Turkey: Istanbul & Cappadocia
From $2489 with flightsPayments as low as $75
Why go?
From exploring the bustling bazaars of Europe’s largest city to soaring high above Asia’s most unique landscapes, this Turkish adventure is truly the best of both worlds—across two continents.
This tour requires a visa for U.S. citizens. Check entry requirements or call us with questions at 800-766-2645.
Picture yourself
Exploring a 1,500-year-old mosque in Europe’s largest city
Cruising between continents on the Bosphorous Strait
Rising with the sun in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia
Wandering the Mars-like terrain of central Turkey
Browsing the thousands of shops of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar
What you'll get
Round-trip flights & airport transfers
6 nights in handpicked accommodations
6 breakfasts
3 dinners
Expert Tour Director
24/7 support
Entrance to the Hagia Sophia
Itinerary
- Day 1: Overnight flight
It’s not quite a hot air balloon ride, but don’t worry—that’s where we’re heading. Next stop: Istanbul.
- Day 2: Arrive in Istanbul + Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey, a city that straddles both Europe and Asia. Get settled in and get some rest—tomorrow you’ve got two continents to explore.
Today's highlights:
- Meet an EF representative and fellow travelers as they arrive at the airport.
- Transfer to your hotel to check in and check out your room.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your group at an authentic local spot.
- Day 3: Sightseeing in Old Town Istanbul
Did you know that Istanbul is the most populous city in Europe? You do now. Get swept up in the hustle and bustle as you explore the historic sites located across this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today's highlights:
- Visit the Hagia Sophia, famous for its magnificent dome and golden interior.
- Enjoy views of the Golden Horn, one of the world’s most picturesque waterways.
- Haggle your way through the 4,000 shops of the Grand Bazaar.
Free time suggestions
Basilica Cistern: Get under the city’s skin with a visit to an ancient underground cavern built to collect rainwater during Roman rule.
Blue Mosque: Designed and built with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, this is the Hagia Sophia’s younger, but equally beautiful, sibling.
- Day 4: Free day in Istanbul + optional excursions
You’ve got 24 hours to explore (and eat obvi) your way through one of the world’s most exciting cities. Try a boat cruise, a Turkish bath house, or just get lost.
Free time suggestions
Topkapi Palace: Part-castle, part-palace, part-museum, Topkapi Palace was the royal residence for the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years.
Döner kebabs: Like their Greek cousin, the gyro, döner kebabs—lamb, chicken, or beef with lettuce, tomato, onion, and sauces in a warm pita—are a must munch.
Bosphorus cruise & walking tour (extra cost)
Walk through a spice market, cruise the Bosphorous Strait, and feast on Turkish street food.
Hammam spa visit (extra cost)
Enter an ancient bath house and indulge in a traditional Turkish scrubbing and bubble massage.
- Day 5: Flight to Cappadocia + Kaymakli Underground City
Today you fly to the Cappadocia region of central Turkey. And while it might look like Mars, we assure you it’s actually just one of the coolest places on Earth.
Today's highlights:
- Hop on a plane for a quick flight across the country and into Asia.
- Visit the ancient Kaymakli Underground City—dug up to 8 stories into the ground.
- Catch up on the mind-blowing views over an included dinner with your group.
- Day 6: Explore Cappadocia + optional excursions
Today is quintessential Cappadocia. Soak in the jaw-dropping landscapes from sunrise to sunset, then opt in to an immersive Turkish night out.
Today's highlights:
- See an entire city carved into the rocks in the Zelve Valley.
- Snap pics of the stunning fairy chimneys, cliffs, and valleys of Göreme National Park.
- Head to the town of Avanos for a pottery workshop.
Sunrise hot air balloon in Cappadocia (extra cost)
Note: This excursion is weather-dependent and cannot be guaranteed.
See Cappadocia’s rock pillars, cave villages, and vineyards on a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride.
Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.Traditional Turkish night show (extra cost)
Head to a Cappadocia cave restaurant for folk and belly dancing and unlimited beer and wine.
Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs. - Day 7: Return to Istanbul + Farewell Dinner
On your last day in Turkey, you’ll return to Istanbul where it all began. Grab some baklava and explore this city of 15 million people one final time.
Today's highlights:
- Say so long to Cappadocia and board your flight back to Istanbul.
- Cross any final sights (and meals) off your Turkey bucket list.
- Share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner with your group.
- Day 8: Fly home
Hoşçakalın arkadaşlar!
Translation: Goodbye, friends! Your next destination awaits—home. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s “See you later.” The only question is, where?
Traveling with us helps the EF community plant trees, at no extra cost to you.
