12 Days Express Turkey Tour with Greek Islands Cruise

Day 1: ARRIVAL & AIRPORT TRANSFER

Welcome to Istanbul!

Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to join our optional Dinner Cruise tour. 

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2: EXPLORE OLD CITY

Overnight in Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 3: JEWELS OF ISTANBUL & FLY TO CAPPADOCIA

Today, your itinerary includes visits to the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, Spice Bazaar, and a Bosphorus boat trip:

• Rüstem Paşa Mosque: A 16th-century gem in Eminönü, known for its stunning Iznik tilework, designed by Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Rüstem Paşa.
• Spice Bazaar: One of Istanbul’s oldest markets, offering spices, herbal remedies, and delicacies. Located in Eminönü, it’s open on Sundays.
• Bosphorus Boat Trip: Cruise between Europe and Asia, passing landmarks like Beylerbeyi Palace and charming waterfront villas.

Overnight in Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

After the tour, we will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel.

Day 4: CAPPADOCIA NORTH TOUR

You can enhance your experience with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride. For pricing and booking details, please consult your tour advisor.

Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia on a guided tour:

• Devrent Valley: Begin by marveling at the unique fairy chimneys in this otherworldly setting.
• Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Continue to see the fascinating mushroom-shaped rock formations, some of the most striking in the region.
• Avanos: Travel to this charming city known for its traditional pottery.
• Göreme Open-Air Museum: In the afternoon, explore this beautiful site where rock-cut churches and ancient Christian settlements reveal a rich historical tapestry.
• Uçhisar: Conclude your tour with a visit to the natural rock formations and castle at Uçhisar.

Return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 5: CAPPADOCIA SOUTH TOUR & FLY TO IZMIR

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on another full day exploring Cappadocia:

• Red Valley: Begin with a visit to Red Valley to see its stunning rock formations and explore rock-cut churches. Enjoy a 5 km hike through the scenic Güllüdere Valley.
• Çavuşin Village: Next, visit this historic village known for its unique houses and churches once occupied by Christian clergy.
• Pigeon Valley: Drive to Pigeon Valley, renowned for its ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.
• Ozkonak Underground City: In the afternoon, explore this fascinating underground city where early Christians sought refuge.

Overnight in Kusadasi

Breakfast at the hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

After the tour, we will transfer you to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 6: EXPLORE PAMUKKALE

After breakfast, head to the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, renowned in Roman times for its therapeutic hot springs. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, as you’ll have the opportunity to relax in the thermal waters of Pamukkale.

Overnight in Kusadasi

Breakfast at the hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 7: EXPLORE EPHESUS

• Immerse yourself in history today as you explore:
  • Ephesus: Discover this remarkable ancient city, once the capital of Asia Minor and one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.
  • Temple of Artemis: Visit the ruins of this grand temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • House of the Virgin Mary: Experience the serene atmosphere of this sacred site, believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.

   

Overnight in Kusadasi

Breakfast at the hotel & Lunch at the local restaurant are included

Day 8: EMBARKING THE CRUISE & PATMOS

After breakfast, we conclude our tour with a transfer to the cruise port. Your Aegean cruise departs from Kusadasi (Ephesus) at 13:00, marking the end of your Turkish exploration. Later in the day, at 16:30, you’ll arrive at Patmos, Greece. Spend a few hours exploring this delightful island before the ship sets sail again at 21:30. 

Overnight on the cruise

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in the Cruise

Day 9: RHODES

The ship docks in Rhodes, Greece, at 07:00. Spend the entire day discovering this enchanting island, known for its ancient history and picturesque beaches. The ship will set sail again at 18:00. If you wish, you can book an optional shore excursion to enhance your experience. 

Overnight on the cruise

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in the Cruise

Day 10: CRETE & SANTORINI

In the morning, the ship arrives in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, at 07:00. You’ll have several hours to explore the island’s capital and visit the ancient Minoan ruins before the ship departs at 12:00. Later, at 16:30, the ship will reach Santorini, Greece. Enjoy the stunning views of this iconic island until the ship sets sail again at 21:30. 

Overnight on the cruise

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in the Cruise

Day 11: ATHENS & MYKONOS

Overnight on the Cruise

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included in the Cruise

Day 12: DISEMBARKING & AIRPORT TRANSFER

The cruise wraps up as the ship returns to Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey, arriving at 07:00. 

Breakfast on the Cruise is included

Upon docking, we will meet you at the cruise port and transfer you to the airport.