Embark on an 8 day journey through Turkey starting in Istanbul with its bazaars and mosques, and see Roman ruins in Pergamum. Witness the beautiful Aegean Coast with tour to Ephesus and dip your toes in Pamukkale’s beautiful cascading mineral pools.
Istanbul
8 Days/ 7 Nights
7 breakfasts & 3 lunches
Free airport pickup and transfers
Air-conditioned Bus/Car/Van
English Speaking Local Guide
Upon your arrival to Istanbul, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in old city.
A welcome package with tour vouchers, an Istanbul map, and any other touristic information will be waiting for you upon arrival at your hotel. Free time is given for the rest of the day. Overnight in Istanbul
Between 08:30 – 09:00 am Pick up from hotel you will have a full day guided tour of the Hagia Sophia Mosque (see
from exterior), pride of the Byzantine architecture, Byzantine Hippodrome, where chariot races were held, Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles, Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman Sultans and Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest covered market with 4000 shops. Overnight in Istanbul
(*** Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, replaced by Underground Cistern or Turkish and Islamic Arts Musuem & Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, replaced with Spice Bazaar )
Pick up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport by your private vehicle. You will take a direct flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, which is about 1 hour. Upon arrival, you will meet by our represent with your name on board at the exit of the airport and be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free time to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel between 9:30 a.m and 10:00 a.m to begin your full-day Cappadocia adventure. Your first stop is Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), known for its whimsical fairy chimneys and dream-like landscapes.
Next, explore Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), famous for its striking double and triple-headed rock formations. From here, you will travel to Avanos for lunch, a town renowned for traditional pottery and the iconic Red River, Kızılırmak.
After lunch, discover the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the heart of Cappadocia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its beautifully preserved frescoes dating back to the 10th century, depicting scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and the early Christian monks.
Your final stop is Uchisar Castle, the highest natural viewpoint in the region and one of Cappadocia’s largest fairy chimneys. After the tour, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
After breakfast, transferred to airport and flight to Izmir. Upon arrival to Izmir airport, welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel between 9:30 a.m and 10:00 a.m for your full-day tour of the ancient Roman city of Ephesus. Explore iconic sites including the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, the Celsus Library, and the impressive Antique Theatre.
In the afternoon, continue to the charming village of Sirince, known for its picturesque streets and traditional houses. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kusadasi.
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel between 8:00 a.m and 8:30 a.m to begin your tour of Hierapolis, the ancient Greco-Roman city built above the natural hot springs. Explore its impressive landmarks, including the vast necropolis, the Great Baths, Frontinus Street, the theatre, the Martyrion of St Phillip, and the famous antique pool, often called Cleopatra’s Pool.
You will then visit the stunning white travertine terraces, created by the mineral-rich waters flowing down the mountainside. Enjoy the unique experience of walking barefoot across these natural formations.
At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul and our tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. You can connect to your outbound flight.
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Every day is balanced with must-see highlights and meaningful local experiences.
Contact us using the details below, or use our chatbot for instant answers and to reach one of our friendly travel specialists. If you have any questions about this tour, need help with a booking, or just want to chat about your next adventure, we’re here to help.
We know booking travel can be daunting and we want to give you as much information as we can about our tours so you feel happy and comfortable with the inclusions. Click the tabs below to read our trip notes. If you still need help reach out to our team who will be more than happy to assist.
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & you can swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup.
Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Timeless Turkey starts and ends in Istanbul.
The hotels used on this tour are rated at the 3- and 4-star level in Turkey. Local star ratings may vary from international standards, but we ensure that we use some of the best hotels available at the level stated. Accommodation is based on twin or double en-suite rooms with air-conditioning.
7 Nights accommodations at the following hotels:
Istanbul: Erboy Hotel or similar – located in the historic Sirkeci district with easy access to major sites.
Cappadocia: 1811 Cave Hotel or similar – a cave-style hotel in Ürgüp offering a distinctive regional experience.
Kuşadası: Efe Boutique Hotel or similar – modern beachfront accommodation in Kuşadası overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Hotels: The properties listed above are the ones we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels with ones of a similar standard.
Airport Pick-Up and Transfers
Your tour includes arrival and departure airport transfers in Istanbul, as well as all scheduled transfers between destinations throughout the tour.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Old City (Sultanahmet). Depending on traffic, this journey typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes.
A welcome package containing your tour vouchers, an Istanbul map, and useful travel information will be waiting for you at check-in. Please provide your flight details (flight date, flight number, arrival time, and traveller names) at least 10 days prior to arrival to ensure a smooth and confirmed transfer.
