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

7 Days

Starting Point

Istanbul
Ending Point

Istanbul
Group Size

15 - 20
Transportation

Airplane
Tour type

Group
Language

English

Itinerary Overview

Experience the unforgettable beauty of Turkey on this 7 Day Istanbul Pamukkale Ephesus Cappadocia Tour, designed to blend comfort with world-class sightseeing. Explore landmark treasures such as Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the dazzling terraces of Pamukkale, the ancient wonders of Ephesus, and Cappadocia icons including Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle. With smooth flights, expert guides, and carefully selected hotels, this journey delivers effortless discovery from start to finish. Book now to secure your ideal dates.

Trip Highlights

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – iconic monument
Topkapi Palace – royal heritage
Pamukkale – white terraces
Ephesus – ancient city
Temple of Artemis – ancient wonder
Devrent Valley – fairy chimneys
Pasabag – monk formations
Zelve Open Air Museum – cave heritage
Uchisar Castle – panoramic views

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul - Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) at any time, our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals terminal, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at leisure, whether you choose to relax at the hotel or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
2

Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast at your hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up to start your full-day tour exploring the iconic sites of Istanbul. Your first stop will be the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a former basilica and mosque that now serves as a museum, showcasing breathtaking Byzantine architecture and mosaics. Next, you’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), renowned for its beautiful blue İznik tiles and six towering minarets. Then, you’ll explore the ancient Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square), the former social and sporting center of Constantinople, where chariot races and political events once took place.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in the heart of the city. In the afternoon, your tour continues with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Here, you can explore its lavish courtyards, rooms filled with precious artifacts, and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

Your final stop will be the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops offering everything from handmade carpets and jewelry to spices and souvenirs.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to spend at your leisure, perhaps exploring more of Istanbul on your own or relaxing. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
3

Fly 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

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

North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please be aware that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour will start with a visit to the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit the Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After this visit, you will drive to the city of Avanos.

After lunch, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum in Cappadocia. The museum features a series of carved caves and ancient churches, providing a glimpse into the region’s monastic history. Finally, towards the end of the day tour before returning to your hotel, you will have around 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of the natural castles of Uchisar from the outside.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 4:00 PM. You will have the rest of the day free to relax, explore the city on your own, or take part in any optional activities that are offered. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
6

South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast at your hotel around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your tour guide will brief you on the day's activities.

Your tour will begin with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Çavuşin Village, famous for its houses and churches of Christian clergymen.

We will take a break for lunch around noon.

After lunch, you will drive to the Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi).

In the afternoon, you will visit the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians lived.

After finishing the tour at approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, depending on flight availability, to catch a late evening flight to Istanbul.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, a representative will meet you at the airport and arrange for your transportation to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
7

Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 PM). You will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will mark 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 as specified in the itinerary
Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary
3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast
English-speaking guide during tours
Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
Visits and entrance fees as indicated 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 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?

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.
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.