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Istanbul
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Istanbul
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Group
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English
Itinerary Overview
The 9-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia and Ankara Tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty across Turkey’s most iconic destinations. From the Byzantine wonders of Istanbul to the cotton-white terraces of Pamukkale, the ruins of Ephesus, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and the cultural heart of Ankara, this journey takes you through ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes. An ideal choice for travelers seeking a rich and immersive experience of Turkey. Discover Turkey’s treasures on this unforgettable 9-day journey—book your adventure today!
Trip Highlights
- Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
- Pamukkale Travertines & ancient Hierapolis
- Ephesus ruins & House of Virgin Mary
- Cappadocia valleys, underground cities & hot air balloon option
- Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations & Ataturk Mausoleum
Detailed Itinerary
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore the city at your own pace. 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, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the stunning Blue Mosque, and the historic Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine life.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries, and end the day at the colorful Grand Bazaar.
At the end of the tour, around 4:30 pm, you will be transferred back 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 in Istanbul. Around 8:30 am, you will be picked up for a half-day tour. Begin with a visit to the lively Spice Market, where exotic spices, teas, and local delights are sold.
Then, embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise. During the cruise, you will enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul’s skyline and waterfront. Along the way, you will see several iconic landmarks from the boat, including the elegant Dolmabahce Palace, the grand Beylerbeyi Palace, the historic Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı), the romantic Maiden’s Tower (Kız Kulesi), and the famous Bosphorus Bridge. Please note these sites are viewed panoramically from the cruise, not visited inside.
At the end of the cruise, around 1:00 pm, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Denizli. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale. 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 in Pamukkale. Around 10:30 am, you will be picked up for a full-day tour. Visit the dazzling Pamukkale Travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Theatre, Necropolis, Roman Baths, Temple of Apollo, and Plutonium.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Later, you will have free time to swim in the Antique Pools (Cleopatra’s Pool).
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred by road to Kusadasi (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Kusadasi: Efe Boutique Hotel, Derici Hotel, Neopol Hotel Deluxe, or Marina 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 in Kusadasi. Around 8:30 am, you will be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, and Trajan Fountain.
After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight via Istanbul to Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 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.
You may start your day with an unforgettable Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride, offering breathtaking views of the region’s unique landscape from above. Please note that this activity is optional and available at an additional cost.
After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day North Cappadocia tour.
The tour begins with a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as “Imagination Valley,” where natural rock formations resemble animals and various shapes. This valley offers incredible photo opportunities and introduces you to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia.
Next, continue to Pasabag Valley (Monk’s Valley), one of the most iconic spots in Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys with double and even triple rock caps. Your guide will share stories of how hermit monks once lived in these unusual formations.
Proceed to Avanos, a town along the Kızılırmak (Red River) renowned for its pottery tradition dating back to the Hittites. You will visit a pottery workshop, where you can watch a demonstration and even try your hand at the potter’s wheel.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the area before continuing your exploration.
In the afternoon, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, an ancient monastic settlement spread across three valleys. Zelve was inhabited until the 1950s and today stands as an open-air museum showcasing rock-carved dwellings, chapels, and monasteries. Walking among its tunnels and caves offers a unique insight into the daily life of the past communities of Cappadocia.
Finally, head to Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, providing panoramic views of valleys filled with fairy chimneys and volcanic formations.
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. 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.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Around 9:30 am, you will be picked up for the South Cappadocia tour. Visit the Red Valley and hike through the beautiful Rose Valley, famous for its colorful rock formations and cave churches. Continue to Cavusin Village, known for its historic rock houses and churches. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the scenic Pigeon Valley, then explore one of Cappadocia’s remarkable underground cities — either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to the bus terminal for your local intercity bus to Ankara (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival in Ankara in the evening, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Ankara.
Accommodation in the Hotels Below (or Similar, Depending on Availability at the Time of Booking):
In Ankara: Best Western Plus Center Hotel OR Holiday Inn Ankara OR The Wings Hotels Neva Palas or similar (Standard quality)
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 9:00 am, you will be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Ankara. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing treasures from prehistoric to Ottoman times. Continue to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the resting place of Turkey’s founding father. After lunch, explore the historic Ankara Castle and its old citadel district.
At the end of the tour, around 3:00 pm, you will be transferred to Ankara Airport for your evening flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer 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, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight schedule. This concludes your tour and our services.
Includes/Excludes
INCLUDED in the Tour Price:
- All airport and hotel transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
- Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul → Denizli → Izmir (Kuşadası) → Kayseri (Cappadocia) via Istanbul → Ankara → Istanbul
- Intercity bus ticket from Cappadocia to Ankara.
- 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.
- 1 night in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
- 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave-style hotel, including breakfast.
- 1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
- Professional English-speaking licensed guide during the tours.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch.
- All entrance fees to museums and sites mentioned in the itinerary.
- Local taxes and service charges.
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight tickets to/from Turkey.
- Turkey Tourist Visa fees.
- Optional tours and activities mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost, e.g. Hot Air Balloon Ride, Turkish Night Show).
- Services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
- Dinners and drinks unless specified.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
Important notes:
- 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.
Overall Trip Rating:
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Verified Purchase
By Mariana L.(Texas, USA)August 27, 2025 An Unforgettable 9-Day Journey Through TurkeyOur family joined the 9-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Ankara Tour and it was beyond our expectations. Istanbul’s history and energy were incredible, and walking through the ancient ruins of Ephesus felt like stepping back in time. Pamukkale’s white terraces were stunning, and the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia was truly once-in-a-lifetime. Everything was very well planned and we felt cared for the entire trip. Special thanks to One Nation Travel and our agent Can Berber for their professionalism and warm hospitality. This journey gave us memories we will treasure forever.Date of Experience: August 17, 2025
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