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8 Day Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour

4.8 607 reviews 🏆 Travelers' Choice 2026
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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

Highlights

  • Istanbul’s Byzantine & Ottoman Relics – Explore Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Basilica Cistern on a guided walking tour.
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise – Enjoy a magical evening with dinner, live entertainment, and stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline.
  • Ephesus & The House of Virgin Mary – Walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities, and visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary.
  • Sirince Village & Kusadasi – Experience the charm of Sirince, a picturesque village famous for its wine and local crafts.
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Marvel at the white travertine terraces and explore the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis.
  • Egyptian Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise – Discover Istanbul’s spice-scented market and take a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus.
  • Balat, Pierre Loti & Istiklal Street – Stroll through colorful Balat, enjoy panoramic views from Pierre Loti Hill, and experience the lively atmosphere of Istiklal Street.

Overview

Route

Starts from
Izmir
Ends in
Istanbul
Pickup Location
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Dropoff Location
Istanbul Airport
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Itinerary

Arrive at Izmir Airport and private transfer to the hotel. You’ll have free time after check-in. Stroll along the seaside in Alsancak and Kordon, and enjoy the Izmir evening in stylish cafes and restaurants. Accommodation in Izmir.  beauty.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Today, we discover İzmir, Şirince & Kuşadası – A Perfect Aegean Getaway!
We Start our tour in Izmir by exploring the bustling Kemeraltı Bazaar, the ancient ruins of Agora, and the historic Kızlarağası Hanı, perfect for a traditional Turkish coffee break.
After Izmir Sightseeing, head to the charming Şirince Village, famous for its stone houses for 300 years, fruit wines, and cosy streets filled with handmade crafts. Wine test on the different wine houses.Lunch break with local dishes in Sirince Village. Visit Isabey Mosque, St. John Church, and Isabey Mosque in Selcuk.
After a scenic drive, you arrive in Kuşadası, a lively seaside town where you can relax by the Aegean Sea, enjoy fresh seafood, and soak in the beautiful sunset. While strolling in Kusadasi, see Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caravanserai and Pigeon Island. Accommodation in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Arrive in Pamukkale after a pleasant journey through the fertile Aegean plains, where you will see olive, orange, and vegetable gardens and charming villages.
Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site named for its white travertine terraces. These natural formations were formed by the hardening of calcium carbonate from hot springs over time. With their dazzling whiteness and stepped structure, travertines resemble cotton piles. Visitors can walk in the hot water pools and enjoy the natural thermal waters.
Have lunch in the local Restaurant. Hierapolis, located right next to Pamukkale, is an ancient Roman city. Founded by the Kingdom of Pergamon in the 2nd century BC, it has become famous as a health centre, mainly due to its thermal waters. The main structures in Hierapolis are the Antique Theater, Temple of Apollo, Necropolis (Cemetery), Cleopatra Pool, Frontinus Gate, and Frontinus Street Cleopatra Pool You can swim in this ancient pool of thermal water. ( Extra Payment) .Accommodation in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
After breakfast, you will arrive at Selcuk, 20 km from Kusadasi. Ephesus tour blends history, spirituality, and local culture, making it a must-experience journey in Turkey!
Ephesus is on the World Heritage list and one of the best-preserved Greek-Roman cities. Visit the ancient Ephesus, home to the impressive Library of Celsus, the Grand Theater, and the Marble Streets, which showcase the grandeur of the Roman era. Terrace Houses entrance fee extra.
The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the Virgin Mary's final residence. Continue to the St. John Church, built over the tomb of St. John the Apostle and offering breathtaking views of Selçuk. Lunch break in a Local restaurant. Explore the ruins of the legendary Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Upon request, a short break for souvenir shopping and a fashion show at the leather clothing Outland store will end our tour. Accommodation in Kusadasi. 

(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After breakfast, stroll on the Kusadasi shore and visit Pigeon Castel Okuz Mehmet Pasha Caranserai.
Transfer to Izmir Airport Fligt Istanbul. Free time for the rest of the day in Istanbul. 

BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE 20:00 - 24:00
Menu: Grill fish or meatballs or chicken, cold and hot appetisers,
Beverages.; Unlimited soft and alcoholic ( Raki, Beer, Wine, vodka)
Program: Music, Folklore performance, Whirling Dervishes show, Traditional wedding ceremony, Oriental belly dancer Show, and more.
Transfer: Return transfer from the hotel. 19:30 – 24:00
Accommodation in Istanbul.  

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Meet your guide at the hotel at 08:30, and we’ll start the day's tour.
Hagia Sophia: Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia Cathedral, built by Emperor Justinian between 532 and 537. St. Sophia is one of humanity's greatest shared treasures, known as the Church of Divine Wisdom. Topkapi Palace served as the Ottoman Empire's administrative and legislative centre for over 400 years. Its magnificent craftsmanship, tile decoration, and vast garden are worth a visit. The Treasury houses the golden throne of the Sultans, weapons and clothes decorated with precious stones and diamonds, and the holy relics of the Prophet Muhammad. Take a lunch in a local restaurant (included)
Hippodrome Square is where horse-chariot races and other events were held during the Byzantine Empire. Here, we can see the Serpent Column from Delphi in Greece, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain of Wilhelm ll, and the tombs of Ottoman sultans and princes.
Blue Mosque (extra Payment), also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1617 by Sedefkar Mehmet ağa, the Architect. It is best known for its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles, which lend the mosque its name.
Grand Bazaar, the world's oldest and largest covered bazaar, comprises 61 covered streets. It is home to over 4000 shops selling anything, from carpets, jewellery, leather, and souvenirs to garments, bags, decorations, spices, and home textiles. In an exotic and unique atmosphere, it is always bustling with locals and tourists.
End of the tour, return to your hotel.  Accommodation in Istanbul. 

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)
Istanbul's daily group tour with English guide 08:30 – 13:00 Today, explore Istanbul's vibrant culture and historical charm with this unforgettable tour covering the Egyptian Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Balat, Pierre Loti Hill, and Istiklal Street.
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar), where you can experience the rich aroma of spices, Turkish delights, and local delicacies. Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, one of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture, decorated with blue Iznik tiles. Fallow city walls and Golden Horn embark on a Cruise Boat.
Bosphorus  BoatTour offers an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with Istanbul. Enjoy the captivating scenery along the magnificent Bosphorus, which divides Asia from Europe. At the same time, you can view Istanbul's landmarks, such as the Maiden's Tower, the Bosphorus Bridge, the Dolmabahçe Palace, and the wooden mansions.
Lunch break in a local restaurant Balat: Discover the colourful streets of Balat, a historic district known for its Ottoman-era houses, antique shops, and vibrant street art. Next, take a cable car to Pierre Loti Hill, where you can relax at a traditional café while enjoying breathtaking Golden Horn views.
End your day on Istiklal Street, Istanbul’s most famous pedestrian avenue. This avenue has shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and the nostalgic tram. This tour perfectly combines history, culture, and scenic beauty, offering an authentic Istanbul experience! Accommodation in Istanbul 

(Breakfast included)
Transfer to Istanbul Airport flight to your country. Hope to see you on another Turkiye Holiday

What's included

  • Accommodation
  • Guide
  • Meals
  • Transport
  • Other included
  • Hygiene protocol

Not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Other not included

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Availability

Now, just deposit 25% of the total

Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before departure.

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