Semiprivate Budget Turkey Short Tour (8 Days 7 Nights)

Istanbul Old City Tour (Hagia Sophia Mosque, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar)

Istanbul has been the capital city of three empires, Roman Empire, Byzantium Empire, Ottoman Empire. As being capital and of course the richest city of three empires, Istanbul became the home of the most important buildings and sanctuaries. Our tour to old city center will give you a general perspective about the history of the city. This full day tour will take place in Sultanahmet Square, as all the monuments stands next to each other.

Tour will start with Sultanahmet Square and visit Hagia Sophia that one of the most important buildings of all times. It has built in Roman Period between 532-537 and still standing with its huge dome! Hagia Sophia built as a church, converted to a mosque in Ottoman Period and served as a museum in early republic period. And very recently opened to the pray service again.

After visiting enchanted Hagia Sophia just in front of the building there lays ancient Hippodrome of Constantinapolis/Istanbul. Here you can take best photos of Istanbul and see monumental obelisk of the city and walk to the Blue Mosque. Actual name of the sanctuary is Sultan Ahmet Mosque but world well-known name is Blue Mosque because of the beautiful blue tiles which decorates the walls of the mosque. After all the visits and lunch, you will walk to Grand Bazaar which is a very special ancient shopping mall with 4000 shops, 66 streets, 27 entrance!

End of the tour drive back to hotel and overnight in Istanbul.

Ephesus Area Tour (Artemis Temple Ruins, Isabey Mosque, Carpet Weaving School, Ceramic Art Center, Leather Fashion Show)

After breakfast you will check out and we will meet you at the reception and start the day. Ephesus had been a trade center of the ancient world, because Ephesus was in that location where trade roads end by land. Trade continued from the harbor of the city to Europa by sea. Other reason is Ephesus always has been an important cult center of earth Mothergoddes, Kybele or Artemis in Greek period and later all these female figures converted into Mother Mary. Before the Christianity period, Ephesus was the major center of Artemis worship. One of the most spectacular temple of all the times was built for Artemis, here in Ephesus where we call Artemision or Temple of Artemis. Artemis Temple had been a pilgrim center for Pagans of those times and been the very first example of banking in history as merchants left their valuable things to the mercy of Artemis. Today only one column left from the temple but the view from the temple is spectacular. Isa Bay Mosque is another visit in Selcuk town which is in the old center of Selcuk and surrounded by old Turkish houses. This mosque is from 14 century, Turkish period and it built before the conquest of Istanbul which makes this modest mosque very different than imperial Islamic architecture. After historical visits you will visit a carpet weaving school where you can see all the process of making a carpet. Another cultural visit will be ceramic art center where you will be informed about history of beautiful Turkish tiles. Izmir area is famous with leather textile so you will visit one of the Leather fashion center. End of the tour you will be transferred to Pamukkale region and overnight.

Journey to Cappadocia

Early in the morning you will meet with your guide and driver and you will have a long journey to Cappadocia region. End of the day check in your hotel and overnight.

Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport

Last day in Cappadocia region will be your transfer day to the airport. Thank you!