Best Turkey Tour

The guided sightseeing in Turkey will officially begin today in the historic area of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our first stop is the Topkapi Palace, the official residence of Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. It comprises four courtyards, with the fourth boasting the most breathtaking view, affording you a panoramic sight of the Bosphorus Strait, the division line of Europe and Asia. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.

★ All-area Access including Harem of Topkapi Palace
Unveil the mysterious Harem with our all-included tickets. Follow our knowledgeable guide to have an insight exploration about the opulent lifestyle of the Sultans.

Then the guide will lead you to visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square) and the nearby Blue Mosque. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was where the chariots races were held in the past. It resembles an outdoor museum more now, with well-preserved Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column and German Fountain standing here. The Blue Mosque, a famous landmark in Istanbul, will then greet you with its incredible sight. The walls and domes are adorned with more than 20,000 beautiful İznik tiles, which have earned it a well-known nickname. You can immerse in the dreamy atmosphere created by these tiles. 

In the afternoon, we’ll head to the Hagia Sophia, a magnificent example of the Byzantine era’s (395-1453) cultural blending. Our experienced guide will lead you through its interior, palace courtyard and priest courtyard to avoid the crowds, allowing you to get a better experience. Meanwhile, there is a sacred atmosphere in the afternoon when light diffuses through the skylight on the dome, making it the ideal time to take amazing photos. Please refrain from wearing anything that bares your shoulders and legs. Shawls and hooded tops are excellent options for women who are required to cover hair. At the entrance are also disposable headscarves for sale.

Afterwards, spend the rest time at the bustling Grand Bazaar. Dated to 1461, it is one of the world’s oldest markets. The commodities here mainly include jewelry, candies, lights, porcelains and carpets. We’ll visit the nearby Beyazıt Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday. Today’s tour comes to an end here, then our guide and driver will escort you back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Gulhane Sark Sofrasi
You can try authentic Turkish street food at the Grand Bazaar, or dine at a restaurant near the hotel. Gulhane Sark Sofrasi is a wise dinner selection, a three-minute walk southeast of your hotel. About TL 800-900 (USD 24-27) is spent on average per person. You will have dinner with live music. Free hummus, baklava and black tea are provided before and after the meal. The main courses of Chicken Casserole and Adana Kebab are highly recommended. Don’t forget to sample the homemade wine, which is also excellent.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you will be sent to the dock for today’s Bosphorus Strait cruise. In two hours, you will learn about the unique charms of the Golden Horn, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Topkapi Palace from different angles. The seats on the left side or the second floor offer a better view, allowing you to fully appreciate the unique beauty of the European coastline. Bring your breakfast bread leftovers so you may talk to the fish and seagull on the deck. Along the way, our experienced guide will enlighten you on the lengthy history of the Bosphorus Strait, providing you with an additional rich cultural experience. Please remain seated and hold onto your valuables when large ships pass by.

Later, according to the flight time, we will send you to Istanbul Airport and help you board the flight to Izmir. On arrival, transfer to the hotel in Kusadasi to settle down. The rest of the day will be left for you to explore this lovely small town along Aegean Sea.

Enjoy the stunning sea view from our carefully selected oceanfront hotel if you arrive early, or take a 5-minute taxi ride south to Guvercinada Kalesi. This island has a castle that is encircled by turquoise waters. It was formerly a significant Ottoman (1299-1923) military fortress but now a wonderful place to observe the sunset. From this vantage point, the stunning Kusadasi and the boundless Mediterranean Sea are fully spread out before you. Take a leisurely stroll across the waterfront business street or visit a pub to unwind after seeing the sunset.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we will drive about half an hour to visit Ephesus Ancient City. Built in 10th century BC, it had gradually developed into the second largest city in the Roman Empire (27 BC-1453 AD) over the long years, with about 250,000 dwellers in its heyday. Here you can learn about its glorious past by visiting the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Grand Theater, and Baths of Varius. Particularly worth visiting is the Grand Theater, which has 66 tiers of seats and a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Theatrical performances are its primary use. Additionally, it served as a venue for gladiatorial shows during the late Roman era. You probably picture a tough guy with muscular body that devours meat at every meal when you think about gladiators. But you know what? They’re actually hidden vegetarians! Archaeological findings at Ephesus reveals minimal meat traces on their bones. Rather, it is more common to find vegetable, bean, and grain residues. Despite this, they dominated in combat, proving that a balanced vegetarian diet can also provide optimal physical performance.

► Best Photo Spots of Ephesus Ancient City Recommended by Our Experts
1.Celsus Library: To fully appreciate the majesty of this building, position yourself in front of its four enormous columns and focus upward;
2.Temple of Hadrian: The remaining marble columns serve as a striking backdrop to evoke a blockbuster vibe;
3.Grand Theater: The top floor offers you an excellent view to capture the entire theater, showing its magnificence.

In the afternoon, we will continue to visit the Temple of Artemis. It is one of the biggest temples in Ancient Greece, with 126 marble columns. Sadly, only one column stands there nowadays, surrounded by some rocky ruins. However, you can see its model at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to get an idea of why it was selected as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Next, we will pay a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene sanctuary with a chapel, where Virgin Mary spent her last time of life. Try to taste water from the well outside the chapel, which is said to have healing powers. When today’s visits end, let’s return to the hotel in Kusadasi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

Today, our trip will be extended to Cappadocia. This magnificent destination boasts a wealth of rock-carved wonders and moon-like landscapes. After breakfast, our driver will send you to Izmir airport to take the flight to Cappadocia. If the direct flight is not available, we’ll help you to transfer in Istanbul. Upon arrival, our local guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport and then send you to the hotel. The rest of the day is for your own plan.

