Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon your arrival in Istanbul, our arranged transfer service will drive you to your hotel for an overnight stay, ensuring you are well-rested for tomorrow's adventure.
Day 2 – Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour, Overnight in Istanbul
Your morning pick-up from the hotel at 08:30 will take you to visit St. Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture adorned with mosaics, marble pillars, and vibrant coverings. Just across is the Blue Mosque, known for its grand scale and six minarets adorned with 21,043 Iznik tiles. The tour continues to the Ancient Hippodrome, a scene of chariot races, with three notable monuments: The Obelisk of Theodosius, The Bronze Serpentine Column, and The Column of Constantine. Next, explore Topkapi Palace, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing a remarkable collection of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, and relics of the Prophet Mohammed. The day concludes with a short drive to the Grand Bazaar, a colorful institution in Istanbul (closed on Sundays and during Eid festivals). The tour concludes around 17:00, and you'll be transferred back to your hotel for the evening. (Breakfast and Lunch Included)
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise Tour, Night flight to Izmir / Overnight Kusadasi
After checking out from the hotel post-breakfast and taking your suitcases with you, a transfer will pick you up at 08:30 am (time may change) from your hotel reception. The day begins with a visit to the Spice Market/Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with enticing aromas of various herbs and spices. You'll have free time to explore and purchase fresh herbs and spices. The journey continues with a Bosphorus Tour By Boat, sailing along the coastline and passing by magnificent landmarks, including Dolmabahce Palace, Yildiz Palace, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and Beylerbeyi Palace. The excursion offers a unique view from the Bosphorus Bridge and concludes at Camlica Hill. The afternoon is free for leisure to explore more of Istanbul. You will be informed about the airport transfer details. A night flight will take you from SAW or IST airport to Izmir, where you'll meet and be transferred to Kusadasi for an overnight stay. Breakfast included.
Day 4 – Ephesus Tour, Overnight in Kusadasi
Today's full-day Ephesus sightseeing begins at 09:00 am. Pick-up from your hotel in Kusadasi and a short drive to Ephesus, where you have the option to choose a group or private tour. The tour includes a visit to The House of the Virgin Mary, the Ancient City of Ephesus, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the stream baths of Scholastika, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theater, and the impressive Library of Ephesus. The tour also covers The Grand Theater, and the Temple of Artemis (Diana), and concludes with a visit to the Mosque of Isa Bey. You'll have an hour of free time for rest and refreshments during the tour. Lunch is included.
Day 5 – Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour, Overnight Bus to Cappadocia
After checking out from the hotel post-breakfast, your day will start with a pick-up from your hotel in Kusadasi to explore Pamukkale & Hierapolis. Pamukkale, translated as 'Cotton Castle,' has attracted visitors for over 23 centuries with its thermal springs. The snow-white cliffs, shaped by mineral springs, create a spectacular sight. Legend has it that the formations are solidified cotton left out to dry by giants. You'll witness mineral-rich water cascading over petrified stalactites into milky pools below. Don't miss the healing dip in Cleopatra’s Pool. A short walk to Hierapolis City, also known as the 'Holy City,' reveals the Necropolis and the Martyrium, believed to be erected on the site where St. Philip was martyred. Explore the City Bath and the Grand Theater with a capacity of 25,000. After the tour, there will be a one-hour free break for rest and refreshments. The journey continues to Cappadocia by bus at 21:00 or 22:00 (non-smoking, fully air-conditioned bus, duration: 10 hours). Breakfast and Lunch Included.
Day 6 – Cappadocia Tour 1, Overnight in Cappadocia
Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will be transferred to your hotel (according to availability) for a chance to freshen up before embarking on our exploration of Cappadocia's secrets. The day begins with a departure from your hotel around 09:30 am. Our first visit will be to Devrent Valley, also known as ‘Imagination Valley.’ Although lacking cave churches or Roman citadel ruins, this valley boasts unique and extraordinary landscape shapes resembling various animals. A visit to Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) follows, where mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys captivate with their interesting structures. The tour then proceeds to Avanos, a charming village set on the banks of Kizilirmak, the ‘Red River.’ Explore the old village with its maze of stone houses, some restored and others converted for different purposes. Enjoy a hands-on pottery workshop and take a lunch break (included). The journey continues to the Goreme Open Air Museum, featuring incredible rock formations and fascinating rock-cut churches. The day concludes with a visit to Uchisar, a village perched on a steep rock formation, offering dramatic panoramas of Cappadocia. You'll have one hour of free time to relax and soak up the panoramic views before being transferred back to your hotel around 17:00. (Lunch Included).