Airport transfers are included only on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary unless additional accommodation has been booked with us. If you arrange your own pre- or post-tour accommodation, you will need to organise your own airport transfers for those days.
Transportation in Turkey
During the tour, we use modern, air-conditioned vehicles such as private cars, minivans, and minibuses. All vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure safety and comfort for our guests.
Your internal flights between Istanbul, Cappadocia, Izmir and back to Istanbul are also included as part of the itinerary.
Internal Flights
The following internal flights are included:
Flight schedules may vary depending on availability, but all flights are direct and are approximately 1 hour in duration.
Distances & Driving Times
Below are the approximate distances and travel times between key destinations visited in Turkey. On longer journeys, we aim to take short breaks every few hours so that passengers can stretch, purchase snacks, and use restroom facilities.
Istanbul Airport → Old City (Sultanahmet):
Approx. 45–50 km | 45–60 minutes by private vehicle
Cappadocia Airports → Cappadocia hotel (Göreme/Ürgüp area):
Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport: approx. 40 km | 35–45 minutes
Kayseri Airport: approx. 75–80 km | around 60–70 minutes
Kusadasi → Ephesus:
Approx. 18–20 km | 20–30 minutes by car
Kusadasi → Pamukkale/Hierapolis:
Approx. 190–195 km | around 2.5–3 hours by road, depending on route and traffic
Izmir Airport → Kusadasi:
Approx. 70–80 km | around 1–1.25 hours by private transfer
These figures are approximate and are intended as a guide for travel times; actual durations may vary with traffic and local conditions.
Tipping in Turkey, known locally as bahşiş, is not mandatory, but it is a common and appreciated way to acknowledge good service. Travellers will find that tipping is a normal part of the hospitality culture, especially in tourism, food service, and guided activities.
Restaurants and Cafés
In table-service restaurants, it is customary to tip around 10 to 15 percent of the bill. In casual cafés or bars, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is perfectly acceptable. Some restaurants may include a service charge on the bill, so always check before tipping extra.
Hotels
Porters and bell staff: 20–50 Turkish Lira (TL) is a common gesture depending on luggage size.
Housekeeping: 20–30 TL per night is appreciated for multi-night stays.
Concierge services: For special assistance such as arranging reservations or transportation, 50–100 TL is a reasonable amount.
Tour Guides and Drivers
It is customary to tip your tour team in Turkey, especially when you feel you’ve received excellent care, knowledge and support throughout the day.
While tipping drivers is not as universally expected as tipping guides, it is still a valued gesture, especially on longer travel days or when your driver has provided exceptional service.
Taxis, Transfers and Other Services
For taxis and short transfers, it is standard to round up the fare rather than tip a percentage. For airport luggage assistance, a small tip per bag is appreciated.
Helpful Tips
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Türkiye. Please ensure your passport is in good condition, has sufficient blank pages and is not close to expiring or full.
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of each traveller, and requirements can change at any time. We strongly recommend checking with your nearest Turkish consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date information relevant to your nationality.
Many nationalities can visit Türkiye for tourism using the official online e-Visa system, while others may be eligible to enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Some nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance and may not be eligible for visa-on-arrival, so it is important to confirm your entry requirements before travelling.
If your nationality requires an e-Visa, it should be obtained online prior to departure. Travellers who are visa-exempt will still need a passport that meets the standard entry rules, including sufficient validity and blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Visa rules vary significantly depending on your nationality, and certain travellers (including some African and Asian passport holders) may have additional requirements or longer processing times. For this reason, we strongly recommend confirming your visa status well in advance of your departure.
For further information on your personal visa requirements, please contact your local Turkish embassy or consulate.
Currency
The official currency of Türkiye is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Prices in tourist areas may sometimes be displayed in Euros or US Dollars, but everyday purchases, tipping, and smaller transactions are almost always handled in Lira. We recommend carrying a small amount of local currency for convenience.
Cash vs Card
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, major shops, and most tourist attractions. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used. However, Türkiye is still a largely cash-friendly society, especially in markets, small cafés, local shops, and rural areas.
We recommend:
Carrying both cash and a card, as card terminals may occasionally be offline.
Using ATMs to withdraw Lira as needed rather than exchanging large amounts at airports.
Keeping small notes for tipping, snacks, toilets and small purchases.
Not relying solely on American Express, as acceptance can be limited.
ATMs & Payments
ATMs are widely available throughout Türkiye, including airports, city centres, and tourist locations. Many allow withdrawals in multiple currencies, but withdrawing Turkish Lira usually offers the best rates. Be aware that some ATMs may offer dynamic currency conversion (charging you in your home currency) this often results in a poorer exchange rate. Always select “Withdraw in TRY” when possible.
