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Kusadasi/Izmir
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Istanbul
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Airplane & Bus
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Group
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15 - 25
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English
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Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov
Overview
Experience the best of western and central Turkey on this unforgettable 5-day Turkey tour. Starting from Izmir—with convenient pickups from the airport, city center, or Kusadasi—you’ll explore ancient Ephesus, the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, and the surreal beauty of Cappadocia. The tour ends at Istanbul Airport on Day 5, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. Don’t miss your chance to explore Turkey’s top destinations—reserve your spot today!
Highlights:
- Ancient city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
- Thermal pools and travertines of Pamukkale
- Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and underground cities
- Zelve Open-Air Museum and rock-cut dwellings
- Daily transfers, guided tours, and select meals included
Detailed Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Izmir Airport, Izmir city center, or Kuşadası Port, our representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Kuşadası. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax at the hotel or explore Kuşadası at your own pace. 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 can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
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, at around 7:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kuşadası and transferred to a meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group will gather. Your Pamukkale tour will begin with an 8:30 AM departure from Selçuk. The drive to Pamukkale takes approximately 3 hours, including a short 10-minute restroom break midway.
Upon arrival in Pamukkale at around 11:45 AM, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Following lunch, at approximately 1:00 PM, your guided tour will begin with a licensed professional tour guide.
During your visit, you will experience the stunning Cotton Cliffs—a surreal landscape formed by natural calcium deposits. You will also explore the remarkable ancient city of Hierapolis, including highlights such as the basilica, Roman Baths, and the ancient Theatre.
After the guided portion, you will have free time to explore on your own. If you wish, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (entrance fee not included). Your guide will inform you of the exact meeting point and time for regrouping.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will begin your return journey to Kuşadası, arriving at your hotel at approximately 7:30 PM. 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 can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
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 at the hotel, at around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up to meet your tour guide and begin your full-day exploration of the ancient wonders of Ephesus. Your guide will provide a brief introduction to the day’s itinerary before you visit your first stop, the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Next, you will enter the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, the most well-preserved ancient city in the world. You’ll walk along marble-paved streets and explore monumental structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and other impressive remnants of Roman architecture.
After touring Ephesus, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Following the break, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This sacred site is visited by both Christian and Muslim pilgrims.
Your final stop will be the 14th-century Isabey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, with a layover in Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative holding a sign with your name and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
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 can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
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.
For an optional early morning experience, you may book a Hot Air Balloon Ride to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys and rock formations. Please note that this activity is available at an additional cost and must be reserved in advance.
After breakfast, at around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of North Cappadocia. The day begins with a visit to Devrent Valley, where you will see surreal rock formations and fairy chimneys resembling animals and shapes. Next, you will explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), famous for its striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles.
The tour continues to the charming town of Avanos, renowned for its centuries-old pottery traditions on the banks of the Kızılırmak River. After a lunch break at a local restaurant, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, where cave dwellings and ancient churches carved into the rocks provide a glimpse into monastic life in Cappadocia.
Towards the end of the tour, you will stop for panoramic photos of the dramatic rock formations around Uchisar, known for its natural rock citadel and sweeping views of the region.
After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 PM. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, continue exploring on your own, or join optional evening activities. 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.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
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 can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
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 at the hotel, at around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The day begins with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, known for its rock-cut churches and striking colors. You will enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the picturesque Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), dotted with cave chapels and fairy chimneys.
Next, explore Cavusin Village, an old Greek village famous for its rock-cut dwellings and ancient churches once inhabited by Christian clergymen. After a lunch break, you’ll continue to Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), where you’ll see ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffside and enjoy sweeping views of the valley.
In the afternoon, your final stop will be a visit to one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities—either Kaymakli or Ozkonak—used by early Christians to hide from Roman persecution.
After the tour concludes around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul, scheduled between 7:00–10:00 PM (flight duration: approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes).
Please note: Drop-off transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price. End of Our Services and Tours.
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- All pickup and drop-off transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Domestic flight tickets: Izmir to Kayseri and Kayseri to Istanbul
- 2 nights in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast
- 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast
- English-speaking guide during the tours
- Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
- Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service charges
NOT INCLUDED:
- Drop-off transportation service from Istanbul (IST) Airport or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) Airport to your Istanbul hotel upon arrival
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost)
- Services not specified in the program
- Beverages and dinners
- 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.
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
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.
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, please notify us 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, and the remaining amount will be refunded to you. 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.
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Dear Can,
I really appreciated your guidance and communication with me before and during the trip; I had an amazing holiday and you provided top-notch and personalized services to every detail.
The Itinerary was perfect but the people who implemented it were even better. The guides and the drivers were all professionals and worthy of saying thanks for a job well done. Their deep knowledge of the area’s history and their engaging storytelling made the tour incredibly memorable.
The hotels, flights & tour arrangements worked seamlessly and I'm particularly grateful for the speedy and helpful replies to my emails.
Having scratched the surface, I look forward to return to Turkey next year.
Kindest regards
Marilyn