Best of Turkey: Istanbul Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus

Highlights

• Hippodrome: An enormous public entertainment arena with historical monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
• Blue Mosque: This iconic monument features a massive central dome, six minarets, and intricate blue tiles, showcasing Ottoman architecture and design.
• Hagia Sophia: Famous basilica renowned for its Byzantine architecture, historical significance, and religious heritage.
• Basilica Cistern: Impressive underground reservoir built during the Byzantine Empire, known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, offering a labyrinth of streets and thousands of shops.
• Topkapi Palace: Former residence of Ottoman sultans, serving as the center of the Ottoman Empire and featuring opulent buildings and courtyards.
• Spice Market: Covered market filled with the fragrant scent of spices, offering a glimpse into Istanbul's culinary culture.
• Bosphorus Straits: Navigable strait connecting Europe and Asia, offering scenic views of Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions, and modern villas.
• Ephesus: Ancient city once a leading center of the Roman Empire, now one of the best-preserved cities from the ancient world.
• Hierapolis: Ancient city atop the white cliffs of Pamukkale, known for its hot springs and the largest Necropolis in existence.
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What's this trip about?

We’ll explore Istanbul and its ancient structures, from the mosques to the Roman-influenced architecture. Immerse yourself in the history of this incredible city as you explore the Grand Bazaar, the Hippodrome, and the Basilica Cistern, and the Topkapi Palace with its Imperial Harem. Next, you'll take a short 1 hour flight to Cappadocia where you'll experience an entirely new region of Turkey and be amazed by breathtaking landscapes. While staying at a luxurious cave hotel at night, you'll explore the lunar-like topography and cave mosaics during the day. Sites such as Uchisar Fortress, OrtaHisar, Red Valley, Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys), Zelve Open Air Museum (houses carved in rock, Seljukian Mosque and remains), Esentepe for a panoramic view of the Goreme Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum (rock cut churches, frescos, monastery) and Kaymakli Underground City all await! A quick flight departing Cappadocia to Izmir will allow you to experience the unique Aegean culture. With a visit to the wonderful village of Sirince. The next day you'll tour the highlight site of Turkey - Ephesus - once a great Roman city, it still has the glory as a must-see site. The next day will allow you to "meander" along the river of its name to the much sought-after site of Pamukkale before continuing overland to Antalya. This journey will allow you to see some of the Anatolian landscapes and some impressive mountains along the way to the beautiful, turquoise Mediterranean coast of Antalya. In Antalya, you'll enjoy a mix of touring and seaside lounging, where 8,000-foot mountains rise from a backdrop of crystal-clear waters. 3 nights here will allow you to see a mix of sites and enjoy the warm beaches. You'll return to Istanbul for one last night before departing the final day on your international flight.

Accommodation