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8 Days MINI Group Tour Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia

8 Days MINI Group Tour Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia

tourhub | Curio Travel | 8 Days MINI Group Tour Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia | 110332 | Map

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~~$1579~~

$1534

8 Days MINI Group Tour Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia

8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus

Tour operator:

Curio Travel

Tour code:

110332

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 10

Physical rating:

MODERATE

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History, Religion and Spiritual

Activities:

Art Galleries & Museums, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1579 $1534 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$45

NB: Prices correct on 16-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day mini group tour through Turkey, exploring the vibrant cities of Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, and Cappadocia. This fully guided tour, limited to a maximum of 10 participants, includes domestic flights and accommodations in 4 and 5-star hotels, including a unique stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia. Discover Istanbul's rich history with visits to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Marvel at the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, and the mystical Whirling Dervishes museum in Konya. Experience the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, including the famous fairy chimneys and underground cities. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and breathtaking sights, ensuring a memorable journey through Turkey's most iconic destinations.

Highlights

Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys and Ozkonak Underground City in Cappadocia
Hot air balloon ride over the lunar landscape of Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Rock-Castle in Cappadocia
Mausoleum of Mevlana in Konya
Travertine terraces and Hierapolis in Pamukkale
Ephesus, including the Celcus Library and Grand Theater
House of Virgin Mary and Artemis Temple in Ephesus

Places You'll See

annieduduc

Cappadocia, Turkey

Itinerary

tourhub | Curio Travel | 8 Days MINI Group Tour Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia | 110332 | Route Map

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Day 1 : Welcome To Istanbul Arrival Day.

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Special Class Hotels: Yasmak Sultan or Dosso Dossi or Innova or similar

Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul Airport ( IST ) or to Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( SAW ) , Our representative will meet you at the airport with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2 : Grand Bazaar

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Special Class Hotels: Yasmak Sultan or Dosso Dossi or Innova or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

09:00 a.m. After breakfast , our guided tour starts with Blue Mosque has its fame from its beautiful blue Iznik tiles

Our next stop is Hippodrome Square where used to take place for chariot races and the Byzantine riots during Roman & Byzantine period.

We will continue walking to Topkapi Palace, was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state. It was constructed between 1460 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II, the conqueror of Constantinople. We will visit the Topkapi Palace including weapons section.

Only a short walk away, reaches Hagia Sophia built in 532 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian I.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit :

Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after the 15th January 2024. Guests have to have their smart phones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have a headphone, they can buy at the entrance at the cost of 3,5-USD

The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who does not have smart phones will follow the signs and the given informations on the signs .

Last stop is Grand Bazaar where is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with more than 58 covered streets and over 1,200 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Opened in 1461, it is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops.

Drive back to the Hotel

Day 3 : Ozkonak Underground City

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Cave Hotel: Melekler Evi Cave or Fresco Konaklari or Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Early morning pick up from hotel in Istanbul and transfer to Istanbul airport for flight to Cappadocia . Arrival to Cappadocia. Our Tour guide will meet you at the airport and start for Cappadocia tour.

Drive to Cappadocia and First meeting with Cappadocia, visiting Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup which are the most popular and seen on advertisements… That’s why people carved some pigeon houses to keep them in certain places. You will see that the houses for the pigeons are like the houses for the people.

Our Next stop is Ozkonak Underground City. The city has many strata made up of volcanic granite. Its larger areas are connected to each other by tunnels, and it contains a pipe communication system reaching each of its levels. This feature is unique when compared to the Kaymaklı Underground City and the Derinkuyu Underground City. Each carved room had ventilation provided by further piping when the city was sealed during sieges. After the tour program transfer to your hotel.

Day 4 : Uchisar Rock-Castle

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Cave Hotel: Melekler Evi Cave or Fresco Konaklari or Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, first meeting with the lunar landscape of Cappadocia: rock formations beyond belief in Devrent valley; a journey in the past with its troglodyte houses, visit to Pasabag “fairy chimneys” where the voice of wind mixes with the “songs of fairies” near Zelve.

