Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Istanbul Tour, 4 Nights

Highlights : Blue Mosque,Hippodrome,Hagia Sophia,Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar

Duration : 08:30-16:30

Istanbul is a must-see city .We have many places to visit. On this tour, top destinations we are going to see.First stop is Blue Mosque .It (Sultanahmet Camii) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design.Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I.

Then head on to Hippodrome. Center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome.Next stop is Basilica Cistern. The Basilica Cistern was built to provide water for the city of Istanbul during the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD .

Lunch break.

Hagia Sophia is the one of the most visited museums and most prominent monuments in the world in terms of art and the history of architecture. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, rich with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings

Next is the Topkapi Palace. It allows its visitors to witness the history, culture, grandeur, magnificence, and profusion of an Empire which lasted for a very long time. Palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans, from the 15th century until 1856, when until Abdulmecid moved to the Dolmabahce Palace.

Being one of the biggest and oldest closed bazaars, Grand Bazaar is a must go place in Istanbul.It is in fact a separate world within Istanbul. It is an active, crowded, inviting, and indispensable part of Istanbul. This bazaar attracts tourists from all over the world.( Closed on Sundays, replaced with other locations )

Flight To Cappadocia from İstanbul. Transfer to Hotel From Cappadocia Airport in Cappadocia.

Accommodation in Capadocia.

If You would like before you start the tour, you can join; <a href="https://www.turkeytourkeys.com/index.php/trip/hot-air-balloon-in-cappadocia/"> Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia (Extra) </a>

Below you should choose one of our Cappadocia Programs.

A – RED TOUR

Highlights : Uchisar Castle,G.O.A.M,Love Valley ,Pasabag, Devrent Valley, Three Beuties

Duration : 09:30-16:30

We start the day with Uchisar Castle.It is the summit where Cappadocia mingles with clouds; it is the highest point and can be seen from any spot in the region. After Uchisar Castle , have a visit to Goreme Open Air Museum.The Museum is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes. Then we continue the tour with Love Valley panorama where you can admire the most amazing creations of nature Have a lunch.

And then since Avanos is totally a pottery paradise,we watch live pottery demonstration. Pasabag (Monks Valley) will be next before Devrent Valley.Pasabag which is full of peculiar fairy chimneys looks remarkable with best formations Devrent Valley is a small place on the outskirts of Goreme. Unlike other valleys in the region, it doesn’t boast of the normal cave churches. Because all you have to do is let your mind run wild and a variety of stone sculptures can be seen .

Finally We see the three beauties of Cappadocia which is the symbol of the region. Also ,the scene of these fairy chimneys were used in many advertisements.

B – GREEN TOUR

Highlights : Esentepe,Derinkuyu Underground City,Ihlara Gorge,Selime,Pigeon Valley.

Duration : 09:30-17:30

We make an effort to go Esentepe first.It is a spot that we can see panoramic view of Goreme and Goreme valley.After this,we drive to Derinkuyu Underground City.Of all the famed underground cities in Turkey’s Cappadocia region, perhaps the most remarkable is the underground city of Derinkuyu and a proof of what man can achieve when his life is threatened.Before lunch,we have a walk about three km in Ihlara Valley.It is possibly one of Turkey’s most stunning natural landscapes and was home to a large community of people for many centuries with its human dwellings and cave churches.After lunch,next stop is Selime Monastery. Monks settled in the area during the 13th century, and eventually carved out the elaborate facilities required for the monastery to operate, namely a kitchen, living quarters and a church auditorium that comes complete with intricate fresco artwork.On the way to back to hotel,we stop for Pigeon Valley which is another panoramic view .The valley is housing thousands of Dovecotes.

Overnight Bus to Antalya. Transfer From Antalya Bus Station for Breakfast.

Highlights : Virgin Mary House,Ephesus Ruins and Temple of Artemis .

