Overview
This 9-day adventure through Turkey will take you to Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia, offering an unforgettable mix of ancient history and stunning landscapes. From exploring the cotton castles of Pamukkale to sailing in Antalya and soaring over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon, this trip is designed to show you the very best of Turkey.
Highlights
- 9 Days & 8 Nights of Traveling the stunning country of Turkey
- Relax in Thermal Pools in Pamukkale
- Airconditioned Private transportation between cities
- Take an optional epic hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia
- Evening Cruise down the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul – the driver will meet you at the airport and you’re off to explore the amazing country of Turkey!
Be sure to be in by 4pm so you have time to check into the hotel before our welcome dinner tonight. Your driver will meet you at IST airport and handle the transfers, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.
Included: Welcome Dinner
Overnight in Istanbul
Good Morning – we’re off to explore one of the only cities in the world that spans two continents! We’re heading out with a local tour guide on this private tour which includes the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & more! We’ll walk through Istanbul’s Old City, see historic monuments, explore areas with stunning architecture and learn about the history of Turkey while we stop for photos at all the sights along the way.
After working up an appetite we will stop for lunch & enjoy another amazing Turkish meal.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore more of Istanbul. We’ll chat in the group about my favorite options like a Whirling Dervish show, a food tour, or even booking a stunning dress photoshoot over the Bosphorus!
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Tour of Old Istanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
Today we’re off to visit the famous Grand Bazaar & Markets of Istanbul, its a great taste of everything Turkey has to offer from Spices to Faux designer goods. Afterwards we’ll freshen up and head out for a magical Bosphorus Night Cruise with dinner and a show.
Included: Breakfast, Market tour, Bosphorus Night Cruise with Show
Overnight in Istanbul
Today, we’ll start early morning and fly from Istanbul to the city of Izmir. From Izmir we’ll set out to visit the ancient city of Ephesus! Ephesus is a remarkable well preserved ancient roman city. After going on a tour of the ruins, taking in the history and imagining the epic stories that unfolded here thousands of years ago. After our time in Ephesus we’ll drive to the city of Denizli
Included:Â Breakfast, Tour of Ephesus, private transportation from Izmir to Denizli
Overnight in Denizli/Pamukkale
Have you ever seen something as cool as Pamukkale? Pack an outfit for photos because today we’re going to visit the magical white terraces also known as cotton castles. The thermal waters of Pamukkale are calling your name! The pool levels depend on the recent weather & rains so it may be a wading through them situation or you could even pack a bathing suit and take a tiny dip if you choose to!
After relaxing at the Pamukkale Thermal Pools, we will stop for lunch at a delicious local spot (try the Manti if you haven’t by now!) and to visit a local wine & turkish delight shop then drive approximately 4 hours to Antalya.
Included: Breakfast, Private Transportation from Denizli to Antalya, Pamukkale Thermal pools entrance
Overnight in Antalya
Enjoy a full day on the water, soaking in the sun and beauty of Antalya’s coastline. This boat trip takes you to some of the most scenic spots along the coast, with multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling in the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters. Relax and take in the breathtaking views as you explore the islands and hidden gems along the way.
Included: Breakfast, Full Day Boat Trip with Lunch
Overnight in Antalya
Today we’ll fly from Antalya to Cappadocia to continue our journey.
Included: Breakfast, Transfer to Airport, Flight to Cappadocia
Overnight in Cappadocia
 Experience the breathtaking views of Cappadocia with a full-day tour of the region’s highlights. Explore stunning rock formations and unique valleys, plus the unique underground city only found here! After a full day of exploring we are going out to enjoy our farewell dinner & Turkish Night Show to end your day.
Optional: Wake up early and take a hot air balloon ride for incredible aerial views of Cappadocia. It’s a great way to see the landscape from above and capture stunning photos.
Included: Breakfast, tour of Cappadocia and underground city, Farewell Dinner & Turkish Night Show
Overnight in Cappadocia
Optional: Wake up early for an amazing turkish breakfast overlooking the valley of fairy chimneys while the hot air balloons take off, an unforgettable way to capture your last morning. Be sure to bring a fun outfit or dress so you can take some amazing photos while we enjoy our breakfast.
Guests fly home directly from Cappadocia. We will have several shared day use rooms to come back to at our hotel so you can shower and rest before your flight.
Included: Breakfast, Shared day use rooms to shower and reset before your flight, Transportation to the airport
Departure from Cappadocia
Inclusions
- Guided by local tour guides in each location
- Visits to Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia
- Domestic flights
- Day trip to Ephesus
- 8 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Bosphorus Night Cruise with Show
- Grand Bazaar & Market Tour
- Tour of Old Istanbul
- Thermal pools entrance in Pamukkale
- Full-day boat trip in Antalya
- Welcome Dinner
- Farewell Dinner & Turkish Night Show
- All airport transfers throughout the trip
- All transportation in A/C vehicles
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Turkey
- International visas (if needed)
- Optional excursions (e.g., Hot Air Balloon Ride, Sunrise Turkish Breakfast)
- Meals & drinks not listed in the itinerary
- Transportation to/from the airport outside scheduled times
No, all international flights are not included. All domestic flights within Turkey are included.
Yes! if you’re signing up with a friend just let me know and you will be put together. If you end up connecting with one of the girls before the trip and decide to room together we can put you together too.
Otherwise I place girls together based on a small roommate survey I send out before the trip. The goal is to put you with a like minded roommate that’s going to make your trip even better. Surprisingly enough, some of my roommate matches have ended up traveling with each other outside these trips, which we think is pretty cool.
Yes Travel Insurance is required for this trip.
$150,000 is the minimum medical coverage we recommend.
Travel Insurance quotes can be gotten anywhere online, from past experience of dealing with claims we love these two companies:
Travel Guard by AIG
World Nomads
Once the trip hits its minimum number of guests it is confirmed, and at that point the $500 deposit becomes non-refundable. We pay non-refundable deposits to our local operators to lock everything in. If the trip doesn’t reach the minimum and gets cancelled, you receive a full refund.
If you cancel more than 60 days before the trip, your deposit is non-refundable but anything paid beyond it can be refunded minus a small $100 admin fee.Â
The trip is 100% non-refundable within 60 days of departure. This is why travel insurance is required.
The average age on most trips is 25-39 but don’t let that discourage you. All Ages are welcome! Come with an open mind, be ready to travel with a fun mixed-age group, and be prepared to actually move. These trips are high energy and fast paced. We’re out seeing the world, not sitting by the pool everyday!
