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Istanbul to Ephesus

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8 days

Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Turkey, commencing in the vibrant city of Istanbul. From there, explore captivating Cappadocia, where hidden underground cities, the Open Air Museum, and the natural fortress of Uchisar await your discovery. Continue your adventure by visiting Pamukkale and the historic city of Hierapolis. In Selcuk, pay homage to the ancient Temple of Artemis and meander through the picturesque village of Sirince. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, tasty food, and natural wonders.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Izmir

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes, for all included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 28

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Fridays

Hotel Rating

4-5 star

Countries

Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes - from IST or Sabiha

Departure Transfer

Yes - to Izmir Airport or Kusadasi Port

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 4
Per person from
NZD$3,292.00
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Total From
$8,230.00
NZD$6,584.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$6,084.00

Tour Highlights

Istanbul – Visit highlights of the Old City including the beautiful Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and imposing Topkapi Palace
Ankara - Explore the Mausoleum of Ataturk and museum
Cappadocia - Opt to take a stunning balloon ride over the city, and explore the Underground City and Uchisar Castle
Pamukkale - Visit the ancient Hierapolis and explore the magnificent Necropolis, graveyard, and the lime cascade
Ephesus - Explore the classic Roman city, one of the best-preserved examples in the whole of Europe
Selcuk - Take in the wonderous Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

Included

Daily breakfasts, 2 lunches & 4 dinners
7 nights 4-5 star hotels
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 8
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Izmir & Ephesus
English-speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing
Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: EUR€40-50pp, paid in EUR
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul

Friday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - Tour of Istanbul

Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Bound for Cappadocia

Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia. Today our journey takes us to Ankara, where we'll pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum. This sacred site serves as the final resting place of the esteemed national hero who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey.

From Ankara, our voyage continues towards Cappadocia. As we admire the picturesque landscapes, you'll be captivated by the beauty of the Salt Lake. Your day concludes with our arrival in Cappadocia, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Captivating Cappadocia

This morning, you have the option to embark on an early morning adventure with an iconic Balloon tour, offering a view of Cappadocia's breathtaking landscapes from the skies.

Afterward, a full day of exploration in Cappadocia awaits, beginning with visits to an underground city, the Open Air Museum in Goreme, and the natural fortress in Uchisar.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take the opportunity to discover the rich history behind local handicrafts, such as hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and potteries.

Tonight, you can opt to join our optional night tour featuring a mesmerizing Turkish show and dinner.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 - Enroute to Pamukkale

Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale. Your day begins with an early departure as we make our way to the stunning Pamukkale. En route, we'll explore the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai.

Our journey then takes us to the historic city of Konya, where we'll visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, an iconic spiritual site dedicated to the renowned Sufi mystic and poet, Rumi.

Continuing the journey, we'll arrive in Pamukkale, renowned for its unique terraces of white mineral-rich water. Here, you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Hierapolis & The Temple of Artemis

Pamukkale - Izmir. Today we'll visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Necropolis and the intriguing lime cascade. The Necropolis has remarkable tomb structures, and cascading terraces of white water.

From Hierapolis, we head to Selcuk, where you'll visit the Temple of Artemis, once celebrated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."

The day ends with our arrival in Izmir, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay and dinner.

Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - The ancient city of Ephesus

Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Izmir. Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the privilege of visiting its renowned library, grand theater, and captivating temples.

For lunch, we'll provide a unique experience in a nomadic tent in Selcuk, where you'll have the opportunity to try Turkish Gozleme, a traditional dish.

Our journey then continues to the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Here, you enjoy the village's picturesque ambiance, do some shopping, and taste the delicious local wines that the village is famous for.

As the day draws to a close, we return to Izmir for the night.

Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Goodbye

Friday. Today marks the end of your Turkish adventure. Departure transfer is included to either the Kusadasi port for the ferry to Samos, an enchanting Greek island, or to Izmir airport.

Meals: Breakfast

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.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)

Double

$295per passenger

Twin

$295per passenger

Single

$535per passenger

Post-Tour Accommodation - Izmir (From Price)

Double

$175per passenger

Twin

$175per passenger

Single

$285per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Titanic City Hotel
Istanbul

One of Istanbul’s most popular hotels, Titanic City offers modern accommodation in a central location. Rooms are bright and comfortable offering state of the art technology and luxurious walk in rain showers. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available and the views from the trendy Compass Bar and Restaurant are simply stunning. Perfectly located in Taksim, the beating heart of Istanbul with lots of great shops, restaurants and bars.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
MDC Cave Hotel
Cappadocia

MDC Cave Hotel is a luxury cave hotel located in Ürgüp's Old Town. It offers spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs and spa baths. The hotel features heated marble floors, stone fireplaces, and arched ceilings. Guests can enjoy local cuisine at the restaurant, relax on the sun terrace, or use the barbecue facilities in the garden. The hotel has a conference room, tour desk, and offers activities such as hot-air balloon rides and hikes in Cappadocia.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi
Cappadocia

Fully restored in 2003, Yusuf Yigitoglu was a 19th century mansion tucked in to the caves of ancient Cappadocia. Guest rooms are cosy with comfortable furnishings and make guests feel like they truly are sleeping in an ancient cave. Complimentary wifi internet is available and there are a couple of bars on site where guests can enjoy a refreshing drink whilst taking in the unique surroundings that this stunning area has to offer. The hotel is centrally located in the town of Urgup.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Boutique Hotel
Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel
Pamukkale

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel is ideally located just a short drive from the Pamukkale Travertines surrounded by mountains. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning and satellite tv channels. There is a restaurant and bar onsite offering Turkish and international cuisine. The hotel features a Thermal Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool, 2 Red Thermal Pools, Turkish bath and sauna as well as an array of luxurious spa treatments to indulge in after a day of sightseeing.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Kaya Prestige Hotel
Izmir

Kaya Prestige, ideally located in the heart of Izmir City Centre, offers a refined and comfortable retreat. The hotel boasts elegant rooms with city views from its rooftop terrace, and both WiFi and parking are complimentary. Each room features plush carpeted floors, flat-screen TVs, and a spacious seating area. Guests can indulge in a culinary journey at the on-site dining options, including Turkish delights at Sediv and Mediterranean cuisine at the Divan Restaurant, complemented by live music. The Merhaba Bar offers a selection of beverages along with breathtaking city vistas.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. '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.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
20 Dec - 27 Dec
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Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
10 Jan - 17 Jan
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Sold Out
Sold Out
7 Feb - 14 Feb
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$4,115$3,292
$6,635$5,308
7 Mar - 14 Mar
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$4,115$3,292
$6,635$5,308
21 Mar - 28 Mar
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$4,115$3,292
$6,635$5,308
4 Apr - 11 Apr
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$4,495$3,596
$7,005$5,604
11 Apr - 18 Apr
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$4,495$3,596
$7,005$5,604
25 Apr - 2 May
Save 20%
$4,495$3,596
$7,005$5,604
2 May - 9 May
Save 20%
$4,495$3,596
$7,005$5,604

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