9-Day Classic Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Antalya

Arrival in Istanbul

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.

Istanbul Old City Tour - Byzantine & Ottoman Highlights

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.

Fly to Cappadocia - North Cappadocia Tour

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.

South Cappadocia Tour - Flight to Antalya

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.

Perge, Aspendos, Side & Manavgat Waterfall Tour

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.

Free Day in Antalya

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.

Antalya to Pamukkale by Coach

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.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour - Flight to Istanbul

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.

Departure from Istanbul

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.