13 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale and Ephesus 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 Oldcity 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.

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.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity 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 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 Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave Housel 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 Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave Housel 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 Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave Housel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Travel from Cappadocia to Konya by Public Bus (235 km)

After breakfast in the morning, you will be transferred to Goreme main bus station. From here you will board the intercity day coach to Konya (duration 4 hours). On your arrival at the Konya bus station, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in Konya. The rest of the day is on your own to explore Konya.

• Overnight in Konya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Konya OR Novotel Konya or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Private Transfer from Konya to Pamukkale (401km)

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the Konya tour. The first stop is the Mevlana Museum, home to the Tomb of Rumi, a site of great significance for those inspired by his poetry and teachings.

Next, visit the magnificent Selimiye Mosque in Konya, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. Around 12:30 pm, you will pause for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying the flavors of authentic Konya cuisine.

After lunch, the tour continues to the historic Alaeddin Mosque on Alaettin Hill, a place where Rumi is believed to have prayed. Along the way, admire the Seljuk Sultan’s Palace and visit the beautiful Karatay Madrasa, a historic theological school showcasing exceptional Seljuk artistry. The final stop is the Mosque and Tomb of Sems-i Tabrizi, a meaningful landmark dedicated to Rumi’s closest companion and spiritual guide.

After the tour, you’ll depart Konya around 2:30 pm for Pamukkale, with the drive taking approximately 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 8:00 pm, you will check into your hotel.

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

Day 8: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and you will be picked up around 10:30 am to join the full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. First on the itinerary is a visit to the historic city of Hierapolis, known for its notable sites such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths—where St. Philip was tragically martyred.

Following an exploration of these awe-inspiring sites, you’ll pause for lunch. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Karahayit, famous for its therapeutic red water and thermal springs.

Next, visit the renowned Cotton Cliffs, also known as Cotton Castle, located in Pamukkale. These striking terraces and pools, formed by calcified mineral deposits, offer an opportunity for a dip in the Cleopatra Antique Pools at an additional cost.

At around 4:00 pm, depart for Kusadasi, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

• 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 9: 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 Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Priene, Miletus and Didyma Tour

After breakfast, you will be picked up around 09:00 am to depart for Priene, the first grid-system planned city of the Ancient World, built on a hillside. You will visit the Theater, the Temple of Athena, the Bouleterium, the Agora, and the Altar of Zeus and Cybele. Next you will proceed to Miletus, the home of Thales and a principle Ionian city. You will then visit the Delphinium, the Nymphanion, the Theater, and the Faustina Baths. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will continue to Didyma to visit the Temple of Apollo, with its gigantic columns, and then will return back to your hotel.

• 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 11: Fly to Istanbul

After breakfast check out of the hotel in Kusadasi. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Izmir airport to take your flight to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred from the airport to your hotel.

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

Day 12: Free day in Istanbul to explore

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.

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

Day 13: 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 as mentioned in this itinerary.
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Kayseri and Izmir to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
• Intercity bus ticket from Cappadocia to Konya.
• 4 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Konya at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 nights in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Kusadasi 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.