Turkey's Highlights - Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Trip & Balloon Ride Option | La Vacanza Travel

Turkey's Highlights - Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Trip & Balloon Ride Option

Duration: 4 days
Destination: Türkiye, İstanbul, Istanbul
from
1347.07

Check Availability

  • 4 days
  • Istanbul
  • E-Voucher
  • Lowest Price
  • Not-Cancellable

Overview

This tour is perfect for discover the most popular and important cities and historical heritage areas in 5 days. See the best places of Turkey, the iconic sites of Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia. We guarantee you will be amazed at the rich history and the diverse landscapes to be found here.

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Denizli - Pamukkale, Hierapolis & Laodicea Tour - Transfer to Kusadasi - Overnight at Kusadasi

Stop At: Istanbul, Istanbul
The travel services will start with a departure transfer from your hotel to airport. Our driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel (or your AirBnb address if the street of it is available for car parking) and then transfer to airport for your flight from Istanbul to Denizli/Çardak. The pick-up time is between 03.45am and 05.00am for this transfer. This timing depends the scheduled departure time of flight from Istanbul to Denizli/Cardak on your travel date. We will inform you about exact timing after booked your domestic flight ticket(s).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Denizli Çardak Airport, Cumhuriyet Mah., Küme Evler Sok. No:1, 20350 Çardak/Denizli, Türkiye
Upon your arrival Denizli/Cardak airport, we will meet you at this airport and then driven to Pamukkale - approx one hour from Denizli Airport.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Pamukkale Natural Park, Pamukkale Mh, Menderes Cd. No:52, 20190, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
Pamukkale Natural Park is an UNESCO world heritage site that receives many famous visitors since antiquity, such as the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, and it is called the "Cotton Castle".
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Hierapolis & Pamukkale, Pamukkale 20280 Turkiye
The highlights of Hierapolis tour are Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater and Antique Pool.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Pamukkale Thermal Pools, Pamukkale Turkiye
After visited the Hierapolis Ancient City, you will take some photos from the nicest corners of Pamukkale. Free time for about 60-75 minutes to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale, and swim at white travertines (thermal pools) of Pamukkale. Then meet again with your guide, start walking in the middle of travertines from up to down without shoes and socks.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Pamukkale, Pamukkale
You will get your lunch in a local restaurant at the Pamukkale town.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Laodicea, Just off Denizli - Pamukkale, Denizli Turkiye
Excavations here have revealed artifacts dating from 3500 BC (Late Chalcolithic) to 3000 BC (Early Bronze Age). The city’s name comes from the Seleucid king Antiochus ii, who named it for his wife Laodike in the 3rd century BC when it wa thriving. Later controlled by the kings of Pergamum, it was willed to the Roman Empire, and thrived again from the 4th to 6th centuries. Its importance then numbered it among the Seven Churches of Revelation.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kusadasi, Kusadasi, Turkish Aegean Coast
At the end of the Pamukkale Natural Park, Hierapolis & Laodicea Tour, we will transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Pass By: Kusadasi Castle, Kusadasi Merkez, Kusadasi Turkiye
This small castle is picturesque Byzantine fortress stands on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. ** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can visit there by your own after we dropped you to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Pass By: Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI, Ataturk BulvarI 2, Kusadasi Turkiye
This caravanserai was built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to support maritime trade in the region. This historical building is opposite to Kusadasi cruise port. ** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can visit there by your own after we dropped you to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Meals included:
• Lunch: You will get your lunch at restaurant during guided tour
Accommodation included: INCLUDED - You can choose your hotel category and budget. There are different hotel variations at the booking options.

