9-Day Best of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus

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.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, you will be picked up around 8:30 AM for a full-day guided tour exploring the Byzantine and Ottoman highlights of Istanbul’s Old City.

Your tour begins with a visit to the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a former cathedral and mosque turned museum, which reflects the grandeur of both Christian and Islamic heritage.

Continue to the world-renowned Blue Mosque, admired for its elegant architecture, six minarets, and exquisite blue İznik tiles.

Next, walk through the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting heart of Byzantine Constantinople. Here, you’ll view notable monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.

After exploring these landmarks, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant where you can savor traditional Turkish dishes.

In the afternoon, your tour continues with a visit to the opulent Topkapi Palace Museum, home to Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. Stroll through its imperial courtyards, discover priceless treasures, and optionally explore the private Harem section (ticket extra).

The final stop of the day will be at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. With thousands of shops, it’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs or simply absorb the vibrant atmosphere.

Around 4:30 PM, you will return to your hotel to collect your luggage and then be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, a One Nation Travel representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

For an optional extra to start your day, consider booking an early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s extraordinary valleys. Drifting above the fairy chimneys and rock-cut settlements as the sun rises is a truly spectacular experience. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost and is subject to weather conditions.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will gather the group at approximately 9:30 AM for a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia’s most remarkable landscapes. The first stop is Devrent Valley, where wind-sculpted rock formations take on the shapes of animals and mythical figures — a striking introduction to the region’s extraordinary geology that sets the tone for the day ahead.

By 10:15 AM, the group continues to Pasabag Valley, famous for its towering mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Some of these remarkable formations were hollowed out and used as hermit shelters by early monks, and their unusual multi-capped silhouettes make them among the most photographed sights in all of Cappadocia.

Around 11:00 AM, the group arrives in Avanos, where you’ll visit a traditional pottery workshop. Artisans demonstrate techniques passed down through generations, shaping clay drawn from the banks of the Red River — a craft that has defined this town for centuries.

At approximately 12:00 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos with your fellow travelers. After the meal, the group sets off for the afternoon’s explorations.

By 1:15 PM, join fellow travelers at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Göreme, where a sweeping vista reveals the valley’s cave dwellings and rock-cut churches from above, offering a sense of just how deeply human history is carved into this landscape.

Around 1:45 PM, your guide will lead the group to the Zelve Open Air Museum, an abandoned rock-cut village that once supported a thriving community. Wander through ancient cave dwellings, churches adorned with faded frescoes, and a mosque carved directly into the stone — all offering a vivid picture of daily life in Cappadocia’s volcanic terrain.

By 3:00 PM, the group makes a final stop at Uchisar Castle, the tallest point in Cappadocia. Admire this towering rock fortress from the outside, its honeycomb surface riddled with rooms and tunnels that once served as both homes and defensive lookouts. By 3:30 PM, your guide will return the group to the hotel by approximately 4:00 PM, leaving the rest of the evening free to relax. Overnight in Cappadocia.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, you will be picked up around 10:30 AM for a guided tour of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

The tour begins with the famous Pamukkale Travertines, a natural wonder of dazzling white calcium terraces formed by thermal spring waters cascading down the hillside. You will have time to walk barefoot across these stunning formations and enjoy breathtaking views.

Next, explore the ruins of the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Key highlights include the well-preserved Hierapolis Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and the impressive Roman Baths.

After the guided tour, you will have approximately one hour of free time. You may choose to take a dip in the historic Pamukkale Antique Pools (optional, with an additional entrance fee), where ancient marble columns lie beneath warm, mineral-rich waters.

After the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred by vehicle to Kusadasi (approximately 3 hours’ drive). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Kusadasi, you will be picked up around 8:30 AM for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the most iconic and well-preserved ancient cities in the world.

Start your journey on Curetes Street, the main boulevard of ancient Ephesus, flanked by remnants of temples, shops, and elegant houses. Visit the richly decorated Temple of Hadrian, adorned with impressive mythological carvings.

Continue on to the magnificent Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, capable of seating 25,000 spectators, where you’ll learn about its cultural significance and Roman architecture. Nearby, you’ll see the ornate Trajan Fountain, a highlight of Roman engineering and artistry.

Following your archaeological discoveries, enjoy a delicious lunch at a countryside restaurant near Ephesus.

In the afternoon, visit the serene House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. Surrounded by pine forest, it is a place of reflection and spiritual tranquility.

Your tour continues with a stop at the remains of the Temple of Artemis—once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little remains, its legacy and importance are still deeply felt.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Isabey Mosque, a 14th-century architectural masterpiece of the Seljuk era, featuring a serene courtyard and intricately carved stonework.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul (flight duration: approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, a One Nation Travel representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel (latest by 12:00 noon). Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time to enjoy a final stroll or pick up last-minute souvenirs. At the appropriate time, our driver will transfer you to Istanbul Airport (IST) for your departure flight. This marks the end of your tour — we hope Turkey has left you with unforgettable memories. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back!

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