5-Day Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with Flights

Day 1: Fly from Istanbul to Denizli – Pamukkale Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi for Overnight Stay

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

At 10:45 am, the first stop of the day will be 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 start exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key sites you’ll visit include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater.

Lunch will be served around 12:30 pm at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy some free time to explore the natural wonders of Pamukkale. You may also choose to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools during this time (optional, at your own expense).

Later, you will meet back with the guide and the group at the designated meeting point, as set by the guide, 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): Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir via Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel at around 8:30 am. You will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that became an important cultural and commercial center of its time. Your visit includes 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 ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative holding a sign with your name will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

• 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 3: 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 your full-day North Cappadocia tour. Your first stop will be at the Devrent Valley to marvel at the unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit the Pasabag Valley (also known as Monks Valley), famous for its mushroom-shaped rock formations.

Following this, the tour continues to the charming city of Avanos, renowned for its pottery-making traditions. After lunch, you will explore the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you can experience a series of ancient caves and churches that highlight the region’s monastic history.

Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have a chance to stop at Uchisar Castle to take panoramic photos of the surrounding landscape. Please note that entry into the castle itself is not permitted.

The tour will end around 4:00 pm, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore, or participate in additional activities.

For extra activities, you can choose a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. All of these activities are available at an additional 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 4: South Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, embark on your full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia. Your first stop will be the stunning Red Valley, where you can enjoy a 5 km hike through the picturesque Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi). This valley is famous for its striking rock formations and historical churches carved into the cliffs.

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, known for its ancient houses and churches, which were once home to Christian clergymen. Following this, take a break for lunch around noon at a local restaurant.

Afterward, head to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), renowned for its pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, which were once used by locals to collect pigeon droppings for fertilizer.

In the afternoon, explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, fascinating subterranean settlements where early Christians sought refuge from persecution.

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

Optionally, in the evening, you can attend a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner. This event offers an immersive experience of Turkish culture, featuring live music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. Please note, this activity is available at an additional cost.

• 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: Green Cappadocia Tour – Flight back to Istanbul

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 starts with a visit to Esentepe, offering a stunning panoramic view of Göreme. This spot is ideal for capturing the enchanting landscape of the Göreme Valley. From there, 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.

Next on the itinerary is 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, you will 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 3:30 pm, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Departure times are subject to flight availability, typically between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, with the flight lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.

Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: No accommodation is included on this day.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul city center and transfer to Istanbul Airport (European side of Istanbul only).
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Denizli, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Istanbul.
• 1 night stay in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights stay in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as per the itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch).
• Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Drop off transportation service from Istanbul Airport (IST) OR Sabiha Gökçen Airport SAW to Istanbul Hotel upon returning to Istanbul.
• 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.
• Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
• 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.
• The normal arrival time in Istanbul at the end of your tour is between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM. If you plan to book your international return flight on the same day, we recommend choosing a flight that departs no earlier than 1:30 AM the following morning to avoid missing it.
• Please note that your return flight from Kayseri/Nevsehir to Istanbul will arrive at either the Istanbul (IST) or at the Sabiha Gökçen Airport, depending on the availability of flights on the ticket purchase date. Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, you must arrange your pick-up service from Istanbul airport to your hotel in Istanbul, as this transfer is not included as part of your package tour services with us.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.