Day 2: Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour - Flight from Izmir to Cappadocia - Overnight at Cappadocia

Stop At: Kusadasi Gazi Begendi Park, Turgut Ozal Blv., Kusadasi Turkiye
After having breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and depart for your Ephesus tour. Before drive to Ephesus area, we will stop at the Gazi Begendi Park (Hill) for you can take photos of the amazing Kusadasi Bay. ***Please check out from hotel and take your luggages before departure to Ephesus tour. We will transfer you direct to Izmir airport after the tour.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House), Sultaniye Mahallesi, Selcuk 35100 Turkiye
Your first visit will be the pilgrimage point claimed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Once you arrive there you will be thrilled by the natural beauty that surrounds the monument.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Ancient City of Ephesus, Selcuk 35920 Turkiye
Your next visit will be the Ephesus Ancient City. Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see the Celcus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, Odeon, Agora, Fountain of Domitian, Hercule Gate, Grand Theater, Nike, Ancient Toilets during tour in this ancient city.
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

Pass By: Ephesus Terrace Houses, Selcuk 35148 Turkiye
You will be walking from front of Terrace Houses during your tour and your guide will give information about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City. (Pass by without stopping / no visit)

Stop At: Selcuk, Selcuk, Izmir Province, Turkish Aegean Coast
You will get your lunch in a local restaurant at the Selcuk town.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: The Temple of Artemis, Ataturk, Park Ici Yolu No:12, Selcuk Turkiye
Another visit of this tour is Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus ancient city.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, Dokuz Eylül, 35410 Gaziemir/İzmir, Türkiye
After the Ephesus tour, we will transfer you to Izmir airport for your flight to Kayseri.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kayseri Erkilet Airport, Hilal, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Blv., 38090 Kocasinan/Kayseri, Türkiye
Upon your arrival Kayseri airport, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: You will get your breakfast at hotel
• Lunch: You will get your lunch at restaurant during guided tour
Accommodation included: INCLUDED - You can choose your hotel category and budget. There are different hotel variations at the booking options.

Day 3: Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) - Full-day Cappadocia Tour - Overnight at Cappadocia

Stop At: Cappadocia Tours & Hot Air Balloons, Cevizler Sk. No:12/1, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional - You can add that tour while booking) : Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site where you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight will be at sunrise time, where your pilot will climb to a comfortable altitude of about 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. It is from this elevation that you will marvel at the beauty of Cappadocia below you. During certain segments of the flight our pilots are also capable of flying as low as 1 meter above the rock formations which will allow you perfect photo taking opportunities. Duration of total activity is approx 3 hours, and total duration of flight is approx 60 minutes. There will be a champagne celebration at end of the flight and you will be presented with a madal, as a souvenir reminder of this magnificent experience. Afterwards, we will drop back you to your hotel.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Urgup, Urgup, Cappadocia
We will pick you up from your hotel on 09.30am-10.00am (Approx) and depar for the Red Tour of Cappadocia. Meet the most famous family of fairy chimneys: Three beauties. These are the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Goreme Open-Air Museum, Merkez, Muze Cd., Goreme 50180 Turkiye
Here is the monastery, including the rock cut churches, kitchens, wineries, storages and living rooms left from Anatolian Christians. Goreme Open Air Museum is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Ortahisar Panorama, 50650 Ortahisar/Ürgüp/Nevşehir, Türkiye
The entire town is dominated by the 90-metre-high (300 ft) rock-castle in the centre of the town, which is called Sivrikoya by the inhabitants. It is an extraordinary example of the rock-cut architecture which is typical of the region and served as a refuge from attackers in Byzantine times. You will see all these rock-cut architecture by panoramic visit.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Uchisar Castle, Uchisar Turkiye
Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (There are no any visit to rock castle because of the walking difficulties and safety risks on there. You will have a stop for panoramic view to this rock castle and Cappadocia from castle region.)
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Goreme, Goreme, Cappadocia
You will take your lunch by a Turkish Kebab Restaurant in Goreme. Also, Vegetarian meals are available in same restaurant.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Avanos Oren Yeri, Kapadokya Cd., Avanos 50500 Turkiye
Avanos is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, whose name in ancient times was Venessa, overlooks the longest river of Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Devrent Valley, Devrent Mevkii No:1 Urgup Yolu, 50500 Turkiye
Which is also known as Imagination Valley. Valley contains many animal shaped rocks which are mostly in red colour. Some of the most frequent shapes is like Camel.
Duration: 20 minutes

Pass By: Fairy Chimneys, Goreme Turkiye
Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, you will have seen many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.

Stop At: Cappadocia, Cappadocia
At the end of tour, you will be dropped back to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast: You will get your breakfast at hotel
• Lunch: You will get your lunch at restaurant during guided tour
Accommodation included: INCLUDED - You can choose your hotel category and budget. There are different hotel variations at the booking options.