Avanos, center of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC and a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop

Afternoon, visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum and see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th to 13th century).

Continue to Uchisar Rock-Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. After the tour program transfer to your hotel.

Day 5 : Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Thermal Hotel: Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai

Early departure for Pamukkale. Upon arrival to Konya visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic, Drive to Pamukkale.

Upon our arrival to Pamukkale, check in to your thermal hotel for overnight. You will have a chance to swim in thermal pools until 22.30.

Day 6 : Hierapolis

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Hotel: Carina Hotel or Efe Boutique or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discovery of Travertine terraces and Hierapolis. The travertine terraces at Pamukkale are one of the most spectacular natural wonders we ever have seen from various mineral springs in a vast white cliff side, about 200 m overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have dripped down over a series of terraced levels and created a fairyland of bizarre solidified cascades and shell-shaped basins. It looks like creations from snow or like balls from cotton, which gave the scenery the Turkish name Pamukkale (cotton castle): Moreover the water in the basins is changing its color according to how the light enters Then drive to Kusadasi and overnight.

Day 7 : Artemis Temple

Annesha Bhowmik

Roberto Goldone

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation Name: Special Class Hotels: Yasmak Sultan or Dosso Dossi or Innova or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast drive to The House of Virgin Mary. This house is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed here.

Continue to Ephesus, Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them The State Agora, Odeon, Memnius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, , Polio Fountain, Curetes Street, The Trajan Fountain, The Baths of Scholastica, Hadrian Temple, Latrina, Celcus Library, the gate of Mihridates and Mazues, Commercial Agora and The Grand Theater are two of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Grand theatre was built in 3rd century B.C and it was later expanded to 24.000 spectators by the Romans in the 1st century A.D.After Ephesus

Our last stop the Artemis Temple where is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.

After Ephesus tour Drive to Izmir airport for our flight back to Istanbul. Arrival to Istanbul, met by our representative and transfer to the hotel for overnight

Day 8 : Istanbul Airport

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul airport or Sabiha Gokcen airport for your flight back home.

What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation in 4 star and 5 star hotels.
Professional Guide

Professional licensed tour guide.
Entrance Fees

Entrance fees with pre-paid tickets to skip the line.
Domestic Flights

Domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and from Izmir to Istanbul (15 kilos check-in and 8 kilos cabin).
Meals

7 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
Hotel Details

Istanbul Hotel: Special Class Hotels: Yasmak Sultan or Dosso Dossi or Innova or similar. Cave Hotel in Cappadocia: Melekler Evi Cave or Fresco Konaklari or Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel. Hotels for Kusadasi: Carina Hotel or Efe Boutique or similar. Hotels in Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal or Pam Thermal Hotel or similar.
Transfers

All airport transfers by private vehicle and transportation by A/C 'NO SMOKING' vehicle.

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Gratuities are not included.
Personal Expenses

Personal expenses are not included.
Additional Meals and Drinks

Any drinks and meals not mentioned in the inclusion section are not included.

Know Before You Go

Stroller Or Pram Accessible
Infant Seats Available
Passport Required

Requirements

This tour involves some walking, we highly recommend that you wear comfortable low-heeled shoes and casual clothes.
Sun glasses and hats are recommended,
Cameras are recommended,
Swimming Suits ( We will have a chance to swim in Thermal Pools in our hotel in Pamukkale )

Please Note

Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Not wheelchair accessible
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Not suitable for pets
No public transportation nearby
Infants must not sit on laps
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably with domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and from Izmir to Istanbul, along with private airport transfers and transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights of accommodation in 4-star and 5-star hotels, including a unique stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia and a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.

