Turkey's Hidden Heartlands
5 days · 4 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, explore the historic Sultanahmet area, and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine church turned mosque, now a museum.
Blue Mosque
Stunning mosque with blue tiles and six minarets.
Bosphorus Cruise
Scenic boat tour along the strait separating Europe and Asia.
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
Comfortable hotel in the heart of old town.
Day 2 — Fly to Cappadocia, explore Göreme Open Air Museum and Uchisar Castle.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Flight to Cappadocia
Morning flight from Istanbul to Nevşehir or Kayseri.
Göreme Open Air Museum
Rock-cut churches and frescoes from Byzantine era.
Uchisar Castle
Panoramic views from a natural rock fortress.
Sultan Cave Suites
Luxurious cave hotel with terraces overlooking Göreme.
Day 3 — Hot air balloon ride at sunrise, explore underground city and valleys.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunrise flight over fairy chimneys and valleys.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Multi-level underground city used by early Christians.
Love Valley
Unique rock formations in a scenic valley.
Sultan Cave Suites
Luxurious cave hotel with terraces overlooking Göreme.
Day 4 — Fly to Izmir, visit Ephesus and nearby sites, overnight in Kuşadası.
(overnight: Selcuk)
Flight to Izmir
Morning flight from Cappadocia to Izmir.
Library of Celsus
Magnificent Roman library facade in Ephesus.
Great Theatre of Ephesus
Huge ancient theatre with capacity for 25,000.
Villa Dreams Ephesus
Boutique hotel near Ephesus with pool.
Day 5 — Drive to Pamukkale, explore travertines and Hierapolis, then fly back to Istanbul.
(overnight: Pamukkale)
Drive to Pamukkale
Scenic drive from Kuşadası to Pamukkale.
Pamukkale Travertines
White terraces of mineral-rich thermal waters.
Hierapolis Theatre
Well-preserved ancient theatre in Hierapolis.
Flight to Istanbul
Evening flight from Denizli to Istanbul.
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