3-Day Cappadocia and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul

Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and North Cappadocia Tour

You will be collected from your Istanbul hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. On arrival, continue to Cappadocia, where you will meet your guide for the North Cappadocia Tour.

Begin at Devrent Valley, known for its unusual fairy-chimney formations, then continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see its distinctive mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Travel through Avanos for lunch before visiting the rock-carved caves and churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum. The day finishes at the natural rock formations of Uchisar, before transfer to your Cappadocia hotel for check-in. An optional Turkish Night show with dinner is available this evening.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 2: South Cappadocia Tour and Flight to Izmir

An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride can be arranged at an additional cost. After breakfast, meet your guide for a full day exploring South Cappadocia.

Visit Red Valley, then walk through Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi), passing its rock-cut churches along the way. Continue to Cavusin Village, noted for its old houses and churches associated with Christian clergymen, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, visit Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi) and explore either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christian communities once lived underground.

After the tour, transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. On arrival in Izmir, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Ephesus Tour and Flight from Izmir to Istanbul

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that later became an important Roman centre. Walk through its ruins and see the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theater and Trajan Fountain.

Following lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final years. Pass by the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, then visit Isa Bey Mosque. Continue to Sirince Village, an old Greek village, where you will have free time to browse its small traditional shops and sample local food and wines independently.

At the end of the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. The tour services end on arrival at Istanbul Airport.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

• European-side Istanbul hotel pickup and airport transfer
• Domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Izmir and Izmir to Istanbul
• Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast
• English-speaking professional tour guide
• Breakfasts and lunches as listed
• Entrance fees for sites on the programme
• Local transfers, taxes and service charges

Exclusions

• Transfer from Istanbul Airport to your Istanbul hotel after the tour
• Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
• Optional Turkish Night show and other optional activities
• Dinners and drinks with meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance