Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Ephesus

The Best of Istanbul & Cappadocia tour is the ideal travel choice for those who wish to enjoy the main historic sites and major attractions of Turkey. We’ll explore Istanbul and it’s ancient structures, from the mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. Immerse yourself in the history of this incredible city as you explore the Grand Bazaar, the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, and the Topkapi Palace with it's Imperial Harem. Next, you'll take a short 1 hour flight to Cappadocia where you'll experience an entirely new region of Turkey and be amazed by breathtaking landscapes. While staying at a luxurious cave hotels at night, you'll explore the lunar like topography and cave mosaics during the day. Sites such as Uchisar Fortress, OrtaHisar, Red Valley, Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys), Zelve Open Air Musuem (houses carved in rock, Seljukian Mosque and remains), Esentepe for panoramic view of the Goreme Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum (rock cut churches, frescos, monastery) and Kaymakli Underground City all await!

The Highlights of Turkey tour is an ideal choice for those that want to see the major historic cities and attractions of Turkey within 8 days. You’ll see the best of Istanbul and it’s ancient structures, from the mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. After a short flight to Cappadocia, you’ll experience the amazing landscape. While staying at luxurious cave hotels at night, travel and explore the lunar like topography and cave mosaics by day. End your trip with a quick one hour flight to Izmir, and spend a few days exploring the classical sites of western Turkey, including the vast avenues of ancient Ephesus. 

One of our most popular tours This private group tour will feature some of the high spots of Turkey’s Christian history including the 7 Churches of Revelation, as well as visit the main historic sites and major attractions of Turkey. You’ll first discover Istanbul, a city of business frenzy, entertainment, and a wealth of rich culture. Absorb it’s ancient structures, from its mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. The next leg of your journey will take you along the major classical sites of western Turkey where the 7 Churches of Revelation are found, including: Laodiciea and  Pamukkale with its thermal pools, Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, Smyrna, and Ephesus. The route will generally follow the text of Revelations 1-3. This is a trip designed to explore some of the most featured regions of Turkey, while giving time and attention to the devotional journey awaiting you at the 7 Church sites of Revelations.  

Walk in Paul’s footsteps Visit the Ancient Sites of Paul’s First Journey This unique Biblical tour is most often operated over 6 days starting in Cappadocia after a stop in Istanbul, and following St. Paul’s travels return during his first missionary journey from Cappadocia west to Lystra and Derbe where little remains today. You'll then head west to Iconium (modern day Konya) and then towards Pisidian Antioch (modern day Yalvac) before going south to the Mediterranean port city of Antalya (Attalia). If you have 3 extra days, the tour could reach as far as Antioch of Syria (actually Modern day Hatay/Antakya in SE Turkey), though the distance and travel to reach here is excessive. We recommend instead spending extra time at the beginning or end of your trip in Antalya on the beach! Hotels used are in the larger towns nearby as a few sites have no modern or ancient remains! This tour can be designed per your desires and timing, just let us know. You may consider extending this trip by adding time in Istanbul or Ephesus using direct flights. See the tour extension details at: Istanbul Extension / Ephesus Extension / Antalya Extension The tour follows the general outline of Acts 13 & 14. Read Acts 13 & 14 here

The Best of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus Tour is the ideal travel choice for those who wish to enjoy the main historic sites and major attractions of Turkey in a longer tour but without a lot of bus travel. Instead, we connect the major destination cities by short 1 hour flights.  We’ll explore Istanbul and it’s ancient structures, from the mosques to the Roman influenced architecture. Immerse yourself in the history of this incredible city as you explore the Grand Bazaar, the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, and the Topkapi Palace with it's Imperial Harem. Next, you'll take a short 1 hour flight to Cappadocia where you'll experience an entirely new region of Turkey and be amazed by breathtaking landscapes. While staying at a luxurious cave hotels at night, you'll explore the lunar like topography and cave mosaics during the day. Sites such as Uchisar Fortress, OrtaHisar, Red Valley, Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys), Zelve Open Air Musuem (houses carved in rock, Seljukian Mosque and remains), Esentepe for panoramic view of the Goreme Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum (rock cut churches, frescos, monastery) and Kaymakli Underground City all await! A quick flight departing Cappadocia to Izmir will allow you to experience the unique Aegean culture. With a visit to the wonderful village of Sirince. The next day you'll tour the highlight site of Turkey - Ephesus - once a great Roman city, it still has the glory as a must see site. The next day will allow you to "meander" along the river of its name to the much sought after site of Pamukkale before continuing overland to Antalya. This journey will allow you to see some of the Anatolian landscapes and some impressive mountains along the way to the beautiful, turquoise Mediterranean coast of Antalya. In Antalya you'll enjoy a mix of touring and seaside lounging, where 8000 foot mountains rise from a backdrop of crystal clear waters. 3 nights here will allow you to see a mix of sites and enjoy the warm beaches.  You'll return to Istanbul for one last night before departing the final day on your international flight.  

Discover Antalya, Turkey! A bustling city of entertainment, beaches, and Turkish culture, the city is a must visit location on your next trip to Turkey. Antalya is a unique blend of coastal cliffs, mountains, ancient streets and harbors, modern city life, and forests. Breathe in the sea air of the Mediterranean or take in the mountain views as you seamlessly move from the coast to a 2500m / 8000ft. mountain peak by way of cable car.    From customizing your arrival or departure day tour to taking a cruise on the coastline of the Mediterranean, relaxing with a cup of coffee or tea, or shopping for the perfect souvenir, our team is ready to build your ideal visit to Antalya. After your days of exploration head back to your hotel perfectly situated near the Old City of Kaleici where you will easily be able to enjoy the many delicious restaurants and night life of Antalya.