Pearls of Anatolia
Istanbul | Cappadocia | Konya | Isparta | Pamukkale | Ephesus (9 Days)
This is a recommended itinerary that hits Turkey’s highlights – captivating Istanbul, historic central Anatolia, and the monuments of ancient Ephesus.
Highlights
- Experience the energetic city of Istanbul, a bridge between continents
- Tour the Sultanahmet district, the keeper of Istanbul’s ancient landmarks
- Enjoy a ferry cruise on the Bosphorus waterway
- Marvel at the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia
- Unearth the stories of Cappadocia’s underground caves
- Discover the birthplace of the mystic Sufis, or Whirling Dervishes, in Konya
- Take a dip in the cotton-white pools and thermal springs of Pamukkale
- Step back in time on the streets of ancient Ephesus
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Istanbul and private transfer to your hotel in the Old City. | Istanbul |
| Day 2 | Full-day private tour including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar. | Istanbul |
| Day 3 | Full-day private tour including Topkapi Palace, Spice Market, and a Bosphorus boat ride. | Istanbul |
| Day 4 | Flight to Cappadocia and private transfer to your hotel. Afternoon private tour of the area. | Cappadocia |
| Day 5 | Full-day private tour of Cappadocia including its fairy chimneys and underground cities. Optional hot-air balloon ride in the early morning. | Cappadocia |
| Day 6 | Visit Konya for a private city tour, then continue on to your hotel in Isparta. | Isparta |
| Day 7 | Visit the thermal springs of Pamukkale and ancient Aphrodisias en route to your hotel in the area near Ephesus. | Ephesus |
| Day 8 | Full-day private tour of ancient Ephesus and the Archaeological Museum, with included farm-fresh lunch. | Ephesus |
| Day 9 | Flight to Istanbul to connect with departure flight. |