5-Day Turkey Tour: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia & Ankara

5 Days

Pickup from

Hotels in Istanbul
Tour Ends in

IST or SAW Airport
Transportation

Airplane & Bus
Language

English

Overview

Discover Turkey’s iconic landmarks on the 5-Day Turkey Tour: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia & Ankara, a curated journey through ancient ruins, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage. Visit the cascading terraces of Pamukkale, roam the timeless streets of Ephesus, explore Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, and delve into the capital’s history in Ankara. This tour blends comfort with adventure, offering optional experiences like a hot air balloon ride for an unforgettable touch. Experience Turkey’s top destinations in just five days—ideal for curious travelers and cultural explorers. Book your adventure today!

Highlights:

Pamukkale’s white travertine pools and thermal waters
Ancient city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
Cappadocia’s cave dwellings and fairy chimneys
Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (available at extra cost)
Ankara’s Atatürk Mausoleum and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Detailed Itinerary

Day
1

Flight from Istanbul to Denizli – Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Denizli, scheduled between 6:00 – 8:00 AM. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Pamukkale, where you will meet your professional tour guide for a full-day excursion.

Around 10:45 AM, begin with a visit to Karahayit, known for its therapeutic Red Springs. At approximately 11:30 AM, continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will explore major highlights including the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Frontinus Street, and the grand Theatre.

By 12:30 PM, enjoy some free time to explore the dazzling natural formations of the Cotton Cliffs, with the option to swim in the historical Pamukkale Antique Pools (entrance fee extra).

At 1:30 PM, take a walk through the stunning Pamukkale Travertines, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Later, around 3:30 PM, visit a local Onyx Factory to learn about this regional craft.

At the end of the tour (around 4:00 PM), depart for Kuşadası, a scenic drive of approximately 3.5 hours. You will arrive and check in to your hotel around 7:30 PM. Overnight stay in Kuşadası.
Day
2

Ephesus Tour – Flight to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir via Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up by your tour guide to begin a full-day tour of the historical wonders of Ephesus.

The day starts with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Then, head to the extraordinary Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Highlights include the intricately detailed Temple of Hadrian, the impressive Library of Celsus, and the massive Great Theater, which once hosted 25,000 spectators.

After immersing yourself in ancient history, enjoy a relaxing lunch break.

In the afternoon, visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus, and a pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike.

The final stop of the day is the elegant Isabey Mosque, an outstanding example of Seljuk architecture from the 14th century.

At the end of the tour (around 4:00 PM), you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, with a stopover in Istanbul. Upon arrival, a One Nation Travel representative will greet you at the airport holding a sign with your name and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day
3

North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional experience, you may start your day with a Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise, offering unforgettable panoramic views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. Please note that this activity is optional and comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day guided tour of North Cappadocia.

Start with a visit to Devrent Valley, known for its whimsical fairy chimneys and naturally formed rock sculptures resembling animals. Continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where you’ll see iconic mushroom-shaped rock formations that define the region’s unique geology.

Next, head to the artisan town of Avanos, situated along the Kızılırmak River and renowned for its traditional pottery workshops. You’ll stop here for lunch and perhaps see a live pottery demonstration.

In the afternoon, explore the historic cave dwellings and religious chambers of the Zelve Open Air Museum, a former monastic retreat.

Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a photo stop for a panoramic view of Uchisar Castle from the outside. While the interior is not open to visitors, the exterior offers a striking silhouette over Cappadocia's landscape.

The tour concludes around 4:00 PM, after which you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

In the evening, you may choose one optional activity to enhance your experience in Cappadocia (available at an extra cost). Options include: enjoying traditional music and folk dances at the Turkish Night Show with Dinner, joining an adventurous ATV Tour (2 hours) through the valleys, exploring the terrain on a Horseback Riding Tour (2 hours), or witnessing the spiritual beauty of a Whirling Dervish Show (1 hour). Please note that only one activity can be booked per evening due to timing.
Day
4

South Cappadocia Tour – From Göreme to Ankara by Intercity Bus

After breakfast, check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide for a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia.

Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, known for its vivid rock formations and hidden churches. From there, enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the beautiful Rose Valley (Gulludere), surrounded by unique fairy chimneys and peaceful trails.

Continue to Cavusin Village, a historic settlement with abandoned rock houses and ancient churches once inhabited by early Christian clergy.

Around noon, stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik), named for the pigeon houses carved into its cliffs, offering one of the best panoramic views in the region.

In the afternoon, explore one of the region’s underground cities — either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City — both fascinating networks of tunnels and rooms where early Christians once took refuge.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Göreme main bus station to board an intercity coach to Ankara (approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival at the Ankara bus station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Ankara.
Day
5

Ankara Tour – Flight Back to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up to begin a guided city tour of Ankara, the capital of Turkey. This tour highlights two of the city’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks.

Your first stop is the Mausoleum of Ataturk (Anıtkabir), the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. The site not only honors his legacy but also offers impressive architectural design and ceremonial atmosphere.

Continue with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of Turkey’s most prestigious museums. The museum presents remarkable collections from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian periods, offering an in-depth look at the ancient civilizations of Anatolia.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Ankara Esenboğa Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul, departing between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. End of our services and tours.

Please note: Transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

Pick-up from centrally located hotels in Istanbul and transfer to Istanbul Airport (available only for hotels on the European side)
Domestic flight tickets as per itinerary: Istanbul → Denizli, Izmir → Kayseri, Ankara → Istanbul
Intercity coach ticket from Cappadocia to Ankara
1 night in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast
2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast
1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast
Professional English-speaking guide during tours
Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

Drop-off transportation service from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel upon return
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Optional tours and activities mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost)
Services not specified in the itinerary
Dinner and drinks
Travel insurance (highly 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, you must do so 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. 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.