9-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Pergamon, Ephesus and Cappadocia 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: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites 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 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.

The tour will end around 5:00 pm, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether exploring more of Istanbul on your own or simply relaxing.

• 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 Cruise – Flight from Istanbul to Denizli

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you’ll start your half-day morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the Eminonu pier, where you’ll briefly visit the historic Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. This vibrant market is filled with colorful stalls offering spices, sweets, and handicrafts. Following this, you’ll board a shared boat and set off along the Bosphorus Strait, the scenic waterway that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

While cruising, you’ll enjoy incredible views of landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, as well as age-old citadels and waterfront mansions. This cruise provides a unique perspective of both the European and Asian coastlines of Istanbul.

At the end of the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul Airport to board a flight to Denizli, which takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Upon arrival in Denizli, a representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale. After checking in, take time to relax and prepare for an overnight stay.

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

Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 10:30 am for a full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Your journey begins with a visit to the historic city of Hierapolis, celebrated for its significant sites, including the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, where St. Philip was martyred.

After exploring these ancient ruins, you’ll pause to enjoy a lunch break. As the afternoon continues, your tour will lead you to Karahayit, a village famed for its therapeutic red waters and hot springs, offering unique mineral-rich properties.

Next, you’ll visit the iconic Cotton Cliffs, also known as the Cotton Castle, in Pamukkale. These dazzling white terraces and thermal pools, created by calcified mineral deposits, are among Turkey’s most famous natural wonders. Here, you’ll have the option to take a dip in the legendary Cleopatra Antique Pools for an additional fee, experiencing the rejuvenating waters that have attracted visitors for centuries.

Your tour ends around 4:00 pm, after which you’ll set off for Kusadasi. Arrival is expected by 7:30 pm, where you’ll check into your hotel for a restful 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 5: Pergamon Tour

• 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 6: Ephesus Tour – Flight from Izmir to Kayseri/Nevsehir

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 Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name and transferred to your hotel.

• 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 7: 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 Zula Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: South Cappadocia Tour – Return Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 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 starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km 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 taken to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay overnight.

• 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 9: 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 Izmir, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Istanbul) as specified in the itinerary.
• Tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
• Accommodation for 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-Star Hotels, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast.
• Accommodation for 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave 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).
• All entrance fees are 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.
• 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.