5-Day Turkey Tour Package: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus

5 Days

Starting Point

Istanbul
Ending Point

Istanbul
Group Size

15 - 20
Transportation

Airplane
Tour type

Group
Language

English

Itinerary Overview

Discover the ultimate highlights of history and culture on this seamless 5-Day Turkey Tour Package. You will explore the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and Blue Mosque during a comprehensive Istanbul Old City tour before flying to the magical landscapes of central Anatolia. Experience an unforgettable journey witnessing the unique formations of Devrent Valley and Uchisar Castle, with an optional hot air balloon ride available at sunrise for an extra cost. Continue your adventure to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, walking past the stunning Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis. This Cappadocia and Ephesus itinerary ensures comfort with included domestic flights, expert guides, and VIP transfers. Book this 5-Day Turkey Tour today for the trip of a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – Byzantine masterpiece
Blue Mosque – Iconic tiles
Topkapi Palace – Imperial history
Uchisar Castle – Panoramic views
Pasabag – Fairy chimneys
Devrent Valley – Imagination valley
Library of Celsus – Roman architecture
Temple of Artemis – Ancient wonder
Grand Bazaar – Shopping experience

Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our representative will meet you at the international arrivals gate, holding a sign with our agency code for easy identification. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure.

You may also choose to join an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, where you’ll enjoy a delightful evening with dinner and live entertainment while sailing between Europe and Asia (extra cost).
Day
2

Istanbul Old City Tour and Late Evening Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast and checking out from the hotel, you will be picked up around 8:30 am to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures. The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture. From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax. Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace Museum, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts. At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 4:30 pm to collect your luggage before being transferred directly to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival in Kayseri, our representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Day
3

Cappadocia Tour and Flight to Izmir via Istanbul

For an additional option to make your morning unforgettable, you can book an early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride to enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys at sunrise. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost and is subject to weather conditions.

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day guided tour of Cappadocia, exploring its enchanting landscapes, historic sites, and unique rock formations. Your morning begins at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where you’ll discover ancient cave churches decorated with beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Following this, enjoy the panoramic views of Pigeon Valley, famous for its pigeon houses carved directly into the volcanic rock. You’ll then have a brief photo stop at Uchisar Castle, where you can capture the stunning surrounding landscapes, although the interior of the castle itself is not part of the tour.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Cappadocian cuisine. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Pasabag Valley, home to Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and otherworldly geological formations. Next, you’ll explore the multi-level Kaymakli Underground City, a historical marvel where ancient communities once found refuge deep within the earth. The tour then takes you to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, known for its surreal lunar landscape and rock formations shaped like animals.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for a late-evening flight to Izmir (via Istanbul). Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Day
4

Ancient Ephesus Tour and Return Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel around 8:30 am, you will embark on an enriching full-day journey to explore one of history's most significant sites. Your destination is the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, a remarkably preserved ancient metropolis that once served as a major trade center and cultural hub of the Mediterranean world.

Your exploration begins with a walk along the marble-paved Curetes Street, the city’s main avenue lined with monuments and columns. As you stroll through history, you will admire the Temple of Hadrian, a beautiful structure adorned with intricate reliefs depicting the city's founding legends. You will also see the majestic Trajan Fountain, where you can observe detailed carvings that reveal the sophistication of the ancient water supply systems. The highlight of the ruins is the colossal Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, which once seated 25,000 spectators and hosted everything from dramatic arts to gladiatorial contests.

After enjoying a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, the tour takes a spiritual turn with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. Nestled in the solitude of the Bulbul Mountain, this modest stone house is believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and serves as a peaceful pilgrimage site for visitors of all faiths. Next, you will visit the historic site of the Temple of Artemis; although only a single column remains today, this location was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Your final stop of the day is the stunning Isabey Mosque, a masterpiece of 14th-century Seljuk architecture known for its elegant courtyard and fine stone carving. At the conclusion of the tour around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to your hotel for the night.
Day
5

Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out is before 12:00 noon) and 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:

Airport Transfers: All arrival, departure, and interim transfers as mentioned in the itinerary, ensuring a seamless journey.
Domestic Flights: All domestic flight tickets required for the tour (Istanbul to Kayseri; Kayseri to Izmir; Izmir to Istanbul).
Istanbul Accommodation: 2 nights stay at a special class or 4-star hotel in Istanbul, including daily breakfast.
Cappadocia Accommodation: 1 night stay at an authentic cave hotel in Cappadocia, including daily breakfast.
Kusadasi Accommodation: 1 night stay at a 4-star hotel in Kusadasi, including daily breakfast.
Professional Guide: Services of a fully licensed, English-speaking tour guide for all sightseeing excursions.
Meals: Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
Entrance Fees: Admission tickets to all museums, national parks, and ancient sites listed in the itinerary.
Taxes & Service: All local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

International flight tickets
Visa to enter Turkey
Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost)
Services not mentioned in the program
Drinks with meals
Travel insurance (recommended)

IMPORTANT INFO:

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 additional cost, it 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.
Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. On tours operated on Fridays, you will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area. No visitation inside the Blue Mosque is allowed for tourists on Fridays.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays; it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı).
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
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)

How can I make an online reservation?

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.

How can we make payment?

Deposit Payment

A 30% deposit is required for most tours in Turkey to guarantee your reservation.
For some special tours, full payment may be requested at the time of booking.
The 30% deposit is collected when booking online.
Once the deposit is received, your reservation is confirmed and secured.

Remaining Balance Payment

The remaining 70% balance is paid upon arrival in Istanbul. However, if your tour starts in a different city, the payment can be made to our local representative in that city at the start of your tour.
You may pay the remaining balance in cash, in either USD (USD) or US Dollars (USD).
If you choose to pay in USD, the amount will be calculated based on the USD-to-USD exchange rate on the day of payment.
Due to daily exchange rate fluctuations, the exact USD amount cannot be provided in advance.
If you pay in USD, no conversion is needed and the listed balance amount will apply directly.

Credit Card Payment Option

Alternatively, the remaining balance can be paid using a Visa or MasterCard credit card.
All credit card payments are processed in USD (USD) by One Nation Travel.
If your card account is in another currency, your bank may charge a currency conversion fee.
A 5% bank processing fee will also be added to credit card transactions for the remaining balance.

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.

Is airport transfer included in the tour price?

Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour price. Upon your arrival and departure, we provide complimentary transfers between the airport and your hotel.

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.

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, 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.

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.