4-Day Cappadocia & Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Air

4 Days

Departure from

Istanbul
Transportation

Airplane
Tour type

Group
Group Size

15 - 20
Language

English
Best season

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov

Tour Overview

Explore Turkey’s treasures on this 4-day journey through Cappadocia and Ephesus. Wander among Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, underground cities, and enjoy an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride. Then visit Ephesus to see the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis. The 4-Day Cappadocia & Ephesus Tour from Istanbul by Air includes flights, guided tours, and comfortable stays for an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey through Turkey’s history and beauty. Reserve your spot today!

Highlights:

Discover Cappadocia’s unique rock formations and underground cities
Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views
Tour Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre
Visit the Temple of Artemis and the House of Virgin Mary
Hassle-free flights, guided tours, and quality hotels included

Detailed Itinerary

Day
1

Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, scheduled between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival at either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, you will be greeted and transferred to Cappadocia, where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of North Cappadocia.

Your first stop will be Devrent Valley, where you will marvel at the unique fairy chimneys and surreal rock formations. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), renowned for its iconic mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Following this, you’ll drive to the city of Avanos, famous for its centuries-old pottery-making tradition along the banks of the Kizilirmak River.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, the tour continues to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, where you’ll explore ancient cave dwellings and churches that reflect the region’s rich monastic history. Toward the end of your tour, you’ll have approximately 15 minutes of free time to capture panoramic photos of the stunning Uchisar Castle from the outside.

After the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For extra activities, you can choose one from the following options: a traditional Cappadocia 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.
Day
2

South Cappadocia Tour

For an optional extra, consider booking an early morning hot air balloon ride to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost.

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The tour starts with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, where you’ll embark on a scenic hike of approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), known for its striking rock formations and ancient rock-cut churches.

Next, you will explore Çavuşin Village, famous for its historical houses and churches once inhabited by Christian clergymen. After exploring the village, you will break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), named after the numerous pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rocks. In the afternoon, you will explore one of the region’s fascinating underground cities, either the Kaymaklı Underground City or Özkonak Underground City, where early Christians once took refuge to escape persecution.

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
3

Green Cappadocia Tour + Evening Flight to İzmir (via Istanbul)

After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be picked up around 9:30 am to join the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The day begins with a visit to Esentepe, offering a stunning panoramic view of Göreme. This spot is perfect for capturing the enchanting landscape of the Göreme Valley.

Next, 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.

Following this, you will explore 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, 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, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Istanbul, departing between 7:00 – 10:00 pm. The flight to Istanbul takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. END OF OUR SERVICE AND TOURS.
Day
4

Ephesus Tour & Return Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up to meet your tour guide and begin your full-day tour of Ephesus. Your guide will provide a brief overview of the day’s activities before heading to the first stop, the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Next, you will explore the renowned Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, the most well-preserved ancient city in the world. Walk along its marble streets, visit ancient temples, and marvel at structures like the grand Library of Celsus.

After this exploration, you will take a break for lunch. Following lunch, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered site believed to be where Mary spent her final days. This site holds religious significance for both Christians and Muslims.

Next, you will visit the Isabey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to İzmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Departure times may vary depending on flight availability, typically between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. End of our services and tours.

Please Note: Transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

Pick up from Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side of Istanbul only).
Domestic flight tickets (Istanbul → Kayseri → Izmir → Istanbul) as per the itinerary
2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
English-speaking guide during the tours.
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch).
Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

Drop-off transportation service from Istanbul New Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport to your Istanbul hotel upon returning.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
Services not specified in the program.
Drinks with meals.
Travel insurance (recommended).

Important notes

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will I receive confirmation after making a reservation?

Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. This covers pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport, as well as all airport-hotel transfers throughout the tour. However, please note that when you return to Istanbul at the end of the tour, the service will conclude at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Transfer to your hotel or chosen address from the airport will not be provided, so you will need to arrange this on your own.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.

What extra activities are popular in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia offers a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience, all available at an additional cost:

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
ATV Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden trails on an exciting ATV (quad bike) tour. It’s a thrilling way to discover the area’s natural beauty off the beaten path.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the valleys and hills of Cappadocia. Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” this activity offers a unique perspective of the region.
Whirling Dervish Show: In the evening, immerse yourself in Turkish culture by attending a traditional Whirling Dervish Show. Witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, a spiritual dance that has been performed for centuries.
Turkish Night Show with Dinner: Experience an authentic Turkish Night Show featuring traditional music, folk dances, and belly dancing performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath, a unique experience that combines steam, massage, and cleansing rituals.

These activities can be arranged upon request and are not included in the standard tour package. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights during the tour?

On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.

Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.

Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, you must do so at least 5 days before the tour starts. In this case, the cost of all flight and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, will be deducted from your paid balance. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the tour, the full amount paid will be considered non-refundable, as a “no-show” policy will apply.