Overview
Begin where continents collide, beneath the soaring dome of Hagia Sophia and the cascading minarets of the Blue Mosque, then trade Ottoman splendor for the otherworldly silhouettes of Cappadocia — fairy chimneys glowing pink at dawn, hermit caves carved into mushroom-shaped stone, and master potters spinning red clay along the Kızılırmak River. From there, descend into hidden underground cities, then wing south to the Mediterranean shores of Antalya, where Roman theatres still echo with the voices of 15,000 spectators and turquoise coves invite an unhurried afternoon. A scenic coach ride through pine-covered mountains delivers you to Pamukkale, where you’ll walk barefoot across cotton-white travertines and wander the marble streets of ancient Hierapolis before circling back to Istanbul for one last sunset over the Bosphorus. With your guide leading the group through nine days of seamless transfers, domestic flights, handpicked hotels, and shared meals at local tables, every moment is curated yet unhurried — leaving you free to soak in Turkey’s layered beauty. You leave with stories of empires, landscapes that defy belief, and the easy camaraderie of fellow travelers who walked them with you.
Trip Highlights
- Stand beneath Hagia Sophia's 1,500-year-old dome
- Marvel at the Blue Mosque's hand-painted İznik tiles
- Wander Topkapi Palace, home of Ottoman sultans
- Watch master potters at work in Avanos
- Explore wind-carved fairy chimneys in Pasabag Valley
- Descend into Kaymakli's labyrinthine underground city
- Stand inside Aspendos' magnificent Roman theatre
- Walk barefoot across Pamukkale's white travertines
- Trace ancient streets through Hierapolis' ruins
- Unwind on Antalya's golden Mediterranean shores
Route: Istanbul (3 nights) → Cappadocia (1 night) → Antalya (3 nights) → Pamukkale (1 night) → Istanbul · Day trips: Side
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Welcome to Istanbul! Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our representative will be waiting for you at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to recover from your flight or begin exploring at your own pace. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a stroll through the historic streets of Sultanahmet, sip Turkish tea at a local café, or enjoy a traditional dinner at one of the neighborhood restaurants. Your guide will provide a brief orientation about tomorrow’s tour and answer any questions you may have.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM you will meet your guide and the group in the lobby for a full-day tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.
Begin at the magnificent Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a 1,500-year-old architectural masterpiece that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum throughout its history. Continue to the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles. Next, walk through the historic Hippodrome, once the social heart of Byzantine Constantinople, where you’ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
Around 12:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Turkish cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the splendid Topkapi Palace Museum, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, with its imperial treasures and panoramic Bosphorus views. End the day at the bustling Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops selling carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and spices.
Return to your hotel around 5:00 PM. The evening is free for independent dining and exploration. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
Very early morning pick-up from your hotel around 4:00 AM and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 and 7:30 AM. Upon arrival, our local representative will greet you and drive you into Cappadocia, where you will meet your guide and group to begin the full-day North Cappadocia tour.
Your first stop is the surreal Devrent Valley, also called Imagination Valley, where wind-carved rock formations resemble animals and mythical creatures. Continue to the magical Pasabag Monks Valley, home to striking mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys once inhabited by hermit monks. Next, visit the picturesque town of Avanos, famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition along the red waters of the Kızılırmak River, where you’ll watch a master potter at work.
Around 12:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the historical Zelve Open Air Museum, a fascinating abandoned cave village with rock-cut churches and dwellings. End the day with a panoramic photo stop at Uchisar Castle, offering spectacular views over the surrounding valleys.
The tour concludes around 4:00 PM with transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Cappadocia: Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, Zula Cave House, or Kismet Cave House.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys at sunrise (available at additional cost, must be pre-booked and is weather-dependent).
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Around 9:30 AM, meet your guide for a full day exploring South Cappadocia. Begin at the stunning Red Valley, where you’ll discover beautifully preserved rock-cut churches before enjoying a scenic walk of approximately 5 km through the colorful Rose Valley. Continue to Cavusin Village, an old settlement of abandoned cave houses and early Christian chapels.
Around noon, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Pigeon Valley, named for the countless dovecotes carved into its cliffs. Then descend into one of Cappadocia’s most fascinating sites: the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, multi-level subterranean refuges that sheltered early Christian communities.
Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight to Antalya (via Istanbul connection). Upon arrival in Antalya around 1:30 AM, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Antalya: 1207 Boutique Hotel, Kosa Boutique Hotel, or Alp Pasa Boutique.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:00 AM you will be picked up to begin a full-day guided tour of Antalya‘s most remarkable historical and natural sites.
Your first stop is the ancient city of Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC and later one of the great cities of Pamphylia. Walk among its impressive ruins, including the stadium, Roman baths, and colonnaded main street. Continue to the magnificent Aspendos Ancient Theater, built in the 2nd century AD and considered one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, with seating for 15,000 spectators.
Around 12:30 PM, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a riverside restaurant. The tour then continues to Side, a charming coastal town that was once a major port of ancient Pamphylia. Explore the Side Ancient Theater, the Roman Baths ruins, and the dramatically situated Temple of Apollo overlooking the Mediterranean. Enjoy approximately one hour of free time to wander Side’s seaside lanes.
On the return drive, stop at the scenic Manavgat Waterfall for photos and refreshment by the cascading waters. Transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Antalya: 1207 Boutique Hotel, Kosa Boutique Hotel, or Alp Pasa Boutique.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. After a relaxed breakfast, you may choose how to spend your day in this beautiful Mediterranean city.
Spend the morning unwinding at one of Antalya’s golden Mediterranean beaches, such as Konyaalti or Lara. Alternatively, wander through the historic Kaleici (Old Town), where Ottoman-era wooden houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the picturesque Roman harbor await. Browse boutique shops, sample fresh seafood at a harborside restaurant, or sip Turkish coffee in a shaded courtyard.
For those interested in culture, the Antalya Museum houses one of Turkey’s finest archaeological collections, with artifacts spanning thousands of years. You might also consider an optional boat trip along the coast to the Düden Waterfalls, where freshwater cascades dramatically into the sea.
Your guide can recommend additional activities and assist with reservations. The full day is free for independent exploration. Overnight in Antalya.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Antalya: 1207 Boutique Hotel, Kosa Boutique Hotel, or Alp Pasa Boutique.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Antalya’s main bus terminal. Board an intercity coach to Denizli, the gateway city to Pamukkale. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and offers a comfortable, scenic ride across southwestern Turkey, passing through pine-covered mountains, fertile valleys, and traditional villages. Modern Turkish coaches feature reclining seats, air conditioning, complimentary refreshments, and Wi-Fi for a pleasant travel experience.
Upon arrival at Denizli bus station, our local representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in. The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel pool or take a stroll through the village to glimpse the famous white travertines from a distance.
This evening, enjoy a complimentary dinner at the hotel, where you can sample regional Turkish dishes. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Pamukkale: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel OR Hierapark Thermal & Spa Hotel Deluxe.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Around 10:30 AM, you will be picked up to begin a full-day guided tour of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Your first stop is Karahayit, famous for its Red Springs, where iron-rich mineral waters create vivid red and orange terraces. Continue into the ruins of Hierapolis, exploring the remarkable Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, the mysterious Plutonium, and the impressive Hierapolis Theatre.
After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy approximately one hour of free time to walk barefoot across the dazzling white Pamukkale Travertines. You may optionally swim in the famous Cleopatra Antique Pools (entry fee not included), where thermal waters bubble among submerged Roman columns. Rejoin the group for a final walk along the iconic Cotton Cliffs.
Around 4:00 PM, transfer to Denizli or Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul (departure between 7:00 and 10:00 PM). Upon arrival, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Istanbul: Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel.
The quoted price for this tour includes accommodations in the hotels mentioned above or similar quality hotels.
If you prefer a higher quality hotel, we offer two options:
- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel at an additional cost, which will be added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You can arrange your own accommodation during the tour. We will provide a new package tour price excluding the hotel accommodation cost. In this case, all other services included in the package tour will still be provided, except for hotel accommodation.
Please let us know your preferred option when making the tour request so we can adjust the price accordingly. If no change in hotels is needed and you wish to proceed with the hotels included in our package tour at the quoted price, you may book the tour directly online.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon). Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for last-minute shopping, a final Turkish coffee, or a leisurely stroll through Istanbul’s historic neighborhoods.
