Private Tour Highlights
- Explore the majestic land of Cappadocia, see the fairy-chimneys and mushroom shaped pinnacles.
- Haggle over the price of Turkish jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and other goods in the famous Grand Bazaar.
- Wander through Sultanahmet Square, where both the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located. This section is enriched with so much history and beauty.
- Hike through the Rose Valley in Cappadocia and see the remnants of underground cities.
- Visit one of the world's largest archaeological sites, the ancient city of Ephesus. See ruins of a city that date back to 10th century BC.
Tour Overview
See the best of Turkey, hitting the top three sites, Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Ephesus. The country of Turkey has served as a crossroads of civilization for centuries, leaving behind a rich history to discover. Many civilizations can be traced back to this country including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. There is a special blend of eastern and western culture to be discovered.
In Istanbul, tour the historic area of Sultanahmet, home to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. Marvel over the Blue Mosque, still a functioning mosque and one of Istanbul biggest attractions. Walk through the Roman Hippodrome that was once used for chariot races. Visit to the Topkapi Palace, the main residence of Ottoman Sultans. Finish the day wandering through the seemingly never-ending Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is filled with many small shops offering the best in Turkish goods including jewelry, carpets, and ceramics.
Relax on the beach or take part in the fun nightlife in Kusadari. Visit a Turkish bath house or enjoy time by the water. Take an excursion to explore the great ancient site of Asia Minor, Ephesus with its temples, library, market and spectacular theater. See the Virgin Mary’s cottage and the Temple of Diana.
Experience the majestic landscape of Cappadocia. Visit the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Go to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Explore the Open Air Museum in Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Hike through the Rose Valley and visit the churches. Wander through the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop in Pigeons Valley and see the Kaymakli Underground City. Visit the Ortahisar natural rock castle.
Inclusions
- One Arrival and departure airport transfers with A/C comfortable vehicles
- English speaking assistant’s service at the airport both on arrival and departure.
- Touring with a professional, licensed English speaking tour guide
- All sightseeing and admission fees indicated in the program
- Welcome packages, including wet napkins and maps
- Bottled water in the minivans during transfers.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on all vehicles for transfers and touring
- Local taxes VAT and service charges
- Please note that, all of our guests are covered by 3rd Party Liability Insurance Policy
- 24/7 assistance from our offices in Istanbul and Kusadasi
Exclusions
- Meals (Lunches, Dinners throughout the itinerary
- International & Domestic Airfare
- Tips to guides and drivers.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees and Medical Insurance
Package Price: From £$ 5805
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul
Upon arrival into Istanbul, you willbe met by a local Yampu representative for your private transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Upon arrival into Istanbul, you willbe met by a local Yampu representative for your private transfer to your hotel.
Rest of the day will be at leisure.
Classic Istanbul Old city
Go read more...
Go on a guided tour exploring the ancient city of Istanbul.
The tour includes a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the main residence of Ottoman Sultans. See the Saint Sophia Basilica, an ancient seat of the Byzantine Church. Marvel over the Blue Mosque, still a functioning mosque and one of Istanbul biggest attractions. Walk through the Roman Hippodrome that was once used for chariot races. Finish the day wandering through the seemingly never-ending Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is filled with many small shops offering the best in Turkish goods including jewelry, carpets, and ceramics.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. ...read less
Fly into the Fairy Lands in Cappadocia
After read more...
After breakfast and check out the hotel, you will be trasferred to Istanbul Aİrport to take your flight to Kayseri.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in and drop your luggage off.
Depart from the hotel and visit the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. In the afternoon visit Open Air Museum in Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. ...read less
Cappadocia Valleys and Underground Cities
Hike read more...
Hike through the Rose Valley and visit the churches.
Afterwards visit the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop for lunch near Pigeons Valley and then continue on to see the Kaymakli Underground City. Visit the Ortahisar natural rock castle.
Transfer back to the hotel.
