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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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Group
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15 - 25
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Airplane
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English
This 5-day guided tour visits Istanbul (3 nights) and Kusadasi (1 night). Prices start from $1,060 per person, based on two travelers sharing. Operated by One Nation Travel, a TÜRSAB-licensed (No. A-6073) local tour operator founded in Istanbul in 2008.
Itinerary Overview
White mineral terraces and ancient city streets shape the 5-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour, 5 days and 4 nights beginning and ending in Istanbul. Domestic flights run Istanbul to Denizli for Pamukkale and Izmir back to Istanbul, with a road transfer to Kusadasi in between.
Istanbul brings Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum and the Grand Bazaar. At Pamukkale you walk the ruins of Hierapolis and the Cotton Cliffs travertines, and Ephesus adds the House of the Virgin Mary. The Bosphorus dinner cruise and Cleopatra Antique Pools swim are optional and paid separately.
One Nation Travel, a licensed local tour operator in Istanbul since 2008 (TÜRSAB A-6073), coordinates the domestic flights, hotels and transfers for you. International flights are not included and are not offered as a paid add-on. You must arrange and purchase these flights independently. Sightseeing is shared. The Pamukkale day starts with a hotel pickup around 4:00 AM, so the pace suits travelers comfortable with early starts and long days.
Highlights:
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – iconic masterpiece
- Blue Mosque – Ottoman elegance
- Grand Bazaar – historic market
- Pamukkale – white travertines
- Hierapolis – ancient spa city
- Ephesus – archaeological wonder
- Great Theater – monumental arena
- House of the Virgin Mary – sacred retreat
- Temple of Artemis – ancient marvel
- Isa Bey Mosque – Seljuk architecture
Route: Istanbul (3 nights) → Kusadasi (1 night) → Istanbul · Day trips: Pamukkale, Ephesus
Day-by-Day Itinerary
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.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
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.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Pamukkale, where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
The tour starts around 10:45 AM with a visit to Karahayit to see the famous Red Spring Waters, renowned for their unique thermal properties. Next, you’ll proceed to Pamukkale and begin exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key sites include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater.
Afterward, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. Following lunch, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore Pamukkale’s natural wonders at your own pace. During this time, you may opt to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools (optional, at your own expense), where you can relax in the thermal waters amidst ancient ruins.
Later in the afternoon, regroup with your guide and take a walk along the stunning Cotton Cliffs (travertines), marveling at the cascading white terraces formed by mineral-rich waters.
After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, arriving around 7:30 PM for check-in. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy at your leisure. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Kusadasi: Efe Boutique Hotel, Derici Hotel, Neopol Hotel Deluxe, or Marina Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel at around 8:30 AM. You will be picked up for a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities, which was once a major Greek port and cultural center.
Your tour begins with a walk along Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading to some of its most remarkable sites. The first stop is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure featuring intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing onward, you will visit the impressive Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is renowned for its incredible acoustics. Your guide will share fascinating stories about its use for gatherings, dramatic performances, and even gladiatorial contests.
Next, you’ll explore the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire detailed carvings and learn about its importance in the city’s water supply system.
After a lunch break at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a peaceful hillside. Believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus, this modest stone house remains a pilgrimage site and a serene spot for quiet reflection.
You will then visit the Temple of Artemis. While only a few columns remain, this site was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, symbolizing the grandeur of ancient Ephesus.
The final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, an exquisite example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture, showcasing a blend of cultural influences through its courtyards and intricate tile work.
After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if it is expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
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 the itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
- Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul to Denizli and Izmir to Istanbul, as specified in the itinerary.
- 3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
- English-speaking guide during tours.
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
- Local taxes and service charges.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets.
- Visa to enter Turkey.
- Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
- Services not mentioned in the program.
- Drinks with meals.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
Important Notes
With your inquiry, please send your travel dates, number of travelers, preferred room setup, hotel class preference, and whether your dates are flexible by a day or two.
Before domestic flight tickets can be issued, we need each traveler’s full name exactly as printed in the passport, date of birth, passport number, and nationality. The name on the ticket is checked against the passport at the gate.
For pickup arrangements, send your hotel name and address, or your arrival flight number and landing time.
Tour 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.
- Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
- 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.
Room Allocation
- 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.
- 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
Flights & Transfers
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Eliza K.(Australia )October 13, 2025 An Unforgettable Journey Through Turkey’s History and Beauty!I absolutely loved every moment of my 5-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour! Everything was so well organized from the airport pickup to the last transfer. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, sharing so many interesting stories about Turkey’s history and culture.Pamukkale’s white terraces were even more stunning in real life, and walking through the ancient ruins of Ephesus felt like stepping back in time. The hotels were clean and comfortable, and the local food was delicious everywhere we went.I felt completely safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip. I can’t thank the team enough for making this such a memorable experience. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Turkey — it’s the perfect balance of history, culture, and relaxation!Date of Experience: October 02, 2025
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Featured Hotels
Hotel options associated with this itinerary; the selected tour page and written confirmation control the included hotel and category.
View Featured Hotels (7)- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel for an additional cost, which is added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Hotels are subject to availability; alternatives of an equal standard may be provided.
