Cultural Triangle of Turkey

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer from the airport to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to relax in the hotel or head out and explore the only city in the world to straddle two continents!

Enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. You will see highlights of the city including the iconic exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was built by Emperor Justinian in the year 537 AD and was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years!

Take in the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the beautiful Blue Mosque before venturing into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, which is a delightful assault on the senses. The evening is at leisure, or you could opt for a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia (book and pay locally).

Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia. Leaving Istanbul, you will be transported to the airport for your included flight to Kayseri in Central Turkey. Upon arrival transfer to Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most popular destinations. See the unique fairy chimneys of the Devrent Valley and the mushroom-shaped pinnacles of Pasabagi (Monks Valley).

Later, head to Goreme, which is a beautiful open air museum, home to incredible rock-cut cave churches and settlements that date back centuries. The stunning landscapes of Cappadocia are sure to take your breath away. Touring today also includes a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.

This morning there is an optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia (book and pay locally). Leaving the hotel mid-morning, enjoy a hike through the Rose Valley to see more of the incredible rock-cut churches the area is famed for. Visit the old Christian village of Cavusin, the beautiful Pigeon Valley, and the Kaymakli Underground City. This incredible settlement is connected with more than 100 tunnels between houses, stables, churches, and more. The final stop of the day is at the natural rock castle of Ortahisar, which towers over the surrounding landscape.

Cappadocia - Kayseri - Izmir - Kusadasi. Say goodbye to Cappadocia as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight west to Izmir. From here you will be transported to the popular beach resort town of Kusadasi. The evening is at leisure.

Today there is a full-day tour of the legendary ancient city of Ephesus. The city dates back centuries and there are relics from the ancient Greek and Roman empires. One of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World was once found here, the Temple of Artemis. Sadly it has been completely destroyed apart from a single column which you will see. The main highlights of Ephesus are the striking colonnaded Library of Celsus and the amphitheatre. This had a capacity of 25,000, which made it the largest amphitheatre in the ancient world.

There's also a visit to the House of Mother Mary, where the Virgin Mary is alleged to have spent her final years. After the tour, you will return to Kusadasi stopping at a leather manufacturing factory en route.

Kusadasi - Pamukkale. Leave Kusadasi and travel to Pamukkale, a jaw-dropping region where white calcium formations have built up over thousands of years due to the chemical properties of water in the area. The results are the 'cotton castles' and thermal pools of Pamukkale. Take a walk along the white water terraces known as travertines and enjoy a dip in the man-made pools at the bottom.

There is also a visit to the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, which was built by this historic civilization to make the most of the travertines. Explore the ruins and opt for a swim in Cleopatra's Pool. It was reportedly a gift to the Egyptian pharaoh from Marc Anthony and is the only place in the world where you can swim amongst real Roman columns; an earthquake hit the site in the 7th century which caused a nearby Temple of Apollo to collapse into the pool.

Pamukkale - Istanbul. Transfer to Denizli Airport today for your included flight back to Istanbul, where your tour comes to an end.

Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You can also opt to exclude the flight back to Istanbul if you wish.