At the appropriate time, our representative will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight. We hope you take home wonderful memories of Turkey’s history, landscapes, and warm hospitality.
End of tour services.
Inclusions:
- 8 nights hotel accommodation (4-star or equivalent)
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- 1 dinner at the hotel in Pamukkale
- 5 lunches at local restaurants on touring days
- All airport and intercity transfers
- Domestic flight: Istanbul to Kayseri/Nevsehir
- Domestic flight: Cappadocia to Antalya (via Istanbul)
- Domestic flight: Denizli/Izmir to Istanbul
- Intercity coach: Antalya to Denizli
- Professional English-speaking guides on all tour days
- All entrance fees as per itinerary
- Air-conditioned touring vehicle
- Local taxes and service charges
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Turkey e-Visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Drinks during meals (except water)
- Optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entrance fee in Pamukkale
- Topkapi Palace Harem section (optional)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- 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. 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 Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque visits will be planned around these times.
- Domestic flights in Turkey allow 15 kg checked luggage per person. Excess luggage fees apply. We recommend soft-sided bags for easier handling.
- Day 3 involves a very early morning departure (around 4:00 AM) for the flight to Cappadocia. Day 4 includes a late-night arrival in Antalya (around 1:30 AM). Please plan your rest accordingly.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential — many sites involve uneven terrain, cobblestones, and stairs. The travertines at Pamukkale must be walked barefoot.
- A modest dress code is required when visiting mosques: women should cover their head, shoulders, and knees. Headscarves are usually available at mosque entrances.
- Room assignments are based on twin/double sharing. Single supplements apply for solo travelers.
- Turkey uses Type C and F electrical outlets (European standard, 220V). Travelers from the US/UK should bring an adapter.
- We recommend arriving at least one day before the tour begins to account for jet lag and potential flight delays.
FAQs
Our group tours typically range from 15 to 20 participants, depending on the season. This allows for a personal experience while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Smaller groups may be combined with other departures to ensure the tour operates.
No, the hot air balloon ride is an optional activity available at an additional cost (approximately EUR 360 per person). It must be pre-booked and is subject to weather conditions. We highly recommend it, as it is one of the most memorable experiences of the tour.
We recommend arriving at least one day before Day 1 to recover from jet lag and avoid issues with flight delays. If you’d like to book extra hotel nights or additional sightseeing in Istanbul, our team can arrange this for you.
We use carefully selected 4-star hotels (or equivalent) in centrally located areas. In Cappadocia, you may stay in a traditional cave-style hotel for an authentic regional experience, subject to availability.
Yes, Turkish intercity coaches are modern and very comfortable, featuring reclining seats, air conditioning, complimentary refreshments, and onboard Wi-Fi. The 5-hour journey passes through scenic countryside and is a popular way to travel in Turkey.
Most nationalities require an e-Visa, which can be obtained online in minutes through the official Turkish e-Visa website. Some nationalities are visa-exempt. Please check the requirements for your passport before traveling.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket (Cappadocia mornings can be cool), modest clothing for mosque visits, sun protection, swimwear for Pamukkale and Antalya, and a small daypack for daily excursions. Soft-sided luggage works best for domestic flights.
Tips are not included and are at your discretion. As a general guideline, EUR 5-8 per person per day for the guide and EUR 3-5 per person per day for the driver is customary if you are satisfied with the service.
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.
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Nisha N.(Chennai, India)April 25, 2026 Smooth 9 day Turkey tourMy husband and I booked the 9 day classic Turkey tour with One Nation Travel and it was very well organised. Thank you to the team for keeping everything on time. The transfers were comfortable, hotels were decent, and our guide explained things clearly without rushing us. Cappadocia and Pamukkale were both lovely to see. Very good option if you want an easy trip.Date of Experience: April 03, 2026
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Featured Hotels
Hotel options associated with this itinerary; the selected tour page and written confirmation control the included hotel and category.
View Featured Hotels (12)- Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel for an additional cost, which is added to the total price of the standard package tour.
- Option 2: You may request to arrange your own accommodation. We will prepare a revised written quote; each non-hotel service remains included only if expressly listed in the revised confirmation, and availability or price may change.
Hotels are subject to availability; alternatives of an equal standard may be provided.
