11-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Antalya Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

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.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

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.

The tour starts with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. This iconic building captures Istanbul’s rich history, with intricate mosaics and architectural elements blending Christian and Islamic influences.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its magnificent blue İznik tiles and its six minarets. An active place of worship, the mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and an essential part of Istanbul’s skyline.

From there, you’ll explore the historic Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life and the venue for chariot races and grand ceremonies. Today, it is a public square featuring important monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain, each with a unique historical story.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Turkish cuisine and unwind.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, opulent rooms filled with Ottoman treasures, and the optional Harem section, which provides insight into the private life of the sultans.

The day’s final stop is at the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, this bustling market is a must-visit for anyone interested in Turkish culture and craftsmanship. Here, you can find a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, in an atmosphere that is as vibrant as it is historic.

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.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise – Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will be picked up for a half-day morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a scenic drive to Eminonu, where you’ll have a short visit to the vibrant Spice Market (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). Here, enjoy the lively atmosphere and the aroma of spices, teas, and sweets filling the air.

Following this, you will board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, a narrow waterway that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. As you sail, you’ll enjoy stunning views of key landmarks, including the majestic Dolmabahce Palace and the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace. You’ll also pass under the iconic Bosphorus Bridge and see historic citadels, charming mansions, and the picturesque European and Asian shorelines.

At the end of the cruise, you’ll return to your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your afternoon flight to Kayseri, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon arrival in Kayseri, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Holiday Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: North Cappadocia Tour

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 Turkish Night show with dinner, 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 enchanting Sufi tradition. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Holiday Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Izmir

After breakfast at the hotel around 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities. The tour will begin with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, famous for its historic houses and churches of Christian clergymen. Afterward, you will take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, you will drive to the Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon, you will visit either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

After the tour, around 3:30 pm, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight to Izmir, with a connection in Istanbul. Upon arrival at Izmir airport, a representative holding a sign with your name will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that was once a thriving cultural and commercial hub. During your visit, you’ll explore key landmarks, including the Temple of Hadrian (Open link in a new tab), known for its ornate decorations; the Great Theater (Open link in a new tab), a magnificent amphitheater that could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators; and the Trajan Fountain (Open link in a new tab), an elegant monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary (Open link in a new tab), a sacred site where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her final years. This peaceful sanctuary is a revered pilgrimage destination for both Christians and Muslims.

Next, you will pass by the remnants of the Temple of Artemis (Open link in a new tab), once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little of the temple remains today, it is a fascinating stop to imagine its former grandeur.

Finally, you’ll visit the Isa Bey Mosque (Open link in a new tab), a stunning example of Seljuk architecture, characterized by its intricate stone carvings and elegant design.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi around 4:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel  OR Derici Hotel OR Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast at around 7:30 am, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk, where the full group will gather. Your Pamukkale tour will begin with an 8:30 am departure from Selcuk, and the drive to Pamukkale will take approximately 3 hours. Along the way, there will be a 10-minute stop for a restroom break after 1.5 hours.

Upon arriving in Pamukkale at around 11:45 am, you will first enjoy lunch. After lunch, at approximately 1:00 pm, your guided tour of Pamukkale and the Hierapolis area will commence, led by a professional licensed tour guide. In Pamukkale, you will witness the breathtaking Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by calcareous salt deposits.

You will also explore the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. At the end of the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore on your own. As an optional activity, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time. Your tour guide will provide details about the exact meeting point and time.

At the end of the tour, around approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Dinner will be included and served at the hotel this evening.

• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: From Pamukkale to Antalya by Intercity Bus (238 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and be transferred to Denizli’s main bus station. There, you’ll board an intercity day coach to Antalya, a scenic journey of approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival at the Antalya bus station, a representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the beautiful city of Antalya at your leisure.

• Overnight in Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 8:00 AM to begin your tour. The first stop is Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC and one of the largest ancient cities in the Pamphylia region. From there, you will depart for the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, an exceptionally well-preserved structure built in the 2nd century A.D. With a capacity of 15,000, the theater is still used for festivals and concerts today.

Afterwards, there will be a lunch break at a restaurant by a nearby river before heading to Side (pronounced “Seeday”). Side is one of Turkey’s best-preserved classical ancient cities, known as a port city that once hosted the largest slave market in the region. During Roman times, significant construction occurred here, including the large theater, Roman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo.

You will have 1 hour of free time in Side to explore the city and enjoy the sea. On the return trip to Antalya, there will be a stop at the Manavgat Waterfall. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Antalya, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

• Overnight in Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Antalya. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Antalya airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy and explore the city at your leisure.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 11: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service.

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.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Izmir, Antalya to Istanbul) as specified in the itinerary.
• Tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at special class or 4-star hotels, inclusive of breakfast.
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• 2 nights in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• 2 nights in Antalya at a boutique hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Services of a professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
• All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Dinner and Drinks.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.