7-Day Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour

7 Days

Group Size

1

Overview

Salt air, Roman stone, and surreal volcanic horizons shape this seven-day Turkey journey from the Mediterranean to Cappadocia’s dreamscape. Collected from your hotel in Istanbul, you fly to Antalya, where old-town lanes and sea breezes set the tone before your guide leads the group through Pamphylia’s ancient world: Perge’s colonnades, Aspendos’ astonishing theater, Side’s harbor ruins, and Manavgat’s cooling waters. A comfortable intercity bus carries fellow travelers inland toward Pamukkale, where warm mineral streams ripple over cotton-white terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis-Pamukkale rise above a sacred thermal landscape. The journey deepens at Ephesus, tracing marble streets to the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the timeless hush of the House of the Virgin Mary. At on guided sightseeing mornings, the shared rhythm feels effortless—stories, local lunches, and expertly timed discoveries flowing together. In Cappadocia, cave villages, pottery traditions, rose-colored valleys, and an underground city create a finale of wonder before your return flight to Istanbul, leaving you with Turkey’s grand contrasts beautifully connected.

Trip Highlights

Wander Perge’s colonnaded streets and Roman baths
Hear Aspendos Theater’s remarkable ancient acoustics
Photograph Side’s Temple of Apollo by the harbor
Walk barefoot through Pamukkale’s warm mineral terraces
Trace Hierapolis from Frontinus Street to its necropolis
Stand before Ephesus’ elegant Library of Celsus
Visit the House of the Virgin Mary
Explore Zelve’s cave village and monastic valleys
Watch Avanos potters shape red river clay
Descend into Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Flight from Istanbul to Antalya - Leisure Time in Kaleiçi

Early morning or afternoon, depending on flight availability, you will be picked up from your hotel or central address in Istanbul and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Antalya. Upon arrival at Antalya Airport, a local representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. After check-in, take time to freshen up and settle into your accommodation before enjoying the rest of the day at your own pace. If your arrival time allows, around 4:00 PM you may wish to walk through Kaleiçi, Antalya’s atmospheric old quarter, where narrow lanes, Ottoman-style houses, cafés, and boutique shops lead toward the marina. You can also see Hadrian’s Gate, the elegant Roman arch marking the entrance to the historic center. Travelers interested in archaeology may choose to visit the Antalya Museum independently if time permits. Dinner is at leisure; the waterfront restaurants near the old harbor are ideal for your first evening on the Mediterranean coast. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
2

Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:30 AM meet your guide and join fellow travelers for a full-day guided tour east of Antalya. Begin at Perge Ancient City, one of the leading cities of ancient Pamphylia. Walk along its colonnaded streets, see the monumental gates, and explore the Roman Baths of Perge, where your guide will explain the daily life and engineering skills of the Roman period. Continue to Aspendos Theater, famous for its exceptional preservation and remarkable acoustics. Around 1:00 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before traveling to Side, Antalya, a coastal ancient city overlooking the Mediterranean. Visit the Side Ancient Theater and walk toward the harbor to photograph the graceful Temple of Apollo Side. The final stop is Manavgat Waterfall, where you can relax by the water and enjoy the green surroundings. Return to your hotel by approximately 6:00 PM. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
3

Antalya to Pamukkale (Intercity Bus)

After breakfast at the hotel in Antalya, check out and join fellow travelers for your transfer to Antalya’s main bus station. Around 9:00 AM, board the intercity day coach to Denizli, the gateway to Pamukkale, for a scenic journey of approximately 5 hours (238 km). Relax on board as the route passes the Taurus Mountains and rural landscapes, with comfort stops typically made along the way. Upon arrival at Denizli Bus Station, a representative will be waiting to meet the group and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in. The rest of the day is free to unwind after the journey and enjoy the hotel facilities at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day
4

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour - Transfer to Kuşadası

After breakfast, meet your guide around 9:00 AM for a full-day tour of Hierapolis-Pamukkale, a UNESCO-listed site combining natural thermal terraces with a major ancient city. Begin at the Pamukkale Travertines and Cotton Cliffs, where you can walk barefoot through warm mineral waters as your guide explains the formation of the white calcium terraces. Continue into ancient Hierapolis, visiting Frontinus Street, Domitian gate in Hierapolis, Plutonium, Hierapolis, and the impressive Hierapolis Theatre. The group will also see the Agora of Hierapolis, Byzantine Gate, Triton Fountain, and the vast Necropolis of Hierapolis. After lunch, time is available for the optional Cleopatra Antique Pools in Pamukkale at extra cost. Visit the Roman Baths of Hierapolis and Karahayit Red Springs before departing around 5:00 PM for Kuşadası, approximately 3.5 hours away. Overnight in Kuşadası.
Day
5

Ephesus Ancient City Tour - Flight to Kayseri and Cappadocia

After an early breakfast, meet your guide around 8:30 AM and travel with the group to the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos. Continue to Ephesus Ancient City Ruins, one of the finest classical sites in the Mediterranean. Walk along marble streets once used by merchants, scholars, and citizens, and see highlights including the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, and the elegant Library of Celsus. Your guide will then lead you to the Great Theatre of Ephesus, where thousands once gathered for performances and public events. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and continue to Selçuk to see the Isabey Mosque. In the late afternoon, transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, continue about one hour to Göreme and check in to your cave-style hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
6

North Cappadocia Tour - Fairy Chimneys, Zelve and Avanos

An optional hot air balloon ride is available before sunrise, subject to weather conditions and at extra cost.

