From: $1,680.00
This 10-day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus tour is the perfect way to explore some of the most amazing sights in Turkey. You’ll start in Istanbul, a city that’s rich in history and culture. Then, you’ll head to Cappadocia, where you can explore the unique landscape and see some of the most impressive rock formations in the world. Next, you’ll visit Pamukkale, where you can see the natural wonder of the travertine terraces. Finally, you’ll end your trip in Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved Roman cities in the world. This tour includes domestic flight tickets, transfers, and most meals, so you can just sit back and enjoy your vacation.
Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.
After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.
First, you will visit the Grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that originally served as a cathedral, later functioned as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. It showcases centuries of history, blending elements of both Christian and Islamic cultures.
Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.
From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.
Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.
The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.
After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the pier in Eminönü, where you will have a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you’ll board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, along with centuries-old mansions, citadels, and the stunning European and Asian shorelines.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri, which is approximately 1.5 hours in duration. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the rest of the evening is free to relax.
For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.
After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles.
Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches.
Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.
After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or participate in optional activities.
For additional activities, you can choose a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the mesmerizing Sufi tradition. Alternatively, you may opt for a Turkish Night show with dinner, which includes traditional Turkish music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. All these activities are available at an extra cost.
After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The guide will provide a briefing on the day’s activities before starting with a visit to the Red Valley, where you’ll explore renowned rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).
Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon.
Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your own pace.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Cappadocia. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport to take your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.
After breakfast at around 7:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi and transferred to the meeting point in Selcuk where the full group will gather. From there, the journey to Pamukkale will begin at approximately 8:30 am, with a drive of about 3 hours. There will be a brief 10-minute stop for a restroom break halfway through the trip.
Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 11:45 am, the group will first enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, around 1:00 pm, your guided tour will begin with a professional licensed guide. You will explore the stunning Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by deposits of calcareous salts, as well as the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis. Key highlights include the theatre, and the Roman Baths.
At the end of the guided tour, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore the area at your own pace. During this time, if you wish, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (optional and at your own expense). Your tour guide will inform you of the exact meeting point and time.
After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi, with an expected arrival around 7:30 pm.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel around 8:30 am. You’ll be picked up for an enriching full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities and once a major Greek port and cultural center.
Your tour begins with a walk along the Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading you to some of its most remarkable sites. One of the first stops is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure with intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing on, you’ll reach the impressive Great Theater, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is still known for its acoustics. Here, your guide will share stories about the theater’s role in hosting gatherings, dramas, and even gladiatorial contests.
Next, you’ll see the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire its detailed carvings and learn about its significance in the city’s water supply system.
After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a hillside. This modest stone house is believed to be the place where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It remains a pilgrimage site and a place for quiet reflection.
The journey then takes you to the Temple of Artemis. Although only a few columns remain, this once-grand temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a powerful symbol of the city’s importance in ancient times.
Your final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture from the 14th century, with beautiful courtyards and intricate tile work that reflect the blend of cultures in the region.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Today you will have a free day in Istanbul which you can use at leisure. If you like you can also join an add-on optional tour at an additional cost. There are three add-on optional day trips from Istanbul that you can select during booking at an additional cost. The add-on optional day trips are 1) Bursa, 2) Troy and 3) Sapanca & Masukiye which return to Istanbul at the end of the day.
After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.
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Keri P –
Thank you very much for your help in arranging our tour in Turkey. Everything went well and we are most grateful to have learned so much about Turkey while having fun. I would recommend you to anyone.
Thank you again.
Olivia H –
I just returned from your 10 day Best of Turkey Tour (Istanbul/Cappadocia/Pamukakle/Ephesus) and had a wonderful time! The tour guides were very friendly and knowledgeable about their cities, the transportation worked just right, and the hotels were first class. I will certainly recommend your organization to friends who want to travel to Turkey.
Jessica D. –
I had an amazing time on this tour! The guide was great and the service was top notch. The hotels were comfortable and the Turkish meals were delicious. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested in learning about the history and culture of Turkey.