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8-Day Discover Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya & Pamukkale

8 Days
  • Istanbul
  • Istanbul
  • Group
  • 15 - 20
  • English
  • Airplane & Bus
  • Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct & Nov

Overview

See Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Cappadocia’s rock-cut valleys, Antalya’s Roman ruins, and the white terraces of Pamukkale on a well-paced 8-day route through Turkey. This tour begins and ends in Istanbul, with guided time among the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace area, and the Grand Bazaar. Domestic flights, selected hotel stays, airport transfers, guided visits, entrance fees, and listed meals are arranged, giving first-time visitors a practical way to cover several regions without piecing the route together independently.

In Cappadocia, explore fairy chimney valleys, pottery traditions in Avanos, rock-cut churches, and underground settlements, with an optional hot air balloon ride available at extra cost. Continue to Antalya for a full guided day at Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Ancient Theater, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall before crossing inland by intercity coach to Pamukkale. The final touring day pairs Karahayit’s Red Springs with the ruins of Hierapolis, including the Necropolis, Roman Baths, ancient theater, and free time on the Pamukkale Travertines, followed by a flight back to Istanbul.

Highlights:

  • Visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the Blue Mosque
  • Explore Topkapi Palace area and the Grand Bazaar
  • Walk among Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches
  • See Pasabag Monks Valley and pottery traditions in Avanos
  • Tour Perge Ancient City and Aspendos Ancient Theater
  • Explore Side’s ancient ruins and Manavgat Waterfall
  • Walk the Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis ruins
  • See Karahayit Red Springs and Hierapolis Roman Baths

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrival in Istanbul – Airport Transfer & Free Day

    Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul 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. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    2

    Istanbul Heritage Tour – Byzantine & Ottoman Treasures

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

    The day begins at the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a monumental structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Its architecture and historical layers reflect the rich blend of Christian and Islamic heritage.

    Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and mesmerizing blue İznik tiles. It remains an active place of worship and a masterpiece of Ottoman design.

    Continue to the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire. Discover its remaining monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

    After the morning exploration, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkish cuisine.

    In the afternoon, visit the splendid Topkapi Palace Museum, home to Ottoman sultans for centuries. Wander through its expansive courtyards, rich imperial collections, and optionally, the mysterious Harem quarters.

    End your tour at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With over 4,000 shops offering carpets, jewelry, spices, and ceramics, it’s a paradise for shoppers and culture enthusiasts alike.

    Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The evening is free for you to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace.
    Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    3

    Fly to Kayseri or Nevsehir – 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 Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, our local representative will greet you and transfer you to Cappadocia, where you’ll meet your guide and begin the full-day North Cappadocia tour.

    Your first stop is the surreal Devrent Valley, known for its unique fairy chimney formations that resemble animals and imaginary shapes.

    Next, explore the magical Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to striking mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles that were once hermit dwellings.

    Continue to the picturesque town of Avanos, famous for its centuries-old pottery-making tradition along the Kızılırmak River.

    After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, visit the historical Zelve Open Air Museum, a former monastic community with rock-cut churches and dwellings that offer insight into early Cappadocian life.

    End the day with a panoramic photo stop at Uchisar. While entry into the castle is not included, the views from the surrounding area offer spectacular scenery.

    The tour concludes around 4:00 PM, after which you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or enjoy an optional evening activity. Overnight in Cappadocia.

    🎭 Optional Evening Activities (extra cost):

    Please note: You may choose only one activity due to time constraints.

  • Day
    4

    South Cappadocia Tour – Flight to Antalya via Istanbul

    For an unforgettable experience, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Cappadocia’s unique valleys and fairy chimneys as the sun rises. Please note: This activity is optional and available at an additional cost.

    After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 AM, you will be picked up and met by your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia.

    The tour starts with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, where you’ll explore beautifully preserved rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the colorful Rose Valley (Gulludere).

    Next, visit Cavusin Village, known for its abandoned rock houses and cave churches once used by Christian clergy. Around noon, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.

    Following lunch, the tour continues to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik), where you can admire panoramic views dotted with dovecotes carved into the cliffs. In the afternoon, explore one of the region’s remarkable underground cities: either Kaymakli or Ozkonak, which offered refuge to early Christian communities.

    After the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your late evening flight to Antalya, with a layover in Istanbul. Upon arrival at Antalya Airport (around 1:30 AM), a One Nation Travel representative holding a sign with your name will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    5

    Perge, Aspendos, Side, and Manavgat Waterfall Tour

    After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 8:00 AM to begin a full-day guided tour of Antalya’s historical and natural highlights.

    Your first stop will be the ancient city of Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC. As one of the largest cities of the Pamphylia region, Perge is known for its impressive ruins, including a stadium, baths, and colonnaded streets that reflect the grandeur of Roman architecture.

    Next, head to the well-preserved Aspendos Ancient Theater, built in the 2nd century AD. With a seating capacity of 15,000, it remains one of the most intact Roman theaters in the world and still hosts cultural performances and concerts.

    Following the visit to Aspendos, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant surrounded by nature.

    The tour then continues to Side, a coastal city that was once a major port and one of the most important settlements in ancient Pamphylia. Here, you will explore major Roman ruins including the Ancient Theater, the Ruins of the Roman Baths, and the picturesque Temple of Apollo, dramatically set against the backdrop of the sea.

    You will have about one hour of free time in Side to explore the town’s charming streets, enjoy seaside views, or shop for souvenirs.

    On your way back to Antalya, there will be a final stop at the scenic Manavgat Waterfall, where you can enjoy the cool breeze, take photos, and relax by the cascading water.

    After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    6

    Intercity Bus Transfer from Antalya to Pamukkale

    After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Antalya’s main bus station. From there, you will board an intercity day coach to Denizli, the nearest city to Pamukkale. The bus ride takes approximately 5 hours and provides a comfortable and scenic way to travel across southwestern Turkey. Upon arrival at Denizli bus station, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

  • Day
    7

    Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Fly Back to Istanbul

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Pamukkale. At around 10:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your full-day guided tour of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

    Your first stop will be Karahayit, where you’ll see the famous Red Springs, known for their vibrant color and healing mineral waters.

    The tour then continues through the ruins of Hierapolis, including highlights such as the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the impressive Theatre.

    After lunch at a local restaurant, you will have about one hour of free time to explore the Pamukkale Travertines. During this time, you may also choose to swim in the ancient Cleopatra Antique Pools (entry fee not included).

    Later in the afternoon, you will rejoin the group for a walk along the iconic Cotton Cliffs, formed by centuries of cascading mineral waters.

    Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Denizli or Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul, with departure times between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM depending on flight availability. Upon arrival in Istanbul, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    8

    Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

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

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

  • All airport and hotel transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including arrival and departure services
  • Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul → Kayseri, Kayseri → Antalya, and Denizli → Istanbul
  • Intercity bus ticket from Antalya to Pamukkale
  • 3 nights in Istanbul at a special class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast
  • 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast
  • 2 nights in Antalya at a boutique hotel, including breakfast
  • 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast
  • Services of a professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • Entrance fees to all sites 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
  • Dinners and drinks
  • 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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Istanbul

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