Day 4: Flight Back to Istanbul

Stop At: Cappadocia, Türkiye
You will be transferred to Cappadocia airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: İstanbul, Türkiye
Upon your arrival Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and then we will drop you to your hotel in Istanbul. *** The departure time of return flight could be morning or afternoon. After you booked that tour, please inform us your request for the timing of your return flight. If you do not inform us any detail about that, we can book your return flight to any time of day.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast: You will get your breakfast at hotel
No accommodation included on this day.

Inclusions
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
  • Domestic Flight Tickets : Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Cappadocia - Cappadocia to Istanbul
  • Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off Services in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Antalya
  • 3 Guided Tours in Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia
  • Outdoor Tour : Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional - You can add that tour while booking)
  • Professional tour guide who licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
  • Entrance fees of museums, national parks, ruins mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
  • 3x Breakfast
  • 3x Lunch
  • Guaranteed to skip the lines
  • Accommodation included: 3 nights
  • Entry/Admission - Goreme Open-Air Museum
  • Entry/Admission - Pamukkale Thermal Pools
  • Entry/Admission - Cappadocia Tours & Hot Air Balloons
  • Entry/Admission - Hierapolis & Pamukkale
  • Entry/Admission - Pamukkale Natural Park
  • Entry/Admission - Laodicea
  • Entry/Admission - Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House)
  • Entry/Admission - Ancient City of Ephesus

Exclusions
  • Dinner
  • Drinks
  • Entrance fee of Ancient Pool (Cleopatra's Pool) in Pamukkale
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like add accommodation on single room(s) to your booking, there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for bookings of single / solo travelers. They will already accommodate at single room(s).
  • The pre-planned hotels are "Charisma De Luxe Hotel (5stars)" and "Efe Boutique Hotel" in Kusadasi / "Exedra Hotel (De Luxe Cave Boutique)" and "1811 Cave Boutique Hotel (Cave Boutique)" in Cappadocia for your accommodation on this travel. You can choose your hotels while booking. If these hotels (which you preferred) are not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, the tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel.
  • The check-in time of the hotels is 02.00pm, and you can not start use your room before this time. This is about the check-in & check-out policies of the hotels.
  • The differences between the package options are about the hotel categories. Tour(s), airport transfer(s) and flight ticket levels will be same for all options.
  • The tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before your departure date. You will not need the print out copies of the tickets for domestic flights. Your passport and reservation number on the tickets will be enough for check-in to plane.
  • The tour operator can request your some passport details for the bookings of your flight tickets. If you do not share the details which requested by the tour operator, your domestic flight tickets can not bookable.
  • You will have 15kg luggage + 8kg hand bag quota per person for each domestic flight. If you will need more luggage capacity, please inform that to the tour operator. There could be some extra fee for luggage quotas more than 15kg. This is exactly about the policies of airline companies.
  • If your return hotel is different than pick-up hotel, please inform that detail immediately. If you inform that detail after organised your flight tickets, the tour operator can request extra cost because of the distances between the airports and some hotels. If you inform this type changes on service day (last day of your trip), the tour operator do not accept this last minute amending and drop you to your pick-up hotel.
  • If your pick-up / drop-off hotels are inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) the tour operator do not provide any hotel pick-up / drop-off service.
  • Hot air ballooning is a fully weather-dependent activity and the Civil Aviation Authority determines whether the flight will be held. If your flight is cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, you are entitled to a partial refund. In such a case, your refund will be processed by the day after of that trip. Your refund rate will be the difference between options of "included balloon ride" and "excluded balloon ride" for the cancellations of the hot air balloon ride.
  • The Standard Balloon Ride has an One-hour approximately flight duration with 20 to 28 people capacity basket. The flight duration could be 50-55 minutes or 65-70 minutes. This situation depend the weather conditions before landing, and pilots are decide to that within the safety rules of Civil Aviation Authority. Total activity duration is approximately 3 hours.
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
  • The children who 5 years old and under are not allowed to balloon tours.
  • Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults. If you will be 1 adult + 1 child, the tour operator can request & charge the amount of 2 adults.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Departure Point