★ Unique Experience of Staying at a Cave Hotel
Our carefully arranged hotel, carved out of a natural rock cave, blends old-world charm with modern comfort. You can observe the original color and texture of the rock in your room. Located on a cliff, it offers you a panoramic view of the surrounding area. And its breathtaking terrace is perfect for you to capture photos with soaring hot air balloons as a backdrop in the morning.

► Recommended Activity: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Unquestionably, a hot air balloon ride is a must-do activity when visiting Cappadocia. You’ll get a completely different viewpoint on its unique terrain. In terms of safety and ride experience, Butterfly, Royal, and Air Kapadokya rank highest. Large baskets (12-20 people) fly 60 minutes, while small (2-8 people) 90 minutes. Normally, the cost is about €110-150, but from June to August - the peak season - it will double. And you need to pay with cash. If you wish to have fun on it, please let us know in advance as seats are limited. We will be glad to make a reservation for you.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Agarta Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

Today, our local guide will accompany you to explore the northern Cappadocia. The first stop will be Goreme Open Air Museum, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 30 cave churches and monasteries. Follow our professional guide, you can see those unique caves and capture the most dynamic light and shadow of caves. Make sure to pack enough water, since many of the caves are at the top of hill with no nearby shops. And the coffee at the museum entrance is absurdly high.

★ Special Entry to Dark Church Included
Enjoy stunning view of Byzantine mural art in the Dark Church with our all-included tickets of the Goreme Open Air Museum. These murals are colorful despite having endured thousands of years of wind and frost. And the guide’s explanation will reveal the tales that lie behind them.

Then, we will go to Pasabag Valley, also called Monk Valley, to see the interesting rock formations looking like mushrooms and fairy chimneys. In the afternoon we will drive to visit Devrent Valley, where natural rocks in the shape of animals greet you. It is also known as the “Imagination Valley” because it can inspire unlimited imagination. At last, on the way back to the hotel, we will pass through Love Valley to admire the incredible sunset views of Cappadocia. The Swing Cafe and Panoramic View here are the best viewing points. Taking a photo on the swing here with the magnificent scenery behind you will definitely be an unforgettable memory of this trip.

► Recommended Restaurant: Topdeck Cave
How could you visit Goreme without dining at a cave restaurant? This restaurant is a 10-minute taxi to your hotel. In particular, it offers floor-based seat. Around TL 400–500 (USD 12–15) is consumed on average by each individual. A special starter is Sigara Borek, which has a crispy shell and a juicy chicken inside. Stewed lamb or beef makes a delicious main course, especially when served with a bowl of butter-fried rice. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Agarta Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

After breakfast in the hotel, the southern Cappadocia tour will begin with the visit to the Cavusin Village. Along the slate way, ancient cave houses occur in your eyes, all carved out of the rock. Here, we’ll visit the Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel), which dates back to the 5th century. Marvel at the exquisite murals here or make a wish in the Trevi Fountain. Next, we’ll head to the Rose Valley for a 2-hour guided hike. Our knowledgeable guide will tell you the legends surrounding these caves as you hike. The Red Valley is the next destination after that. Here, you’ll be surprised by the striking contrast between the red rocks and the surrounding mountains and sky.

In the afternoon, we will continue to visit the Uchisar Castle. Carved from a 60-meter-high (about 200 feet) stone, the labyrinthine passageways inside show you the wisdom and defensive art of the ancients. At the same time, its top offers a stunning panoramic view of Cappadocia’s karst landscape. Our last destination is the Kaymakli Underground City, a relic of the Hittite era (17th-12th century BC), which was expanded by the early Christians to become one of the largest underground cities in Cappadocia. With rooms serving various functions and sophisticated ventilation and drainage systems, you can get a sense of the ancient way of life.

► Tip: Please follow our guide closely due to intricate underground accesses with poor lighting. Claustrophobic individuals should reconsider. Underground oxygen may be insufficient for those with respiratory issues, so please participate based on your abilities. Pack lightly as the hallways inside are narrow, and bring a light jacket to keep warm.

Finally, at the end of the day, you will be transferred to the airport to take the return flight to Istanbul. Arriving in the late evening, our local driver will pick you up and send you to the hotel safely.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

According to the schedule of your leaving flight, our driver will transfer you to the airport by private car to conclude this trip. We hope you have had a memorable journey with Agate Travel! 

► For Your Information: If you didn’t visit the Basilica Cistern in the previous days, get a glimpse of this ancient and mysterious underground palace today, which is a 10-minute walk southeast of the hotel. Once an important water facility in ancient Rome, this reservoir is now a must-visit place to discover Istanbul’s rich history and culture. Or take a 10-minute taxi to Suleymaniye Mosque, whose interior is stunning with its red Iznik tiles, colorful windows, and magnificent main hall.

If you are interested in extending your visit in Turkey or plan to visit other destinations, please contact us any time. We will be very glad to serve you again!

Meals: Breakfast