5-Day Konya, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour

5 Days

Departure from

Istanbul
Transportation

Airplane & Bus
Tour type

Group
Group Size

15 - 20
Language

English
Best season

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

Itinerary Overview

Begin in Konya, where this five-day route opens at the Mevlana Museum and the tomb of Rumi, before a domestic flight carries you east into the valley landscapes of Cappadocia. Two nights in a cave hotel anchor full days through fairy chimneys at Pasabag Monks Valley and Devrent Valley, the carved churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum, panoramic Uchisar Castle, and a descent into an underground city used by early Christians.

From Kayseri you fly to Izmir for the Aegean leg, basing two nights in Kusadasi. A guided day at Ephesus Ancient City traces the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theatre, and the Trajan Fountain, followed by the quiet House of the Virgin Mary. The final day reaches the white mineral terraces of Pamukkale and the Roman ruins of Hierapolis before a flight from Denizli back to Istanbul. Domestic flights, breakfasts, select lunches, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide are handled throughout, leaving you free to focus on the sites.

Trip Highlights

Stand before the Mevlana Museum and tomb of Rumi in Konya
Walk the fairy chimneys of Pasabag and Devrent Valley
Explore the carved churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum
Climb Uchisar Castle for panoramic Cappadocia views
Descend into an early Christian underground city
Trace Ephesus Ancient City, the Great Theatre and Temple of Hadrian
Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary near Selcuk
See the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

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.
Day
2

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.
Day
3

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.
Day
4

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 Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, 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.
Day
5

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.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

Pick-up from your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport (on the European side of Istanbul only).
Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul to Konya, Kayseri to Izmir, and Denizli to Istanbul.
2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
English-speaking guide during the 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:

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.

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.