8-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale & Antalya Tour

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

Tour Overview

Experience Turkey’s rich history and stunning landscapes with the 8-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale and Antalya Tour. Begin in vibrant Istanbul, exploring ancient landmarks and cruising the Bosphorus. Continue to Pamukkale’s surreal terraces, then unwind on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya. This tour perfectly balances cultural exploration and leisure across three iconic destinations. Discover the best of Turkey—book your journey today!

Highlights:

  • Guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City, including Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and Blue Mosque
  • Scenic Bosphorus Cruise
  • Visit to Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces and Hierapolis ruins
  • Full-day exploration of Antalya’s historic and natural sites
  • Free time to relax or explore Antalya and Istanbul at your own pace

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 Old City Tour

    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

    Bosphorus Cruise – Flight from Istanbul to Denizli

    After breakfast, at around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a visit to the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), where you can explore its vibrant stalls and colorful local products. Then, board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

    During the cruise, admire the stunning views of landmarks like the Dolmabahçe PalaceBeylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, as well as ancient fortresses and elegant waterfront mansions.

    At the end of the cruise, you’ll return to your hotel around 12:15 PM to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Denizli. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in. Overnight in Pamukkale.

  • Day
    4

    Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour – Intercity Coach Transfer to Antalya

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At around 10:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin your guided Pamukkale tour.

    Your first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will explore significant landmarks including the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, traditionally believed to be the martyrdom site of St. Philip.

    After discovering these historical highlights, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant.

    In the afternoon, continue to Karahayit, renowned for its red thermal springs and therapeutic waters.

    Next, you will visit the world-famous Cotton Cliffs (Pamukkale Travertines), also known as Cotton Castle. You’ll have about 1 hour of free time to explore the white terraces and take in the panoramic views. If you wish, you can opt to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools, an optional activity available at an additional cost.

    Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Denizli bus station, where you will board an intercity coach to Antalya (approx. 5-hour journey). Upon arrival in Antalya, a representative will meet you at the bus terminal and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    5

    Perge, Aspendos, Side & 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

    Free day in Antalya to explore

    Today is yours to enjoy the stunning city of Antalya at your own pace. You may choose to wander through the charming, narrow cobbled streets of the historic Kaleiçi (Old Town), visit the impressive Antalya Museum, or admire landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate and other historical sites scattered throughout the old quarter. Alternatively, relax on one of Antalya’s beautiful beaches or indulge in a rejuvenating traditional Turkish bath (hamam) experience. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    7

    Flight Back to Istanbul – Free Day to Unwind

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Antalya by 12:00 PM. You will be picked up and transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—perhaps take a relaxed stroll, revisit a favorite site, or indulge in some last-minute shopping. 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 → Denizli, Antalya → Istanbul
  • Intercity bus ticket from Pamukkale to Antalya
  • 3 nights in Istanbul at a special class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast
  • 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast
  • 3 nights in Antalya at a boutique 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)

FAQs

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.