5-Day Istanbul & Pamukkale Tour

5 Days

Starting Point

Istanbul
Ending Point

Istanbul
Tour type

Group
Group Size

15 - 25
Transportation

Airplane
Language

English

Itinerary Overview

Across Istanbul and Pamukkale, this 5-day tour connects Turkey’s imperial capital with the mineral terraces and Roman ruins of western Anatolia in a compact, well-paced route. In Istanbul, guided sightseeing centers on Sultanahmet, where Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks stand within easy reach of one another. You visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, The Blue Mosque Istanbul, Topkapi Palace Museum, the Byzantine Hippodrome, and the covered lanes of Grand Bazaar Istanbul, with a Bosphorus Cruise adding a scenic look at the city from the water.

Domestic flights via Denizli keep the Pamukkale section efficient, allowing time for the white Pamukkale Travertines and the ancient Hierapolis without turning the trip into a long overland journey. With 3 nights in Istanbul, 1 night in Pamukkale, breakfast at the hotels, specified lunches, guided touring, entrance fees, and mentioned transfers included, this itinerary suits travelers who want Istanbul’s major monuments and Pamukkale’s natural setting handled in one practical short Turkey tour.

Highlights:

Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
Visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Sultanahmet
Admire The Blue Mosque Istanbul and its tilework
Explore Topkapi Palace Museum’s Ottoman imperial courts
Stand in the Byzantine Hippodrome’s ancient public square
Browse the covered lanes of Grand Bazaar Istanbul
Walk near Pamukkale Travertines shaped by thermal waters
Explore ancient Hierapolis above Pamukkale’s white terraces

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul – Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show (optional, additional cost). This experience includes a delightful evening cruise on the Bosphorus, complete with dinner and live entertainment.
Day
2

Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

The tour begins with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a majestic structure that has served as a cathedral, a mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, you will visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This active place of worship is a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other grand events. Here, you’ll see notable monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these historical landmarks, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace Museum, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Explore its vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The day concludes with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, it offers an exciting experience with its array of spices, carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and more.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Istanbul further or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
3

Bosphorus Cruise – Flight to Denizli (Pamukkale)

After breakfast around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the Bosphorus Cruise. Your day begins with a visit to the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), where you can experience the vibrant colors, aromas, and atmosphere of one of Istanbul’s most iconic marketplaces. Following your visit, you’ll board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus — the famous strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the cruise, enjoy breathtaking views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the majestic Bosphorus Bridge, as well as centuries-old fortresses and elegant waterfront mansions that line both shores. After the cruise, you will return to your hotel around 12:15 PM to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli. Upon your arrival at Denizli Airport, our representative will meet you at the exit gate and assist you with your transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in and an overnight stay.
Day
4

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Flight back to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Pamukkale. At around 10:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your full-day exploration. The tour starts with a visit to Karahayit, where you can see the famous Red Springs, renowned for their unique thermal properties. Afterward, you will proceed to the ancient city of Hierapolis. During your visit, you will explore significant historical sites, including the Necropolis, the Roman Baths, the Domitian Gate, the Agora, the Triton Fountain, the Plutonium, and the magnificent Theatre. Following a lunch break at a local restaurant, you will have free time to enjoy the natural surroundings. You may also choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (optional, at your own expense). Later, you will meet your guide for a walk along the stunning white Cotton Cliffs (travertines). At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
5

Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Services

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is required before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This marks the end of our tour and services.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrival and departure services.
Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Denizli and Denizli to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast
1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel including breakfast
Professional licensed English speaking guide during the tours
Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
All entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary
Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare & airport taxes
Visa to enter Turkey
Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
Services not mentioned in the program.
Dinner and Drinks
Travel insurance (recommended).

Important Information:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make an online reservation?

After reviewing the detailed tour itinerary, you can make an online reservation by following these steps:

Select Your Tour Details:
- Go to the tour itinerary page.
- On the right side of the page, find the online booking form.
- Select the number of travelers and your desired tour start date.
Choose Extra Options (Add-Ons):
- Proceed to the next step to view available add-ons.
- Choose any extra options you wish to include in your tour package.
Provide Your Information & Passenger Details:
- Continue to the checkout page.
- Fill in the required personal details (name, email, phone number, etc.).
- Enter the passenger information using valid passport details.
- Click “Place Order” to submit the form and complete your reservation request.
Enter Your Visa or MasterCard Credit Card Information
- Please enter a valid Visa or MasterCard to complete your booking.
- The credit card used for payment must belong to one of the travelers who will be participating in the tour. This is required for verification and security purposes.
- Once the required 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your tour reservation will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
- The remaining 70% balance must be paid in cash to our representative on the day you arrive in Istanbul. You will receive a receipt upon payment. If you prefer to pay the remaining balance by credit card, a 5% bank processing fee will be added to cover transaction costs.

How can we make payment?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

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.

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.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.

Can you swim in Pamukkale?

Yes, you can swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during your free time. This activity is optional and comes at an additional cost. The tour guide will provide you with the exact meeting point and time for rejoining the group afterward.

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, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

Will I travel with the same group and guide throughout the tour?

Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.