OPTIONAL Hot Air Balloon Ride
Early in the morning: If you do not mind getting up before sunrise, you will be able to take a hot air balloon ride - are one of the most popular activities in the Goreme Valley. Typically, these rides last around an hour and a half and literally go wherever the wind may blow in the valley.
The balloon carriages hold around ten people with the pilot following the air currents and floating along the valleys, often below the ridge line and close to the famous natural phenomena – the chimney rocks. At the end of the Balloon ride, you will be transferred back to your hotel for breakfast & freshen up. ...read less
Fly to Izmir
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel to transfer back to the Kayseri Airport to take your flight to Istabul and connect your flight to Izmir.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Izmir.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Visit a Turkish bath house or enjoy time by the water.
At the appropriate time, be met at the hotel to transfer back to the Kayseri Airport to take your flight to Istabul and connect your flight to Izmir.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Izmir.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Visit a Turkish bath house or enjoy time by the water.
Ancient City of Ephesus Tour
In read more...
In the morning, meet your guide and driver at the hotel for your private sightseeing tour of Ephesus.
Drive about an hour to the House of Virgin Mary, which is the place where Mary might have spent her last days. The Life of The Blessed Virgin Mary,” was a small stone house, built by the Apostle John who, according to popular belief, brought Mary with him from Jerusalem to Ephesus. The house had a fireplace, apse, round back wall, a bedroom for Mary, and a spring that ran into her bedroom. After Mary was taken to heaven, said Emmerich, the house was turned into a chapel.
After the visit which takes approximately 45 minutes, drive down to the Upper Gate of Ephesus for our main tour. Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. We will see the Odeon, the stream baths of Scholastika, the temple of Hadrian and impressive library of Ephesus. The library is adorned with columns and statues. The Grand Theater, where Saint Paul preached, is the largest theater in antiquity with a capacity of 24000 seats.
A very special visit to the Terrace Houses; opposite the Hadrian Temple and also called as "the houses of rich". It gives a magnificent picture of the daily life of the Romans and the wealth of Ephesus.
The last stop will be the Temple of Artemis (Diana), built in a honor of the Greek Goddess of hunting, wild nature and fertility, which was one of the Seven wonders of the ancient world.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. ...read less
International Flight Home
At the appropriate time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Izmir Airport for your departing flight.
At the appropriate time, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Izmir Airport for your departing flight.
Istanbul, İstanbul, Turkey
Cappadocia, Nevşehir, Turkey
Izmir, İzmir, Turkey
Kusadasi, Kuşadası/Aydın Province, Turkey
Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Selçuk/İzmir, Turkey
Places You'll See
-
Istanbul
Visit the city that has a long, rich history. First known as Byzantium in 660 BC, this city has been home to many different civilizations. Beginning in 330 AD, the city was renamed to Constantinople during the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman empires. After the country’s establishment in 1923, the city was renamed again to Istanbul. The city served a hub for the growth of Christianity until the Ottomans conquered, whose religion was Islam. The city has so many different layers of history, making it an exciting place to explore! The city itself is split by the waters of the Bosphorus strait, onto two different continents, Europe and Asia. This makes it easy to hop from one continent to another without even leaving the city! Istanbul is well known for its landmarks such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazzar, and the popular Turkish hammams(Turkish bath houses). This city has so much to offer!
-
Cappadocia
Visiting Cappadocia is like stepping into another land. The region of Cappadocia is filled with majestic landscape. The land is moon-like and fairy-esque. This spectacular land was formed by the remnants and erosion of lava covered land from the once active volcanic mountains. There are unique rock formations, breathtaking valleys, underground cities, and caves to explore.
-
Kusadasi
The coastal city of Kusadasi is known for its beautiful location on the Aegean Sea and its fun, exciting nightlife. This makes Kusadasi a great city to stay in for travelers wanting plenty of restaurants and nighttime activities to choose from while visiting the ancient sites of Ephesis, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Asklepion, Priene, Miletus, and Didym.
