ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, a captivating metropolis filled with iconic domes, minarets, bustling markets, and vibrant street life. After arriving at the airport, you will meet your private driver who will transfer you to your selected hotel in the city. Afternoon and evening at leisure, spend your time immersing yourself in the local culture and ask your Travelive advisor for their favorite spots and restaurants in the city.
DAY 2
Half Day Gems of Istanbul Tour
Explore some of the most iconic sites in Istanbul accompanied by your English-speaking guide. Your first destination will be the Blue Mosque, a true masterpiece of Ottoman religious architecture. Standing proud with its six minarets and perfectly proportioned dome, it is named after its Turquoise colored tiles made of quartz minerals. You will then continue to Hagia Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built. Adorned with rich mosaic murals, colossal columns, and exposition of divine serenity, Hagia Sophia is a true world heritage that has accommodated various faiths throughout the different periods of history and is currently operated as a museum displaying Byzantine art and architecture embellished by Ottoman taste. The last stop of your tour will be the Topkapı Palace Museum. The complex functioned as Imperial offices and the residence of the Ottoman sultans, and today the complex displays the imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons, and Holy Relics.
DAY 3
Pamper Yourself in a Hammam
Enjoy an afternoon of pampering and relaxation in the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam. Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect, designed & built the Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam in Istanbul at the request of Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana) in the 16th century (1556-1557 AD). Taking a Turkish Hamam includes relaxing in a hot air room for perspiring (the iliklik). The guests may then move on to a hotter room (the hararet) before cooling down with cold water. Finally, after a relaxing massage, guests retreat to the cooling room for relaxation & refreshments.
DAY 4
Istanbul to Cappadocia
After breakfast and check-out, you will meet your private driver for your transfer to Istanbul Airport and your morning flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, you will once again be met by a private driver who will take you to your selected hotel in Cappadocia.
DAY 5
Full Day Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, you will begin your explorations of the famous and intriguing valley of Cappadocia, a unique region in which nature has created an incredibly majestic and colorful world of cones, columns, and needles that were shaped by the wind and water erosion of the area's volcanic tuff. Some of these strange shapes are as tall as 100 ft. Just like the landscape, the history of the region is equally impressive. Residents have used the soft features of the stone to carve out a fantasy-like environment into homes, stables, shops, and churches creating an unforgettable and intriguing world. Among the places you will visit during this tour are Goreme, Uchisar, Kaymakli, Pasabey, and Avanos, the latter providing you with the opportunity to purchase some of the hand-turned pottery that has been shaped here for millennia.
DAY 6
Hot Air Balloon Ride and Cooking Tour
When in Cappadocia you cannot miss the chance to explore this unique area from above with a sunrise hot air balloon ride. You will meet your driver before dawn and head to the starting location of the balloon lift-off. You will appreciate the tranquility of your morning over the colorful valleys and rock formations, gliding in your balloon. Concluding your experience, you will enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate the experience.
After some well-deserved rest, you can opt for an additional tour later in the day, and we would suggest immersing yourself in the local culture by participating in a traditional cooking class at a local’s home. You will head to a unique stone house decorated in traditional style (arched ceilings, Turkish textiles & Cappadocia rugs) so that you can experience the real village life of Cappadocia and enjoy world-renowned Turkish hospitality and customs. Savor authentic Turkish food after you have prepared it! All ingredients you will use to create your culinary masterpiece will be organic, including fresh eggs from the homestead, honey from their beehives, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices that are grown in the garden.
DAY 7
Jeep Safari and Evening Whirling Dervishes Experience
Start your day with an off-road adventure through eco-gardens, undiscovered valleys, and the ancient churches of Cappadocia. This tour will take you through rock formations, spectacularly colored landscapes, and the mystery of the fairy chimneys that every history buff will appreciate. Cappadocia Jeep Tours gives you a thrilling non-stop 360-degree panoramic view of one of the most unique landscapes in the world and combines history, nature, and ecology in an immersive experience that will earn you some serious bragging rights once you return home.
Before you leave Cappadocia, you must experience another iconic part of the local culture. Discover the Mevleviye, renowned for their whirling dances and dervishes by witnessing a Sema, one of their dancing ceremonies. The Mevlevi Order, or the Whirling Dervishes as they are known all over the world, was founded by Mevlana Rumi in the 13th century. Mevlevi believed that during the Sema, the soul was released from earthly ties, and able to commune with the divine freely and jubilantly. After a welcome drink and complimentary Turkish delight upon your arrival, the main program will start at 7 PM with a short traditional Turkish orchestra performance followed by a 45-minute Sema ceremony under the amazing lighting and mystic atmosphere of Hodjapasha.
DAY 8
Cappadocia to Izmir
After breakfast, you will meet your driver and head to Kayseri Airport for your direct or connecting flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting to take you to your selected hotel in the city. Afternoon at leisure.
DAY 9
Full-day tour of Ephesus with Wine Tasting
Discover the myths, legends, and stories of the ancient city of Ephesus as you explore its vast ruins. This ancient city is believed to have been settled in the 10th century BC by Ionians, Ephesus changed hands many times before becoming a Roman dependency in 133 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Unearthed ruins give a clear picture of the life in Ephesus including roads used by chariots; mosaic pedestrian walkways; the famous 2 story facade of the Celsus Library, constructed from 117-125 AD which contained rectangular niches to hold papyrus scrolls; and an amphitheater which could seat 24,000 people. From Ephesus, you will head to an established winery, where you will get acquainted with their distinct wines. At the Seven Sages (Yedi Bilgeler), you will have an overview of the estate and learn about the property, its history, and the inspiration behind it. In the production area, you will also learn about the wine-making process. You will then continue to the restaurant to sample five different wines.
DAY 10
Day at leisure
Today you can relax at your hotel, indulging in its luxurious amenities for a day of complete relaxation. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Izmir, venturing out to explore its myriad attractions, from historic landmarks to bustling markets and scenic waterfront promenades.
DAY 11
Departure
After check-out, you will meet your private driver for your transfer to Izmir airport for your flight home.
