Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour

·5.0(2 reviews)·8 Days, 6 Destinations·Starts from İstanbul
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 1
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 2
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 3
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 4
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 1
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 2
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 3
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 4
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 5
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 6
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 7
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 8
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 9
Best of Türkiye in 8 Days: Istanbul, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour 10
Free Cancellation
Full refund up to 30 days before the tour
Early Booking Advantage
Only 25% prepayment until 30 days before departure

Duration

8 days

Max Group Size

30

Departure Type

Guaranteed

Guiding Method

Partially guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Türkiye, exploring its most iconic cities and historical landmarks. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonders.

Discover the breathtaking architecture of Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, enjoy a scenic ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands, walk through the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, and experience the traditional charm of Şirince Village. In Cappadocia, explore underground cities, marvel at the unique rock formations of Göreme Open-Air Museum, and, for an unforgettable experience, take an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise.

This tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes of Türkiye in just 8 days. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, this journey promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

DiscoveryFamilyExplorerHistoricalIn-depth CulturalPhotographySolo TravelSightseeing

Route

Starts from

İstanbul

Ends in

İstanbul

Pickup Location

Istanbul Airport

Dropoff Location

Istanbul Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace – Discover the heart of Ottoman and Byzantine history. Explore the Grand Bazaar & Spice Market – Experience Türkiye’s bustling shopping scene. Princes’ Islands – A Peaceful Escape ; ake a ferry to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. ✔ Explore the island by bike or electric car (no motor vehicles allowed). ✔ Enjoy a seaside lunch with fresh seafood and stunning views. ✔ Stroll through the island’s historic mansions and pine forests. Kusadasi & Ephesus – A Journey to the Ancient World ✔ Visit the ancient city of Ephesus – Walk through the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre & Temple of Artemis. ✔ Explore House of Virgin Mary – A sacred Christian pilgrimage site. ✔ Discover the charming Şirince Village – Famous for its wine, cobbled streets, and traditional houses. ✔ Relax in the coastal town of Kuşadası – A perfect spot for seaside dining. Cappadocia – A Surreal Landscape ✔ Take an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise – One of the world’s most magical experiences. ✔ Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum – Admire ancient rock-carved churches and frescoes. ✔ Visit Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu Underground City – An intricate tunnel system used by early Christians. ✔ Hike through Love Valley & Pigeon Valley – Witness Cappadocia’s unique rock formations.

Itinerary

Welcome to Turkey Istanbul Airport. Meet with TravelShop Booking staff and transfer to your hotel, Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast included)

After breakfast, we have Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be HIPPODROME. Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Than we will visit SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE. Across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next see will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today it is a mosque. You can see it from outside.  After that see TOPKAPI PALACE, the great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. You can see it from outside.    The Basilica Cistern Museum is one of the most important cultural assets where we can trace the traces of glorious Istanbul history. With its 80,000-ton water storage capacity, Yerebatan Cistern is the largest covered cistern in the city and stands out with more reclaimed supporting elements compared to other covered cisterns. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, this colossal structure has a rectangular shape with a length of 140 meters and a width of 70 meters. You can see it from outside.  After the tour, transfer back to your hotel. Dinner at Indian restaurant and Overnight in Istanbul.

 

If you would like to visit with entrance below sites;

Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.

The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, depart for the trip. Get ready to explore Heybeliada and Buyukada, the largest islands of Turkey's Princes' islands, on our full-day excursion from Istanbul. We cruise across the Sea of Marmara, enjoying the fabulous view of the city.

Pick up from the hotel in the morning and transfer to the port. Board the boat and start for the relaxing trip to the Princes’ Islands. This trip takes you to Heybeliada and Buyukada.

Our first destination is Heybeliada. Take a stroll through the streets with your guide and breathe the fresh atmosphere of the island. Spend around one hour in Heybeliada and board the boat again to proceed to Buyukada.

Buyukada is the largest of the Princes Islands. Explore the beauties of the island with your guide, learn more about the history of the island. Your guide will tell you how Princes Islands once was used as a place of exile for banished statesmen and royalty, and how life as a monastic settlement was during the Byzantine-Christian period.

In Buyukada, walk past the lovely wooden mansions which are fascinating examples of the island’s late Ottoman-era architecture. Feed the seagulls that you can find everywhere in Buyukada. It will be a nice experience for you.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and then spend the rest of your day at leisure on the island.

After leisure time on the island, meet your guide at the port and take the boat back to Istanbul. Drop off at your hotel after this lovely excursion to Princes’ Islands. Overnight stay in istanbul .