Bargaining & Markets
Bargaining is a normal part of shopping in markets, bazaars and small souvenir stalls. Don’t be shy, friendly negotiation is expected. In fixed-price shops and supermarkets, prices are non-negotiable.
General Tips
Keep some small Lira notes for public toilets, which often charge a small entry fee.
Card payments at markets may include an extra fee or come with minimum spend requirements.
Taxis generally accept cash only.
Always notify your bank before travelling to avoid card blocks.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Türkiye. However, it is recommended that travellers are up to date with their routine vaccinations, including tetanus and measles, as part of general travel health. Requirements and recommendations can change, so we strongly suggest consulting your doctor or a registered travel health clinic before departure.
Türkiye has a modern healthcare system, with pharmacies (known as “eczane”) found throughout all major cities and towns. Many common medications are available over the counter, although prescription rules may differ from your home country.
General Travel Health Tips
Personal Medication
If you take prescription medication, ensure you travel with enough to last your entire trip. Keep all medicines in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter, as this may be requested at customs if you are carrying large amounts of medication.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
If you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight, or do any extreme sports during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered. Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.
If you are taking expensive camera gear or other electronic equipment with you then please check the coverage and the fine print of your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover.
Luggage: Suitcases, rucksacks or fabric holdalls are all fine to bring with you to Turkey. You should also bring a small daypack/bag to take out during the day. Your main luggage will normally be left in the hotel during your sightseeing trips – you will not need to carry it far, and there are nearly always hotel porters to assist.
Luggage limits: There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.
Clothing: Turkey’s climate changes drastically, with cold winters and hot summers. In western Turkey from late March to May, spring brings with it average temperatures of around 15C, though the weather does gradually warm up with sunny days interspersed with rain showers. From May to the end of October, the climate is hot and sunny, getting cooler as the year progresses. In Central Turkey around Cappadocia, the climate is cold with regular snowfalls from the end of November until late February. With spring the weather warms and the snow disappears altogether, though it still remains cold at night and first thing in the morning. Summer starts from May onwards, with temperature reaching around the mid 30’s. The East of Turkey from late May has warmed up considerably, and stays hot until late September with sunny days, but the night time temperatures start to drop. By the end of October you can expect the first of the winter snows. So you must pack for cool and potentially wet conditions late in the year.
Modesty rates highly in some parts of Turkey, especially for women and in the East, so please ensure clothes are loose fitting and not too revealing. Loose shorts are OK in tourist sites, as are T-shirts, but these should not show too much bare flesh (your shoulders should remain covered). In Eastern Turkey villages, and any mosques throughout the country, legs and arms should be covered. Attidudes are more relaxed in the seaside resorts.
Contacting home:
We recommend that you purchase a local SIM card upon arrival should you wish to stay in touch with friends and family back home. The Internet is widely available; however, it is costly to use within hotels and on cruise boats and may be unreliable.
In case of emergency please contact: info@timeless.tours or call, WhatsApp or text message our Egypt office on +20 1003024950 / +2 01280211886 / +201284666462. UK:-+447585332251
Travel Advice
We monitor the latest travel updates and follow official sources for travel guidance. It is strongly recommended you check the latest advice from your national foreign office or travel department before departure.
Solo Travellers
We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please select a single supplement at the time of booking.
Time:
The local time in Türkiye is based on UTC +03:00 hours year-round. Türkiye does not observe daylight saving time
Voltage:
In Türkiye the standard voltage is 230 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. The plug types in common use are Type C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips).
If you are bringing appliances from countries with a different voltage (for example 110 V from the US) you may need a voltage converter in addition to a plug adapter. Universal travel adapters are widely available at airports.
Hotel rooms normally have suitable sockets for charging cameras, phones and other devices.
Discover the world with Timeless Tours, your gateway to unforgettable destinations. Experience unique cultures, breathtaking landscapes and rich histories as we guide you through the world’s most enchanting places.
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Our team’s deep commitment to quality has shaped unforgettable journeys for thousands of global travellers. Each member brings extensive, firsthand knowledge and a passionate dedication to their craft, ensuring that every Timeless Tour is not just a trip, but a lifetime experience.
Our team’s deep commitment to quality has shaped unforgettable journeys for thousands of global travellers. Each member brings extensive, firsthand knowledge and a passionate dedication to their craft, ensuring that every Timeless Tour is not just a trip, but a lifetime experience.
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