-
Ephesus
Ephesus is one of Turkey’s major attractions. This city is one of the world’s largest archaeological sites. Once home to an ancient Greek then Roman city, Ephesus was thought to have over 250,000 citizens. The site is considered one of the largest and best preserved ancient cities, although only a small percent of it has been unearthed by archaeologists. The ancient city’s main attraction is the Library, thought to be one of the world’s first known libraries.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Levni Hotel
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Levni provides luxurious, beautifully furnished rooms and suites for your comfort. We are giving our best for our guests to have an enjoyable stay with us and make the most of the many opportunities offered by Istanbul. Our experienced and fully informed staff will make you feel at home and reveal you the secrets of a city they love by providing you with local tips and practical advice.
Old Greek House
Cappadocia , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
The village of Mustafapasa, high in the historic region of Cappadocia is home to the Old Greek House, a 19th-century property with a famed traditional restaurant. The hotel can arrange airport transfers and offers rustic charm with modern fittings.
Exposed stone walls and traditional rugs feature in each characterful room. Most of the Old Greek House’s rooms look out onto the hotel’s terrace and all come with a seating area and central heating.
The hotel’s restaurant exemplifies Turkish tradition, home-made cuisine is served in Arabic-styled dining rooms where guests are seated on hand-woven rugs. All food is organic and sourced locally.
The area is famous for its spectacular landscapes and the hotel can aid guests in organising tours by foot, bicycle and even by hot air balloon. The town is a 20-minute drive from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Göreme National Park.
Izmir : Park Inn Radisson Izmir
Park Inn Radisson Izmir
Izmir , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Located a few steps from Kordon coastline, Park Inn by Radisson Izmir features rooms with sea view. Historic Kemeralti bazaar, Izmir Clock Tower, Konak Pier Mall and Pasaport Port is within easy reach. Colourfully decorated with chic furniture, each unit here will provide you with air-conditioning, LCD TV, high-speed WiFi and a desk. You can start the day with a rich buffet breakfast, served on the terrace, accompanied by sea view. There is a fitness centre, room service, laundry service, tour desk and dry cleaning at the property. Cumhuriyet Square is 1 km from the property. The nearest airport is Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, 18 km from Park Inn by Radisson Izmir.
5 Star Properties
Pera Palace
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Istanbul’s most iconic hotel located in the vibrant Beyoglu district for over one century, combines timeless glamour and elegance with genuine Turkish hospitality. Today Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah retains its unique heritage combined with a modern touch which epitomizes cosmopolitan Istanbul. The well appointed 115 rooms and suites retain the classic characteristics of the 19th century, with many suites inspired by the iconic guests who made this hotel their home. Afternoon tea in the opulent Kubbeli Lounge is a much-loved institution for Istanbul residents and guests alike, whilst the Orient Terrace continues to be one of Istanbul’s most popular outdoor venues, and is renowned as the place to meet in the Pera district. The bijou jewel that is Patisserie de Pera is open throughout the day for the perfect Turkish coffee and indulgent cakes.
Cappadocia : Yunak Cave Houses
Yunak Cave Houses
Cappadocia , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Set in Cappadocia’s landscape of fairy chimneys, Yunak Evleri is a unique cave hotel carved into a mountain cliff. It offers rooms dating back to the 5th century and a 19th-century Greek mansion. Certain rooms include a balcony or a terrace where you can admire the views of Urgup.
Rooms at Yunak Evleri feature warm hardwood floors, traditional carpets and handcrafted furniture. Each has its own spacious marble bathroom with amenities. Some include a jacuzzi.
The on-site library offers books about Cappadocia and Turkey. Guests can also enjoy a large collection of jazz and classical CDs or watch a movie on a wide-screen TV in the old mansion.
The attentive staff offer personal advice on the nearby attractions including Cappadocia’s underground cities and hidden cavernous churches. The hotel also organizes regular and private tours with professional tour guides.
