9 Days Turkey Tour with Hot Air Balloon : Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia

🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey! Whether you arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, our staff will be there to greet you. They will assist you with the transfer to your hotel, ensuring a smooth journey from the airport to your accommodation. After arriving at the hotel, you will check in and have the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

🕌 Day 2: Full Day Byzantine, Ottoman Relics Istanbul City Tour

• • Hotel Pick-up (08:00 - 09:15): Your day begins with a personalized pick-up from your hotel or specified location between 08:00 and 09:15. Our friendly team ensures a comfortable start to your adventure.
• • Hagia Sophia: Also Called the Church of Divine Wisdom, it is a masterpiece of grandeur and proportion. Coveted by the Islamic East and Christian West, the Hagia Sophia is one of mankind's greatest treasures.
• • Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): No one who has been to Istanbul at least once can ever forget the feeling of awe and wonder at seeing the Blue Mosque for the first time.
• • Hippodrome and Obelisk: The vast Hippodrome, known as At Meydani or "plaza of the horses" stretches between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
• • Shopping Opportunity: Explore local crafts and traditional Turkish products.
• • Grand Covered Bazaar (Kapali Carsi): The Oldest and the largest covered market place in the world is situated in the center of the city.
• • Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
• • Topkapi Palace: Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the Sultan and his court. It was initially the seat of government as well as the imperial residence. Even though access was strictly regulated, inhabitants of the palace rarely had to venture out since the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity a city within a city. Audience and consultation chambers and areas served for the political workings of the empire.

17:00 PM is the end of the tour, then participants will be transferred back to their hotel and full day Byzantine, Ottoman Relics Tour will be ended.

🚢 Day 3: Half Day Afternoon Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour

• • Hotel Pick-up (12:00 - 12:30): Your day begins with a personalized pick-up from your hotel or specified location between 12:00 and 12:30. Our friendly team ensures a comfortable start to your adventure.
• • Bosphorus Boat Trip: Embark on a Bosphorus boat trip, cruising along the iconic waterway that separates Asia and Europe. Witness the majestic landmarks of both sides, creating a visual tapestry of Istanbul's rich history.
• • Pierre Loti Hill: Visit Pierre Loti Hill for more breathtaking views of the city. Explore the area and soak in the serene atmosphere, capturing moments of tranquility amidst the bustling city.
• • Cable Car Descent: Experience a unique descent from Pierre Loti Hill with a cable car ride, providing a scenic journey over the Golden Horn. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes unfolding beneath you.
• • Eyüp Sultan Mosque: Explore the sacred precincts of Eyüp Sultan, absorbing the spiritual ambiance and historical significance of this revered site. Take time to wander through the surrounding areas, immersing yourself in the cultural tapestry.
• • Shopping Possibility: Conclude your day with a shopping opportunity, where you can discover local treasures and souvenirs. Embrace the chance to take home a piece of Istanbul's vibrant culture.

17:00 - 17:30 PM is the end of the tour, then participants will be transferred back to their hotel and Bosphorus Cruise Tour Istanbul will be ended.

☕ Day 4: Leisurely Day in Istanbul

Savor a Leisurely Breakfast and Enjoy Free Time. Relish a leisurely breakfast and embrace a day of freedom and relaxation in Istanbul. Explore the city's hidden corners or simply enjoy the local atmosphere at your own pace.

🏛️ Day 5: Flight to Izmir - Full Day Ephesus Tour

Step into the Ancient World and Discover Ephesus

Begin your day at an early hour, at 05:00 AM, as we pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport for an exciting flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival, meet your tour guide and set off to explore the fascinating ancient city of Ephesus.

• • Temple of Artemis: Start your journey by visiting the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Discover the ancient cult dedicated to Artemis, making Ephesus a renowned pilgrimage destination in antiquity.
• • The Ruins of Ephesus: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Ephesus as you explore its ruins, including a concert hall, marketplaces, colonnaded streets, temples, fountains, libraries, theaters, and the enchanting Arcadian Way.
• • Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
• • The House of Virgin Mary: Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a place with deep religious significance, believed to be the residence of the Virgin Mary during her time in Ephesus. The exact location of her passing was revealed through Anne Catherine Emmerich's vision.

As the day draws to a close, we'll transfer you to your hotel for a relaxing overnight stay in Kusadasi.

💧 Day 6: Full Day Pamukkale Tour

Explore the Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale's Natural Beauty

After a hearty breakfast, check out from your hotel and embark on a journey to Pamukkale to discover the wonders of the ancient city of Hierapolis and the stunning calcium terraces and pools.