1: İstanbul, Türkiye
2: Kale Mahallesi, Kale, 20190 Pamukkale/Denizli, Türkiye
3: Kuşadası, Aydın, Türkiye
4: Selçuk, İzmir, Türkiye
5: İzmir, Türkiye
6: Cappadocia, Türkiye
7: Göreme, 50180 Göreme/Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
8: Ürgüp, Nevşehir, Türkiye
9: Avanos, Nevşehir, Türkiye
10: Uçhisar, Nevşehir Merkez/Nevşehir, Türkiye
11: Ortahisar, 50650 Ortahisar/Ürgüp/Nevşehir, Türkiye
Traveler pickup is offered

Airports

  • Istanbul Airport, TayakadIn Terminal Street No. 1, Istanbul 34283 Turkiye
  • Sabiha Gokcen, Istanbul Turkiye
  • Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul Turkiye


Departure Time

04:00 AM


Return Details

Returns to original departure point

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Duration

4 days


User's Reviews

Jonathan_T

06 Sep, 2023

Things to be done better: Day 3 was a wasted day for us - we left at 0345 only to arrive in Cappadocia at midday with nothing else on our itinerary. Could have had another nice morning at our great hotel with a delightful breakfast, but instead felt rushed to leave and wasted a whole day of touring. However, our hosts/guides Rose and Mert made this tour sensational (see below)! Ephesus: Our private tour was nothing short of amazing. It happened to only be the two of us and our tour guide Rose (Gül) for the two days. On the first day, we were brought to Pamukkale, where Rose intricately described the history of the natural phenomenon while also showing us the best picture spots. We were also given plenty of time to explore on our own. The local lunch spot she brought us to gave us a great taste of culture, and delicious traditional dessert. The hotel we stayed at was AMAZING. Great breakfasts with lovely staff, plus good facilities. Our room was huge and super comfortable. On the second day, Epheus was sensational. Being a lover of ancient history, Roses knowledge on ancient history was impecable and was able to answer all our curious questions. Ephesus was Rose's favourite place in Turkey and her passion and love for her culture really showed in the tour We also got to experience the craft of pottery from a true master (one of few in the world) and witness an astounding display of art work. They even let us get our hands dirty in clay, with his guidance ofcourse. The leather factory was good; fashion is not my area, but if you are into high end clothing you'd be in love. Just not my thing. House of virgin mary was special, being catholics this was a very spirtual and surreal experience for us. The lunch on this day was a buffet - the food was pretty average compared to the day before. Overall wonderful and our tour guide Rose deserves all the praise in the world Capaddocia: 10/10 It was great to have a tour by not only a local but someone obsessed and passionate about his own culture and history. We got to see so many amazing places including Balloon rides: once in a lifetime experience of viewing cappadocia and all its beauty from the sky. Lovevalley: Now this wasnt part of the tour, but we wanted to go watch the sunrise with the baloons, Mert the tour guide went the extra mile to take us at 5am! I also got engaged here which was unforgetable and he helped us get amazing memories by capturing the whole thing! We were very grateful. Under ground cities: If you ask me, the ancient people of this civilisation were more talented then people of today. This was unforgettable and so cool to see how they managed to build this liveable underground city! They thought of everything: water, heating, air circulation and even animals for an alarm system! Illara valley: Beautiful hike next to a stream, extremely peaceful and serene. The rest point provided great traditional pancakes and resting by the river which waa great to rest our feet. St George's church was unique amongst the others in the valley, with the old artwork still preserved Jewellery store: I personally love jewellery and it was great to see and learn about the natural stone of zultanite. Imagination valley: a beautiful view where your imagination goes wild, sort of like watching the clouds but they are rocks. Open air museum: This was very special to us being of the catholic faith, we got to see some amazing ancient churches out in the caves and see where the ancient christians had to hide. Uchisar castle: a beautiful view with a taste of pistachio coffee, and also enjoyed a jam session with Mert who showed off his talented guitar skills while we sang along. Food: Both lunches were amazing with traditional flavours and cooking, was great to be served what the locals eat and all their great flavours. Overall: Cappadocia from every angle is beautiful, so many different layers to its unique landscape, this was a view that I had never seen before or even imagined Tour guide: Mert was sensational, he took his time to explain all the history, he answered all our questions, went the extra mile and made it such an enjoyable trip for us both. Speaks English very well, along with knowing Russian and hopefully Spanish by the end of this year The driver was very nice and kept us safe, never felt like we were in danger. Super professional and looks like a football player - lets see if you can guess which one :p Overall: Love love love, could not recomend this highly enough, BOOK THIS TOUR and these tour guides!

