5-Day Konya, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour

Flight from Istanbul to Konya, Konya Sightseeing, Bus to Cappadocia (235 km)

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul at approximately 4:00 AM and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Konya, scheduled between 6:00 – 8:00 AM. Upon arrival at Konya airport, you will be greeted and escorted to the city to meet your professional tour guide and begin your half-day tour of Konya.

The tour starts at the Mevlana Museum, where the tomb of Rumi, an important pilgrimage site, is located. Next, visit the Sultan Selim Mosque. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.

Your journey continues along Mevlana Caddesi towards Alaettin Hill, known for the Alaaddin Mosque. This mosque, over a thousand years old, was frequented by Rumi and houses the tombs of Seljuk sultans who sought Rumi’s spiritual guidance.

As you descend from Alaettin Hill, you’ll catch a glimpse of the remnants of the Seljuk sultan’s palace before admiring the intricate portal of the Great Karatay Medrese. The tour culminates at the Mosque and Tomb of Shams-i Tabrizi, Rumi’s closest companion and spiritual mentor.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Konya bus station to catch the intercity coach to Cappadocia, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at Goreme, Cappadocia, our representatives will greet you at the bus station and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

North Cappadocia Tour

For an optional extra, book an early morning hot air balloon ride to experience breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost.

After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. The tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to admire the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Following this, drive to the city of Avanos.

After lunch, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, featuring a series of carved caves and ancient churches that provide a glimpse into the region’s monastic history. Towards the end of the tour, enjoy a 15-minute stop to take panoramic pictures of the natural castles of Uchisar.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 PM. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the city, or participate in optional activities. Overnight in Cappadocia.

South Cappadocia Tour – Fly from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Izmir

After breakfast at the hotel, around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin the full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your tour guide will provide a brief overview of the day's activities. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, visit Cavusin Village, known for its historic houses and churches of Christian clergymen. A break for lunch will be around noon. After lunch, continue to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon, explore the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians once lived. This marks the end of your full-day tour.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival at Izmir airport, a representative holding your name sign will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Ephesus Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin the full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of its time. Explore its historical ruins, including the Temple of Hadrian, a structure adorned with detailed reliefs; the Great Theater, a massive amphitheater that could accommodate 25,000 spectators; and the Trajan Fountain, a beautiful example of Roman engineering showcasing Ephesus's advanced water supply system.

Following your exploration of Ephesus, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene and sacred site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. This modest stone house on a hillside is a major pilgrimage site.

Next, stop at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few remnants of the temple remain today, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into its grand history. Afterward, visit the Isa Bey Mosque, a striking example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture, known for its tranquil courtyard and intricate tile work.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi around 4:00 PM. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Fly Back to Istanbul

After breakfast at 7:30 AM, you will need to check out of your Kusadasi hotel. You will then be picked up and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk to join the full group. The Pamukkale tour begins with a drive from Selcuk at 8:30 AM, approximately a 3-hour journey. A 10-minute restroom break will be provided halfway, around 1.5 hours into the trip.

Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 11:45 AM, the group will first have lunch at a local restaurant. At 1:00 PM, start your guided tour of the Pamukkale and Hierapolis area with a professional, licensed tour guide. Visit the stunning Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by deposits of calcareous salts. Explore the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theater, and Roman Baths.

After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore the area on your own. During this time, you may opt to swim in the Pamukkale antique pools (at your own expense). Your tour guide will provide details about the exact meeting point and time for the group.

At approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Denizli or Izmir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul (subject to availability between 7:00 – 10:00 PM).

Please Note: Drop-off transportation service from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the price.

END OF OUR SERVICES AND TOURS.