Welcome to Istanbul! Arrive at the airport and take a taxi to your hotel. Spend the day relaxing, enjoying the hotel amenities or take a stroll around the city. For dinner, explore one of the traditional restaurants serving Turkish cuisine.
Start with a visit to the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous landmarks in Istanbul. Next, head to Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica and Ottoman imperial mosque. Afterward, travel to the Topkapi Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman sultans for approximately 400 years of their 624-year reign. End the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar for shopping, where you can bargain for traditional Turkish souvenirs.
Take a morning flight to Kayseri, and from there, drive to the unique region of Cappadocia. Go on an adventurous day tour of the surrounding valleys, including the magnificent fairy chimneys, rock formations, the kaymakli underground city and a visit to the pottery-makers town, Avanos. Finally, head back to the hotel for a lovely dinner, and experience a traditional Turkısh night show with local music and dance performances.
Start the day with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, to witness the stunning panoramic vistas of the valleys and the sunrise. Back on the ground, go on a hike to discover the vibrant colors and unusual spires, rock caves and hidden monasteries in Rose Valley. Afterwards, spend the afternoon exploring the medieval Christian and Muslim caves in Göreme. Finish the day enjoying a romantic gourmet dinner, made up of local delicacies, underground in a wine cellar.
Start the day with a scenic drive to Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle." Explore the unique and breathtaking travertine terraces and ancient Roman site of Hierapolis. In the late afternoon, continue the journey to the Aegean coast, where you'll find a peaceful resort town, with amazing views of the sea. Spend the evening walking on the white sandy beach and having a romantic dinner under the stars.
On the last day of the tour, start with Priene, the well-preserved ancient city located on a hill, with strong temples and a magnificent altar. Afterwards, head to Ephesus, one of the most impressive Greco-Roman cities in the world. Finally, travel to Kusadasi port to watch the breathtaking sunset on a private yacht before a candlelight dinner.
Transportation costs during the entire trip would range from about $90-$120 per person, covering airport transfer on day 1, flights to Cappadocia and from Pamukkale, and a private car hire service for the remainder of the itinerary. The estimated total travel time for the trip in transportation is about 15 hours.
If you have more time, add a trip to the ancient city of Troy or the seaside town of Bodrum. If you want a more adventurous trip, include a visit to Mount Nemrut. For those looking to slow down, consider extending your time in the resort town of the Aegean coast. If you have less time, shorten your stay in Istanbul by a day, and take a flight directly to Cappadocia, skipping Pamukkale and the Aegean Coast.
The Istanbul Airport (IST) (Home) is the primary airport serving Istanbul, located 54km northwest of Istanbul's city center. The main airport serving Cappadocia is Kayseri Airport (ASR), located about 75km away from the city center, while the closest airport to Pamukkale is Denizli Çardak Airport (DNZ), 68km east.