Small Group: 9 Days Turkey Tour
Overview
Small Group: 9 Days Turkey Tour
This journey offers a refined small-group tour of Turkey. In Istanbul each day explores a different area, historical period and side of the city's culture, and your guides give you a broader understanding of its imperial sites.
Comfortable 4-star hotels make your city stay relaxed as well as culturally rich.
After Istanbul, the route continues to the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia and then to the ancient treasures of the Aegean: Ephesus and Pamukkale.
Underground cities, open-air museums, classical cities and natural wonders are linked by a well-planned route, scheduled domestic flights and professional guiding, making this an ideal premium small-group tour of Turkey.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
Our representative meets you at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport with a sign showing our logo and takes you to your hotel.
Overnight: Novotel Zeytinburnu (4★)
Day 2 - Bosphorus & Modern Istanbul Tour
After breakfast your guide meets you at the hotel for a full day exploring Istanbul's modern and scenic side.
You begin with a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, with wonderful views of the skyline. You then visit Yildiz Palace and the Spice Market, and end the day at Taksim Square and lively Istiklal Street.
Lunch included.
Overnight: Novotel Zeytinburnu (4★)
Day 3 - Istanbul Old City Walking Tour
After breakfast your guide meets you in the hotel lobby to explore the historic heart of Istanbul. Today you visit:
- Hippodrome Square
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace
- Grand Bazaar
This walking tour lasts about 7 hours and takes you deep into the city's 2,500-year history. You also visit a traditional carpet workshop to see centuries-old weaving techniques and craftsmanship up close.
At the end of the tour your guide takes you back to your hotel.
Lunch included.
Important: Hagia Sophia may be partly or fully closed for restoration in 2027. In that case the Basilica Cistern is visited instead.
Overnight: Novotel Zeytinburnu (4★)
Day 4 - Golden Horn & Suleymaniye Tour / Flight to Cappadocia
After breakfast you explore the Golden Horn, starting with the panoramic view from Pierre Loti Hill, followed by a stroll through the colourful streets of Fener and Balat. You also visit the impressive Suleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's architectural masterpieces.
In the afternoon you are transferred to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight. In Kayseri your driver meets you and takes you to your hotel.
Lunch included.
Flight: Turkish Airlines 16:05 Istanbul → 17:35 Kayseri
Overnight: Fresco Cave Suites Cappadocia
Day 5 - Northern Cappadocia Tour (Optional Balloon Ride)
(Optional, extra cost) Early in the morning you are picked up for a one-hour hot air balloon flight over the valleys of Cappadocia. After landing there is a small celebration in the valley and a flight certificate ceremony, and then you are taken back to your hotel for breakfast.
Your guide and van then pick you up for the Northern Cappadocia tour. Today you visit:
- Ozkonak Underground City
- Uchisar Castle
- Pasabag (Monks Valley)
- Avanos and its traditional pottery workshops
- Devrent Valley
Lunch included.
Overnight: Fresco Cave Suites Cappadocia
Day 6 - Southern Cappadocia Tour
This morning your guide picks you up for the Southern Cappadocia tour. Today you visit:
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Pigeon Valley
- Rose Valley
- Mustafapasa (Sinasos)
- Ortahisar Castle
Lunch included.
Overnight: Fresco Cave Suites Cappadocia
Day 7 - Flight to Izmir & Ephesus Tour
Early hotel pickup at 05:15 and transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir.
Flight: SunExpress 08:25 Kayseri → 09:35 Izmir
On arrival you drive to Ephesus for a full day of sightseeing. Today you visit:
- Celsus Library
- Great Theatre
- Marble Street
- Temple of Hadrian
- House of the Virgin Mary
- Temple of Artemis
- A local leather workshop
Lunch included.
At the end of the tour you are transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Overnight: Suhan Seaport Hotel (4★)
Day 8 - Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour / Return to Istanbul
This morning you drive about 2 hours to Pamukkale, the last stop of your tour, with your local guide telling you about the sites on the way.
You will visit:
- The Pamukkale travertines
- Hierapolis Ancient City
- Roman Baths
- Domitian Gate
- Frontinus Street
- Agora
- Temple of Apollo
- Hierapolis Theatre
You can also take a dip in the Cleopatra Pool (extra fee).
Lunch included.
After the tour you are transferred to Denizli Airport for your flight to Istanbul, and then to your hotel.
Flight: AJet 19:05 Denizli → 20:20 Istanbul
Overnight: Novotel Zeytinburnu (4★)
Day 9 - Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast you have free time for shopping or some last sightseeing in Istanbul. You are then transferred to the airport in time for your international flight.
This is the end of our service. Thank you for travelling with us; we look forward to welcoming you again.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Lunches during All Full-Day Tours
- ✓4-Star Hotel Bookings with Breakfast and Dinner
- ✓Small Group Tour
- ✓Local Tour Guides
- ✓Domestic Flights
- ✓Transportation by Private Van
- ✓Pick-up and Drop-off Service
- ✓Airport Transfers (Mentioned)
- ✓Skip-the-line Access to Buy Tickets
- ✓Museum Tickets & Attraction Fees
- ✕International Flights to/from Turkiye
- ✕Optional Activities & Tours
- ✕Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional)
- ✕Drinks
- ✕Gratuity (Suggested)
- ✕Personal Expenses
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are not refundable. All times are local time.