From: $814.00
Embark on a 5-day adventure from Istanbul, uncovering the wonders of Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Troy. Witness the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, explore the terraces of Pamukkale, stroll through the ruins of ancient Ephesus, and delve into the legendary city of Troy. A blend of natural marvels and historical treasures awaits. Dive into the magic—book your journey today!
You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to Cappadocia, where your full-day North Cappadocia tour will begin.
Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to stunning mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After exploring these natural wonders, you will head to Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery making.
After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and caves, providing a glimpse into the monastic history of the region. Towards the end of the day, you will stop at Uchisar Castle for panoramic photos. While entry into the castle itself is not permitted, the surrounding area offers beautiful views of the landscape.
After the tour, at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.
For extra activities, you can choose one from the following options: a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. Please note that all activities are available at an additional cost, and you can join only one due to time constraints.
For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys. Please note that this activity is available at an extra cost.
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 South Cappadocia Tour. Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s itinerary before starting with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore its famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the scenic Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).
Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, known for its ancient houses and churches of Christian clergymen. After exploring this historical village, you will take a break for lunch around noon.
After lunch, the tour will continue with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), famous for its pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. In the afternoon, you will visit either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge during periods of persecution.
After the tour, you’ll take an overnight bus to Pamukkale on a non-smoking, air-conditioned coach. The bus will leave the station at approximately 8:30 pm, and the ride will take about 10 hours. There will be three scheduled stops along the way for your personal needs.
Upon your arrival at the Pamukkale/Denizli main bus station between 05:30 – 06:00 am, you will be transferred to a 2-star hotel in Pamukkale to freshen up and enjoy breakfast before starting your full-day tour. Please note that there will be no stay in the hotel room; it is simply a place to refresh and have a meal. After breakfast, you will meet the rest of the group in the hotel lobby to join the tour.
Around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from the hotel to begin your guided Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with a professional licensed guide. Your first stop will be Karahayit Red Springs to see the striking red mineral waters. After visiting the Karahayit area, you will head to Pamukkale to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key highlights in Hierapolis include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, and Theater.
Close to noon, you will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine.
After lunch, you will be given some free time for approximately 60 minutes to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale. As an option, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time.
Next, you will meet with your guide to visit the famous Pamukkale Travertines, also known as Cotton Castle in Turkish. Here, mineral-rich thermal waters flow down stunning white terraces, creating one of Turkey’s most iconic natural landscapes. You’ll have the unique experience of walking barefoot along the terraces, from top to bottom.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will drive to Kusadasi, which will take approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Kusadasi.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and be picked up around 8:30 am to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that became a significant center of its time. You’ll visit key highlights, including the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.
After lunch, you’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her final years. You will also pass by the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though only a few traces remain today.
Next, you’ll visit the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture.
After your Ephesus tour, you will be driven back to Kusadasi, where you will board a public bus to Canakkale at approximately 6:30 pm. You will arrive in Canakkale around 12:30 am, with two scheduled breaks along the way for personal needs. Upon arrival at the Canakkale bus station, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel to check in.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Canakkale. Around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the morning tour of Troy. You will visit the ancient city of Troy, famous for the legendary Trojan Horse from the times of Beautiful Helen, Queen of Sparta, and Paris, the Trojan Prince.
After your morning Troy tour, you will be driven back to Canakkale, where you will board a public bus to Istanbul at approximately 1:00 pm. End of tour and services
Please note: The local bus will arrive at the main Istanbul bus station between 6:00 – 7:30 pm depending on traffic conditions. Upon your arrival at the main bus station in Istanbul, it will be the end of our service. You will need to arrange your own transportation from the bus station. End of our service.
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Shailendra B. –
My friends and I decided to do the 5 days excursion from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Troy. The tour was just amazing! Everything went as planned, the hotels were beautiful and the company was also able to provide vegetarian meals, as we asked. I highly recommend the trip, it was one of the best experiences of my life!
Nicole M –
Our One Nation Travel small group tour was great. All the guides were excellent and the hotels were of a high quality. We would definitely use One Nation Travel again!
Carla S –
I have just returned home from a very well organised 5 day trip through Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Troy thanks to Can Berber at One Nation Travel. The tour all went plan with the help of the many guides and drivers who were both knowledgeable and courteous to what turned out to be mostly a small group of travelers. I am recommending it to everyone!!