5-Day Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour from istanbul (Domestic Flights Included)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Denizli, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be met and transferred to Pamukkale, where you will join your professional tour guide to begin a full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

At approximately 10:45 AM, your first stop will be Karahayit, where you will see the famous Red Springs, renowned for their healing properties. At around 11:45 AM, you will proceed to Pamukkale to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Highlights of this visit include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantine Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollo Temple, Plutonium, and the Theatre.

You will enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. After lunch, you’ll have approximately 60 minutes of free time to explore the natural beauty of the Pamukkale Travertines on your own. You may also choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense), relaxing in the same thermal waters that Cleopatra is believed to have bathed in.

You will regroup with your guide and have the unique experience of walking barefoot down the famous travertine terraces, feeling the soft limestone underfoot.

After the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM for check-in. Once settled, the evening is yours to relax or explore the town at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up to meet your tour guide and begin your full-day tour of Ephesus. Your guide will provide a brief overview of the day’s activities before heading to the first stop, the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Next, you will explore the renowned Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, the most well-preserved ancient city in the world. Walk along its marble streets, visit ancient temples, and marvel at structures like the grand Library of Celsus.

After this exploration, you will take a break for lunch. Following lunch, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered site believed to be where Mary spent her final days. This site holds religious significance for both Christians and Muslims.

Next, you will visit the Isabey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, a representative will be there holding a sign with your name to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For an optional extra, consider booking an early morning hot air balloon ride to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to start your full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your first stop will be Devrent Valley, famous for its unique and whimsical fairy chimneys that resemble natural sculptures. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where you can see the iconic mushroom-shaped pinnacles and learn about the region’s history.

After exploring Pasabag, you will drive to the city of Avanos, known for its rich pottery-making traditions dating back thousands of years. Here, you’ll have the chance to see local artisans at work.

Following lunch, the tour continues to the Zelve Open-Air Museum. This incredible museum features a network of carved caves and ancient churches, offering insights into the region’s rich monastic history.

Towards the end of the tour, you will have approximately 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of the natural Uchisar Castle from the outside.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm. The rest of the day will be at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The tour starts with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, where you’ll embark on a scenic hike of approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), known for its striking rock formations and ancient rock-cut churches.

Next, you will explore Çavuşin Village, famous for its historical houses and churches once inhabited by Christian clergymen. After exploring the village, you will break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), named after the numerous pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rocks. In the afternoon, you will explore one of the region’s fascinating underground cities, either the Kaymaklı Underground City or Özkonak Underground City, where early Christians once took refuge to escape persecution.

The tour ends around 4:00 pm, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The day begins with a visit to Esentepe, offering a stunning panoramic view of Göreme. This spot is perfect for capturing the enchanting landscape of the Göreme Valley.

Next, the tour takes you to the Derinkuyu Underground City, a remarkably well-preserved subterranean complex dating back to the Hittites and later utilized by early Christians. This ancient city, with its intricate design—including stables, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms—provides a unique glimpse into historical survival strategies.

Following this, you will explore the Ihlara Valley, where you embark on a scenic 4 km hike. This beautiful valley, dotted with small churches from the early Christian period, is a peaceful haven with a meandering stream and the gentle sounds of nature. After the hike, enjoy a delightful lunch in Belisirma Village, situated charmingly by the river.

The adventure continues with a visit to the 13th-century Selime Monastery. The tour’s final stop is at Yaprakhisar, known for its breathtaking panoramic views and as a filming location for the famous “Star Wars” movie.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your return flight to Istanbul, departing between 7:00 – 10:00 PM (flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes). End of our services and tour.