7-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale

7 Days

Starting Point

Istanbul
Ending Point

Istanbul
Group Size

15 - 20
Transportation

Airplane
Tour type

Group
Language

English

Itinerary Overview

Explore the essence of Turkey on this immersive 7 Day Turkey Tour that begins in historic Istanbul and continues through the dreamlike valleys of Cappadocia, the white travertines of Pamukkale, and the ancient splendor of Ephesus. Visit icons such as Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Blue Mosque, Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos, and the timeless ruins of Ephesus while enjoying guided sightseeing, domestic flights, and comfortable hotel stays. Designed to deliver a seamless Istanbul Cappadocia itinerary within a perfectly paced Turkey highlights tour, this journey ensures an effortless blend of culture, nature, and history from start to finish. Book now to secure your spot on this must-see adventure!

Trip Highlights

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque – Byzantine marvel
Blue Mosque – Ottoman icon
Topkapi Palace – imperial residence
Devrent Valley – fairy chimneys
Pasabag – mushroom pinnacles
Avanos – pottery center
Pamukkale – thermal terraces
Ephesus – ancient city ruins

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our representative will meet you at the international arrivals gate, holding a sign with our agency code for easy identification. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure.

You may also choose to join an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, where you’ll enjoy a delightful evening with dinner and live entertainment while sailing between Europe and Asia (extra cost).
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

Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri/Nevşehir – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where you’ll meet your guide and begin your full-day North Cappadocia Tour.

Your first stop will be Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and animal-shaped rock formations. Next, you’ll explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to some of the most striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles in the region.

Afterward, visit the pottery town of Avanos, where you’ll see traditional pottery-making techniques that have been passed down through generations along the banks of the Red River.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Zelve Open Air Museum, an incredible site featuring ancient cave dwellings, churches, and monasteries carved into soft volcanic rock. Towards the end of the day, stop at Uchisar Castle for panoramic photographs of the breathtaking Cappadocian landscape. While entry into the castle is not permitted, the surrounding area offers spectacular views.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. The rest of the evening is free for you to unwind or explore at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For extra evening activities, you can choose one of the following optional experiences: a Traditional Turkish Night Show with Dinner, a 2-hour ATV Tour, a 2-hour Horseback Riding Tour, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish Show (all available at additional cost; only one can be chosen due to time constraints).
Day
4

South Cappadocia Tour – Evening Flight to Izmir via Istanbul

Optional early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride for an unforgettable view of Cappadocia’s valleys (extra cost).

After breakfast, join your guide for a full-day South Cappadocia tour. Begin at the Red Valley, followed by a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley. Continue to Cavusin Village, famous for its ancient cave houses, then enjoy lunch.

In the afternoon, visit Pigeon Valley and descend into the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, once used by early Christians for refuge.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day
5

Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 am for a full-day tour of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean.

Begin by exploring Curetes Street, the main avenue of the ancient city, lined with marble columns and ancient statues. Visit the elegant Temple of Hadrian, admire the magnificent Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre with a capacity of 25,000 spectators, and see the beautiful façade of the Library of Celsus, one of the most iconic ruins of Ephesus.

Next, view the Trajan Fountain and learn how Romans engineered their city’s water systems. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Your final stops will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Isabey Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of the 14th-century Seljuk era.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel and the rest of the day is free.. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day
6

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Evening Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kusadasi and depart around 7:30 am for your drive to Pamukkale (approximately 3 hours). There will be a short rest stop halfway. Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 11:30 am, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before starting your guided tour.

Visit the world-famous Pamukkale Travertines, also known as the Cotton Cliffs, a stunning natural wonder formed by mineral-rich hot springs. Explore the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, including the impressive Hierapolis Theatre, the Roman Baths, and the Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia.

You’ll have about 1 hour of free time to walk barefoot along the travertine terraces or take an optional swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools, where Cleopatra is said to have bathed (entrance fee not included).

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to Denizli Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
7

Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out is before 12:00 noon) and be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This marks the end of our tour and services.

Looking to extend your vacation? If you wish to add extra leisure days in Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Kusadasi, you can easily customize your itinerary. Simply indicate your preference for additional nights using the booking form when making your reservation.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrival and departure services.
Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Kayseri, Kayseri to Izmir, and Denizli to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
3 nights in Istanbul at a special class or 4-star hotel with breakfast included.
1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel with breakfast included.
2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel with breakfast included.
Professional licensed English-speaking guide during all tours.
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
Entrance fees to all sites and museums 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 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.
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.

How are room arrangements determined based on the number of travelers?

Our online booking system automatically assigns room configurations based on the total number of travelers in a single reservation to ensure comfort and the best possible rates.

Standard Room Allocations:

1 Traveler: 1 Single Room
2 Travelers: 1 Double or Twin Room
3 Travelers: 1 Triple Room
4 Travelers: 2 Double or Twin Rooms
5 Travelers: 1 Double or Twin Room + 1 Triple Room

⚠️ Important – How to Book Separate Rooms: If you prefer to stay in separate rooms rather than the standard shared configuration, you must make separate reservations.

Example 1 (2 Travelers requiring 2 Single Rooms): Do not select "2 People" in one booking. Instead, make two separate reservations, selecting "1 Person" for each booking.
Example 2 (3 Travelers requiring 1 Double + 1 Single Room): Make one reservation for "2 People" (to secure the Double Room) and a second reservation for "1 Person" (to secure the Single Room).

If you have specific bedding requests within a shared room (e.g., requesting Twin beds instead of a French bed), please contact us immediately after booking.

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.