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Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days

Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days

tourhub | On The Go Tours | Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days | 2451/CTOT | Map

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~~$3025~~

$2881

Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days

8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2451/CTOT

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

Not recommended for under 5yrs.

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3025 $2881 Travel Club discount: -$144

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Take in the main highlights of Turkey on this eight-day tour of the Cultural Triangle. Discover the highlights of Istanbul, from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the bustling Grand Bazaar. Marvel at the incredible Roman ruins of Ephesus, take a dip in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and visit the Roman spa town of Hierapolis. Explore the warren of subterranean cave cities at Cappadocia and opt for a hot air balloon ride over the landscape.

Highlights

Istanbul - Take in the colossal Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, and browse the bustling Grand Bazaar
Cappadocia - Uncover the unique landscape, rock-cut churches, and cave cities of the Devrent Valley and Goreme, and opt for a hot air balloon ride over the region
Ephesus - See the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, and admire the colonnaded Library of Celsus and the amphitheatre
Derinkuyu Underground City - Explore this ncredible subterranean network, carved deep into the earth and featuring an intricate system of dwellings, stables, cellars, churches, and wineries
Pamukkale - Enjoy a dip in the thermal pools and walk along the beautiful white calcium terraces that have formed over thousands of years
Hierapolis - Explore this hill-top Roman spa town and opt for a dip in Cleopatra's Pool to swim amongst historic marble Roman ruins

Places You'll See

cherryontheworld

Cappadocia

Itinerary

tourhub | On The Go Tours | Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days | 2451/CTOT | Route Map

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Day 1: Istanbul

cherryontheworld

maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer from the airport to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to relax in the hotel or head out and explore the only city in the world to straddle two continents!

Day 2: Istanbul

cherryontheworld

maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. You will see highlights of the city including the iconic exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was built by Emperor Justinian in the year 537 AD and was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years!

Take in the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the beautiful Blue Mosque before venturing into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, which is a delightful assault on the senses. The evening is at leisure, or you could opt for a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia (book and pay locally).

Day 3: Cappadocia

perhun_chernysh

Location: Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia. Say goodbye to Istanbul as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Kayseri in central Turkey. From here you will be transported to Cappadocia, the land of subterranean cave cities and rock castles.

Our first stop in this remarkable region will be the Devrent Valley, which is often called the Imaginary Valley because thousands of years of erosion mean that many of the rock formations here look like animals - keep your eyes out for the camel, alligator, and dolphin! You'll also see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles at Pasabagi (Monk's Valley). After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay used by the local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey.

After lunch, visit the incredible open-air museum at Goreme, where you will explore some of the centuries-old rock-cut cave churches and other settlements. Following this visit, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4: Cappadocia

perhun_chernysh

Location: Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning there's the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail serenely over Cappadocia on an optional hot air balloon ride (book and pay locally).

Later, enjoy a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, a stunning landscape shaped by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hasan. The valley, nourished by the meandering Melendiz River near Belisirma, offers a serene and picturesque trail. Continue to Selime to explore its remarkable hollowed-out citadel and ancient churches, where fairy chimneys gracefully dot the steep hillsides. Also, visit Yaprakhisar village, a perfect spot to capture memorable photos of this enchanting region.

The journey also includes stops at the picturesque Pigeon Valley and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City. This remarkable subterranean complex features dwellings, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, and even wineries. Once used as a refuge by Christian communities, it offers a glimpse into a unique and resilient way of life.

Day 5: Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cappadocia - Kayseri - Izmir - Kusadasi. Say goodbye to Cappadocia as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight west to Izmir. From here you will be transported to the popular beach resort town of Kusadasi. The evening is at leisure.

Day 6: Ephesus

Roberto Goldone

migueldavidz

Annesha Bhowmik

Location: Ephesus

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today there is a full-day tour of the legendary ancient city of Ephesus. The city dates back centuries and there are relics from the ancient Greek and Roman empires. One of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World was once found here, the Temple of Artemis. Sadly it has been completely destroyed apart from a single column which you will see. The main highlights of Ephesus are the striking colonnaded Library of Celsus and the amphitheatre. This had a capacity of 25,000, which made it the largest amphitheatre in the ancient world.

There's also a visit to the House of Mother Mary, where the Virgin Mary is alleged to have spent her final years. After the tour, you will return to Kusadasi.

