Jewels of Istanbul Cappadocia Izmir and Bodrum Tour Detail Page

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city that lies on two continents. Alternatively, you can consider taking an optional Bosphorus cruise in the afternoon.

Today, consider a full-day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum (excluding Harem Section), the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453 – 1852. Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next, see St Sophia, a church built in the 6th century Byzantine Capital, converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Don’t miss exploring the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets.

In the morning, collect your rental vehicle and drive approximately 8-hours and 30-minutes to Cappadocia. You can stop in the Turkish capital Ankara for lunch and visit Anatolian Civilizations Museum. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, check in at your hotel for rest and overnight.

Early in the morning, consider taking an optional hot air balloon tour: Experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise. For the rest of the day, you can explore this unique landscape on your own or consider joining a sightseeing tour.

Today, we recommend an early departure from your hotel as you will drive approximately 10-hours. En route, visit Konya’s tomb of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and admire the middle-aged Seljuk architecture. Upon arrival in Izmir, check in at your hotel for rest and overnight.

In the morning, you will enjoy a scenic drive to Bodrum. Your journey will take approximately 3-hours and 30-minutes. En route, visit the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus. You will also visit the ongoing excavations of the Greco-Roman palaces the ''Elite Yamac Homes of Antiquity'' (Terrace Houses) with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes being restored by archeologists as you visit the site. In addition to the historic monuments, your excursion will also include a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely little chapel believed to be the Virgin Mary’s last home. Upon arrival in Bodrum, check in at your hotel for rest and overnight.

You will have a full day to relax in Bodrum or consider joining an optional boat cruise tour around the peninsula. Alternatively, you can visit Bodrum’s Crusaders Castle, also known as Bodrum Castle – resting between the two bays that surround the city – and you can also visit the Underwater Sea Museum.

Today, check out from your hotel and drive approximately 40-minutes to Bodrum Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and check-in for your Istanbul flight. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.