First-Time Essentials of Turkey: 8-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Izmir

Your trip starts in Istanbul which stands as one of the world's most historically significant cities. Your private driver will meet you at Istanbul Airport to provide hotel transportation to your Sultanahmet Old City (Sultanahmet) or Karaköy accommodation. Your driver will show you the essential districts of the city while providing useful advice about navigating the city during your journey.

After checking into your hotel and taking some rest you should join your guide for an evening exploration of the surrounding residential areas. Depending on your arrival time, this walk can be as leisurely or energetic as you like, offering you a chance to get a feel for the city. Walk past historical landmarks, charming cafés and hidden places to see, while your guide shares insights into local traditions and recommends places to eat. This introduction will help you orient yourself before you enjoy a quiet evening and your first dinner in Istanbul, right near your hotel.

*Inclusions: Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel, Optional short orientation walk in the neighborhood (depending on arrival time), Assistance with hotel check-in*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Entrance fees to any paid sites, Personal expenses and gratuities**

Spend your entire day exploring the historical attractions of Istanbul. Your journey begins when you meet your guide at the start of the day to explore Sultanahmet Square which serves as the central point of Istanbul's historical district. The Hagia Sophia stands as an impressive historical site which has operated as both a religious church and a mosque throughout its 1500-year history. Your guide will show you the building's interesting design elements while sharing its extensive historical background which spans from Byzantine to Ottoman periods.

Next, continue to the Blue Mosque, a gem of Islamic architecture with its beautiful blue tiles and grand domes. From there, walk to the Hippodrome, the site of the ancient chariot races, where you’ll find historic columns and obelisks. Then, head underground to the Basilica Cistern, a calm and atmospheric water reservoir supported by numerous columns. 

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon exploring the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Wander through the labyrinth of colorful stalls selling textiles, spices, jewelry and more. Your guide will provide tips for navigating the market and suggest shops for you to explore. 

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon, happy with the discoveries of the day and the exciting history you’ve learned about.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7–hour private guided tour of Istanbul’s Old Town and bazaars, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Guided visit to the Grand Bazaar*

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

Experience Istanbul’s dual personality by crossing the Bosphorus to explore the Asian side of the city. You will move to the ferry pier following breakfast to take a Bosphorus ferry ride which will bring you to Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city. The area features active market areas which display their fishmongers, spice shops, bakeries and cafes. Your guide will show you traditional Turkish ingredients while possibly stopping for some food tastings during your walking tour.

Next, head to the charming district of Moda, where you can enjoy a relaxed walk along the seaside or sip Turkish coffee with panoramic views across the Bosphorus. This residential area offers an authentic point of view into the daily life of locals, away from the more touristy areas.

After some free time for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, return by ferry to the European side. In the afternoon, enjoy a private Bosphorus cruise, where you’ll be between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces. fortresses and mansions. Your guide will tell you the stories behind these landmarks as you enjoy the sights from the water.

Conclude the day with a relaxing stop at a rooftop bar or café with sunset views over the Bosphorus before returning to your hotel.

*Inclusions: Approx. 7–hour private guided tour, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Round-trip ferry tickets to Kadıköy, Bosphorus cruise (shared or private)*

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

Today you leave Istanbul behind and travel to the magical landscape of Cappadocia. After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir. Upon arrival, your local driver/guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your cave hotel in the Göreme, Uçhisar or Ürgüp area.

For your first stop, you should visit a scenic viewpoint which the hotel staff will recommend based on your hotel position and weather conditions after you finish checking in and taking some time to rest. The area provides visitors with spectacular views of Cappadocia's famous fairy chimneys, rock formations and valleys during the sunset. Your guide will show you the special geological and cultural background of this area which explains why the landscape appears so enchanting.

Enjoy a peaceful evening at your hotel or visit a restaurant in a nearby village for dinner, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

*Inclusions: Private airport transfers in Istanbul and Cappadocia, Short sunset excursion to a panoramic viewpoint in Cappadocia, Services of a local guide in Cappadocia*

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

Start your day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you take a hot-air balloon ride over the incredible landscape of Cappadocia. Your early morning balloon flight (subject to weather and availability) offers spectacular views as the sun rises over the horizon. After landing, enjoy a celebratory drink and head back to your hotel for breakfast. 

Later in the morning, meet your guide for a full-day exploration of Northern Cappadocia’s highlights. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring rock-cut churches with vibrant paintings. Next, you will visit villages like Çavuşin and Avanos, where you’ll learn about traditional pottery making and explore ancient cave dwellings.

Stop at Devrent (Imagination Valley) and Pasabağ (Monks Valley) to view the distinctive rock formations and fairy chimneys. You will stop at a nearby restaurant to enjoy your lunch before you return to your hotel in the evening for some time to rest.

*Inclusions: Approx. 6 hour private guided tour of Northern Cappadocia, Early-morning shared or private hot-air balloon flight with hotel transfers, Entrance fees to Göreme Open Air Museum and other sites*

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

Today, you’ll explore Cappadocia’s hidden world beneath the surface. After breakfast, meet your guide and travel to one of the region’s incredible underground cities, such as Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı. The underground facilities served as protection sites for early Christians together with residents of the local area. The site contains tunnels, rooms and ventilation shafts which served as protective spaces for people during times of invasion. Your guide will describe the construction process of these underground cities and present information about human survival within their structures.

Later, lunch will be taken at a local village restaurant, where you can sample homemade dishes. 

After lunch you should visit either Ihlara Valley or Soğanlı Valley to experience the natural beauty of Cappadocia through its river-carved valleys. The two valleys contain a lot of rock-cut churches which provide visitors with beautiful landscapes. The path allows you to walk at a comfortable pace while you can frequently pause to view the beautiful views. 

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon with a deep appreciation for everything you experienced today in Cappadocia.

*Inclusions: Approx. 8 hour private excursion with a state-licensed guide, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Entrance fees to the underground city and valley areas*

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

Fly from Cappadocia to Izmir, where you’ll visit the ancient world of the Aegean. 

After breakfast, your private transfer will bring you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. On arrival, your guide will meet you and take you to Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient Roman cities. Explore the famous Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and other key monuments with the help of your guide’s storytelling.

Otherwise, the village of Şirince offers visitors a peaceful experience as it sits on a hill near Ephesus. The town offers visitors to walk through its stone-paved streets while they taste regional wines and experience a peaceful evening meal while taking in the valley scenery. The evening provides guests with the opportunity to either relax or discover what the village has to offer.

*Inclusions: Short guided visit to Ephesus (if time permits) with a local guide, Private airport transfers in Cappadocia and Izmir*

**Exclusions: Meals and beverages, Domestic flight ticket (Cappadocia–Izmir), Entrance fees to Ephesus (if not included),  Personal expenses and gratuities**

Your journey in Türkiye ends with a relaxing airport transfer service which will take you from your Izmir hotel to the airport. Your flight duration will determine if you can spend a peaceful morning or explore Şirince or Selçuk town before your departure. Your private driver will take you to Izmir Airport at the scheduled time for your flight to Istanbul before you board your international flight back home.

On your way back, you can recollect your multiple memories with the country’s busy historic bazaars, its peaceful high valleys and its ancient street patterns. The motivation to explore further places with Tailored by Locals, will always be ready to inspire your next experience.