11-Day Istanbul, Aegean & Cappadocia Journey: Culture & Coasts

The first step after arriving in Istanbul involves a comfortable transfer followed by a peaceful walking tour to discover the city. Your driver will meet you at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to drive you to your hotel which is situated in the city center. 

After check-in and some time to relax a bit, you will meet your guide in the evening for a light walk through the local neighborhood. Take a stroll around iconic areas like Sultanahmet, Karaköy or Beyoğlu, as your guide points out landmarks, essential shops, transport options and recommended restaurants. Enjoy your first Turkish tea or coffee at a local café and review your program for the coming days.

*Inclusions: Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel, Assistance with hotel check-in, 1.5–3-hour light orientation walk (time permitting) with a state-licensed guide*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Entrance fees (if any visited today), Personal expenses and gratuities**

Explore the heart of Istanbul's historic district, uncovering the landmarks of its rich past. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Sultanahmet Square. Start your journey at Hagia Sophia, a monumental structure that has been both a basilica and a mosque for over 1,500 years. Learn about its architectural wonders and religious significance. 

Then, visit the Blue Mosque, known for its stunning blue tiles and graceful domes. Stroll through the ancient Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races and see monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column. The Basilica Cistern presents itself as an underground water storage facility which uses tree-like support columns to hold its structure while visitors follow illuminated walkways. 

After your lunch at a nearby restaurant based on your personal preferences a visit at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar is planned. Your guide will direct you through the numerous stalls while teaching you about local shopping traditions and showing you where to find authentic products for textiles, ceramics, jewelry, spices and sweets.

*Inclusions: Approx. 8-hour private guided tour with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (walking or vehicle, depending on location), Entrance fees to Old City sites*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Personal expenses and gratuities**

Experience Istanbul from the water and explore its vibrant, local neighborhoods on the Asian side. 

Begin with a transfer to the pier and embark on a Bosphorus cruise. The route leads you to move between Europe and Asia while you pass through Ottoman buildings which include palaces, mosques and historic mansions. Your guide will show you the main attractions while explaining how the Bosphorus River shaped Istanbul throughout its historical development. The ferry ride will take you to the Asian side where you can discover the energetic districts of Kadıköy and Üsküdar. The streets of the city lead to markets which house fishmongers, meze shops, bakeries and dessert counters where you can taste traditional foods from each location.

Pause for lunch at a neighborhood restaurant recommended by your guide, then enjoy a relaxed walk along the waterfront or in nearby Moda, where cafés and seaside promenades create a laid-back vibe with great city views.

*Inclusions: Approx. 8-hour private experience with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle), Bosphorus cruise (shared or private), Round-trip public ferry tickets*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Optional tastings, Personal expenses and gratuities**

Embark on a journey to the Aegean coast and step into the ancient world of Ephesus. 

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and travel by private vehicle to the town of Selçuk, near Ephesus. 

In the afternoon, explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Walk through marble streets and discover the grand Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus. Time permitting, you may also visit the Terrace Houses, where mosaic-floored Roman villas offer a glimpse into elite domestic life.

*Inclusions: Approx. 4-hour private guided visit to Ephesus with a state-licensed guide, Private hotel–airport transfer in Istanbul, Private airport–hotel transfer in Ephesus region, Entrance fees to Ephesus*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Domestic flight ticket (Istanbul–Izmir)Optional tastings, Personal expenses and gratuities**

Discover the charm of Ephesus and its surrounding villages. 

Visit the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk, where you’ll learn about its significance and enjoy panoramic views from the hilltop. Visit the Ayasuluk Fortress before you explore the historic streets of the town which include its small museum and markets.

The next destination should be Şirince which is a beautiful countryside village that features stone buildings and operates as a small agricultural community. Taste local fruit wines or olive oil and enjoy a traditional Aegean lunch. Return to your hotel with free time to relax.

*Inclusions: Approx. 8-hour private excursion visit to Ephesus with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle), Entrance fees to St. John’s Basilica and Ayasuluk Fortress*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Personal expenses and gratuities**

Today you will travel from the ancient city of Ephesus to the Aegean coast, where you’ll relax by the sea. 

After check-out you will have a private transfer to reach your coastal destination which is either Bodrum or Kuşadası. The towns provide their visitors with stunning ocean views, attractive waterfront areas and excellent restaurants.

After your arrival you should check into your seaside hotel before you take some time to get ready. You should use your afternoon to rest at the beach, walk through the harbor or discover the various stores and cafes in town. The evening brings two dining options which include fresh seafood and meze served by the water or a visit to a traditional local restaurant.

*Inclusions: Private overland transfer to Bodrum or Kuşadası, Assistance with hotel check-in, Short orientation walk (time permitting)*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Beach services (sunbeds, umbrellas), Personal expenses and gratuities*

Today you will experience the beauty of the Aegean Sea on a traditional gulet cruise. 

After breakfast, head to the harbor and board your wooden gulet for a day of exploring the coastline’s hidden bays and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and lounging on deck as you sail to secluded islands and coves. 

A freshly prepared lunch with meze, salads and grilled dishes will be served onboard. Return to the harbor in the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed evening at your leisure.

*Inclusions: Approx 7-hour gulet cruise, Hotel–harbor transfers, Onboard lunch and non-alcoholic drinks*

**Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks, Snorkeling gear rental (if not provided), Personal expenses and gratuities*

From the Aegean to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, get ready for a fascinating contrast. 

Once you have finished with your breakfast, you will need to check out. Your private transfer to Izmir or Bodrum Airport for your flight to Cappadocia will be ready which will, also, stop at Istanbul on the way. 

Your local driver will greet you at the arrival location to take you to your cave or boutique hotel which is located in Göreme, Uçhisar or Ürgüp. Guests should arrive during the evening hours to spend their first few hours in the village while they rest and discover its special charm and breathtaking scenery.

*Inclusions: Private hotel–airport transfer, Private airport–hotel transfer in Cappadocia, Local check-in assistance*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Domestic flight tickets (coast–Cappadocia), Personal expenses and gratuities*

Start your day with a hot-air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, followed by a tour of its northern wonders. 

Before dawn, head to the balloon launch site for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You will be floating over Cappadocia’s valleys and rock formations as the sun rises. After landing, enjoy a celebratory drink and return to your hotel for breakfast. 

Later, embark on a full-day tour of Northern Cappadocia, visiting sites like the Göreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley and Pasabağ. You’ll also have the chance to visit villages like Çavuşin and Avanos.

*Inclusions: Approx 7-hour private guided tour, Early morning hot-air balloon flight (if pre-booked), Hotel–site transfers, Entrance fees to Göreme and other sites*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Balloon flight fee (if not included), Personal expenses and gratuities*

End your Cappadocia journey with a visit to its underground cities and the scenic Ihlara Valley. 

Start the day by exploring one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, such as Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı and learn about life underground. Then, enjoy a walk in the peaceful Ihlara Valley, visiting rock-cut churches along the way. After lunch at a riverside restaurant, you can explore additional valleys or monasteries before returning to your hotel.

*Inclusions: Approx 8-hour private guided tour with a Private guide, Hotel–site transfers, Entrance fees to underground city and Ihlara Valley*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Personal expenses and gratuities*

Your fantastic adventure ends with a comfortable journey back to Istanbul before you board your next flight. 

You will depart to Istanbul after breakfast and hotel check-out. Your airport transfer driver will be ready and waiting for you. You should then proceed to your international flight departure.

Although this trip is ending, the idea of planning your next Tailored by Locals adventure will be ready to come back to life and inspire your next experience.