Day 7: Pamukkale

er.dalkilic

Location: Pamukkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi - Pamukkale. Leave Kusadasi and travel to Pamukkale, a jaw-dropping region where white calcium formations have built up over thousands of years due to the chemical properties of water in the area. The results are the 'cotton castles' and thermal pools of Pamukkale. Take a walk along the white water terraces known as travertines and enjoy a dip in the man-made pools at the bottom.

There is also a visit to the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, which was built by this historic civilization to make the most of the travertines. Explore the ruins and opt for a swim in Cleopatra's Pool. It was reportedly a gift to the Egyptian pharaoh from Marc Anthony and is the only place in the world where you can swim amongst real Roman columns; an earthquake hit the site in the 7th century which caused a nearby Temple of Apollo to collapse into the pool.

Day 8: Istanbul

cherryontheworld

maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Pamukkale - Istanbul. Transfer to Denizli Airport today for your included flight back to Istanbul, where your tour comes to an end.

Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You can also opt to exclude the flight back to Istanbul if you wish.

What's Included

Accommodation
4-star hotels (5-star available)
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners
7 nights 4-star hotels
3 internal flights (Istanbul - Kayseri, Kayseri - Izmir & Pamukkale - Istanbul)
Private airport transfers on days 1, 3, 5 and 8
Shared sightseeing in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale (with others in max group of 14 passengers. Private guide is available for a supplement)
English-speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing
All relevant transfers in private modern air-conditioned vehicles. Transportation for sightseeing tours in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

What's Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities including a Bosphorus dinner cruise and Cappadocia hot air balloon ride

Accommodation

Kent Hotel

The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Dilek Kaya

Set in a restored old house, the Dilek Kaya offers comfortable accommodation in a beautiful setting. Rooms are spacious with original stone walls and en suite facilities. The hotel also sports an outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests to enjoy. There is also an impressive Spa and Health Club onsite which includes Turkidh Bath, Sauna, Steam Room and Fitness Room.

Marina Hotel

Marina hotel is a modern hotel with a sea view and balcony from nearly every spacious room. It has recently been renovated and features an indoor and outdoor pool and you may also use the facilities and beach of 5-Star Pine Bay.

Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel

Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.

Age Policy

Not recommended for under 5yrs.

Check out our Q&As

Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Private airport transfers on days 1, 3, 5 and 8
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

Yes
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
How long has the tour company been trading?

Since 1998
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Trudy Baker

Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days

30-Sep-2024

The food , generally in the hotels was poor to terrible. Hot food was always cold. The mass feeding restaurants when on a full day tour were ABYSMAL!!!! HORRID! Dinner at the hotel the last night was awful! Our guide the last 2 days was Mert. The first day he was good, the second day at Hieropolis, we got a brief overview, then left on our own for 3 hours, while he did whatever …. The stops at a leather factory, Turkish delight store onyx factory, etc., were NOT appreciated and a total waste of time, as we’d rather been sightseeing. Tourists are over these traps! The tour always ran on time, and we appreciated that. Our guide in Cappadocia, Ibrahim, was excellent! Guide in Istanbul very good too, but cannot recall his name. Flights ran on time. Impressed with Turkish Airlines .

Anna Eichhorn

Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days

20-Aug-2024

We didn't really have a guide and were on our own to figure a lot of the details out. Communication was sparse so we didn't know what dinner arrangements were at two locations, we didn't bring towels that were needed at another spot (even when we asked for someone to give us a run down of what was needed for that day-no one communicated with us). We didn't know cash only was accepted for the Istanbul boat ride and the Cappadocia balloon ride and the guide wasn't sure we could even get on a balloon ride without much earlier reservations. I told your office when booking months ago the balloon tour and boat were priorities and was told we had to wait until there and talk with the coordinator in Turkey. We were in the back of a van handing over hundreds of dollars in cash which totally tapped us and caused us to need additional money and more ATM fees. Drivers were all there on time and got us where we needed to be-that was the most positive aspect of the trip. Hotel in Cappadocia was in no way a 4-star place and no one spoke English so we had to use Google Translate to talk with them. Hotels in Kusadasi and Pamukkle were excellent. We needed more details on what to bring, how to pay, direct connection with the airlines (not a paper receipt), meals (esp. dinners), and earlier reservations for the boat and air balloon tours.

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Nov 24, 2024 - Dec 01, 2024

~~$3025~~ $2881