This eleven-day journey links three very different faces of Turkey: imperial Istanbul, the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia and the Aegean countryside around Izmir. Three nights in Istanbul open with a walk along Istiklal Street from Taksim Square, a visit to the lavish 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace, the colourful lanes of Balat and the old Byzantine city walls. That evening you board a Bosphorus dinner cruise with folklore and belly dance shows. The next day is devoted to the Old City: the Hippodrome with its obelisk and Serpentine Column, the Blue Mosque (built 1609-1616), the 6th-century Hagia Sophia commissioned by Justinian, the columned Basilica Cistern and the maze-like Grand Bazaar.
A domestic flight then takes you to Cappadocia for four nights among the fairy chimneys. You tour the rock-cut churches of the Goreme Open Air Museum and the cliff village of Cavusin, join a Turkish coffee workshop and ride a private two-hour sunset ATV safari through Love, Rose, Red, Sword and Devrent valleys. Another day starts with a hot air balloon flight at dawn, followed by a hands-on pottery class, a traditional hammam and a Sufi Whirling Dervish ceremony. The South Tour covers a 4 km walk in Ihlara Valley among frescoed churches, Selime Cathedral, Derinkuyu Underground City, a glimpse of Nar Crater Lake and the dovecotes of Pigeon Valley.
The last three nights are spent in Izmir. From here you visit the hillside village of Sirince, famous for its whitewashed Anatolian Greek houses and fruit wines, with a stop at a regional leather production centre. A full-day trip goes to Pamukkale, where the white calcium terraces of the Cotton Castle meet the ruins of ancient Hierapolis. Breakfast is included daily, together with two local lunches, all mentioned entrance fees, English-speaking guides and private airport transfers. The three domestic flights are arranged on request and paid separately.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 Days 10 Nights |
| Price | From β¬2,922 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 11 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, your guide meets you and accompanies your transfer to the hotel. Take the remainder of the day to settle in and begin acclimating to the vibrant atmosphere of this city that bridges two continents.
Begin with a walk along Istiklal Street from Taksim Square, then explore the 19th-century Dolmabahce Palace (closed on Mondays), a masterpiece of European-influenced Ottoman architecture. Afterward, wander through the historic Balat district and view the ancient city walls. As evening falls, join the Bosphorus dinner cruise (about 19:30 to 23:30) with dinner, two glasses of local alcoholic drinks plus soft drinks, a belly dance show, Turkish folklore dances and a DJ, then return to the hotel by private transfer. Lunch in Balat is at your own expense.
Discover the historical heart of Istanbul, starting at the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social life. Visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its intricate Iznik tilework, and the architectural marvel of the 6th-century Hagia Sophia. Descend into the subterranean Basilica Cistern, built by Emperor Justinian in 532, before concluding your day exploring the vast, labyrinthine corridors of the Grand Covered Bazaar.
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Istanbul with check-out at 12:00, then transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia (ticket not included). On arrival in this land of fairy chimneys, a private transfer takes you to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing in the unique atmosphere of your surroundings.
Begin your exploration at the Goreme Open Air Museum, featuring ancient rock-cut churches. After visiting Cavusin, participate in a traditional Turkish coffee workshop. As the sun begins to set, head out on a private 2-hour ATV safari through the stunning Love, Rose, Red, Sword, and Devrent valleys, capturing the dramatic landscape in the golden light.
Experience the magic of Cappadocia from above with a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Return for breakfast before engaging in a hands-on pottery class. Later, enjoy a Turkish bath (hammam) experience; massages are extra. Lunch and dinner are at leisure, and at 20:00 witness the spiritual beauty of a traditional Sufi Whirling Dervish ceremony.
Embark on a full-day tour starting with a 4km trek through the lush Ihlara Valley, visiting ancient churches adorned with frescoes. After a lunch stop by the Melendiz River (at your own expense), explore the massive Derinkuyu Underground City and the impressive Selime Cathedral. On the return journey, pass by the scenic Nar Crater Lake and stop at Pigeon Valley to view the historic pigeon houses.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. The flight is not included in the package price. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure in Izmir.
Travel to the charming hillside village of Sirince, famous for its original Anatolian Greek architecture and renowned fruit wines. Enjoy free time to wander the white-painted streets and sample local vintages. Along the way, stop at one of the region's well-known leather production centres. A local lunch is included.
Depart for a full-day excursion to Pamukkale. Marvel at the stunning white calcium travertines, a natural phenomenon often called the "Cotton Castle." Explore the extensive ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, with the option of bathing in the natural spring waters, before driving back to your hotel in Izmir. Lunch is included today.
Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul to connect with your international flight home, marking the end of your memorable Turkish journey.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul β Cappadocia β Izmir β Sirince β Pamukkale β Izmir
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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π₯ 37+2 Seats
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π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, Sirince, Pamukkale.
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Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!