Izmir : Renaissance Hotel Izmir
Renaissance Hotel Izmir
Izmir , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Centrally located in the heart of Izmir, a few steps from the popular seaside Kordon Promenade, this hotel features an indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna. A fitness centre and massage facilities are available. All rooms at Renaissance Izmir Hotel include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar. Private bathroom offers complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer and a shower or bath with a kurna (bath basin) that provides a Turkish hammam experience. Located on the rooftop and terrace, with beautiful views of Izmir Bay, the hotel’s a la carte restaurant serves creatively prepared dishes from the Mediterranean cuisine. Breakfast is offered in buffet style. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can be ordered from the bar. Guests can benefit from room service, laundry and currency exchange, along with tour desk and dry cleaning. WiFi is complimentary in public areas. Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport is about 17 km from Renaissance Izmir Hotel. Valet parking is available.
Luxury Properties
Istanbul : The Peninsula Bosphorus Istanbul
The Peninsula Bosphorus Istanbul
Istanbul , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Well set in Istanbul, The Peninsula Istanbul provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, free private parking and room service. Among the various facilities are a garden, a terrace, as well as a restaurant. There is a spa and wellness centre with an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool and fitness centre, as well as a sauna. All units at the hotel are equipped with a seating area, a TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. All rooms include bed linen. The Peninsula Istanbul offers 5-star accommodation with a hammam. Speaking Arabic, English, French and Russian, staff are willing to help at the 24-hour front desk. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Spice Bazaar, Galata Tower and Suleymaniye Mosque. The nearest airport is Istanbul Airport, 37 km from The Peninsula Istanbul.
Cappadocia : Argos in Cappadocia
Argos in Cappadocia
Cappadocia , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Once a monastery, the award-winning Argos offers individually appointed rooms spread over several natural stone buildings. Each room offers free Wi-Fi. Some have breathtaking views of Pigeon Valley or private outdoor area.
All rooms feature original details, including elaborate stone carvings and antique furnishings. Each has a private bathroom, while many offer an open fireplace and an iPod docking station. Some rooms are accessed by underground tunnel and feature vaulted ceilings.
The hotel’s Seki Restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes, either indoors or al fresco accompanied by views of Güvercinlik Vallet and Erciyes Mountain. A wide selection of wines, produced from the property’ own vineyards and stored in an underground cellar, is available.
The property offers airport shuttle services at an extra fee to and from the nearest airports. Guests can join sightseeing tours. Hot air balloon rides are available. ATV and horse riding tours are also available.
Argos in Cappadocia is just few minutes’ walk from the centre of Uchisar, with its many restaurants and shops. Uchisar’s soaring rock castle offering magnificent views is also just steps away.
Swissotel Grand Efes
Izmir , TURKIYE (TURKEY)
Swissôtel Buyuk Efes Izmir is located in the heart of Izmir, overlooking the Aegean Sea. It offers rooms with LCD TVs, and has a spa with indoor and outdoor pools. You will also find a modern Executive Lounge equipped with business facilities and quality furniture for your comfort. All modern rooms of the Buyuk Efes Swissôtel are equipped with air conditioning, rain showers and satellite TVs. The rooms have free WiFi. The Equinox rooftop restaurant offers a romantic setting with its picturesque views of the Bay of Izmir. The Aquarium serves grill specialties and has a lovely garden terrace. Professional health and beauty treatments are available in the Pürovel Spa & Sport, Guests can also work up a sweat at the gym and tennis courts. Executive Lounge comes with stylishly upholstered chairs and sofas along with large study desks. Swissôtel Buyuk Efes Izmir is situated in the Alsancak district, within a 5-minute walk from Cumhuriyet Square, shops and restaurants. Izmir Adnan Menderes International Airport is just 15 km away.
Testimonials
Carla and Antonio
Traveled August 2021
Pottery, magic carpets, and Turkish delights, Oh my!!
Wow! Turkey is a must vacation for anyone interested in great food, approachable and welcoming citizens, and significant world history! Istanbul is truly a secular cosmopolitan metropolis… Traffic included lol The Cappadocia region was truly a step back in time… And the hot air balloon ride is a must! Pottery, magic carpets, and Turkish delights, Oh my!!
Traveled To
