Istanbul – Gallipoli – Ephesus – Cappadocia

Mini Tours and Packages

Day 1: Istanbul
A neon Tours representative will meet and escort you to the vehicle for transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Istanbul
Tour Topkapi Palace, which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. It has a superb position overlooking the Bosphorus. We also pay a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. After lunch we will visit the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Then visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine life for 1000 years, where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place. Then visit underground cistern basilica or Nakkas cistern. Then we will finish the day with a visit to Grand Bazaar which is the world’s biggest and the oldest shopping venue. Overnight in Istanbul. B L 

Day 3: Istanbul- Canakkale
Morning pick up from your hotel and drive to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, The Nek, 57th Regiment, chunuk bair later cross the Dardanelles, for dinner and overnight at Canakkale hotel. B L D

Day 4: Canakkale- Kusadasi
Morning visit Troy home of the “Trojan Horse” and “Helen of Troy” after lunch departure for Pergamum, tour ancient Medical center Asclepion later drive to Izmir  or Kusadasi and transfer to your hotels. B L

Day 5: Kusadasi/Izmir-Kayseri or Nevsehir
Morning tour the famous ruins of Ephesus and St. Mary’s Cottage late afternoon transfer to Izmir airport to take flight to Kayseri/Nevsehir B L

Day 6: Kayseri-Cappadocia
Visit Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock-cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery. Overnight in Cappadocia. B L 

Day 7: Cappadocia-Early Morning Optional
Hot Air Balloon Tour. Depart from the hotel at 9.30-10.00 am depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit Devrent Valley where various types of Fairy Chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Pasabagi with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak river, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the Fairy Chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Overnight at Cappadocia. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia. B L

Day 8: Cappadocia- Kayseri-Return
After breakfast transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport. B