5-Day Turkey Tour from Izmir: Discover Pamukkale, Ephesus & Cappadocia

5 Days

Tour Starts in

Kusadasi/Izmir
Tour Ends in

Istanbul
Transportation

Airplane & Bus
Tour type

Group
Group Size

15 - 25
Language

English
Best season

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

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Izmir or Kuşadası – Transfer to Hotel and Free Day

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.
Day
2

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Ancient City Tour

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.
Day
3

Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevşehir from Izmir via Istanbul

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 Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, 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.
Day
4

North Cappadocia Tour

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.
Day
5

South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

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)

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.

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.