Day 7 – Cappadocia Tour 2, Overnight Bus to Istanbul
Check out from the hotel after breakfast as we prepare to explore Red Valley and Rose Valley. Red Valley is known as one of the most beautiful places for walking in Cappadocia, with its breathtaking landscapes. Visit Hacli Church and Ayvali Church in Rose Valley, both adorned with astounding painted decorations. The tour continues to the old Christian Village of Cavusin and Pigeon Valley, offering spectacular views of natural cliffs and man-made caves. Finally, explore Kaymakli Underground City and Ortahisar Castle. There will be one hour of free time during the day for rest and refreshments. The adventure through Cappadocia concludes around 17:00. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at a Cappadocian restaurant. At approximately 21:00, embark on an overnight bus journey back to Istanbul. You will be informed about the pick-up place and time. Our buses are non-smoking, equipped with fully working air-con and comfortable seating. The journey duration is about 11 hours. (Breakfast and Lunch Included).
Optional: Hot air Balloon tour
Day 8 – Istanbul Free Day, Overnight in Istanbul
Upon our morning arrival in Istanbul, you will be transferred to your arranged hotel by shuttle. The day is entirely yours to spend as you wish. Whether you choose to relax or explore the magical city of Istanbul, the decision is yours. Here are some MUST-SEE ideas for you:
Basilica Cistern: An unexpectedly romantic place with lights and music. Don’t miss the upside-down head of Medusa.
Süleymaniye Mosque: Designed by the great Ottoman architect Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent, it's regarded as the finest of the 42 surviving mosques he designed for Istanbul. Retains much of the original complex of social service buildings.
Enjoy an overnight stay in Istanbul as tomorrow marks the final day of your historical tour around Turkey.
Day 9 – End of Tour
After breakfast, check out from your hotel room before noon. You will be transferred to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your flight back home. The transfer to the airport will be scheduled based on your flight details. Your time with us has come to an end, and we trust that your exploration of Turkey's hidden treasures has exceeded your expectations. We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to seeing you again on one of our many other time-traveling packages. (Breakfast included)
PS: Normally, the hotel check-in time is noon. If your room is not ready (in case of early check-in), please leave your suitcases in the hotel's luggage room.
No extra hidden cost..!
What’s Included
Transfers mentioned in the itinerary (regular group transfers).
Local taxes and service charges.
Hotel accommodations on the itinerary according to your selection as 3, 4, or 5-star hotels.
Meals are mentioned in the itinerary.
Professional English speaking guidance.
(You can ask for other language options for groups).
Entrance fees to the various sites.
Transportation with A/C and nonsmoking coaches.
What’s Not Included
Dinner, Drinks.
Tips to guide, driver and hotel personnel (optional).
Cleopatra's pool inside Pamukkale and Terrace houses inside of Ephesus.
Personal Expenses.
No extra hidden cost!
Mr Richard Dale 2018-12-09
Back in August i took part on a 9 Day Turkey Tour by bus package i had found with the agency www.greeceturkeytours.com after a good chat with Mehmet, i chose this specific 9 day turkey tour by bus package due to the price but also because of the places it would be visiting such as Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and ending with Cappadocia. I can easily and freely say that i was very happy with my holiday and every minute was made worth while whether it been from exploring freely at my own will or been guided around world famous spots by a awesome tour guide that was never afraid to express his love for each finding. For me the whole 9 day turkey tour by bus package went beyond my expectations and i would recommend this agency and program in a heartbeat to everyone and anyone.Miss Jennifer Snell 2018-12-12
In all honesty i never really take the time to sit and post reviews about anything, however after recieving such excellent service from www.greeceturkeytours.com i had to be sure to share my opinion on such an outstanding agency as a whole. This 9 day turkey tour by bus package is indeed GREAT value for money and not something to be missed! After researching about each place this package would take me too i got really interested in wanting to do a Hot Air Balloon tour in Cappadocia i informed Vedat of this as he was who i booked by 9 day turkey tour by bus holiday with and he like a gem sorted the details for me and added it into my intinerary. I was a little anxious about doing the 9 day turkey tour by bus as im not really a good at travelling long distances by road HOWEVER the bus was so comfortable it felt like i was just sitting in my armchair like back home, the views along the way are so beautiful and green but you also get to see the way of life of the locals which is something else on its own. Every place we stopped to explore was breathtaking whether it be the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, The marble streets of Ephesus, snowy white tavines of Pamukkale or my ultimate favourite Cappadocia especially with the included Hot Air Balloon Tour added in at the last minute. Dont waste another moment searching around as you will not find a more welcoming, helpful, price beating agency that this one! I know for a fact i will be using them again in the future.jane & simon wilson 2019-02-04
We discovered this little diamond of an agency after having a good look online for turkey packages with a difference, we was wanting to explore different parts of Turkey within the same holiday but also wanted a good cheap fast deal and thats exactly what we got! The 9 day Turkey tour by bus package they had to offer took my attention from the sightseeing stops but also have always wanted to endure a road trip since i can remember so we thought why not combine the 2 ! I wanted to say a millon thanks to Vedat who made the whole experience stress free as i didnt have to do a thing to organise my holiday, he literaly took care of everything for me. Each and every tour was delivered superbly which without a doubt is all to do with having such a fabulous tour guide so a big shout out to Yeliz for giving us such an amazing time on our 9 day turkey tour by bus package. We loved it that much im very sure i would endure the whole 9 day turkey tour by bus all over again.