For Cruisers: 5 Days Istanbul & Cappadocia Trip - Including Hot Air Balloon Ride
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If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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About this experience
This 3 days travel package covers the locations Ephesus and Cappadocia with the guided tours. Also, you will have a charming experience with the Horseback Ride at the valleys of Cappadocia. For an even more unforgettable experience, Do not forget add a Cappadocia hot air balloon ride to your booking.
Available options
Silver Package
Accommodation: Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul - Sedirli Konak Hotel in Cappadocia (Stay at Stone Room in Cappadocia)<br/>Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED<br/>Money Back Guarantee: If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.<br/>Tour Language: The daily tour(s) will be organised with professional licenced English-speaking guides.<br/>Pickup included
Gold Package
Accommodation: The Magnaura Palace Hotel in Istanbul - 1811 Cave Hotel in Cappadocia (Stay at Cave Room in Cappadocia)<br/>Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED<br/>Money Back Guarantee: If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.<br/>Tour Language: The daily tour(s) will be organised with professional licenced English-speaking guides.<br/>Pickup included
Diamond Package
Accommodation: Hagia Sofia Mansions in Istanbul - Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia (Stay at Cave Room in Cappadocia)<br/>Hot Air Balloon Ride: INCLUDED<br/>Money Back Guarantee: If your balloon ride is cancelled due to poor weather conditions, you will be refunded cost of balloon ride.<br/>Tour Language: The daily tour(s) will be organised with professional licenced English-speaking guides.<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Transfers at the mentioned airports for domestic flights in the itinerary
Flight Tickets : Istanbul to Denizli - Izmir to Istanbul or Izmir to Cappadocia
XX nights hotel accommodation including breakfast
Hotel pick-up & drop-off services for each mentioned tours and transfers on itinerary
Professional tour guide who licenced by Ministry of Culture and Tourism
What's not included
Dinner & Drinks
Entrance fees of the museums (Your guide will have pre-paid tickets to skip the line.)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Hotel drop-off (return to Istanbul) timing : The departure time of return flight could be morning or afternoon. After you booked that tour, please inform your request for the timing of your return flight to local tour operator. If you do not inform any detail about that, local tour operator can book your return flight to any time of day. After you arrived Istanbul, local tour operator will transfer you to your drop-opff point. If you will do this tour post-cruise, the drop-off point will be your hotel in Istanbul center for this transfer. If you will do this tour pre-cruise, the drop-off point will be Istanbul Galataport (Cruise Port) for this transfer.
The prices of package are valid for accommodation at the double or triple room. If you would like make reservation for single room(s), there could be supplement cost. There are not going to be any extra cost for single / solo travelers. This cost already accounted on price of these travelers.
The pre-planned hotels are "Hagia Sophia Mansions in Istanbul" - "The Magnaura Palace in Istanbul" - "Zeynep Sultan Hotel in Istanbul" - "Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia" - "1811 Cave Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia" - "Sedirli Konak Boutique Hotel in Cappadocia" for your accommodation on this travel. You can choose any of them while booking. If preferred hotel by you is not available for standard/superior rooms on your travel dates, local tour operator can replace it with an equivalent hotel.
The check-in time of 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 hotels. If your arrival flight will be landing to Istanbul-Turkey before that time , you have to add one night more hotel reservation to package, or wait at the reception of your hotel until 02.00pm for check-in to hotel.
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 local tour operator will send e-tickets of your domestic flights at six days before your departure date. You will not need 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 local tour operator can request your some passport details for the bookings of your flight tickets.
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 local 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 pick-up or drop-off hotel is inside of airports (IST and SAW airports) local tour operator do not provide any pick-up / drop-off service on this trip package.
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.
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.
This tour is not available for the bookings to children who are 5 years old and under.
Important notes
Tour guide will give the entrance tickets to the guests before entry to the museums and ancient ruins and religious places.
About Selçuk
Selçuk is a charming town in Turkey's Aegean Region, renowned as the gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and proximity to stunning natural sites, Selçuk offers a unique blend of archaeological wonders and authentic Turkish hospitality.
Top Attractions
Ephesus
Ephesus is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world, known for its well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis.
Historical
Half to full day
Moderate (Entrance fee around 20 USD)
Selçuk Basilica
The Selçuk Basilica is an ancient Christian church with well-preserved mosaics and architectural details, offering insights into the region's early Christian history.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
İsa Bey Mosque
İsa Bey Mosque is a 14th-century Ottoman mosque with beautiful Seljuk architecture, featuring intricate tile work and a serene courtyard.
Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Şirince Village
Şirince is a picturesque village known for its traditional stone houses, local wines, and olive oil. It's a great place to experience authentic Turkish village life and sample local produce.
Cultural
Half day
Free to explore, budget for food and wine tastings
Ephesus Museum
The Ephesus Museum houses a collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ephesus, including sculptures, mosaics, and coins.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate (Entrance fee around 5 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Çökertme Kebap
A traditional dish made with minced lamb or beef, onions, and spices, cooked on a skewer over an open flame.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be spicy
Karnıyarık
A stuffed eggplant dish made with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers, topped with a rich tomato sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be spicy
Şakşuka
A traditional dish made with green peppers, tomatoes, and onions, cooked with minced meat and topped with a yogurt sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, can be spicy
Midye Dolma
Stuffed mussels filled with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and spices, served with a lemon wedge.
Snack
Contains seafood, can be spicy
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding countryside
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Beach relaxation in Kuşadası
Spa treatments in Pamukkale
Wine tasting in Şirince Village
Exploring ancient ruins
Visiting local museums
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
The best time to visit Selçuk is during the spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are manageable. These seasons offer ideal conditions for exploring the ancient sites and enjoying the local cuisine.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Turkish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
Time Zone
GMT+3
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Selçuk is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging.
- • Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Be wary of fake petitions or surveys, as they may be a distraction for thieves.
Getting there
By air
- Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport • 80 km
By train
Selçuk Railway Station
By bus
Selçuk Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses are the primary mode of public transportation in Selçuk, connecting the town center to major attractions and nearby towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: BiTaksi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Town Center
Ephesus Area
Şirince Village
Day trips
Pamukkale
150 km • Full day
Pamukkale is a natural wonder known for its white travertine terraces and thermal springs. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular day trip from Selçuk.
Kuşadası
20 km • Half day
Kuşadası is a popular coastal town known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. It's a great day trip for those looking to relax on the beach or explore the town's many shops and restaurants.
Priene, Miletus, and Didyma
50-60 km • Full day
Priene, Miletus, and Didyma are ancient cities located near Selçuk, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history. These sites are less crowded than Ephesus and offer a unique opportunity to explore ancient ruins.
Festivals
International Selçuk Ephesus Culture and Art Festival • May
International Selçuk Ephesus Jazz Festival • July
Selçuk Wine Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit the ancient city of Ephesus early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
- Try the local specialties, such as Çökertme Kebap and Şakşuka, at traditional restaurants like Dünyayla Otel Restaurant or Selçuk Pidecisi.
- Explore the charming village of Şirince for a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life, with its stone houses, local wines, and olive oils.
- Take a day trip to Pamukkale to experience the natural wonders of the travertine terraces and thermal springs.
- Visit the Ephesus Museum to learn more about the ancient city and its rich history, with a collection of artifacts that includes sculptures, mosaics, and coins.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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