Duration : 09:30-17:00

We start the day with Virgin Mary House. According to predominant Christian tradition, Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ and lived out her days there. This is based mainly on the traditional belief that John came to Ephesus combined with the biblical statement that Jesus consigned her to John’s care.Then, we proceed to Ephesus.It is considered to one of the spectacular open-air museums in Turkey and in the world and one of the highlights of any visit to Turkey.Ruins in Ephesus, the Library of Celsius, Hadrians Temple, the Fountains of Trajan, Polio, The Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, Vedious and Scholastic Baths, Bouloterion, and the Great Theatre with capacity of 24.000 spectators. Then time for lunch in Selcuk.After lunch, Temple of Artemis is the next destination.It was one of the seven wonders of ancient World.

Please note that comfortable shoes, a hat and plenty of sun cream are recommended as shade is limited.

Trip to Denizli by Bus. Transfer From Denizli Bus Station to Hotel in Pamukkale.

Accommodation in Pamukkale.

Highlights : Hierapolis Ancient City,Antique Pool and Pamukkale, Red Spring Water

Duration : 09:30-16:00

If You would like before you start the tour, you can join; <a href="https://www.turkeytourkeys.com/index.php/trip/paragliding-in-pamukkale/"> Paragliding in Pamukkale(Extra) </a>

When we pick up our guests,we start for a nice day.First destination is Hierapolis-Pamukkale Turkey. It is located within the territory of Denizli province, and is one of the most important destinations in Turkey.Your first visit will be Necropolis (City of deaths) of Hierapolis. After that Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, the Frontinus Street, Byzantium Gate well-kept Roman Theatre with the capacity of 20.000 seats can be seen.Later on, we visit Antique Pool (Pools of Cleopatra).It is a spot with a thermal pool that is open to the public.We can say that it is one of the must-see places of Pamukkale Turkey with its ancient marble columns that lie in the water.

Then, you walk to the natural warm water terraces ( Cotton Castle) which were formed by running mineral-rich water.Travertine is a sedimentary rock which is formed under specific conditions as a result of a chemical reaction.The terraces themselves are the product of this process.

Around 13:30,you are going to have lunch in a local restaurant.Later on,we take you to Red Spring Water in Karahayit town.It is a thermal water again.The Red Water(Kirmizi Su) with warmer water (55 degrees) but less carbon dioxide gas where the running water creates a reddish effect different then the white cotton terraces of Pamukkale Turkey.

Note: If interested in swimming,please take your swimming wears with you before you enter Pamukkale-Hierapolis.

Flight to İstanbul. Transfer From İstanbul Airport to Hotel in İstanbul.

Accommodation in Istanbul.

Highlights : City Walls, The Golden Horn, Spice Bazaar, Boat Trip on the Bosphorus, The Rumeli Fortress (from the sea)

Duration : 08:30-12:00 or 13:30-17:00

This program is a day tour.We operate daily Bosphorus Cruise from 08:30 to 12:00 and 13:30 to 17:00.
We see old city wall of Istanbul. It was a system of ancient times that protect the city aganist attacks both from sea and land. It is about 22 km and dates back to 5th century AD.

The second stop is Golden Horn by bus. It is one of the most visited touristic area in Istanbul and the biggest bay of Istanbul Strait.

Later on The Egyptian Bazaar( Spice Bazaar). It is one of Istanbul’s oldest markets, and a time-honored symbol of the city. The main reason for it being called the “Egyptian Bazaar” is that it was built by the taxes collected from Cairo, Egypt. After the 18th century, this name began to be commonly used.
The Last stop will be Rumeli Fortress. We see it from sea ,no interior visit. Rumeli Fotress was constructed around 1452 at the time of Ottoman Empire which is used today as an open air theatre.

Please note that free pick up & drop off service from Sultanahmet,Sirkeci,Beyazit and Taksim area hotels. If your hotel is on a different location, let us know.

Drop off hotels or Bus Station in Istanbul.(Airport Transfer is extra.)

End of the Tour.