TURKEY HOT SPOTS

Welcome to Your Turkey Adventure

Your journey begins as soon as you land. Look for a friendly face holding a Majesty UK Travel sign — our team will be ready to greet you at the airport and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

Istanbul is more than just a city; it’s a crossroads of civilizations where the past meets the present. Known first as Byzantium, then Constantinople, and now modern-day Istanbul, this remarkable city stretches across two continents and carries the legacy of empires in every corner. Once a vital hub along the ancient Silk Road, it continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and dynamic energy.

During your time here, you'll explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks — from the soaring domes of the Blue Mosque to the bustling alleys of the Grand Bazaar. You'll also experience the unique flavors of Turkish cuisine, a delicious fusion of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and Balkan influences. If time allows, stroll the lively streets, soak in the café culture, and embrace the rhythm of a city that truly never sleeps.

There are no scheduled activities today, so you're free to arrive at your convenience and begin immersing yourself in this timeless metropolis.

Important Information
Please ensure you bring your travel insurance details with you. Attending the welcome meeting between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. is essential, as we will collect emergency contact information and review important trip details. If you expect to arrive late, kindly inform your travel agent or the hotel reception. For the meeting location, please ask at reception or look for a notice in the hotel lobby.

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities
Group Dinner

Exploring Istanbul — Where Continents Meet and History Lives On

After breakfast, we dive into the magic of Istanbul, a city that bridges two continents, blending East and West, past and present, with breathtaking ease. Rich in heritage, artistry, and culinary brilliance, Istanbul offers an experience that touches every sense

Our morning begins with a guided walking tour through the historical heart of the Old City. We’ll visit the iconic Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and elegant tilework, and stroll through the ancient Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of Byzantine life. Then, we make our way to the opulent Topkapi Palace, home to generations of Ottoman sultans, followed by a visit to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia — a symbol of architectural and spiritual grandeur for over 1,500 years

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional Bosphorus Cruise (EUR 15), offering a different perspective of Istanbul’s timeless beauty. Glide along the strait that separates Europe and Asia, admiring the city's skyline, historic mansions, Ottoman palaces, and centuries-old fortresses as they line the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus

We conclude the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in Istanbul, leaving you with memories of a city where civilizations collide in the most spectacular way

Accommodation
4–5 Star Hotel or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Sightseeing: Blue Mosque
Sightseeing: Hagia Sophia
Sightseeing: Topkapi Palace Museum

Optional Activity
Bosphorus Boat Cruise – EUR 15

Entrance Fees
Blue Mosque – Free
Hagia Sophia – Free
Topkapi Palace Museum – TRY 200

Flight to the Aegean Coast – Welcome to Kuşadası

After breakfast, at your scheduled pick-up time, you'll meet your driver and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport)
The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, offering a smooth and scenic transition from Istanbul to Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast

Upon arrival in Izmir, you’ll be welcomed by your local driver who will transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Kuşadası, a charming coastal town known for its relaxed atmosphere, seaside promenade, and proximity to ancient wonders like Ephesus

Enjoy a restful evening and prepare for the historical adventures ahead
Dinner and overnight stay in Kuşadası

Accommodation
4–5 Star Hotel or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner

Ephesus – Tracing the Footsteps of Empires and Apostles
Selçuk (Kuşadası) – Ephesus – Meryemana – Şirince

After breakfast, we set out to explore one of the most iconic and best-preserved ancient cities in the eastern Mediterranean — Ephesus. Located near the modern town of Selçuk, Ephesus is widely regarded as one of the greatest Greco-Roman archaeological sites in the world.

Founded by the ancient Greeks in the 11th century BC, Ephesus flourished under Roman rule, becoming the capital of Asia Minor and a major cultural, commercial, and political center. Its prominence and large Jewish population made it a key location in early Christianity, attracting figures such as the Apostle Paul.

As you walk through this extraordinary open-air museum with your expert guide, you’ll tour the grand theatre, stroll the marble streets once graced by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and admire the Library of Celsus, gymnasiums, and ancient Roman baths — all beautifully preserved reminders of a once-thriving metropolis.

In the afternoon, we visit Meryemana (the House of the Virgin Mary), believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, where she is said to have spent her last years under the care of St. John. This peaceful pilgrimage site holds deep spiritual significance for both Christians and visitors from around the world.

Later, we journey to the charming hillside village of Şirince, known for its fruit wines, warm hospitality, and deep-rooted carpet weaving traditions. Enjoy a wine tasting, learn about traditional Turkish rug-making techniques, and sip a cup of tea as you witness this centuries-old craft brought to life. Whether you're purchasing a rug or not, it's a chance to support local artisans and enjoy a slower, meaningful moment of cultural connection.

We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Kuşadası.

