Turkey Highlights: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

5 days · 5 suggested stays

Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, explore Sultanahmet district (overnight: Istanbul)

Hagia Sophia
Iconic Byzantine cathedral-mosque with stunning dome
Blue Mosque
Famous Ottoman mosque with blue Iznik tiles
Basilica Cistern
Underground water reservoir with Medusa heads
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — Visit site — More hotels
Historic hotel in Sultanahmet district

Day 2 — Istanbul culture morning, fly to Cappadocia evening (overnight: Istanbul)

Topkapi Palace
Ottoman sultans' palace with Harem and treasury
Grand Bazaar
Massive covered market with 4000+ shops
Flight to Cappadocia
Domestic flight Istanbul to Nevşehir/Kayseri
Sultanahmet Palace Hotel — Visit site — More hotels
Traditional cave hotel in Göreme

Day 3 — Cappadocia valleys, castles, and underground cities (overnight: Cappadocia)

Göreme Open Air Museum
Ancient rock-cut churches with frescoes
Derinkuyu Underground City
Massive underground city carved into rock
Uchisar Castle
Volcanic castle with panoramic valley views
Goreme Sunset Point
Scenic viewpoint for sunset over fairy chimneys
Sultan Cave Suites — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight.

Day 4 — Fly to Izmir, drive to Kusadasi for Ephesus visit (overnight: Kusadasi)

Flight to Izmir
Domestic flight Cappadocia to Izmir
Drive to Kusadasi
Car transfer from Izmir airport to Kusadasi
Library of Celsus
Magnificent Roman library facade at Ephesus
Charisma De Luxe Hotel — Visit site — More hotels
Upscale hotel in Kusadasi center

Day 5 — Ephesus full day, depart from Izmir (overnight: Izmir)

Great Theatre of Ephesus
Ancient 25,000-seat Roman theatre
Terrace Houses
Luxury Roman homes with mosaic floors
Curetes Street
Marble colonnaded street through Ephesus
Transfer to Izmir Airport
Private car to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir — Visit site — More hotels
Suggested stay for tonight — book direct on the hotel's own website.

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