8 Day Touch of Mediterranean Tour

Explore Turkey’s Highlights in an 8-Day Tour for $2,115

The 8 Day Touch of Mediterranean Tour offers a comprehensive journey through some of Turkey’s most iconic locations. Priced at $2,115 per person, this tour is designed for travelers who want to experience Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Pamukkale with all logistics arranged for them. The tour spans 8 days, with a carefully curated itinerary that includes accommodation, domestic flights, guided tours, meals, and transport.

This tour has a perfect rating of 5.0 from 8 reviews, with many praising the professional guidance and seamless organization. Travelers should note that it’s typically booked 42 days in advance, which indicates its popularity and the value seen in this well-structured package. While the price covers a lot, it’s important to remember that drinks, personal expenses, and international flights are not included.

Who Will Appreciate the 8-Day Touch of Mediterranean Tour?

This tour is ideal for those who want a thorough overview of Turkey’s most celebrated sites without worrying about planning each step. It suits travelers who prefer organized, guided experiences with all logistics handled. The inclusion of flights, hotels, guided sightseeing, and meals makes it particularly attractive for visitors who want a stress-free trip.

Considering the 8 reviews with a perfect score, the program’s strength lies in professional guides and well-coordinated schedules. The tour is most suitable for people with moderate physical activity, as some stops involve walking and exploring sites like Uchisar Castle and the Goreme Open-Air Museum.

Highlights of the Itinerary: From Istanbul to Pamukkale

This tour covers Turkey’s most famous and visually stunning locations, starting in Istanbul and then moving to Cappadocia, Antalya, and finishing with Pamukkale. The itinerary is designed to balance culture, scenic landscapes, and leisure activities.

Istanbul: Starting with a Cultural Dive into the Historic Heart

On Day 2, the tour begins in Istanbul with visits to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. The Hagia Sophia is highlighted as a Late Antique place of worship designed by Greek geometers, though admission tickets are not included. The Blue Mosque is a short walk from Topkapi Palace and is free to view from outside on Fridays when it’s closed for prayer.

Next, visitors explore the Hippodrome, a historic sports and social hub of Byzantine Constantinople, followed by a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops. The Topkapi Palace offers a chance to see imperial courtyards, lush gardens, and priceless artifacts, with admission included in the tour.

Day 3: Discovering Istanbul’s Architectural and Market Treasures

The tour continues in Istanbul with visits to Rustem Pasha Mosque, renowned for its lavishly decorated Iznik tiles. Following this, a Bosphorus boat cruise offers an hour-long journey between Europe and Asia, showcasing views of Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi Palaces and elegant wooden villas.

Finally, time is set aside for shopping at the Spice Market (Misir Carsisi), a lively bazaar in the Eminönü district. This bazaar is one of the largest in Istanbul, perfect for picking up spices, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

Traveling to Cappadocia: Unique Rock Formations and Cave Dwellings

After Istanbul, the tour transitions to Cappadocia via an included domestic flight. Upon arrival, travelers explore Devrent Valley, famed for lunar landscape and animal-shaped rocks, and Pasabag, known for its Fairy Chimneys—tall, cone-topped rock formations that characterize the region.

The Goreme Open-Air Museum is a significant highlight, revealing scores of monasteries and churches carved into rocks, offering a glimpse into early Christian life. The tour wraps up at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, providing panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Full-Day Cappadocia Highlights: Valleys, Villages, and Underground Cities

On Day 5, the itinerary emphasizes Red Valley, famous for rock-cut churches and scenic hiking, and Cavusin village, known for its historic houses and churches. Travelers also visit Pigeon Valley, with its dovecotes carved into soft tufa, and Ozkonak Underground City, an extensive network of tunnels and chambers built beneath the region.

Transition to Antalya and the Mediterranean Coast

Following the Cappadocia adventures, travelers fly to Antalya. The Tunektepe Teleferik offers a cable car ride with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. The tour then visits Lower Duden Waterfalls, where visitors enjoy close-up views and a meal near the cascading water, followed by a visit to Upper Duden Waterfalls, where the river flows into the sea.

Day Trip to Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle

The highlight of Day 7 is Pamukkale, famous for its white calcium terraces that resemble cotton deposits. The tour also covers the nearby Hierapolis ancient city, known for its Roman thermal baths. Visitors have about 3 hours to explore this stunning natural and historical site, which has long been celebrated for its therapeutic waters.

Final Day: Departure and Departure Logistics

On Day 8, the tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for the domestic flight back or onward travel. The tour’s comprehensive coverage ensures that travelers leave with a wide-ranging experience of Turkey’s coastal and inland attractions.

The Logistics and Included Features: A Well-Organized Package

The tour’s included features are a major strength: all sightseeing tours, entrance fees, parking, ferry rides, tolls, and fuel are covered. The use of new, air-conditioned vehicles ensures comfort during transfers, and guidance is provided by licensed English-speaking guides.

Accommodation, breakfasts, and lunches are also part of the package, making this a convenient and hassle-free experience. The package includes domestic flights in Turkey, streamlining travel between regions.

What’s Not Included and What to Consider

Travelers should plan for expenses outside the included meals, such as drinks and personal shopping. International flights to Turkey are not covered, so these must be arranged separately. The cancellation policy is flexible—free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Why This Tour Stands Out

This 8-day package offers an impressive balance of city sights, natural wonders, and leisure. The inclusion of flights, guided tours, hotels, and meals provides a comprehensive package that appeals to those seeking a stress-free, well-organized experience.

The positive reviews highlight the expert guidance, smooth coordination, and stunning views throughout the trip. Many praise the professionalism of guides like Yeliz Kaygusuz and the careful planning that ensures a seamless journey.

Final Thoughts on the 8 Day Touch of Mediterranean Tour

For travelers eager to explore Turkey’s top destinations without the hassle of planning, this well-rated tour offers excellent value. It covers cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes, and relaxing coastlines, making it suitable for most moderate physically capable travelers.

While the price includes almost everything—hotels, flights, meals, guides—the cost of drinks and extra expenses are not covered. Those who appreciate professional service and a carefully paced itinerary will find this tour a worthy investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most stops involve walking and exploring, the tour’s pace and activities make it accessible for families with children, especially given the organized logistics and guidance.

What should I pack for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for sites like Uchisar Castle and Goreme Open-Air Museum. Consider packing rain jackets during certain seasons, as weather can vary, especially in Cappadocia.

Are vegetarian or special diets accommodated?
The tour includes breakfasts and lunches, but specific dietary requests should be communicated beforehand as per the booking process.

How do I book this tour?
The tour is popular, with bookings typically made around 42 days in advance. Contact Smart Turkey Tours via email or phone to reserve your spot and confirm availability.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start. Shorter notice results in no refund, so planning accordingly is advised.

Can I customize this tour?
Since this is a private, guided experience, it may be possible to tailor certain elements. Contact the provider to discuss specific requests or adjustments.