10 Days in Türkiye: Istanbul, Izmir and Cappadocia
Embrace Türkiye's aura of antiquity on this atmospheric, 10-day journey through Istanbul's mosques, Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, and the ruins of Ephesus.
Türkiye
10 days / 9 nights
$2,995 /person
$2,995 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Tasting Turkish coffee, börek pastries, and quintessential street delights in Istanbul
Cruising to the Aegean Sea’s Cunda Island for a dinner of Greek and Turkish flavors
Strolling through the epic ruins of Ephesus: one of the world’s most legendary Greco-Roman sites
Dining on Turkish specialties with a local chef in a traditional Cappadocia cave house
Soaring above Cappadocia’s magical fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon
Greek Gems in Ayvalık and the Flavors of Cunda Island
Overview
After breakfast at your hotel, bid Istanbul’s many marvels goodbye — at least, for now. Today, you’ll head west to Ayvalık, a waterfront fishing town known as Kydonia in former Greek times. Greeks and Turks have historically shared this scenic town, though in 1925 the dominant Greek population moved offshore to islands like Lesvos, Rhodes and Crete. After the roughly five-hour drive to Ayvalık, you’ll check in to your hotel and embark on a thorough walking tour of the Aegean town with your local expert guide. The walk will lead you along Ayvalık’s cobblestone streets, where you’ll visit Greek Churches, browse local markets, and pop into art galleries. In the evening, you’ll board a fishing boat in the harbor for the 20-minute cruise over to Cunda Island. There, a lively restaurant and bar scene awaits, so you’ll have the option to settle in for a fabulous dinner of Turkish and Greek flavors. (Breakfast)
Highlights
Ayvalık's Rich History
A charming coastal town in western Turkey, Ayvalık boasts a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Originally settled by the Ancient Greeks, Ayvalık flourished under various civilizations, including the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Its strategic location on the Aegean Sea made it an important trading hub, attracting merchants from around the Mediterranean. Ayvalik also played a significant role during the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century.
Aegean Coast
On Turkey’s northwest Aegean coast, the seaside town of Ayvalık basks in a salt-sprayed atmosphere and natural beauty, with scores of islands just offshore. During today’s guided walking tour, you'll notice Greek and Ottoman influences in the town’s charming old houses and narrow streets, while the city's picturesque coastline, olive groves, and vibrant culture offer glimpses into its unique blend of traditions. Prepare to pull out your camera to snap photo after photo, beginning with the colorful fishing boats that bob in the harbor.
Fishing Boat to Cunda Island With Optional Dinner
Cunda Island — the largest of the islands in the archipelago off Ayvalık — is known for its olive tree-lined streets and charming, sprawling sea views. This evening, you’ll board a local fishing boat driven by an expert captain, and cruise to the island from Ayvalik’s marina. You’ll then have the option to stop for a traditional dinner that not only offers delicious bites but also opportunities to soak in Cunda’s buzzing vibe.
Accommodations
Cavlıhane Hotel (or similar)
Settle into your cozy Ayvalık base of operations at this historic hotel, where the rooms have exposed brick walls and open-beam ceilings and you’re right in the heart of town.
Location:
Hayrettinpaşa, 13 Nisan Cd. 18. Sk. No:24, 10400 Ayvalık/Balıkesir, Türkiye
Phone:
+902663129505
Transportation
The drive from Istanbul to Ayvalık takes roughly five hours.
Istanbul
Ayvalık, Cavlıhane Hotel (or similar)
How it works
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- COVID entry and exit information and assistance
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Nine nights of accommodations, with daily breakfast included
- All meals, activities, tours, experiences, and transportation mentioned in the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Kayseri to Istanbul
- Boat trip to Cunda Island
- English-speaking local expert guide for mentioned experiences
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- All drinks, meals, activities, and experiences not mentioned in the itinerary
- Anything else not detailed in the itinerary
- Anything listed as optional or not included