12-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Ankara

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: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul’s 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 will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from 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.

After the tour ends around 5:00 pm, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you wish to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax and unwind at the hotel.

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

Day 3: Bosphorus Morning Cruise and Flight to Cappadocia

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.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Zula Cave House OR Dedeli Konak 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 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.

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

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour

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.

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

Day 6: Flight to Antalya

After breakfast, before checking out from your hotel in Cappadocia, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to Kayseri Airport. You’ll then board a flight to Antalya, with a connection in Istanbul. Upon arrival in Antalya, another representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

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

Day 7: Perge, Aspendos, Side & 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 Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 8: Journey from Antalya to Pamukkale via Bus (180 km)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Antalya’s main bus station, where you will board the intercity coach to Denizli (duration: 5 hours). Upon arrival at Denizli bus station, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale. The rest of the day is yours to explore Pamukkale at your leisure.

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

Day 9: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Pamukkale. At around 10:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Today’s tour will start around 10:30 am with the first stop at Karahayit, where you can see the famous Red Spring Waters, known for their unique thermal properties. Afterward, the tour will proceed to Pamukkale, where you’ll explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key sites you’ll visit include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater.

Following this, you will enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore the natural wonders of Pamukkale. During this time, you may also choose to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools (optional, at your own expense).

Later, you will meet back with the guide and the group at the designated meeting point to take a walk along the famous Cotton Cliffs (travertines).

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, you can relax and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

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

Day 10: Ephesus Tour – Flight from Izmir to Ankara

After breakfast, check out of your hotel at around 8:30 am. You will then be picked up to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that played a vital role as a cultural and commercial hub in its time. During your visit, you’ll explore key highlights such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. Next, you will pass by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though little remains of the structure today.

Then, explore the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture.

After the tour, at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be driven to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Ankara via Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name and transferred to your hotel.

• Overnight in Ankara.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Best Western Plus Center Hotel OR Holiday Inn Ankara OR The Wings Hotels Neva Palas or similar (Standard quality).

Day 11: Ankara Tour – Flight back to Istanbul

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 9:00 am for a city tour of Ankara. Key sites include the Mausoleum of Ataturk, a tribute to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing artifacts from the Paleolithic to Urartian periods, which highlight Central Anatolia’s rich history.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to Ankara Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our airport representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.

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

Day 12: 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 Antalya and Izmir to Ankara and Ankara to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
• Intercity bus ticket from Antalya to Pamukkale.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Antalya at a boutique hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch).
• Visits and entrances 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.
• Drinks with meals.
• 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.
• 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.