Highlights of Turkey: Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia
Member Savings
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
Highlights
- Hippodrome: Step into the grandeur of ancient entertainment where echoes of chariot races and mock battles still linger. Marvel at the majestic Egyptian Obelisk and the Bronze Serpentine Column, bearing witness to centuries of history.
- Blue Mosque: Behold the iconic silhouette that graces Istanbul's skyline, where sunlight dances on the intricate tiles, casting a mesmerizing deep blue glow. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of its vast interior, a testament to Ottoman architecture at its finest.
- Hagia Sophia: Journey back in time to the 6th century and witness the pinnacle of Byzantine art and architecture. Wander through halls adorned with exquisite mosaics and experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of this monumental structure, a symbol of divine wisdom and cultural heritage.
- Basilica Cistern: Descend into the depths of Byzantine engineering marvels and discover the mystical ambiance of the largest underground cistern adorned with ornate columns and mystical lighting. Feel the echoes of ancient whispers as you explore this subterranean sanctuary.
- Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of colors, scents, and sounds that define one of the world's oldest and most captivating marketplaces. Let your senses guide you through a maze of treasures, where every corner holds the promise of a unique find.
- Topkapi Palace: Enter the realm of Ottoman opulence and intrigue as you wander through the lavish halls and gardens of the Sultan's former residence. From exquisite treasures to stunning vistas, immerse yourself in the luxurious lifestyle of the Ottoman elite.
- Spice Market: Embark on a sensory journey through the aromatic alleys of this bustling marketplace, where the air is filled with the intoxicating scents of exotic spices and teas. Indulge in the flavors of the Orient and uncover hidden culinary delights.
- Bosphorus Straits: Cruise along the enchanting waters that bridge two continents, where centuries of history unfold against a backdrop of majestic palaces, charming wooden mansions, and modern villas. Let the gentle breeze carry you through a timeless panorama of beauty and elegance.
- Ephesus: Step into the footsteps of ancient civilizations and wander through the remarkably preserved ruins of one of Rome's greatest cities. Feel the echoes of history come alive as you explore grand avenues, intricate temples, and majestic theaters.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodation in your choice of hotel category, or inquire to include your own selection of hotels or to exclude accommodation:
- Platinum Class Hotels (On Request)
- Gold Class Hotels (Hagia Sophia Mansions, Kayakapi Premium Caves, Swissotel Izmir)
- Silver Class Hotels (Sultanhan, Kale Konak, La Vista Boutique)
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches
- Services of a private licensed professional English-speaking tour guide
- Airport Transfers with air-conditioned transportation with driver
- Air conditioned transportation with driver in Cappadocia & Izmir
- Domestic flights: Istanbul-Cappadocia and Cappadocia-Izmir.
- Admission fees to sites and museums
- Parking, portage, tipping (except guide & driver), toll road
- Coordination and attentive customer service throughout the tour by Sojourn staff
- Required Association of Turkish Travel Agencies Foreign Visitors Insurance (a basic mandatory policy and not an adequate replacement for purchasing your own travel insurance.)
Itinerary
Your private guide and driver will welcome you at the Istanbul airport and take you directly to your hotel in the historic district of Sultanahmet. That afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you become acquainted with the celebrated historic district of this bustling city before turning in for the night.
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will begin your day by visiting the Hagia Sophia. Later, you will visit one of the Ottoman Empire’s greatest architectural achievements, the Blue Mosque. Following lunch, you will also marvel at the Hippodrome and the Bas...
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and you will take a short walk to the Topkapi Palace where you will tour the incredibly decorated structure and the hidden chambers of the Imperial Harem. Later, you'll visit the Spice Market /Egyptian Bazaar befor...
Enjoy breakfast in Istanbul and then get ready for your flight to Cappadocia! A private driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the Istanbul airport for a one-hour flight to Cappadocia. Your private guide and driver will welcome you to Cappadocia as you...
Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning and you will head out to explore Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys), and Zelve Open Air Museum (houses carved in rock, Seljukian Mosque, and remains). Following lunch you'll continue to Esentepe for panoramic views of th...
In the morning you will be transferred directly to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Izmir. Once here, you will be met again by a guide and driver and taken to your hotel.
Your guide will meet you in the morning and you visit the magnificent city of ancient Ephesus. You'll enjoy a leisurely exploration of the city, including the Terraced Houses, followed by a trip to the Ephesus Archeology Museum. You will also visit St. John’s Basilic...
A private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Izmir Airport.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Sojourn Turkey.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Sojourn Turkey Reviews & Ratings
Other Sojourn Turkey Reviews
Response from
thank youPerfect service, we enjoyed the time in turkey
Perfect service, we enjoyed the time in turkey
Response from
We are so glad you had a wonderful time in our beautiful country! Thank you for your review and feed...Our visit to Istanbul was all we hoped it would be.
Our visit to Istanbul was all we hoped it would be. My communication with Sojourn was excellent and their itinerary, hotel choice and travel guide made the trip memo...
Response from
We love to hear this! Thank you for your reviewTour Operator
Sojourn Turkey is a Turkish-American team creating custom trips for travelers who value personal service. A fully licensed tour operator in Türkiye, it was founded by Americans and Turks who are dedicated to curating custom designed private and small group tours that immerse you in the most beautiful aspects of Turkish culture, history, and cuisine. Sojourn specializes in trips that seamlessly blend classical and special interest sightseeing with experiences of local cuisine, art, and culture. Their niche lies in providing the best of both worlds, a team of Turkish guides and planners who have close local connections, and American owner-operators who intuitively understand your expectations and aim to exceed them.
Established by the dynamic duo, Chris and Angela, who have made Turkey their home since 2001, they formed a team of great local guides and tour designers, committed to serving each traveler with high standards. This fusion of American customer service and Turkish hospitality makes Sojourn unique. As Americans working alongside exceptional Turkish staff and the country's best guides, they all take pride in delivering the best quality, customized tours. They have earned a reputation for flexibility, personal service, and trustworthiness among their travelers, as well as local suppliers.
By choosing the finest guides, hotels, and restaurants, they set the stage for an unparalleled travel experience. This commitment is ingrained in every aspect of your journey. Sojourn’s experienced staff, trained by Chris and Angela themselves, work collaboratively to bring every detail to life. With core values of Innovation, Integrity, Fun (because enjoying life fuels what we do), Valuing People, Optimism, and Excellence, they are set apart and it shows in their many 5-star reviews.
Plan your travel with Sojourn Turkey, where every trip is designed to give you a wonderful experience of the best the country has to offer!
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
What's excluded
- International/flight tickets and international air and departure taxes
- Beverages at lunch
- Optional gratuities to guides, drivers, etc.
- Travel insurance
- Laundry, and personal items
- Entry visas
- Optional programs are listed in the itinerary.
Breakfast daily, lunch on all Full Day Tours
- Whirling Dervish Ceremony: $75 per person
- Trekking Tour: $60 per person
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: 60 Minutes: $390 per person 75 Minutes in VIP basket: $620 per person
- Horse Riding Tour: 2 Hours: $100 per person
PLATINUM - Travelers (1) On Request (2-3) On Request (4-5) On Request (6+) On Request Single supplement On Request
GOLD - Travelers (1) $8,120 (2-3) $4,740 (4-5) $3,750 (6+) $3,380 Single supplement $1,510
SILVER - Travelers (1) $6,170 (2-3) $3,650 (4-5) $2,850 (6+) $2,460 Single supplement $700
HOTEL EXCLUDED - Travelers (1) $5,370 (2-3) $3,120 (4-5) $2,370 (6+) $2,010
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations