Turkey: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Merhaba and welcome to Turkey! After a private transfer to the hotel, we’ll begin with a Group Meeting at 6PM followed by a Welcome Dinner at a chic restaurant.

Günaydın (good morning), Istanbul! After breakfast, we’ll acclimate to the local culture with a walking tour of the historic Old Town, Sultanahmet. First stop, the upper gallery of the mighty Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century Byzantine basilica (then mosque, then museum, then mosque again) renowned for its design. Next, we’ll visit the Hippodrome, known for its chariot races back when the city was known as Constantinople. From there, we’ll swing by the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and blue-tiled interior. After an included lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to Topkapi Palace, the former seat of the Ottoman Empire, featuring expansive grounds, four courtyards, and the Imperial Treasury. We’ll even have the option (if time permits) to explore the Harem, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans. This afternoon, we’ll have the option to indulge in a traditional Turkish bath experience, and free time for dinner at your leisure.

Today begins with a hearty breakfast before a visit to the Yerebatan Underground Cistern, a beautifully restored water reservoir with a magical ambiance. From there, we’ll explore the Grand Bazaar, a commercial hub with over 4,000 shops offering a variety of treasures, including carpets, silks, and jewelry. After an included lunch, we’ll board a private Bosphorus cruise to gain a fresh perspective of the mosques, palaces, and historic houses along the famous strait that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. The evening concludes with a walking tour through Karakoy and Pera, including a stop at the Galata Tower. Tonight’s dinner is at your leisure, or you can join the group for an optional feast.

Prepare your taste buds, because today is all about cuisine! Breakfast is included, but you may want to hold off as our day begins with a culinary journey through the streets of Eminönü on the European side, where we’ll sample a variety of local foods such as white cheese, olives, pickles, baklava, Turkish Delight, and much more. Afterwards, we’ll take a short ferry ride across the Bosphorus to explore Kadıköy on the Asian side, an area famous for its coffee shops, cocktail bars, and designer boutiques. Here, we’ll embrace the local lifestyle and take the tram to Moda to sample a variety of delicacies and refreshing drinks. Once we’ve had our fill of the bustling plazas and scenic waterfront, we’ll head back to the European side by ferry for a free evening.

After breakfast, we’ll take a private transfer to the airport to catch our flight to Kayseri, the gateway to the Cappadocia region, with a light meal served onboard. Upon landing, we’ll be treated to a cooking demonstration at a village house where we’ll learn to bake bread and prepare local dishes in a stone oven. Directly after, we’ll enjoy a meal served in the garden before we check into our cave hotel and have some free time. Tonight, we’ll have the option to attend a Whirling Dervish Sema ritual dance at the historic Sarihan Caravansarai in Avanos.

Rise and shine! Today begins early with an optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s stunning landscape dotted with rocky pillars called “fairy chimneys.” Afterwards, we’ll have an included breakfast and then set off to explore the unique “moonscape” of Cappadocia, including the Goreme Open-Air Museum and its cave churches. After an included lunch, we’ll visit Devrent Valley, Pasabag Fairy Towers, and Uchisar Castle, before continuing on to Avanos to gain insight into how local artisans mold clay into artwork. Tonight we’ll have free time to enjoy dinner on our own.

After another scrumptious breakfast, we’re off to visit Kaymakli Underground City, a fascinating ancient refuge used by early Christians. Later, we’ll stroll leisurely along the Ihlara Valley following the Melendiz River, where a picnic lunch featuring Turkish flatbreads, local wine, cheese, and olives will be enjoyed at a café midway through the trek. This afternoon, we’ll visit the historic Selime Monastery, a 1,300-year-old site where we’ll take in stunning views of rock-carved dwellings. The walk to Selime is via a steep, uphill path, and those who don’t feel up to the climb are welcome to relax in the café for about 30 minutes instead. Tonight, we’ll share stories over an included Farewell Dinner at a lovely restaurant.

After an included breakfast, we’ll enjoy a group transfer to the airport. Safe travels home to those who aren’t joining the extension to Ephesus & Pamukkale. Note: Today’s flight is not included for those guests returning to Istanbul and continuing home. Please do not book your flights before getting in touch with Out Adventures or before the trip confirmation email is sent.

For those continuing on with us, your connecting flight is included, and a light lunch/snack will be served onboard. We’ll warmly welcome any new additions to the group at the airport, and upon landing, we’ll transfer to Kusadasi and check in to our hotel before enjoying an included dinner overlooking the crashing waves of the bay. Tonight, we’re free to partake in the city’s lively nightlife or relax at the hotel.

Get ready for a big day! After breakfast, we’ll drive to Selcuk for an introduction to the historic Ephesus region, starting with a visit to the Isabey Mosque, a modest yet elegant structure built by Selcuk Turks that offers a view of the Basilica of St. John. Next, we’ll visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now reduced to a few standing columns, before heading to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary and St. John and now guarded by the Turkish Military. An included lunch will be served at Can Carpet in Camlik Village, where we’ll observe traditional carpet-making techniques and dye extraction from plants. This afternoon, we’ll tour the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned for its blend of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine heritage. Highlights include the Fountains of Trojan and Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Library of Celsius, various baths, the Bouloterion, and the Great Theatre, which once accommodated 24,000 spectators, offering a captivating glimpse into ancient life. Tonight, we’ll return to Kusadasi for some free time with dinner at our leisure.

After an included breakfast, we’ll drive to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning terraced hot springs and striking geological formations. The area features shimmering white limestone cascades that are thought to have healing properties, historically attracting visitors as a spa resort. The water is said to be beneficial for the eyes and skin and to help alleviate conditions such as rheumatism, asthma, and dermatitis. We’ll also have a chance to meander through the ancient ruin of Hierapolis, perched atop the springs. Afterward, we’ll have the opportunity to relax at our hotel’s thermal facilities, followed by an included dinner at a local restaurant.

After an included breakfast, those finishing their trip will enjoy a complimentary group transfer to Denizli airport, and those continuing on our Turquoise Coast Cruise will transfer to Bodrum to begin the cruise portion of our itinerary. Please do not book your flights before getting in touch with Out Adventures or before the trip confirmation email is sent.