Check out our Q&As

What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

The tour includes 7 nights of accommodation in 4-star and 5-star hotels. In Istanbul, you will stay in special class hotels such as Yasmak Sultan, Dosso Dossi, or Innova. In Cappadocia, you will stay in a cave hotel like Melekler Evi Cave, Fresco Konaklari, or Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel. In Kusadasi, the accommodation will be at Carina Hotel, Efe Boutique, or similar. In Pamukkale, you will stay at Colossae Thermal, Pam Thermal Hotel, or similar.
Are domestic flights included in the tour package?

Yes, domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and from Izmir to Istanbul are included in the tour package. The flights include 15 kilos of check-in luggage and 8 kilos of cabin luggage.
Is there an option for a private tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour for your family, depending on flight and hotel availabilities.
What meals are included in the tour?

The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Other meals are not included and will be at your own expense.
What should I bring for the tour?

It is recommended to wear comfortable low-heeled shoes and casual clothes. Sunglasses and hats are also recommended. Don't forget to bring your camera and swimming suits, as you will have a chance to swim in thermal pools at the hotel in Pamukkale.

Is the tour suitable for people with heart conditions?

The tour is not recommended for people with heart conditions or other serious medical conditions.
Is the tour stroller or pram accessible?

Yes, the tour is stroller or pram accessible.
Are infants allowed on the tour?

Infants are allowed on the tour, and infant seats are available. However, infants must not sit on laps.
What happens if the Grand Bazaar is closed on the day of the visit?

If the Grand Bazaar is closed on the day of the visit, which is typically on Sundays, the tour will visit the Spice Market instead.
What is the update regarding the St. Sophia interior visit after January 15, 2024?

Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after January 15, 2024. Guests will need to have their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can buy them at the entrance for 3.5 USD. The system is similar to an audio guide system, and guests without smartphones will follow the signs and given information on the signs.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

A reservation can be changed only if provided space is available. An entire reservation that is changed is considered a cancellation and will be subject to cancellation fees.
Should I have travel insurance?

We highly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure
I will be flying to Europe. I know that our aircraft will land in İstanbul. I am not planning to leave the transit lounge. Do I need to get transit visa?

If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise, you have to make visa application to the nearest Turkish Representation. Contact information of the said missions can be reached through www.mfa.gov.tr (Ministry/Turkish Representations).
I am taking a Mediterranean boat cruise with my family. Our ship will also visit Kuşadası. Do we need visas to enter Turkey?

Foreigners who are travelling to Turkey by cruises are allowed to enter Turkey without visa for a maximum period of 72 hours, with the permission given by the local security authorities.
I would like to visit Turkey, where can I find information about visas and application requirements?

Please visit https://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/ekonsolosluk/ internet address to find out about visa application formalities. You can also obtain information from the Ministry’s internet site; http://www.mfa.gov.tr/sub.en.mfa?cc4e437c-6769-4d79-9017-10b63c651224 or contact the Turkish missions in your country (please follow the link: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkish-representations.en.mfa)

Reviews of this operator

Shereen Tan (Google Reviewer)

At the last minute, we...

14-Nov-2023

At the last minute, we decided to travel over the holiday week from Christmas to New Year of 2022/2023. Stumbled upon this tour company from tripadvisor and sent them a watsapp message if we can join this tour at the last minute. Communication with this travel operator was excellent! Not only they responded immediately, they even helped us arrange for a pre and post tour stay at the hotel. First of all, they sent me a detailed itinerary prior to our trip , with everything arranged from airport transfers, domestic flights, pick up and drop off instructions. All the guides, drivers in every city arrived on time. Our guide ,Tan , who travelled with us for 5 days is very knowledgeable about the history of each place we visited. The itinerary was just right and i was surprise at how much i enjoyed each location. The food in Turkey is amazing! You can eat freshly made doners etc without breaking the bank. The hotels we stayed at each place were centrally located. You can walk to each attractions. And there is a lot of free time to explore on your own. I was truly happy with my experience with this tour company.

Danette van Niekerk (Google Reviewer)

We had the most amazing...