• • Hierapolis: Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, adorned with the Temple of Apollo, an awe-inspiring Theater, a fascinating Necropolis, and the grand baths where St. Philip, a significant figure in the city's history, was martyred.
• • Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
• • Calcium Terraces and Pools: Visit the mesmerizing calcium terraces and pools of Pamukkale, a breathtaking display of nature's artistry, leaving you in awe of its beauty.

After an enriching day of exploration, we'll drive you back to Kusadasi for a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel.
Note : Cleopatra Pool entrance fee is not included in the Pamukkale tour. Guests who wish to enter the pool can do so by paying the entrance fee separately.

⛰️ Day 7: Flight to Cappadocia - Cappadocia Tour

Early in the morning we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer to İzmir Airport, fly to Cappadocia. When you arrive Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport we will pick you up and transfer to Cappadocia. Journey takes from airport to Cappadocia aprox. 45 minutes. Meet with your tour guide and full day Cappadocia tour will start:

• • Devrent Valley: Begin your day at Devrent Valley, a surreal landscape adorned with fairy chimneys, an awe-inspiring scene that will transport you to a world of wonder.
• • Monks Valley: Visit Monks Valley, where the best view of three-headed fairy chimneys awaits. Pasabag, also known as Pasha's Vineyard, is surrounded by extraordinary natural rock formations.
• • Avanos: Explore Avanos, a town steeped in the art of terra cotta dating back to 3000 BC. Visit a traditional pottery workshop nestled in the hillsides.
• • Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
• •  Open Air Museum: Venture into the fascinating Goreme Open Air Museum, a vital Christian center during the early Middle Ages. Marvel at the numerous monasteries, churches, and chapels adorned with unique iconography.
• • Uchisar: Conclude your day with a visit to Uchisar, a troglodyte town located at the heart of Cappadocia. Named after a colossal rock formation once used as a castle, Uchisar offers a stunning panoramic view.

At approximately 05:00 PM, we'll bid adieu and drop you back to your hotel.

🎈 Day 8: Hot Air Balloon Tour & Full Day Cappadocia Tour

Hot Air Balloon Tour: We will pick you up from your hotel depends of the weather conditions between 04:00 AM - 04:30 AM. While you have your coffee or tea and snacks, we prepare the balloons on the ground. At around sunrise, our balloons begin to take off. They rise approximately 1000 feet to show you sunrise and extraordinary views of Cappadocia. Then they descend, float through valleys, between fairy chimneys and caves. The duration of this tour is 45 minutes. At the landing, we have a champagne toast service. After Hot Air Balloon Tour we will drop you back to your hotel for breakfast.

At 09:30 AM, we'll pick you up to commence the second day of Cappadocia adventure:

• • Kizilcukur: Venture into Kizilcukur, an isolated valley behind Urgup, famous for its beautiful rock formations and hidden rock-carved churches.
• • Cavusin: Explore Cavusin, one of the oldest settlements in the region, located 2 KM from Goreme. Visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, dating back to the 5th century.
• • Lunch: Take a break and enjoy a delightful lunch, refueling for the rest of your day.
• • Hospital Monastery: Delve into the depths of history at the Hospital Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Cappadocia.
• • Underground City: Embark on an unforgettable adventure into Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and deepest among the 40 others in Cappadocia.
• • Pigeon Houses: Visit the charming pigeon houses and marvel at the unique rock formations.

Transfer to Kayseri/Nevsehir Airport for flight to Istanbul at 20:30 PM. Upon arrival at 21:30 PM, transfer to your hotel.

🏙️ Day 9: Departure from Istanbul

After a hearty breakfast, you'll have free time for last-minute shopping. According to your flight schedule, we'll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport, bringing your remarkable journey in Turkey to a close. Safe travels!

💡 Important Notes & Travel Tips

• Skip-The-Line Service: Entrance fees for Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are not included in the standard package. However, we can pre-arrange your tickets for you. With our Skip-the-line service, you can bypass the long queues and save valuable time during your tour.
• Comfort First: We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes as the ancient cities (Ephesus, Hierapolis) involve walking on historic uneven ground.
• Balloon Flight: Hot air balloon flights depend on weather conditions. In case of cancellation due to wind, your payment will be fully refunded.

Our 9-Day Turkey Odyssey is meticulously designed for travelers who seek a perfect balance of ancient history and natural wonders. As one of our premier extended tour packages from Istanbul, this itinerary offers a seamless, stress-free way to witness the very best of our country.

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