Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days
Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days
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Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Turkey's Cultural Triangle, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of this captivating country. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll marvel at iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, and wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Fly to Cappadocia to discover its unique rock formations, cave churches, and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City. Continue to Ephesus, home to the ancient Temple of Artemis and the impressive Library of Celsus. Relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and explore the ancient Roman spa town of Hierapolis. With comfortable 4-star accommodations, guided tours, and internal flights included, this small group tour offers an enriching cultural experience in Turkey's most iconic destinations. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Kent Hotel
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer from the airport to the hotel. The rest of today is free for you to relax in the hotel or head out and explore the only city in the world to straddle two continents!
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Kent Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a full-day guided sightseeing tour of the cosmopolitan city of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. You will see highlights of the city including the iconic exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was built by Emperor Justinian in the year 537 AD and was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years!
Take in the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the beautiful Blue Mosque before venturing into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar, which is a delightful assault on the senses. The evening is at leisure, or you could opt for a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia (book and pay locally).
Day 3: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Dilek Kaya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia. Say goodbye to Istanbul as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Kayseri in central Turkey. From here you will be transported to Cappadocia, the land of subterranean cave cities and rock castles.
Our first stop in this remarkable region will be the Devrent Valley, which is often called the Imaginary Valley because thousands of years of erosion mean that many of the rock formations here look like animals - keep your eyes out for the camel, alligator, and dolphin! You'll also see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles at Pasabagi (Monk's Valley). After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay used by the local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey.
After lunch, visit the incredible open-air museum at Goreme, where you will explore some of the centuries-old rock-cut cave churches and other settlements. Following this visit, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 4: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Dilek Kaya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning there's the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail serenely over Cappadocia on an optional hot air balloon ride (book and pay locally).
Later, enjoy a scenic hike through the Ihlara Valley, a stunning landscape shaped by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hasan. The valley, nourished by the meandering Melendiz River near Belisirma, offers a serene and picturesque trail. Continue to Selime to explore its remarkable hollowed-out citadel and ancient churches, where fairy chimneys gracefully dot the steep hillsides. Also, visit Yaprakhisar village, a perfect spot to capture memorable photos of this enchanting region.
The journey also includes stops at the picturesque Pigeon Valley and the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City. This remarkable subterranean complex features dwellings, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, churches, and even wineries. Once used as a refuge by Christian communities, it offers a glimpse into a unique and resilient way of life.
Day 5: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cappadocia - Kayseri - Izmir - Kusadasi. Say goodbye to Cappadocia as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight west to Izmir. From here you will be transported to the popular beach resort town of Kusadasi. The evening is at leisure.
Day 6: Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today there is a full-day tour of the legendary ancient city of Ephesus. The city dates back centuries and there are relics from the ancient Greek and Roman empires. One of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World was once found here, the Temple of Artemis. Sadly it has been completely destroyed apart from a single column which you will see. The main highlights of Ephesus are the striking colonnaded Library of Celsus and the amphitheatre. This had a capacity of 25,000, which made it the largest amphitheatre in the ancient world.
There's also a visit to the House of Mother Mary, where the Virgin Mary is alleged to have spent her final years. After the tour, you will return to Kusadasi.
Day 7: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi - Pamukkale. Leave Kusadasi and travel to Pamukkale, a jaw-dropping region where white calcium formations have built up over thousands of years due to the chemical properties of water in the area. The results are the 'cotton castles' and thermal pools of Pamukkale. Take a walk along the white water terraces known as travertines and enjoy a dip in the man-made pools at the bottom.
There is also a visit to the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, which was built by this historic civilization to make the most of the travertines. Explore the ruins and opt for a swim in Cleopatra's Pool. It was reportedly a gift to the Egyptian pharaoh from Marc Anthony and is the only place in the world where you can swim amongst real Roman columns; an earthquake hit the site in the 7th century which caused a nearby Temple of Apollo to collapse into the pool.
Day 8: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pamukkale - Istanbul. Transfer to Denizli Airport today for your included flight back to Istanbul, where your tour comes to an end.
Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You can also opt to exclude the flight back to Istanbul if you wish.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-star hotels (5-star available) -
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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7 nights 4-star hotels
Accommodation for 7 nights in 4-star hotels is included.
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3 internal flights
The tour includes 3 internal flights: Istanbul to Kayseri, Kayseri to Izmir, and Pamukkale to Istanbul.
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Private airport transfers
Private airport transfers are provided on days 1, 3, 5, and 8.
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Shared sightseeing
Shared sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale with a maximum group size of 14 passengers are included.
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English-speaking tour guide
An English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide is provided for all included sightseeing.
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All relevant transfers
All relevant transfers in private modern air-conditioned vehicles are included, as well as transportation for sightseeing tours in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as a Bosphorus dinner cruise and Cappadocia hot air balloon ride are not included.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of contemporary design and comfort at the Kent Hotel in Istanbul, the charming Dilek Kaya in Cappadocia, the modern Marina Hotel with sea views in Kusadasi, and the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel in Pamukkale, each offering unique amenities and prime locations.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with private airport transfers and modern air-conditioned vehicles for sightseeing. Enjoy three internal flights between Istanbul, Kayseri, and Izmir, ensuring a seamless journey across Turkey's cultural triangle.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at 4-star hotels such as the Kent Hotel in Istanbul, Dilek Kaya in Cappadocia, Marina Hotel in Kusadasi, and Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel in Pamukkale. These hotels offer modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, pools, and spa facilities.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul and a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, which can be booked and paid for locally.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 4 dinners.
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Is there a guide provided for the sightseeing tours?
Yes, an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide will accompany you for all included sightseeing tours.
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What is the maximum group size for the shared sightseeing tours?
The shared sightseeing tours are conducted with a maximum group size of 14 passengers.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, private airport transfers are included on days 1, 3, 5, and 8 of the tour.
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What is the policy regarding children on this tour?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years of age.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cultural Triangle of Turkey - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2451/CTOT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
Not recommended for under 5yrs.