7-Day Turkey Highlights Tour from Izmir to Istanbul

7 Days

Group Size

1

Overview

Step off the plane on the sun-warmed Aegean coast and let Turkey unfold like a tapestry of marble, mineral, and myth. This week-long journey carries you from the palm-lined promenades of Kusadasi into the heart of antiquity at Ephesus, where you'll wander the same marble streets Romans once walked and stand before the soaring façade of the Library of Celsus. Trace the dazzling white travertines of Pamukkale, dipping bare feet into thermal pools that have cascaded for millennia, then fly inland to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia — a landscape of fairy chimneys, hidden cave churches, and underground cities carved by early Christians seeking refuge. Watch potters spin red clay along the Kizilirmak in Avanos, glimpse Rose Valley blushing at golden hour, and descend into the silent corridors beneath Kaymakli. Your journey crescendos in Istanbul, where domes, bazaars, and Bosphorus breezes converge at the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. With domestic flights, guided sightseeing, and comfortable hotels handled by your team, you simply travel — collecting impossible vistas and stories that linger long after the journey home.

Trip Highlights

Wander Ephesus' marble streets past the Library of Celsus
Walk barefoot across Pamukkale's cotton-white travertine terraces
Explore Hierapolis' ancient theatre and sprawling necropolis
Pause at the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary
Marvel at Cappadocia's fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley
Watch potters spin red clay on the banks of Avanos
Descend into the multi-level Kaymakli Underground City
Step inside Istanbul's Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Tour the opulent courtyards of Topkapi Palace
Lose yourself in the colourful lanes of the Grand Bazaar

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Izmir & Transfer to Kusadasi

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi (approximately 1 hour drive). After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to recover from your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a stroll along the Aegean coast, browse the charming streets near your hotel. The Selcuk and Kusadasi region is the perfect gateway to ancient Ionia, with a welcoming atmosphere, palm-lined promenades, and an array of local restaurants where you can sample fresh Aegean seafood and meze. Overnight in Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Day
2

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Day Tour

After an early breakfast, around 7:30 AM depart from your hotel for the scenic drive to Pamukkale (approximately 3 hours). Famously known as the "Cotton Castle," Pamukkale is celebrated for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside for thousands of years.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the Travertines of Pamukkale, where you can walk barefoot along the warm mineral pools. Continue to the adjoining ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site founded in the 2nd century BC. Walk through the impressive Necropolis of Hierapolis, admire the well-preserved Hierapolis Theatre, and learn about the legendary Cleopatra Antique Pool (optional swim, extra fee). By late afternoon, around 4:00 PM, begin the return drive to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Day
3

Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary - Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, around 8:30 AM meet your guide for a full day exploring one of the world's most remarkable archaeological sites. Begin at the House of the Virgin Mary, a peaceful mountain shrine believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus, and a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims alike.
Continue to the magnificent Ephesus Ancient City, once the second largest city of the Roman Empire. Walk along marble streets to admire the iconic Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre of Ephesus which once seated 25,000 spectators, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Isabey Mosque and stop at a traditional leather workshop. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri via Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
4

North Cappadocia Tour - Fairy Chimneys & Avanos

Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia (available at additional cost, must be pre-booked). After breakfast, around 9:30 AM meet your guide for the North Cappadocia tour.
Begin at Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where erosion has sculpted volcanic ash into whimsical animal-shaped formations. Continue to Pasabag Monks Valley to see remarkable mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys that once sheltered hermit monks in carved cells. Stop at an Avanos pottery workshop for a demonstration of clay preparation and traditional wheel throwing along the red clay banks of the Kizilirmak River. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the Zelve Open Air Museum, a fascinating abandoned cave village carved into three valleys with churches, dwellings, and a rock-cut mosque. End the day with photo stops at the Goreme Panoramic Viewpoint and the exterior of Uchisar Castle. Around 4:00 PM, return to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
5

South Cappadocia Tour & Evening Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast and hotel check-out, around 9:30 AM begin the South Cappadocia tour. Start with a panoramic stop at Red Valley and Rose Valley, named for the soft pink and crimson hues that glow across the cliffs at sunset. A short walk along the trail leads to ancient rock-cut chapels with faded Byzantine frescoes.
Continue to Cavusin Village, where Byzantine-era cliff dwellings, an old church, and modern village houses sit side by side. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the area. Stop at Pigeon Valley to admire the thousands of carved pigeon houses dotting the cliff walls. Descend into Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, one of the multi-level subterranean refuges where early Christians once hid from invading armies. After the tour, transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
6

Istanbul Old City Tour & Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

After breakfast, around 9:00 AM meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a full day exploring the historic heart of Istanbul. Begin at the Hippodrome, the ancient Byzantine chariot-racing arena adorned with the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column.
Walk to the magnificent Blue Mosque, famed for its cascading domes and 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. Cross the square to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and one of the most significant monuments in the world. After lunch at a local restaurant, tour the opulent Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, where you can view the imperial treasury, sacred relics, and lush courtyards overlooking the Bosphorus. Conclude with a stroll through the colorful Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets. In the evening, enjoy an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise (extra cost) with Turkish music and traditional dance performances. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
7

Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul. Please note that the standard hotel check-out time is before 12:00 noon. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). This will be the end of our tour and services.

Inclusions:

2 nights in Kusadasi or Selcuk at a comfortable 4-star or boutique hotel
2 nights in Cappadocia at a traditional cave-style hotel
2 nights in Istanbul at a comfortable 4-star or boutique hotel
Daily breakfast at the hotel
4 lunches at local restaurants during touring days
All airport and intercity transfers
Domestic flight: Izmir to Kayseri/Nevsehir (via Istanbul)
Domestic flight: Kayseri/Nevsehir to Istanbul
Professional English-speaking guide on touring days
All entrance fees as per itinerary
Air-conditioned touring vehicle
Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

International flights to Izmir and from Istanbul
Turkey e-Visa fee
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Drinks during meals
Optional activities (hot air balloon, Bosphorus dinner cruise, Cleopatra Pool entrance)
Gratuities for guide and driver
Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Important Information

Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are weather-dependent and may be canceled by the aviation authority. We recommend booking for your earliest available morning in Cappadocia. Refunds or rescheduling will be arranged if canceled due to weather.
Mosques are closed to visitors during prayer times, especially Friday prayers (approximately 12:00-14:00). The itinerary is planned to avoid conflicts at the Blue Mosque, but timing may shift slightly.
Domestic flights in Turkey allow 15 kg checked luggage per person. Excess luggage fees apply. We recommend soft-sided bags for easier handling.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential -- Ephesus, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia valleys involve uneven terrain, cobblestones, and natural rock paths.
A modest dress code is required when visiting mosques: women should cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Headscarves are usually available at mosque entrances.
Pamukkale travertines must be walked on barefoot to protect the natural formation -- bring a small bag for your shoes.
Underground city visits involve low ceilings, narrow passages, and steep stairs. Travelers with claustrophobia or mobility issues should advise the guide in advance.
Room assignments are based on twin/double sharing. Triple rooms are available at select hotels but may be limited. Single supplements apply for solo travelers.
We recommend arriving in Izmir at least one day before the tour begins to account for jet lag and potential flight delays.
Turkey uses Type C and F electrical outlets (European standard, 220V). Travelers from the US/UK should bring an adapter.

FAQs

How do I book this 7-day Turkey 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 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.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?

Most nationalities, including US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens, require a Turkey e-Visa, which can be obtained online before arrival at evisa.gov.tr. The process takes only a few minutes. Please check your specific nationality's requirements before traveling.

Is the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia included?

No, the hot air balloon ride is an optional activity at additional cost (approximately USD 360-400 per person depending on the operator). It must be pre-booked, and flights are weather-dependent. We recommend booking it on your first morning in Cappadocia to allow rescheduling if canceled.

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

April through June and September through October offer the most pleasant weather across all destinations. July and August can be hot, especially in Ephesus and Pamukkale, while winter (December-February) brings cold weather and occasional snow in Cappadocia, which many travelers find magical.

Are the domestic flights included in the tour price?

Yes, both internal flights (Izmir to Cappadocia via Istanbul, and Cappadocia to Istanbul) are included in the package price, along with all transfers between airports and hotels.

What kind of hotels are used on this tour?

Accommodation is arranged at comfortable 4-star or boutique hotels in Istanbul and Kusadasi. In Cappadocia, guests stay at a traditional cave-style hotel, offering a unique local experience. Upgrades to 5-star hotels or premium boutique cave hotels may be available upon request for an additional fee.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly. Children especially enjoy the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the underground cities, and walking the travertines of Pamukkale. Please note that some sites involve significant walking, and children must be supervised at all archaeological and natural sites.

How much walking is involved each day?

Expect 3-5 hours of walking on touring days, often on uneven surfaces. Ephesus, Hierapolis, and the Cappadocia valleys all involve outdoor walking. The tour is suitable for travelers with average fitness; please advise us in advance if you have mobility concerns.

Can I extend my stay in Istanbul after the tour?

Absolutely. We can arrange additional nights in Istanbul, day trips to destinations such as the Princes' Islands or Bursa, or extensions to other Turkish destinations like Antalya or Bodrum. Just let us know your preferences at the time of booking.

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.