Three Days of Marvels

Información

This tour enables you to experience two of the most precious cultural sites Turkey has to offer, over a period of three days. You will be able to see the ancient Ephesus, as well as Cappadocia, which has always been an object of desire to men, even before it was mentioned in the Holy Bible. Also, by opting for this tour, you will have a chance to see the night life of Izmir and Cappadocia.

DAY 1: ISTANBUL - IZMIR > EPHESUS

Private early morning transfer to the airport. Upon your arrival at Izmir airport, your car will be ready for you for the drive to Ephesus. The tour of this Roman capital of Asia Minor includes the Odeon, the Marble Street, the Hadrian Temple, the Celcius Library and the the Great Theatre. You may opt for lunch in a local restaurant, before paying a pilgrimage visit to the House of Virgin Mary. This Christian and Muslim shrine is located in the vicinity of Ephesus; and it is believed by many that Virgin Mary, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there. You will spend the night in Izmir, one of Turkey’s most beautiful cities, reckoned for its unique character.

DAY 2: IZMIR - ANKARA > CAPPADOCIA

Followinglunch, you will travel on the famous Silk Road, on the way to the underground city of either Kaymakli or Derinkuyu. Carved out of stone, these cities have been sanctuaries for early Christians evading their persecutors.

The afternoon’s wonders will then continue with the amazing panoramic view that you will enjoy at the natural citadel of Uçhisar. You will witness the poetry, written through the ages on the soft volcanic rock by none other than the elements of nature. The wind and the rain have worked together to create a surreal, almost lunar landscape; a scene of pillars and cones and, of course, the unique fairy chimneys. You will also have the chance to see Pigeon Valley, Avcilar Valley, Zelve Valley and Avanos - the pottery village. An elegant dinner and a magical night’s rest at your hotel in Cappadocia will help you to absorb the day’s marvels. (Optional tours to a simple wine house or to a local folkloric performance after dinner are available).

DAY 3: CAPPADOCIA - KAYSERI > ISTANBUL

Breakfast will be served at the hotel, before leaving for the Göreme Valley. Turks have a legend that explains the etymology of the name as: “Gör, Emi (see it for sure)”. This is not without areason, for this is the most important site of the region. The valley is home to rock churches and monastaries, going back to the 2nd century AD, which are richly decorated with colorful frescoes. You will also see the Soganli Valley, Cavusin Village and Pasabag Valley with Fairy Chimneys; as well as the Karanlik Church which has recently been restored and presented as a treasure to the world. You may opt for lunch in a local restaurant with selections of local wines. You will then be transferred to the airport at Kayseri, the hometown of Turkey’s hereditary merchants! After the return flight to Istanbul, there will be another private transfer, back to your hotel.

Meeting/pick-up point: Pick up at the hotel.
Start/opening time: 1st day – 6am.
End/closing time: 3rd day – 9pm.
Drop-off location: Hotel.
Included: Transportation by air conditioned vehicles, accommodation in a 4 stars hotel and domestic flight tickets.
Not included: Drinks and all personal expenses, admissions fee and lunch.