9-Nights Classic Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Izmir

Goway Travel

This 10-day Turkish vacation takes you to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir, and Ephesus to explore the nation’s classical wonders and fascinating landscape. It features first-class accommodations and small group tours.

Your journey begins in Istanbul, the Turkish capital, the only national capital that straddles two continents. Known as Constantinople during antiquity, Istanbul has long been one of the world’s centres of art and cultural influence. A classical tour of the city will showcase some of its many highlights from the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras. Start at Hippodrome Square to see where chariots used to race for massive crowds, before visiting the religious and cultural monuments of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Close out your tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can journey through colourful corridors of markets to barter for all sorts of goods. You’ll have another day at leisure to explore on your own. Visit the Basilica Cistern, a magnificently restored ancient waterworks, or hop between cafes and restaurants to enjoy Turkish favourites from coffee to shawarma.

Connect by air to Cappadocia, the fairy tale region of rock chimneys and caves that resembles the surface of the moon. A tour through the region will showcase its breathtaking landscape. You’ll visit Devrent (Imaginary Valley) to see its rock formations, Pasabag, known as the Valley of the Monks, where mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and rock dwellings abound. Swing by Uchisar Rock-Castle, a fortification carved into the rock that offers excellent views of the valley, and finally the village of Avanos, where you can buy some traditional pottery. You’ll have another day in Cappadocia to continue exploring the landscape. If you really want a magical experience, book a hot air balloon ride above the valley.

Continue on to your final destination, Izmir. One day, you’ll journey to nearby Ephesus to trace the history of early Christianity. Visit the House of the Virgin, where the Virgin Mary apparently spent her later years, before visiting Ephesus to follow in the footsteps of St. Paul and see the ruins of Roman temples, libraries, theatres, and baths. In the afternoon, swing by the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You’ll have another day at leisure to explore the Greek-Roman city of Izmir on your own. Head up Mount Kadifekale to see the ruins of an ancient citadel or steal away a few quiet hours along Kara Lake.

At the end of your journey, you’ll connect back to Istanbul and return home.

Vacation Inclusions

• Private arrival and departure airport transfers
• 3 nights first class accommodations in Istanbul
• 3 nights first class accommodations in Cappadocia
• 3 nights first class accomodations in Izmir
• Flights Istanbul-Cappadocia (Kayseri)-Izmir-Istanbul*
• Private transfers between hotels and airports throughout
• Small group tour of Istanbul (max 16 guest)
• Small group tour of Cappadocia (max 12 guests)
• Small group Ephesus Tour (max 20 guests)
• Tickets and entrance fees to:
  • Topkapi Palace
  • St. Sophia
  • Blue Mosque
  • Goreme Open Air Museum
  • House of the Virgin Mary
  • Ephesus and Temple of Artemis
• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches

Featured Destinations

Izmir Izmir Izmir is a major seaport in western Turkey, on the Aegean Sea and is the gateway to Ephesus and Sardis. Ephesus is one of the ancient world's largest and most important archaeological and religious sites. Some of the site's most significant structures included the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Basilica of St. John, where the Apostle is buried and the House of the Virgin Mary. Other highlights include the Great Amphi-theatre where St Paul was arrested, Kuretes Street and the Library of Celsus. Sardis was an ancient city of Asia Minor, and the recently uncovered remains lie to the north-east of Izmir. The city attained its greatest prosperity during the reign of Croesus, king of Lydia, and after his overthrow in 546 BC by Cyrus the Great of Persia, it became the western capital of the Persian Empire.	Destination Guide
Cappadocia Cappadocia The underground cities of Cappadocia give you an idea of the sensation of what living in a labyrinth felt like. Derinkuyu is one of the 40 subterranean settlements in this area. It was at one time the home for up to 20,000 people. Its 18 stories descend into the Anatolian plateau south of Goreme. The ventilation shafts, circular and descending from the surface to the lower levels, and the massive circular doors remind you of the motivation for moving underground in the first place – to guarantee a degree of protection. There are eight floors of tunnels open to the visitor. Not for the claustrophobic.	Destination Guide
Istanbul Istanbul This centuries old capital guards the slender waterway between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, and is the doorway between the East and West. Visitors can explore remnants of Byzantine Constantinople in the Sultanahmet district, where you will have the chance to see ancient splendors, such as the Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. At night the city boast a lively nightclub scene and excellent Turkish dining options that may include cultural entertainment and dancing. Istanbul also features splendid shopping malls, boutiques, and hand crafted items can be found all over the city.	Destination Guide

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