Sacred Turkey: Istanbul to Cappadocia & Seven Churches

Begin your day in Istanbul with a guided journey through the heart of its Old City. Step into centuries of history as your expert guide reveals stories that shaped empires and civilizations.

Admire the grandeur of Hagia Sophia Mosque and witness the harmony of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Continue to the ancient Hippodrome and imagine the thrill of chariot races that once captivated the city.

Enter the stunning Blue Mosque and take in the beauty of its iconic blue Iznik tiles. Then dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where thousands of shops invite you to explore, bargain, and discover hidden treasures.

Visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace and walk in the footsteps of Ottoman sultans. Take in breathtaking views over the Bosphorus and uncover the secrets of royal life within these historic walls.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your day in Istanbul with a smooth private transfer to the airport. Enjoy a seamless travel experience as you board your direct flight to Cappadocia, leaving the bustling city behind.

Arrive in Cappadocia and meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Watch the scenery transform into a surreal landscape of valleys, rock formations, and ancient dwellings carved into stone.

Check in and settle into your hotel, surrounded by one of the most unique regions in the world. Take a moment to relax and absorb the peaceful atmosphere that defines Cappadocia.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Wander through nearby streets, discover local cafés, or simply unwind while anticipating the extraordinary experiences ahead.

Meals: Breakfast

Start your morning with an optional hot air balloon experience and rise above Cappadocia at sunrise. Take in breathtaking views of valleys, fairy chimneys, and endless horizons as the landscape glows beneath you.

Enjoy breakfast and set out to explore the surreal beauty of the region. Walk through Devrent and Pasabagi valleys and admire the iconic fairy chimneys shaped by nature over thousands of years.

Head to Avanos, the heart of traditional pottery, and watch skilled artisans create ceramics using ancient kick-wheel techniques. After lunch, step into the remarkable Goreme Open Air Museum and discover cave churches adorned with vivid Byzantine frescoes.

End your day at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia. Take in sweeping panoramic views and capture unforgettable moments as the sun casts golden light over this dreamlike landscape.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your morning in Cappadocia with a private transfer to the airport. Board your flight to Izmir and enjoy a smooth transition from surreal landscapes to the Aegean coast.

Arrive in Izmir and meet your expert guide who will accompany you through a day rich in history. Visit the historic Church of St. Polycarp in ancient Smyrna and uncover stories rooted in early Christianity.

Continue to Pergamon, one of the most remarkable ancient cities of the region. Explore the Acropolis, admire Greek and Roman temples, and stand before the dramatic hillside theatre overlooking the valley.

Travel onward to Kusadasi and check in to your hotel by the sea. Unwind after the journey and enjoy a beautifully prepared dinner, easing into the relaxed rhythm of the Aegean coast.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Kusadasi to the charming town of Selcuk. Join a deeply meaningful mass at the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site visited by travelers from around the world (available on Sundays).

Continue to the legendary city of Ephesus and step into one of the most powerful centers of the ancient world. Walk along marble streets, explore grand theatres, and admire fountains and monuments that have stood the test of time.

Immerse yourself in the spiritual and historical significance of the site. Hear the stories of early Christianity and reflect on the legacy that made Ephesus a place of both praise and profound transformation.

Conclude your journey at the Basilica of St John, built over the believed burial site of the apostle. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and sweeping views before returning to Kusadasi for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day with a scenic drive from Kusadasi toward the breathtaking landscapes of Pamukkale. Watch the surroundings transform as you approach one of Turkey’s most iconic natural wonders.

Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and walk through its remarkably preserved ruins. Discover grand streets, ancient baths, and the impressive theatre while uncovering the legacy of this once-thriving Roman spa city.

Step onto the dazzling white travertines of Pamukkale and experience their unique beauty up close. Feel the warm mineral waters beneath your feet and take in the surreal, cascading terraces that resemble a frozen waterfall.

Continue to Laodicea, set in the Lycus River Valley, and uncover the story of this significant biblical city. After your visits, check in to your hotel in Pamukkale and unwind in a serene setting surrounded by natural beauty.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner