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

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, a One Nation Travel representative will be waiting to greet you. You’ll be assisted with your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and settle into your room. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Begin at the iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, the magnificent 6th-century cathedral that served as the world’s largest place of worship for nearly a thousand years. Walk across the square to the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its six slender minarets and cascade of domes adorned with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Next, visit the Hippodrome, once the social and sporting heart of Constantinople, where you can still see the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers before continuing to Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, housing extraordinary collections of jewels, manuscripts, and imperial relics. Around 3:30 PM, head to the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops lining its labyrinthine corridors. Spend time browsing handcrafted ceramics, Turkish carpets, leather goods, and spices. By 4:30 PM, return to your hotel with the rest of the evening free to explore the Sultanahmet neighborhood at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will lead the group to the bustling Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), one of Istanbul’s oldest covered markets. Wander through aromatic stalls brimming with Turkish teas, dried fruits, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs alongside fellow travelers. Take your time browsing the colorful displays before the group makes its way to the nearby pier.

Around 10:00 AM, board a boat for a scenic Bosphorus Cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the legendary waterway separating Europe and Asia while connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. As the boat glides along the channel, admire the ornate façade of Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian shore, and the sweeping span of the Bosphorus Bridge. Your guide will point out Ottoman-era waterfront mansions, ancient fortresses, and hilltop neighborhoods lining both continents.

By approximately 12:15 PM, the cruise concludes and the group returns to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — perfect for revisiting a favorite neighborhood, picking up last-minute gifts, or savoring a leisurely Turkish meal at a waterside restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your early-morning domestic flight to Izmir (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, you will be transferred to Selçuk, where you will meet your professional tour guide and join your group to begin the full-day Ephesus tour.

Start your exploration at the Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, once a thriving center of culture and commerce. Walk along its marble streets to discover the Temple of Hadrian, adorned with elaborate carvings honoring Emperor Hadrian, and the imposing Great Theater, designed to hold up to 25,000 spectators. Admire the Trajan Fountain, a striking monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan with beautifully crafted statues and detailed stonework.

Around midday, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Turkish cuisine before continuing the afternoon program.

After lunch, your guide will lead the group to the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos where it is believed Mary spent her final years. Next, pass by the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — though only a few columns remain, its historical significance is unmistakable. Finally, visit the Isabey Mosque, an elegant example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture renowned for its intricate calligraphy and refined stonework.

Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası for check-in. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Kuşadası.

After breakfast around 7:30 AM, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and driven to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group will assemble. Around 8:30 AM, your guide will lead the group on the approximately three-hour drive to Pamukkale, with a short restroom stop midway. Upon arrival around 11:45 AM, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the guided tour at approximately 1:00 PM.

Your exploration begins at the iconic Cotton Cliffs, where mineral-rich thermal waters have sculpted brilliant white travertine terraces over thousands of years. From there, you’ll walk into the ancient city of Hierapolis, discovering its well-preserved historical structures including the basilica, the impressive Hierapolis Theatre, and the Roman Baths. After the guided portion concludes, you’ll have free time to wander the ruins at your own pace. If you wish, you can take a swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense), where warm thermal waters flow among submerged ancient columns. Your guide will confirm the exact meeting point and regrouping time.

At approximately 4:00 PM, the group will transfer to the main bus station in Denizli, where you’ll board an intercity coach to Antalya — an expected journey of around five hours. Upon arrival at the Antalya bus terminal, a representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:00 AM your guide will lead the group east along the stunning Mediterranean coastline for a full day exploring the ancient cities of Pamphylia. Your first stop is Perge Ancient City, one of the most impressive ruins in southern Turkey. Walk through the monumental Roman gate, the colonnaded street, and the well-preserved stadium that once seated 12,000 spectators.

Continue to the magnificent Aspendos Ancient Theater, widely considered the best-preserved Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it still hosts performances today and seats approximately 15,000 — your guide will explain the remarkable acoustics that make this structure so extraordinary.

Around 12:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Manavgat Waterfall, where the wide cascade of the Manavgat River creates a refreshing spot to stretch your legs and take photographs. In the afternoon, join fellow travelers at Side, a charming ancient port town. Stroll past the Temple of Apollo overlooking the sea and explore the Side Ancient Theater, a striking 2nd-century amphitheater carved into the hillside. By 5:00 PM, the group departs for the scenic drive back to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

Today is yours to enjoy Antalya at your own pace. After breakfast at your hotel, you’re free to spend the day however you wish. You may choose to relax on the city’s stunning Mediterranean beaches or dive into its rich cultural atmosphere. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Kaleiçi, the charming historic old quarter, where boutique shops and cozy cafés line every corner. Consider visiting the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s finest archaeological collections, or admire the iconic Hadrian’s Gate and explore the many historical landmarks scattered throughout the old town.

If you prefer a more leisurely day, unwind on one of Antalya’s inviting beaches along the turquoise coastline or indulge in a traditional Turkish bath for a truly rejuvenating experience. The old harbor area is also a wonderful spot for a waterfront lunch of fresh seafood. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Antalya. You will be picked up and transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to either Kayseri or Nevşehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check‑in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the region at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For an optional extra to start your day, consider booking an early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s extraordinary valleys. Drifting above the fairy chimneys and rock-cut settlements as the sun rises is a truly spectacular experience. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost and is subject to weather conditions.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will gather the group at approximately 9:30 AM for a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia’s most remarkable landscapes. The first stop is Devrent Valley, where wind-sculpted rock formations take on the shapes of animals and mythical figures — a striking introduction to the region’s extraordinary geology that sets the tone for the day ahead.

By 10:15 AM, the group continues to Pasabag Valley, famous for its towering mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Some of these remarkable formations were hollowed out and used as hermit shelters by early monks, and their unusual multi-capped silhouettes make them among the most photographed sights in all of Cappadocia.

Around 11:00 AM, the group arrives in Avanos, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop. Artisans demonstrate techniques passed down through generations, shaping clay drawn from the banks of the Red River — a craft that has defined this town for centuries.

At approximately 12:00 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos with your fellow travelers. After the meal, the group sets off for the afternoon’s explorations.

By 1:15 PM, join fellow travelers at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Göreme, where a sweeping vista reveals the valley’s cave dwellings and rock-cut churches from above, offering a sense of just how deeply human history is carved into this landscape.

Around 1:45 PM, your guide will lead the group to the Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned rock-cut village that once supported a thriving community. Wander through ancient cave dwellings, churches adorned with faded frescoes, and a mosque carved directly into the stone — all offering a vivid picture of daily life in Cappadocia’s volcanic terrain.

By 3:00 PM, the group makes a final stop at Uchisar Castle, the tallest point in Cappadocia. Admire this towering rock fortress from the outside, its honeycomb surface riddled with rooms and tunnels that once served as both homes and defensive lookouts. By 3:30 PM, your guide will return the group to the hotel by approximately 4:00 PM, leaving the rest of the evening free to relax. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia. The morning begins with a visit to the striking Red Valley, where you’ll embark on an approximately 5 km scenic hike through the Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi). The trail winds past remarkable rock formations in shades of pink and orange, with ancient rock-cut churches carved directly into the cliffs along the way.

Next, the group will visit Çavuşin Village, known for its historical cave houses and early Christian churches once inhabited by clergymen. Take time to wander the old settlement and admire the carved facades before breaking for lunch at a local restaurant around noon.

After lunch, continue to Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), named for the hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock — once used by locals to collect fertilizer for their vineyards. In the afternoon, descend into Kaymakli Underground City or Özkonak Underground City, where early Christians carved elaborate multi-level refuges to escape persecution, complete with ventilation shafts, storage rooms, and communal spaces. The tour wraps up around 4:00 PM, after which you’ll transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM your guide will gather the group for the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The morning begins with a stop at Esentepe, where a sweeping panoramic view of Göreme Valley unfolds before you — an ideal spot for photographs of the surrounding rock formations and cave dwellings.

From there, the group descends into Derinkuyu Underground City, one of the deepest and most remarkably preserved subterranean complexes in the region. Dating back to the Hittites and later expanded by early Christians, its labyrinth of stables, kitchens, living quarters, and ventilation shafts reveals the ingenious survival strategies of its ancient inhabitants.

Next, join fellow travelers for a scenic 4-kilometer hike through the lush Ihlara Valley, following a meandering stream past small rock-cut churches from the early Christian era. The hike concludes with a relaxing lunch in Belisirma Village, set beside the river. After lunch, visit the impressive 13th-century Selime Monastery, carved dramatically into a volcanic rock face. The tour’s final stop is Yaprakhisar, known for its striking panoramic views and as a filming location for the “Star Wars” franchise.

Around 4:00 PM, transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, complete your check-out before 12:00 noon. Your transfer to Istanbul Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. End of tour services.