03-Apr-2024

We had the most amazing tour of Ephesus with our guide Melih. The way in which he connected the dots between the history books and the Bible was mind-blowing! This one tour was the highlight of the whole trip to Turkey. I want to return some day and to the tour of all 7 churches.

Anna Coluzzi (Google Reviewer)

Our group of 12 has...

24-Jun-2024

Our group of 12 has experienced the best tour ever with Taz. He is very knowledgeable, personable and professional. We really learned a lot and experienced Turkish hospitality.

John Leckman (Google Reviewer)

We booked the Ephesus 4-6...

05-Sep-2024

We booked the Ephesus 4-6 hour tour. Without a doubt, the best tour I’ve ever taken. Alex picked us up from the cruise port and dropped us off about 5.5 hrs later. We visited a family pottery business, The Virgin Mary house, Ephesus and a hand made carpet business. Alex was a wealth of knowledge everywhere we went. His knowledge of every corner of Ephesus was second to none, he was a walking encyclopedia haha. He was very friendly, professional, not pushy and very accommodating. I can’t say enough about the tour, exceeded all our expectations. We highly recommended this company & Alex.

Christina Waddell (Google Reviewer)

We booked the Ephesus 4-6...

23-Dec-2024

We booked the Ephesus 4-6 hour tour. This was an amazing tour! Alex picked us up from the cruise port and dropped us off about 5 hours later. We visited The Virgin Mary house, Ephesus and a leather distributor. We also stopped at a local supermarket where Alex assisted in picking out local items. Alex was a wealth of knowledge everywhere we went. He was very friendly, professional, not pushy and very accommodating. we cannot say enough about the tour as this exceeded all our expectations. We highly recommended this company & Alex.

Kelsey Fussner (Google Reviewer)

We had a day trip...

15-Jun-2024

We had a day trip to Ephesus from our cruise and it was wonderful! Gurkan was great from start to finish with plenty of history, answering our questions, and being flexible to whatever we wanted to do.

Jen Naylor (Google Reviewer)

We went on a private...

20-Sep-2023

We went on a private tour to Ephesus with Tunc who is an amazing guide who is very knowledgeable, personable and an incredible photographer. Not only did we have an amazing experience we also have some professional quality photos of us at Ephesus to remember the day. We also went to a pottery studio (it was optional) and we really enjoyed it too. I would highly recommend this tour and specifically Tunc our guide⭐

Judy King (Google Reviewer)

Using Curio Travel for our...

17-Oct-2022

Using Curio Travel for our group trip to the 7 churches of Asia was the best decision we could have made for the trip. We lead tours to Bible Lands and I have to say that this travel company has been the best one we have ever dealt with. This trip we had 27 persons on our tour. They handled the group with expertise. Fevzi was a delight to work with in the organization and preparation for the tour. He was so professional with a friendly touch. He is very detail oriented and makes sure everything is taken care of. Melih, our guide, was amazing! Kind, patience, knowledgeable and very accommodating. He worked extremely hard to make sure all our needs and desires were met. We have worked with many guides and he worked harder than any we have ever had. Update: Just completed 2 tour with Curio. Still impressed with them. 38 in our group this year. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Joshua Sinanan (Google Reviewer)

We took 7 excursions on...

11-Apr-2024

We took 7 excursions on our cruise around the Aegean sea a couple weeks ago. Curio Travel was the best excursion guide of all seven. Ozzie was the most knowledgeable, enjoyable and also the most welcoming host. We felt we were with a local celebrity that was known and recognized everywhere. The also added a level of security not experienced with others.

Karissa King (Google Reviewer)

Curio Travel went above and...

18-Oct-2021

Curio Travel went above and beyond for our "Seven Churches of Asia" tour. We stayed in 4 and 5-star hotels, and our tour guide (Melih) was super knowledgeable. We learned a wealth of information, had a ton of fun, and it inspired us to do more study trips. We would 100% recommend this tour company to anyone wanting to book a 7 Churches Study trip!

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~~$1579~~ $1534 (USD)