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Cultural Triangle of Turkey
Take in the main highlights of Turkey on this eight-day tour of the Cultural Triangle. Discover the highlights of Istanbul, from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the bustling Grand Bazaar. Marvel at the incredible Roman ruins of Ephesus, take a dip in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and visit the Roman spa town of Hierapolis. Explore the warren of subterranean cave cities at Cappadocia and opt for a hot air balloon ride over the landscape.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysStarts
IstanbulEnds
IstanbulRange
PrivateTour Guide
Local guides for sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 14Minimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
4 or 5 starCountries
TurkeyArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
Ends on arrival back into Istanbul airportMeals included
Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 4Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul!
Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul!
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!
Day 2 - Istanbul sightseeing
Day 2 - Istanbul sightseeing
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).
Day 3 - Cave cities of Cappadocia
Day 3 - Cave cities of Cappadocia
Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia. Say goodbye to Istanbul as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Kayseri in central Turkey. From here you will be transported to Cappadocia, the land of subterranean cave cities and rock castles.
Our first stop in this remarkable region will be the Devrent Valley, which is often called the Imaginary Valley because thousands of years of erosion mean that many of the rock formations here look like animals - keep your eyes out for the camel, alligator, and dolphin! You'll also see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles at Pasabagi (Monk's Valley). After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay used by the local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey.
After lunch, visit the incredible open-air museum at Goreme, where you will explore some of the centuries-old rock-cut cave churches and other settlements. Following this visit, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 4 - Cappadocia
Day 4 - Cappadocia
This morning there's the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail serenely over Cappadocia on an optional hot air balloon ride (book and pay locally).
Later, enjoy a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, a stunning landscape shaped by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hasan. The valley, nourished by the meandering Melendiz River near Belisirma, offers a serene and picturesque trail. Continue to Selime to explore its remarkable hollowed-out citadel and ancient churches, where fairy chimneys gracefully dot the steep hillsides. Also, visit Yaprakhisar village, a perfect spot to capture memorable photos of this enchanting region.
The journey also includes stops at the picturesque Pigeon Valley and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City. This remarkable subterranean complex features dwellings, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, and even wineries. Once used as a refuge by Christian communities, it offers a glimpse into a unique and resilient way of life.
Day 5 - Fly to Kusadasi
Day 5 - Fly to Kusadasi
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.
Day 6 - Ancient Ephesus
Day 6 - Ancient Ephesus
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.
Day 7 - 'Cotton Castles' of Pamukkale
Day 7 - 'Cotton Castles' of Pamukkale
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.
Day 8 - Return to Istanbul
Day 8 - Return to Istanbul
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.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Hotels
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. Please note that guided sightseeing is on a shared basis, if you wish to upgrade to private sightseeing this can be arranged for a supplement.
Departs daily, subject to availability. When choosing your travel dates please bear in mind that Hagia Sofia is closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
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4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews