12-Day Grand Turkey Journey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale & Ephesus

Your Turkish adventure begins with a comfortable transfer to Istanbul which provides your first glimpse of the city while you travel by water.

Your driver will welcome you at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport before driving you to your hotel which stands in the city center through an air-conditioned private vehicle. You will meet your local guide after checking in and taking some time to relax before he will lead you to the waterfront area in the evening.

You will take a Bosphorus cruise (which operates as either a shared or private service based on your booking) to experience the sunset between European and Asian territories while viewing the city's domes and minarets. Your guide will show you palaces, fortresses, bridges and historic wooden mansions from the deck while explaining how the empires, families and regular people lived along the coastline. After the cruise you should take a brief walk through the waterfront area or a nearby residential area before you head back to your hotel for the evening.

*Inclusions: Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel in central Istanbul, Assistance with hotel check-in, Approx. 3–4-hour evening Bosphorus experience with a state-licensed guide, Bosphorus cruise (shared or private, according to arrangements)*

**Exclusions: Dinner and drinks, Personal expenses and gratuities**

Today you will explore the historic heart of Istanbul, where the great monuments of Constantinople and the Ottoman capital stand side by side.

Your guide will meet you at your hotel before leading you to Sultanahmet Square. The historical Hagia Sophia stands as an exceptional structure which has operated as a basilica and mosque since its construction began 1,500 years ago. The building's enormous dome together with its marble columns and its sparkling mosaics established a new path for architectural design. Visit the Blue Mosque (when it welcomes visitors) to see its beautiful domes and blue Iznik tiles which make it so special.

The Hippodrome serves as a historic chariot-racing arena which used to host Byzantine emperors for their imperial ceremonies while its ancient obelisks and columns remain as silent witnesses to these events. Topkapı Palace should be your next destination because it served as the Ottoman sultans' palace for many years. The palace grounds can be explored through its courtyards and imperial rooms while visitors who have enough time should visit the Harem section to understand better how the palace operated.

End your day at the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir supported by rows of marble columns reflected in still, softly lit water. After a full day of history and stories, it’s time to return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7–8-hour private guided tour with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (on foot or by vehicle, depending on location), Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace (and Harem if included), Basilica Cistern and other listed sites as applicable*

**Exclusions: Lunch and beverages, Personal shopping, Gratuities**

See Istanbul’s contemporary side and cross to Asia for a taste of local neighborhood life.

Start in Galata, making your way up the historic tower district by foot or elevator. Narrow streets filled with cafés, small boutiques and music shops give a different perspective on the city. Continue along Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian street, lined with embassies, churches, historic arcades, bookstores, galleries and shops. Your guide will point out hidden courtyards, passages and stories that most visitors walk right past.

After lunch at a recommended restaurant, you will head down toward the waterfront and board a public ferry bound for the Asian side. You will arrive in Kadıköy, a lively district known for its markets, bars and places to eat. Walk through its fish and produce markets, spice stalls, bakeries and dessert counters. Feel free to taste a few local specialties as you go! Then continue to nearby Moda for coffee or tea along the seaside promenade, with views across the Bosphorus.

Return by ferry to the European side and either transfer back to your hotel or choose to end in a central neighborhood such as Karaköy, where you can stay on for dinner.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7–8-hour private guided tour with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (on foot or by vehicle, depending on location), Public ferry tickets to and from Kadıköy*

**Exclusions: Lunch and beverages, Entrance fee to Galata Tower (if visiting the interior/observation deck), Personal shopping, Gratuities**

Your day today still finds you in Istanbul before you experience the dreamlike beauty of Cappadocia where you will witness your first sunset in its valleys.

Your Istanbul hotel transfer will take you to the airport where you will board a domestic flight which will take you to either Kayseri or Nevşehir. Your driver-guide will greet you at the arrival point before you take a private vehicle to reach your accommodation located in Göreme, Uçhisar or Ürgüp.

After checking in and finding a comfortable spot to rest you should leave for Red Valley during the late afternoon when conditions permit. The rock formations and cliffs transform their colors from red to pink and gold as the sun sets. Your guide will show you the special geological features of Cappadocia while explaining its historical cave dwellings and traditional customs which will help you understand the area better for your upcoming days.

Return to your hotel or to a nearby restaurant for dinner at your own pace.

*Inclusions: Private hotel–airport transfer in Istanbul, Private airport–hotel transfer in Cappadocia, Services of a local driver or driver-guide, Short sunset excursion to Red Valley or a similar viewpoint*

**Exclusions: Domestic flight ticket (Istanbul–Cappadocia), unless otherwise specified, Meals and beverages, Gratuities**

Experience Cappadocia from above at sunrise, then explore some of its most iconic valleys and villages.

Before dawn, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven to the launch site for your hot-air balloon flight (weather permitting and subject to availability). Drift over valleys, fairy chimneys and villages as the sun rises, watching the landscape slowly light up. It’s a truly unforgettable Turkish experience! After landing and a brief toast, return to your hotel for breakfast.

Later in the morning, meet your guide for a full-day tour of central and northern Cappadocia. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where rock-cut churches and chapels are decorated with centuries-old paintings. Continue on to scenic viewpoints such as Devrent (Imagination Valley), Pasabağ (Monks Valley) and Pigeon Valley, pausing for photos and short walks.

You’ll also visit village areas like Avanos or Çavuşin, known for pottery traditions and cave dwellings. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant during the day and return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

*Inclusions: Approx. 6–7-hour private guided touring after breakfast with a state-licensed local guide, Early-morning shared or private balloon flight with hotel transfers (if pre-booked), Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle), Entrance fees to Göreme Open-Air Museum and listed sites*

**Exclusions: Balloon flight fee if not included in your package, Meals and beverages (unless otherwise arranged), Personal shopping, Gratuities**

Discover Cappadocia’s hidden underground world and walk a green river valley placed into the volcanic landscape.

Meet your guide and drive to one of the region’s remarkable underground cities, such as Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı. Descending through tunnels and chambers, you’ll see former kitchens, living spaces, storage rooms and chapels where communities once lived for long periods. Your guide will explain how people organized their lives under the surface and how these complexes were ventilated and defended.

Continue on to Ihlara Valley, a narrow path shaped by a river and lined with rock-cut churches. Enjoy a light to moderate walk along the valley floor, adjusted to your comfort level, stopping at chapels with simple paintings and peaceful viewpoints. Pause for a simple lunch at a riverside restaurant serving local dishes.

On the way back toward your hotel, you may visit a historic monastery, village or panoramic viewpoint before returning for a relaxed evening.

*Inclusions: Approx. 8–9-hour private excursion with a state-licensed local guide, Entrance fees to one underground city and Ihlara Valley, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle)*

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

The Anatolian plateau leads to Konya which stands as a city that preserves its spiritual traditions and maintains a special bond with the poet Rumi.

The group leaves Cappadocia after breakfast to travel by private vehicle which passes through plains and tiny villages before reaching the western direction. Travelers can stop at roadside caravanserais or cafés to take photos and rest while they drink tea.

The first stop after reaching Konya should be the Mevlana Museum which contains the tomb of 13th-century poet and mystic Jalaluddin Rumi and serves as the spiritual hub of the Mevlevi (whirling dervish) order. Your guide will present Rumi's philosophical beliefs, explain the dervish ritual symbols and demonstrate how Konya functions as a center for Islamic mystical practices.

You should continue your day by exploring the historic center through a brief walking tour which includes Alaeddin Hill and its surrounding mosques, squares and markets before you arrive at your hotel. The evening brings a possibility to watch a whirling dervish ceremony (sema) which takes place at cultural centers or historic sites for religious devotion.

*Inclusions: Private overland transfer from Cappadocia to Konya (air-conditioned vehicle), Guided visit to Mevlana Museum and Konya’s historic center with a state-licensed guide, Assistance with hotel check-in *

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Ticket/entrance fee for a whirling dervish ceremony (subject to schedule and availability), Personal expenses, Gratuities**

Cross Turkey’s scenic Lakes Region on your way to Pamukkale, then explore its famous white terraces and ancient spa town.

Depart Konya after breakfast and drive through a landscape dotted with high-altitude lakes, farmland and small towns. Where time allows, stop to stretch your legs, enjoy the views and take a few photos.

The afternoon brings our arrival at Pamukkale where you will explore the ancient city of Hierapolis which used to be a Roman spa center located above thermal springs. Your guide will show you the theatre, necropolis and bath structures of the site while explaining why people used to visit this place for medical treatment and relaxation. The travertine terraces become accessible for visitors to explore while they witness the mineral waters creating white cascades which flow down the hillside. Designated areas allow visitors to walk without shoes while they can submerge their feet in shallow water pools.

Time permitting, you may choose to bathe in the Antique Pool (for an additional fee), where warm, mineral waters flow around fallen columns and ruins. Check into your nearby hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.

*Inclusions: Private overland transfer from Konya to Pamukkale (air-conditioned vehicle), Private services of a state-licensed guide, Entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis, Afternoon guided visit of terraces and theatre*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Optional Antique Pool swimming fee, Personal expenses, Gratuities**

Travel from Pamukkale toward the Aegean coast and the Ephesus region, with the option to visit one of Turkey’s most remarkable ancient cities along the way.

You will depart from Pamukkale after breakfast and will drive west. If timing and energy permit, you will stop at Aphrodisias, an exceptionally well-preserved ancient city dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. Here you can explore the theatre, stadium, temple remains and the museum, where fine reliefs and sculptures highlight the site’s artistic importance. Your guide will share stories that bring this sophisticated city to life.

The day continues on to Selçuk and the surrounding Ephesus area. By late afternoon, you will make your way to the hillside village of Şirince (or remain in Selçuk) and will check into your boutique hotel. Feel free to spend the evening wandering cobbled streets, tasting local fruit wines or enjoying dinner with valley or village views.

*Inclusions: Private overland transfer from Pamukkale to Selçuk/Şirince (air-conditioned vehicle), Optional guided visit to Aphrodisias (if included in your schedule), Private services of a state-licensed guide, Assistance with hotel check-in*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Entrance fees to Aphrodisias (if visited), Personal expenses, Gratuities**

Today you will immerse in the rich history of Ephesus and its surroundings on a full day of guided exploration.

The day begins with an in-depth visit to Ephesus, one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. You will walk its marble streets past the Odeon, temples, baths and former shops, and pause at the Great Theatre, where thousands once gathered to watch performances and hear public speeches. Admire the Library of Celsus, one of the most photographed façades in the ancient world.

Continue to the Terrace Houses, once the homes of wealthy citizens. Well-preserved mosaics, paintings and architectural details offer a fascinating glimpse into domestic life at the height of Ephesus’ prosperity.

After a break for lunch, you will visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only modest remains are visible today, your guide will help you picture its former scale and significance. Then continue to the Basilica of St. John in Selçuk, believed to be built over the tomb of the Apostle John. From this hilltop, you can enjoy broad views over the town and surrounding valley.

Before the day ends, you will return to your hotel in Selçuk or Şirince in the late afternoon for a final evening on the Aegean.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7–8-hour private guided tour with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off (vehicle), Entrance fees to Ephesus, Terrace Houses, Basilica of St. John and Artemis site*

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

Today you are returning to Istanbul for a final day of exploring, shopping and a farewell dinner with a view.

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. On arrival, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you to your Istanbul hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can enjoy flexible, light touring with your guide.

You could spend your time by visiting the contemporary shopping district of Nişantaşı or you could return to your preferred bazaar area for gift shopping or explore the area which has become your favorite. Your guide will lead you to a rooftop restaurant or terrace bar which offers Bosphorus or Old City views for your last evening in Istanbul.

*Inclusions: Private hotel–airport transfer in Selçuk/Şirince, Private airport–hotel transfer in Istanbul, Flexible, light guiding in Istanbul for walks/shopping (time permitting), Assistance with rooftop dinner reservations*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages (including rooftop dinner cost), Domestic flight ticket (Izmir–Istanbul), unless otherwise specified Personal expenses, Gratuities**

Your Grand Turkey journey reaches its formal close with a comfortable departure process from Istanbul.

At the pre-arranged time, your private driver will be waiting to meet you in the hotel lobby and drive you via an air-conditioned vehicle directly to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) for your international flight home.

As you depart, you will retain the vivid, diverse memories, a collection of distinctive experiences that will resonate with you long after your return. Although this particular adventure is coming to an end, your diverse memories of busy, historic bazaars, the tranquility of high valleys, the complexity of ancient streets and the motivation to explore further places with Tailored by Locals, will always be ready to inspire your next experience.