Interested in experiencing the full charm of Turkey? The Anatolian Crossroads is an 8-day program that begins in Istanbul. From there, you'll fly to Cappadocia to explore the enchanting fairy chimneys, before taking another flight to Izmir. After exploring Ephesus, the journey continues to Pamukkale, where the tour concludes.
Important Trip Notes:
(*) Please note that this itinerary is a draft and subject to change. Once you book, you'll receive a detailed and customized itinerary, including information on hotels, meeting locations, times, emergency phone numbers, flight details, and more. This will be sent to you via email or uploaded to your dashboard. We invite you to review the trip documents carefully and feel free to ask any questions you may have. Only the final trip document is considered valid.
(*) A copy of each traveler's passport ID page is required for this trip. You may cover your photo on the page with a piece of paper. This information is necessary for issuing flight, cruise, or ferry tickets. Additionally, for security reasons, it is recommended that you carry a photocopy of your passport’s information page with you while traveling.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul. Meals: N/A Distance: 40 km
Istanbul
Take a leisurely walk along Sogukcesme Street, lined with traditional wooden houses that stand as landmarks of Ottoman architecture. Arrive at Topkapi Palace, the largest and oldest of the existing palaces where Ottoman Sultans once resided. Explore its gardens, kitchens, treasury, and terraces, which offer stunning views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Pause for a photo at the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III, then visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture dating back to the 6th century. After lunch, visit the Blue Mosque, adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles. Continue to the Roman Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races. Discover Anatolian handicrafts and shop in the winding corridors of the Grand Bazaar. Overnight stay in Istanbul. Meals include Breakfast and Lunch. Total Distance: 10 km.
Overnight: Istanbul
Istanbul
Stroll along the Golden Horn, the estuary that separates the European side of Istanbul. Enjoy some free time in the Egyptian Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with aromas and bustling activity, where the streets exude the essence of the East. Next, embark on a boat trip along the Bosphorus, the waterway linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the journey, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning European and Asian coastlines of Istanbul, featuring palaces, fortresses, and charming wooden residences. (**The excursion concludes at Taksim Square and Sultanahmet Square; there is no transfer back to hotels**). In the afternoon, you will be taken to the airport for a flight (included) to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Optional early morning Hot Air Balloon Tour: Enjoy a flight to take in the stunning lunar-like scenery of Cappadocia, gliding over the Fairy Chimneys, orchards, and vineyards. Full-day excursion with lunch: Spend the entire day exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of this unique region. Visit the frescoed interiors of Göreme's cave churches, which date back to the 8th century. Take a walk through Avcılar, Paşabağı, and the Red Valley of Devrent, where you can admire the chimney-like volcanic formations, with a brief photo stop at Uçhisar. Dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Cappadocia
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Once you arrive, proceed to Kusadasi where you'll spend the night. Meals included: Breakfast.
Overnight: Kusadasi
Kusadasi
Explore the ancient city by strolling down its 2,000-year-old marble streets, visiting renowned landmarks like the theatre and the Celsus Library. In the afternoon, tour the House of the Virgin Mary and make a photo stop near the Temple of Artemis, where just one column marks the location of what was once one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Kusadasi
Drive to Pamukkale, famously known as the 'cotton castle.' Here, you can admire the beauty of the immense white limestone terraces cascading down the barren hillside. After lunch, explore Hierapolis, where you will find the beautifully preserved Necropolis, the main Street and Gates, the thermal Baths, the devil’s hole, and the Masterpiece Theater. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Pamukkale
Pamukkale
After breakfast, proceed to Denizli Airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul, where you'll connect to your international flight. Meals: Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.