescoes.
Devrent (Imagination) Valley: See rock formations that look like animals (the camel rock is iconic).
Pasabag (Monks Valley): Home to the most striking mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
Avanos: A pottery-making town where you can try your hand at the ancient kick-wheel.
Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City: Descend into multi-level subterranean cities used by early Christians as hideouts.
Rose & Red Valleys: A scenic hike through pink-hued rock formations.
Uchisar Castle: The highest point in Cappadocia for a panoramic view of the entire region.
Pigeon Valley: Named for the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.
Travel: Morning flight to Izmir or a scenic drive/bus toward Pamukkale.
Cotton Castle: Walk barefoot on the white travertine terraces filled with mineral-rich thermal water.
Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the massive Roman Necropolis, Frontinus Street, and the Great Theater.
Cleopatra’s Pool: (Optional) Swim among ancient Roman columns in the thermal “Antique Pool.”
Ephesus: Walk the marble streets to see the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater (capacity 25,000).
House of the Virgin Mary: A peaceful shrine believed to be the final home of Mary.
Temple of Artemis: See the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Sirince Village: (Optional) Visit this charming hilltop Greek-Turkish village famous for its fruit wines.
Travel: Late evening flight back to Istanbul.
Morning: Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast at your hotel.
Activity: Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or a visit to the Basilica Cistern if time permits.
Transfer: Private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