Accommodation:
4–5 Star Hotel or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Included Activities:
Guided visit to Ephesus Ancient City
St. John’s Basilica & archaeological site
Visit to Meryemana (Mary’s House)
Visit and wine tasting in Şirince Village

Admission Fees (per person):
Ephesus & Terrace Houses – TRY 165
Mary’s House – TRY 10

Selçuk – Pamukkale Tour

After breakfast at the hotel check-out, according to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your full-day tour
It is the day for Pamukkale, where we will visit the famous “Cotton Castle” and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces
Here, we will also explore the archaeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity due to Paul’s missionary work (Colossians 4:13)
Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — it became a healing center where thermal pools were believed to treat various ailments

We will stroll among important ruins including well-preserved Roman structures such as the town theatre and the Temple of Apollo before continuing on to the ancient city of Laodicea
At the church in Laodicea, we will witness the site’s stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, providing insight into this city’s former prominence
Although many parts of the city remain in indistinct ruins, visible traces of the theatre and the church still hint at its once-significant status
Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale

Accommodation
Hotel 5–4 Star or similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale “Cotton Castle”
Sightseeing of Hierapolis and Eskihisar (Laodicea) ancient cities

Admission Fee (per person)
Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park – TRY 110
Eskihisar (Laodicea) – TRY 37

Pamukkale – Cappadocia

This morning after breakfast we set off on our journey to Cappadocia
Your guide will take you to Göreme, a town carved into the soft volcanic rock of the region
Cappadocia is known for its extraordinary geological formations, including fairy chimneys — tall stone spires created by ancient volcanic eruptions and sculpted by wind and erosion into a surreal landscape

The area has been continuously inhabited since ancient times
Its underground cities and cave dwellings once served as safe havens for early Christians
Many of these unique structures have been preserved and can be explored today
Upon arrival, stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your tour leader
This region’s history reaches as far back as the time before the Hittites (2000 BC)

Check in to your feature stay accommodation and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience
Spend the night in a cave hotel that feels like stepping into a dream, combining historical charm with modern comfort
We’ll take time to explore Cappadocia’s lunar landscape, where every rock formation tells a story
Overnight in Cappadocia

Accommodation
Hotel 5–4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City

Optional Activities
Turkish Bath – Hammam EUR 35

Admission Fee (per person)
Derinkuyu Underground City – TRY 60

Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia

Make your cameras ready
After breakfast we will explore Göreme and its surroundings with our tour guide, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Göreme Open Air Museum
This incredible site features a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into volcanic rock
We’ll also visit Uçhisar Castle, a striking fortress built into a towering natural rock formation
Here you will discover a fascinating network of underground tunnels, storerooms, chapels, and burial chambers that reflect centuries of human ingenuity

Together with its unique geology, each civilization has left a mark on this landscape, shaping it into an unforgettable experience for all travelers
If you enjoy walking, you may wish to hike through the stunning Red, Rose, or Love Valleys
Next, we’ll visit Devrent Valley, often called Imagination Valley, famous for its surreal animal-shaped rock formations that resemble a natural sculpture park

Before or after Devrent, we explore Paşabağ, also known as Monks Valley, once the hermitage of Simeon monks
We then continue to Avanos, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch and witness a hands-on pottery demonstration with local artisans
Our next stop is Göreme Panorama, offering one of the region’s most breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys and surreal landscape
Finally, we return to Uçhisar to admire panoramic views from the region’s highest rock castle

At the end of the tour we’ll drive you back to your hotel
Overnight in Cappadocia

Accommodation
Hotel 5–4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Göreme Open Air Museum
Sightseeing of Uçhisar Castle
Sightseeing of Avanos
Sightseeing of Paşabağ (Monks Valley)
Sightseeing of Devrent Valley
Cappadocia Pottery Demonstration

Admission Fee (per person)
Göreme Open Air Museum – TRY 45

Optional Activities
Turkish Night Show (Dinner Included) – EUR 45
Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight – EUR 160
Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight – EUR 250

If you are interested in joining an optional hot air balloon ride, please speak to your trip leader on Day 1
This experience is weather dependent and can only be booked locally
Your guide will help organize your reservation and advise on the best available options

Underground Cities of Cappadocia

After breakfast today we visit Rose Valley
This is an incredibly unique part of Cappadocia with sharp ridges tinted in pink hues, especially at sunset
The color comes from the minerals in the sandstone, giving the rocks a soft rose glow

Next destination is Çavuşin
This small village is surrounded by a widening valley known as Red Valley and is renowned for its ancient rock-carved churches

We continue to Pigeon Valley
This beautiful area earned its name from the countless man-made pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock
Locals once used these dovecotes to collect guano as fertilizer

Now it's time to descend into the Underground Cities of Cappadocia
These subterranean complexes were once places of refuge for up to 15,000 Christians, serving as homes, sanctuaries, and entire underground communities
We will visit Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the largest in the region
With multiple levels extending deep into the earth, these cities featured living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, churches, and more

Our final stop is Ortahisar
This charming town is known for its picturesque stone houses, narrow lanes, welcoming locals, and the dramatic castle-like rock formation that dominates its skyline

At the end of the day we return to our hotel
Overnight in Cappadocia

Accommodation
Hotel 5–4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included
Breakfast
Dinner

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Çavuşin
Sightseeing of Ortahisar
Sightseeing of Red Valley
Sightseeing of Underground City
Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley
Cappadocia Pottery Demonstration

Optional Activities
Derinkuyu Underground City – EUR 15
Whirling Dervishes Sema Performance – EUR 25

Admission Fees (per person)
Derinkuyu Underground City – TRY 60
Kaymaklı Underground City – TRY 60

Cappadocia – Flight to Istanbul

As your tour with Majesty UK Travel comes to an end, we hope you have had an unforgettable journey through the wonders of Turkey
After breakfast, it is time to check out from the hotel and bid farewell to our valued guests
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and allowing us to share our passion for Türkiye’s rich history and culture with you
It has been a pleasure to have you on this journey, and we hope that the memories you have created will last a lifetime

If you wish to spend more time in Istanbul, we will be happy to organize additional accommodation for you, subject to availability
Transfer to the airport will be arranged if you have pre-booked it with us
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any future travel needs

Thank you and farewell from all of us at Majesty UK Travel

Meals Included
Breakfast