6-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour with Flights

6 Days

Starting Point

Istanbul
Ending Point

Istanbul
Group Size

15 - 20
Transportation

Airplane
Language

English
Best season

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

Itinerary Overview

Discover the best of Turkey on the 6-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour with Flights. Start in vibrant Istanbul with a guided Old City tour, including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Fly to Denizli to marvel at the white cliffs of Pamukkale and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Continue to Ephesus, visiting the Great Theater, House of the Virgin Mary, and Temple of Artemis. Conclude in magical Cappadocia, where highlights include the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Pasabag Valley, Kaymakli Underground City, and surreal landscapes of Devrent Valley. An unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural wonders awaits. Book today to secure your spot!

Trip Highlights:

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome & Topkapi Palace
Bustling Grand Bazaar
Pamukkale Travertines & Hierapolis ruins
Ephesus with the Great Theater & Temple of Hadrian
House of the Virgin Mary & Temple of Artemis
Isa Bey Mosque
Göreme Open-Air Museum & Uçhisar Castle views
Pasabag Valley fairy chimneys & Devrent Valley rock formations
Kaymakli Underground City

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This optional activity offers a magical evening on the Bosphorus, featuring a delightful dinner, live entertainment, and stunning views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks.
Day
2

Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.

First, visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.

Next, head to Blue Mosque, celebrated for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

Continue with a stop at Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life. Here, admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each steeped in historical significance.

After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

In the afternoon, discover Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan and his family.

Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Explore its lively atmosphere and browse through an array of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore more of Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
3

Fly from Istanbul to Denizli – Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 AM for your transfer to the airport to catch your early morning flight from Istanbul to Denizli Airport. Flight times may vary depending on availability. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Pamukkale, where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour.

Your first destination is Karahayit to see the Red Spring Waters. After Karahayit, we will drive to Pamukkale and begin the visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis. The highlights of Hierapolis include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantine Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollo Temple, Plutonium, and Theater. You’ll also have opportunities to take photos from the best vantage points in Pamukkale.

Next, enjoy a lunch break at a local traditional Turkish restaurant.

After lunch, you will be given some free time to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale. As an option, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time.

Afterward, you’ll meet your guide and have a chance to walk in the middle of the Pamukkale Travertines (White Cliffs) from top to bottom without shoes and socks.

After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kusadasi, with an estimated arrival time of 7:30 PM. Upon arrival, you will proceed to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day
4

Full-Day Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir

After breakfast, check out from your hotel around 8:30 am. Your tour guide will pick you up for a full-day tour of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city that was a major cultural and commercial center of its time.

Start with visits to key landmarks, including the Temple of Hadrian, the impressive Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, and the Trajan Fountain, showcasing the advanced architecture and water supply system of Ephesus.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years.

Next, visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little of the structure remains, it symbolizes the grandeur of the ancient city.

Conclude the tour with a visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful 14th-century Seljuk structure with intricate architecture.

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late-evening flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, with a connecting flight in Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
5

Full Day Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

For an unforgettable experience, you may opt for an early morning hot air balloon ride to take in breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys. Please note this activity is optional and available at an additional cost.

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Cappadocia, exploring its captivating landscapes, historic sites, and unique rock formations.

Begin the tour at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient cave churches adorned with stunning Byzantine frescoes. Next, enjoy the panoramic views of Pigeon Valley, renowned for its pigeon houses carved into volcanic rock. Following this, make a photo stop at Uçhisar Castle, where you can capture breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes (the interior of Uçhisar Castle is not included).

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, offering a chance to savor traditional Cappadocian dishes.

In the afternoon, visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), famous for its iconic fairy chimneys. Next, explore the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City, a multi-level refuge used by ancient communities to escape invasions. Conclude the tour with a stop at Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), known for its surreal landscapes and rock formations resembling animals.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late-evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
6

Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out time is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) based on your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
Domestic flight tickets (Istanbul to Izmir, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star hotels, including breakfast.
1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.
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 explicitly mentioned in the program.
Drinks with meals.
Travel insurance (recommended).

Important Information:

The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described in the program will take place.
This is a regular group tour, but it can be provided as a private tour upon request at an additional cost.
Regular group tours include shopping stops as part of the itinerary.
Please provide your arrival details at the time of booking.
The Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays due to religious prayer services. On these days, only the outside area of the Blue Mosque can be visited.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. It will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
The sequence of the daily tours within the itinerary may vary depending on the availability of domestic flight tickets, the opening/closing times of various historical sites, and other logistical considerations.

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?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. 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.

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.

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.