S_Shah910

01 Dec, 2022

Went Eastwards. Solo trip from IST to Cappodocia > Antalya > Pamukkale > Selcuk > Bursa > IST Cappadocia - did the balloon ride . It was OK . The view was spectacular but I think more fun than that was waiting in the dark and watching the balloons come to life! It was beautiful. Hot air balloon ride , ticked off my list Pamukkale - Cotton Castle - really touristy even though was there in Nov. Hotel was walking distance to one of the entrances and thank god I used this. The moment you enter , you take off your shoes and walk on the walk travestines , upwards. It was really fun. Water was cold at first almost numbing my feet but got warmer the higher I went. Only a family of 3 besides me doing this. It seems everyone else , busloads of tourists and those coming by car use the other entrance. Great , had the travestines all to myself till I hit the top. Skipped swimming in the pools. 130TRY and so many people in the pool! had time so arranged to go paragliding. Was fun! Spent a good amount of time in the air . Euphesus - Stayed in Selcuk and no regrets! Small , quiet town yet getting to Euphesus was breeze. Took a dolmus both ways. Euphesus was so worth it! Don't miss the terrace houses (extra 80TRY) but great way to get a glimpse into how people lived . managed to do Euphesus and Sirince on the same day.

GillianT

04 Nov, 2022

Itinerary: Day 1- Hotel pick-up to airport. Upon arrival, was picked up then straight to visit Pamukkale which was awesome. Afterwards, we were driven to our hotel In Kusadasi. Day 2- visited ancient city of Ephesus and Temple of Artemis. Day 3- full day transfer to Cappadocia :( Day 4- Cappadocia Green Tour Day 5- Cappadocia Red Tour. Good points: -all the hotels book were really great. Clean, comfortable, and good locations -the coordination with pick-up, drop-offs were arranged really well -the emergency contact was very responsive and helpful -Breakfast at the hotels were great. The breakfast in The Cappadocia Hotel was phenomenal. Downside -there was just too many downtime especially in Day 1–2. We started the tours at around 9-9:30 and would finish at 2pm-2:30pm. This was including looking at the sites and random visits to cultural stores (i.e. Turkish Delight, ceramics, etc) and a LOT of car ride. -our first guide in Day 1-2 was informative but felt he was rushing the entire tour to finish early. We were given only 15-20mins to wander around, which was a shame because it wasn’t enough to take in the beauty of the sites. Also did not see the Necropolis. Hmm wish they added another site St. John’s Basilica which was right beside the Temple of Artemis. -for Day 3, our flight was at noon. Wish that we were booked an earlier flight so we can arrive in Cappadocia earlier. -Day 4-5 was really nice. Tour guide, Bush, paced it well. Only comment was probably not enough time to explore the Uchisar Castle. But this was understandable as I don’t think she expected my companion to want to hike up the steep slopes. I think the quality and pace of the tour is really dependent on the Tour Guide. Overall, this tour package would be good for those who want a very relaxed trip and who can spend more time in Turkey. The 5 days could probably be condensed to maybe 3-4days but this would have been a hectic and exhausting schedule. Was still a good experience and all the sites were mind blowing.