After breakfast, around 9:30 AM meet your guide for the North Cappadocia tour. Start at Devrent Valley, known for naturally shaped rock formations that resemble animals and figures. Continue to Pasabag Valley, where some of Cappadocia’s most distinctive mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys rise from the volcanic landscape. Your next stop is the required highlight of the day, Zelve Open Air Museum, a former cave village and monastic settlement spread across three valleys with rock-cut homes, churches, tunnels, and a mosque. Around 1:00 PM, enjoy a traditional lunch with the group before heading to Avanos, a town long associated with pottery made from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River. Visit a local workshop and watch artisans at the wheel. In the afternoon, continue to Uchisar Castle, the highest viewpoint in the region, for panoramic photos before returning to Göreme by about 5:30 PM. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
7

South Cappadocia Tour - Valleys, Underground City and Return to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out and meet your guide around 9:00 AM for the South Cappadocia tour. Begin with the colorful landscapes of Red Valley and Rose Valley, where your guide will lead a scenic walk among rock-cut churches, soft volcanic formations, and vineyard trails. Continue to Çavuşin Village, one of the region’s oldest settlements, with abandoned cliff dwellings and views across the valleys. Next, stop at Pigeon Valley, named for the carved pigeon houses once used to support local agriculture. After lunch, visit Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, a multi-level refuge with tunnels, kitchens, storage areas, and ventilation shafts used by early communities for protection. Around 4:00 PM, transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel or central address. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

6 nights hotel accommodation in boutique hotels in Antalya, 4-star hotels in Pamukkale and Kusadasi, and a cave hotel in Cappadocia
Daily breakfast at the hotels
6 lunches at local restaurants
1 dinner at the Pamukkale hotel
Early morning pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport for your flight to Antalya
Domestic flights as per itinerary, including Istanbul to Antalya, Izmir to Kayseri/Nevsehir, and Cappadocia to Istanbul
Airport and intercity transfers as per itinerary
English-speaking guide throughout the sightseeing program
Air-conditioned tour bus during sightseeing tours
Entrance fees to museums and historical sites as per itinerary
Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

International flights
Turkey e-Visa fee
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Drinks during meals unless specified
Optional activities such as hot air balloon ride, Turkish bath, or paragliding
Gratuities for guide and driver
Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Important Information

This is a regular guided group tour with shared transfers and sightseeing; if requested, it can be operated as a private tour at an additional cost. Please note that regular group tours in Turkey include scheduled shopping stops at local workshops or outlets.
Domestic flights in Turkey generally allow 15 kg checked luggage and 8 kg cabin luggage per person, depending on the airline. Excess baggage fees are paid directly at the airport.
Day 3 includes an intercity bus journey from Antalya to Pamukkale, which may take approximately 4–5 hours depending on traffic and schedule. Please keep essentials such as medication, chargers, and valuables in your hand luggage.
Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces must be walked barefoot to protect the natural formations. The surface can be wet and slippery, so walk carefully and bring a small bag for your shoes.
Ephesus, Perge, Side, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia valleys involve considerable walking on uneven ancient stones, slopes, and natural paths. Comfortable walking shoes and a moderate fitness level are strongly recommended.
The Cappadocia underground city visit includes narrow tunnels, low ceilings, and enclosed spaces. It may not be suitable for guests with claustrophobia, serious mobility issues, or certain respiratory conditions.
Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are not included and must be pre-booked if you wish to join. Flights are weather-dependent and may be canceled by the aviation authority; booking for your first morning in Cappadocia is recommended where possible.
Seasonal temperatures vary significantly on this route: Antalya, Pamukkale, and Ephesus can be very hot in summer, while Cappadocia mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in spring, autumn, and winter. Bring layered clothing, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle.
Room assignments are based on double or twin sharing; triple rooms may include a rollaway or sofa bed and are subject to hotel availability. Single travelers must book a single room supplement unless sharing is pre-arranged.
Some optional experiences, drinks, Cleopatra’s Pool in Pamukkale, personal expenses, and guide/driver tips are not included unless stated in your package. Turkish Lira is useful for small purchases, although credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Your final day includes touring in Cappadocia followed by a domestic flight back to Istanbul, so arrival in Istanbul may be late depending on flight schedules. We recommend avoiding tight international connections on the same evening.

FAQs

How do I book the 7-Day Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour?

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.

What payment is required to confirm the tour?

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.

Is this a guided group tour?

Yes, the sightseeing portions are operated as guided group tours with professional English-speaking local guides. Transfers and domestic travel are arranged according to the itinerary.

Are domestic flights included in the package?

Yes. The tour includes domestic flights from Istanbul to Antalya, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri or Nevşehir back to Istanbul, subject to availability and schedule confirmation.

Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride included?

No, the hot air balloon ride is optional and available at extra cost. It must be booked in advance and is subject to weather conditions and aviation approval.

Can I swim in Cleopatra Antique Pools in Pamukkale?

Yes, time is usually available during the Pamukkale tour if conditions allow. The entrance fee for Cleopatra Antique Pools is not included and is paid locally.

How difficult is the walking on this tour?

The tour involves moderate walking at archaeological sites, travertines, valleys, and old towns. Travelers should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and standing for extended periods.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts with pick-up from your hotel or central address in Istanbul and a flight to Antalya. It ends with your return flight to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel or central address.

What type of hotels are used on this Turkey tour?

The package uses standard-quality hotels or similar, including boutique-style stays in Antalya and Kuşadası, thermal-style accommodation in Pamukkale, and cave-style hotels in Cappadocia when available.

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.