This journey packs lots in just eight days. Start in Istanbul and marvel at the Hagia Sophia before navigating the warrens of the Grand Bazaar. Then, discover the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs. Catch the overnight train to Aegean, discover the gems of Izmir. Enjoy your guided tour of Ephesus, magnificent ancient city in Selcuk, before you finish your tour in Izmir.
4 star level boutique hotels
Mavi Konya: sleeping couchettes are two-berth and have excellent facilities including a washbasin, small fridge and plenty of luggage storage. Fresh bedding is supplied.
Private arrival transfer in Istanbul
English speaking tour guide throughout the tour
Transport during the tour with a private AC vehicle
7 breakfasts and 2 lunches
International airport departure tax
Departure airport transfer
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Drinks with included lunches and dinners
Tips for leaders, guide and driver
Arrival to Istanbul airport, transfer to your hotel. Free day. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation: The Haze Hotel or similar.
Old city tour of Istanbul including visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Grand Bazaar. Afternoon, join Bosporus Cruise at the sunset. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation: The Haze Hotel or similar
Drive to Istanbul airport today and then fly to Kayseri, beautiful city at Central Anatolia. Drive to the land of beautiful horses from the airport - off to Cappadocia.
Check in to your cave rooms and then head to wine tasting session in the afternoon. Sample the best local wine in the middle of a valley! Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Taşkonak Hotel or similar
Day trip in Cappadocia including visits to Open Air Museum, pottery demonstration, Özkonak underground city, pigeon valley and onyx demonstration. Homecooked lunch in Ürgüp in a small village with a local family. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Taşkonak Hotel or similar
Drive to Konya, a traditional Turkish city that's closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi, considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Take an opportunity to visit the Mevlana Museum and stretch your legs in town before jumping on overnight sleeper train to Izmir.
Accommodation: Overnight travel this evening on the Mavi Konya: sleeping couchettes are two-berth and have excellent facilities including a washbasin, small fridge and plenty of luggage storage. Fresh bedding is supplied but you are required to make your own bed. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but we recommend bringing additional toilet paper. There is a dining car for breakfast in the morning and if you get hungry during the evening.
Wake up in Izmir and enjoy brunch type 'Turkish' breakfast in a local cafeteria. Check in to your hotel and have a rest.
In the late afternoon, your tour guide will take to the streets of Izmir for street food hunting. Overnight in Izmir.
Accommodation: Marla Hotel or similar
Drive to Selcuk, guided tour of Ephesus. Drive to Sirince and tour of Sirince. Drive back to Izmir in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Marla Hotel or similar
Trip finishes after breakfast in Izmir.
