Minarets & Fairy Chimneys - 8 Days
Trip Snapshot
Age range
8 - 99Start / End
- Istanbul
- Istanbul
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 12Meals included
12Highlights
- Istanbul - Cruise between two continents on a one-hour Bosphorus ferry crossing as a guide picks out the historic sights along the strait
- Cappadocia - Explore the Goreme Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys before descending through the layers of an underground city
- Konya - Learn about the Whirling Dervishes at the Mevlana Museum, home to Rumi’s ornate tomb, before discovering one of the world’s earliest Neolithic settlements at the Catalhoyuk Museum
- Pamukkale - Stroll across the gleaming white terraces of Pamukkale and wander the ruins of Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo and the Necropolis
- Laodicea - Uncover the ancient city of Laodicea in the Lycus River Valley, once known as Diospolis, and its connections to Zeus
- Ephesus - Follow a guide through the ruins of Ephesus before visiting the site of the Temple of Artemis and the Ephesus Archaeology Museum
Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.
What's inside the PDF
Day-by-day itinerary
Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.Packing & kit list
Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.What's included
Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Summary
Set off across Turkey on this 8-day tour from Istanbul to Istanbul. A guided Bosphorus ferry crossing between two continents opens the trip, before a flight to Cappadocia for the Goreme Open Air Museum, fairy chimneys and an underground city. From here, the route continues to Konya for the Mevlana Museum, home to Rumi’s tomb, and the Catalhoyuk Museum. Next come the white terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, then ancient Laodicea on the way to Kusadasi. The tour finishes with a guided visit to Ephesus and a flight back to Istanbul.
Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul – we transfer you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to start exploring at your own pace.
Day 2
Bosphorus Cruise & Fly to Cappadocia
Today we cruise between two continents on a one-hour Bosphorus crossing by public ferry, as our guide points out historic sights along the strait. Later we fly to Cappadocia and transfer to our hotel – the remainder of the day is yours to explore.
Day 3
Exploring Cappadocia
Today we marvel at Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes as we visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, admire the fairy chimneys, and descend through the layers of an underground city. Cameras at the ready for superb views. This evening you can choose to join an optional Turkish folklore night with traditional music and belly dancing.
Day 4
Journey to Konya
We visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi at the Mevlana Museum, viewing his ornate tomb, historical manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes. Continuing along the historic Silk Road, we explore the Çatalhöyük Museum to gain insight into one of the world’s earliest and most sophisticated Neolithic settlements.
Day 5
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
We travel to Pamukkale to see its dazzling calcium travertines, then explore the ruins of Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo and the Necropolis, before strolling over the brilliant white terraces.
Day 6
Ancient Laodicea & Kusadasi
Today we explore the ancient city of Laodicea in the Lycus River Valley, once known as Diospolis, and learn about its connections to Zeus. This afternoon we enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
Day 7
Ephesus Ruins & Fly to Istanbul
We immerse ourselves in history on a guided tour of Ephesus and visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, then explore the Ephesus Archaeology Museum’s remarkable collections. At a carpet village we learn how handwoven carpets are made and what determines their value. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Istanbul.
Day 8
Istanbul
After breakfast, our journey concludes – we bid farewell to new friends before transferring you to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 5
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Apr 2027
from £3,139May 2027
from £3,139Jun 2027
from £3,139Jul 2027
from £3,139Aug 2027
from £3,139Sep 2027
from £3,139Oct 2027
from £3,139Mar 2028
from £3,139Apr 2028
from £3,139May 2028
from £3,139Jun 2028
from £3,139Jul 2028
from £3,139Aug 2028
from £3,139Sep 2028
from £3,139Oct 2028
from £3,139Nov 2028
from £3,139
April 2027
1 departureClick the bell to get notified when the price drops
- Saturday 10 Apr 2027to Saturday 17 Apr 20274 spaces of 12 left£3,139Pay MonthlyBook for£300 today, pay the rest later
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
Still have questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Why book with us
Help Change The World
We collaborate with local businesses and communities.
Best Price Guaranteed
We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!
You're In Good Hands
We work with trusted tour operators around the world.
You're spoilt for choice
We have the best choice of adventures on the market.