John_H

08 Sep, 2022

This was a 5 day trip broken into two very unequal parts. The first part was a 2 day trip in Kusadasi/Parmukkale and Ephesis with guide Ata. Ata was not good. He complained of being tired and yelled at me for asking to skip shopping to add another site--which was right next door to a site we were already visiting. We were upgraded to a private tour, without asking for it. In hindsight, this was a mistake, as Ata, or so the tour operator hypothesized, might have resented not having many people (fewer tips?). The Tour operator said he got good reviews from other clients; my search of travel sites don't show this. All in all--if you get Ata, make sure you stay on his good side, if you can find it. Specifics: the hieropolis buggies were "too expensive"; the Cleopatra Pool--waste of money; The far half of Hieropolis "a long walk" (ironically, not true on a buggy). All in all, he said--it is at our pace, suggested really short amounts of time and rushed us to the next place to sell us crafts. He even told us background information in the car for one attraction to save time, supposedly. He should seek employment in another field--9 years doing it with the last 4 a bit light (covid and some other reason unclear). In the middle of our 5 days, we had a free day. This was due to a flight change. We filled that on our own. This also changed our hotels from 2 days at the Illada Avantguard to one and Hotel Cappadocia from 2 to 3. This change could not have made us happier! The Illada was a nice hotel, but the city view when we could have had a sea view was vexing. We heard from the tour operator that their clients usually do not get even a city view--it was a nice view, but certainly not a city view--which we would have paid extra for if the tour operator had given the option--we booked MONTHS in advance and easily did so before the hotel filled. Hotel Cappadocia was a bit hot and had no pool. However, they provided a fan and the views and experience more than made up for the lack of pool. The three people who run the place and their staff were so friendly and helpful. The Turkish Breakfasts each morning were very similar each day but different enough to get us through 3 mornings without a feeling of monotony. THE VIEW!! WOW! The tours were led by Ozman. Very nice. Very helpful. Took photos. Had a dry and a bit warped sense of humor. It was clear that he knew he was going to try to get us to buy things in the arts and crafts places, but he did not insist on our participation and made sure we were hydrated from these places and brought water into the van (contrast this with ATA). We enjoyed the balloon ride. The tour operator upped the price 90 dollars each or demanded we cancel and rebook (at a new price). He claimed it was the operators refusing to honor the agreed price. This would not work in US contracts. However, the economic hardship and inflation in Turkey made us suck it up and pay. It is expensive anyway. Worth it? maybe. If you have the opportunity, why not. One last word on the arts and crafts places. While I am there for the history and sites, they do serve a purpose for the tourists in summer who need a break from the heat. The AC in the vans was meager. If anything, think of them as a safety precaution. DON'T BUY ANYTHING--way overpriced. We bought on ETSY for much less.

Steve_A

26 Aug, 2022

So, first off, let me say that one of our days was spent entirely on moving from Cappadocia to Kusadasi. So, keep in mind that it is actually 4 days, not 5. Cappadocia is also a little boring and we had way too many car rides dropping off people we weren't with. However, for the price, I'd say it's pretty good. You can definitely do better if you get a private tour (not very pricey if contacting turkish travel agency directly), but for something available from La Vacanza Travel, it's not bad. Not going to bore you with the details, just the highlights: Cappadocia - a lot of landscapes and 4-hour per day tours or so. You will be dragged to many local stores, don't buy anything, it's horribly overpriced. Get the hot air balloon flight, it's the best. Underground city is also worth a visit, if you get the choice of underground city, ask for the biggest. Kusadasi - no tours happen here, but you will be in a hotel in the city. It's a resort city and it's absolutely charming. Plenty of good food and good drink. There's a number of relaxed shisha bars nearby. I am huge fan of the Leila cafe a couple blocks away for shisha and sunset views. And across, there is a shopping mall, check out the brand Avva for men there, absolutely the best. Ephesus - Wow! Just wow. If you're a history buff, especially. Blows Rome out of the water. Not even going to say more, just the best day. Pamukkale - Wow! Again, it's an amazing site. Our tour guide was kind enough to arrange an optional parachute ride, which flies right over the ruins and the flats. The best part of the trip for me. Tour guides change between destinations, but if you meet a Kusadasi native named Mehmet, please treat him well. He's the best!

User's Picture Gallery

Image

Wonderful experienxe

Image

Viaje desastre a Turquía con El Corte Inglés

ImageImage

Similar Packages


Other Populars

Some popular Sightseeing Tours, Activities and Holiday Packages.

Turkey - SightSeeing Tours and Activities View All

Turkey - Holiday Packages View All

Turkey - Top Tourist Attractions View All

- Where To Stay View All