Türkiye, Istanbul

Splendors of Türkiye: From Istanbul to Ephesus

Arrival at Istanbul airport, welcome and group transfer to your hotel.

The first dinner is not included

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast, set off for the historic heart of Istanbul. You will discover the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine art and one of the city's most renowned monuments. Then, explore the fascinating Blue Mosque, opposite the basilica, an architectural gem famous for its six minarets. Have lunch at a restaurant offering fish specialties, then discover the Byzantine Hippodrome and visit the Topkapi Palace, an iconic site of the city and former residence of the Ottoman sultans. Finally, stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with its 6,000 shops!

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Istanbul.

Breakfast at the hotel, then an early departure for Ankara to visit the Turkish capital and the mausoleum of Atatürk, the father of modern Turkey. En route to Cappadocia, we will admire the famous salt lake and stop to take photos at this spectacular site. Next, we will visit a caravanserai, an ancient inn from the Silk Road era. Lunch at a typical restaurant in Ankara and arrival in Cappadocia in the evening.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, set off to explore Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most beautiful regions! Be amazed by the fascinating, unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing several chapels carved into volcanic rock and adorned with 13th-century frescoes. You will also discover the splendid Avcilar and Guvercinlik valleys, which are famous for their countless fairy chimneys. Next, visit an impressive underground city built by ancient local communities before ending the day at a carpet and jewellery centre to learn about Turkey's ancient artisanal production.

Overnight at the hotel

After breakfast, travel to Pamukkale to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of dazzling white where hot springs saturated with calcium salts have covered the cliffs. Take in the impressive stalactites, natural pools and a giant waterfall.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, head to the magnificent site of Ephesus, the city of Artemis, the most famous ancient site in Turkey. Discover the renowned Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, the splendid theatre, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Built in 1000 BC by the Greeks, this site is now a must-visit pilgrimage destination for Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims alike, as it is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary.

The day concludes with a visit to a leather factory, followed by a return to the hotel and dinner in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, set off for Bursa to explore this significant city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, from a panoramic viewpoint. Visit the Green Tomb, one of the earliest and most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture in Turkey. You will also have the opportunity to stroll through the old Ottoman quarter and the ancient silk market, which is full of antiques, perfumes, pashminas and, of course, silk items. After exploring Bursa, head to Istanbul for dinner and to settle into your hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel,

shared transfer to Istanbul airport, boarding for your return flight.

End of the stay

Please note: This programme is subject to change due to technical requirements, weather conditions or other factors relating to the organisation of the trip.

Maximum group size: 38 people

Guaranteed departure: minimum of 2 people. The provider reserves the right to change the departure date if this minimum is not reached.

The pace of the visits can be quite demanding (see the day-by-day details for a full list of visits), which means getting up very early.

A group transfer is included for arrivals between 08:00 and 00:30 a.m. on the tour dates. If you arrive or depart outside these times, a supplement of €85 will be charged for a private transfer. On day 2, the first excursion on the tour departs at around 8 a.m. Please note that the transfer time between the airport and the hotel is approximately 1–1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

As transfer operators are not permitted to enter the airport, please follow the directions for the transfer meeting point carefully as set out in your travel documents.