11-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus Package

5.00

(3 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Istanbul felt like stepping into a living postcard. The city buzzes early—locals weaving through Besiktas with simit carts and the call to prayer echoing from distant minarets. Our transfer whisked us straight to a hotel tucked in the old city. You can smell roasted chestnuts from street vendors even before you see them.

The next morning, we dove right into history at Hagia Sophia. Our guide, Emre, shared stories about emperors and sultans while sunlight filtered through stained glass. Wandering Topkapi Palace’s courtyards, I kept noticing cats lounging on ancient stones—apparently they’re unofficial residents here. The Grand Bazaar was a maze of colors and voices; I lost track of time haggling for a scarf I probably didn’t need. The Blue Mosque’s blue tiles really do glow in the afternoon light.

We took a boat ride along the Bosphorus—windy on deck but worth it for views of both Europe and Asia at once. The Spice Bazaar smelled like sumac and fresh coffee; I picked up some Turkish delight for later. Dolmabahce Palace felt almost too grand to be real—crystal chandeliers everywhere you look.

Leaving Istanbul behind, we drove out to Gallipoli. There’s a quiet heaviness there—the sea is calm but the memorials are moving. In Çanakkale, our hotel overlooked the Dardanelles Strait; you can hear ferries honking late into the night.

Troy and Pergamum were next—standing by Troy’s wooden horse replica is one of those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments. Pergamum’s hillside theater has wildflowers growing between the seats in springtime.

Kusadası became our base for Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. Walking down Ephesus’ marble streets at sunrise was surreal—the place feels untouched by time except for the odd selfie stick popping up here and there. At Meryem Ana Evi (Virgin Mary’s house), candles flicker quietly inside stone walls.

Pamukkale’s travertine pools are as white as everyone says—they squeak under your feet like snow. Hierapolis ruins sit just above; we watched sunset from there before catching an overnight bus to Cappadocia (bring snacks—the bus stops are pretty basic).

Cappadocia was pure magic from start to finish. Göreme looks like something out of a fairytale with its cave houses and fairy chimneys poking up everywhere. Our special hotel had rooms carved right into rock—cool even when it’s hot outside. Uchisar Castle gives you a view over the whole valley if you climb up early before crowds arrive.

The highlight? Floating over Cappadocia at dawn in a hot air balloon (guaranteed spot included). It’s chilly up there so bring an extra layer—even in summer! Later we explored Kaymakli Underground City; it’s easy to get lost if you wander off so stick close to your guide (ours told us about secret tunnels used during invasions). Avanos is famous for pottery—I tried spinning clay but mostly just made a mess.

The last day back in Istanbul was free—perfect for wandering or grabbing baklava at Hafiz Mustafa near Sirkeci station before heading home.