(Breakfast and dinner included)
Free day until departure for your domestic flight to Izmir. Transfer from airport and check in to your hotel in Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi

(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast between 08:30 am, departure from hotel fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world en - route, visiting the Temple of Artemis, Curetes street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library and Grand theatre. Lunch break around 13:00 pm. After the lunch, we will visit a place, which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet-weaving centre. After lunch, we will do a Turkish Village Tour. Sirince’s construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slope are all Orginal with their white paints. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. We will see the vineyards and it is time to learn how to make fruit wine. In the evening, you will be tested about your knowledge of making fruit wine. On the way, we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region, where you will have the opportunity to get a good factory rate. On this guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)

After breakfast, we depart for İzmir Airport for our domestic flight to Cappadocia. Transfer from Kayseri airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cappadocia. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia.


Please Note: If you wish to join our optional activity of Cappadocia Hor Air Ballooning for tomorrow, please contact with your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning.

(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast at 09:30 depart for Cappadocia Tour. We will drive you to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best preserved Underground cities in Cappadocia. After Underground City tour, you visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum is famous for frescoes dating to 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. Next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you go to the restaurant in Avanos to have lunch. After lunch, you visit a pottery work shop, to see how to make potteries. Then you go to Love Valley. Love Valley Cappadocia is a hidden valley with scenic formations to say the least. Despite the resemblance to man hood, these amazing rock formations are far from man-made. Next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. Last stop is Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and you will be returned back to your hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, you will have free time shopping in Cappadocia. In the evening, we depart for Kayseri airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul. Transfer from Istanbul airport to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Trip includes

Included

4 nights hotel in Istanbul - 5 Star Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera Hotel
2 nights hotel in Kusadasi - Odelia Resort Hotel
2 nights hotel in Cappadocia - Elpuente Cave Hotel

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost

Hotel

Professional English-speaking tour guides

Guiding Method
Partially guided

English

8 open buffet breakfasts
4 dinners

Vegetarian Halal Meat

All airport transfer services mentioned inside the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
Guided Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour
Guided Princes Island Tour
Guided Cappadocia Tour with Underground City and Goreme Open Air Museum
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

✅ Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October): Ideal weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer (June-August): Hot and crowded, especially in Ephesus and Cappadocia.
Winter (December-February): Cold in Cappadocia (possible snowfall), but fewer crowds and stunning landscapes.

✅ Currency & Payment
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY).
ATMs & Credit Cards: Widely accepted, but carry some cash for smaller shops and taxis.
Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants; small tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are appreciated.

✅ Local Etiquette & Culture
Dress modestly when visiting mosques (women should carry a scarf for covering).
Shoes must be removed before entering mosques.
Bargaining is common in bazaars but not in malls or restaurants.
Turkish hospitality is generous—accepting tea or coffee from locals is a sign of respect.

✅ Transportation & Travel
Domestic Flights: Istanbul to Izmir and Izmir to Cappadocia  / Cappadocia to Istanbul are the fastest options.
High-Speed Trains: Not available for this route; flights and private transfers are preferred.
Public Transport in Cities: Metro, trams, ferries, and taxis are available (use official taxis or ride-hailing apps like BiTaksi).
Intercity Travel: Comfortable buses and private transfers for shorter distances.

✅ Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes – Many sites, like Ephesus and Cappadocia, require extensive walking.
Light clothing & a jacket – Weather varies between regions.
Power Adapter: Type F (European standard, 220V).
Sunscreen & hat – Essential for hot days, especially in Ephesus and Cappadocia.

✅ Must-Try Local Dishes
Istanbul: Balık Ekmek (Fish Sandwich), Baklava, Turkish Tea & Coffee.
Ephesus / Şirince: Fresh local wines, Gözleme (Turkish flatbread), Olive Oil Dishes.
Cappadocia: Testi Kebab (meat slow-cooked in a clay pot), Manti (Turkish dumplings).

✅ Safety & Health Tips
Türkiye is generally safe, but beware of pickpockets in busy areas.
Tap water is safe in major cities, but bottled water is recommended.
Emergency Number: 112 (Medical & Police Assistance).
Travel Insurance: Advised for any medical emergencies or trip disruptions.

Excluded

International flights
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir
Domestic flight from Izmir to Kayseri / Nevsehir
Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

Insurance: All types

Lunch
Turkey entry visa
Tipping
Hotel room taxes
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section

Availability

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Reviews

5.0
·2 reviews
UsamaIfti
UsamaIfti
Jun 02, 2016TripAdvisor
Turgay, the best tour guide :')

We had a tour of 9 days with Travel Shop Turkey, and during this period we covered almost all the Istanbul, visited Bursa, Princess Islands and Yedigoller Milli...

razahussain2123244
razahussain2123244
Jun 02, 2016TripAdvisor
My Recommended Guide: TURGUY

These Nine Days Have Been Memorable For Me. Turkey It Self Being A Beautifull Country Has Alot To Offer. A Must Must Visit Place. Travel Shop And Turguy Made ...

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