Overview
Across Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale, this 9-day Turkey tour connects imperial landmarks, mineral terraces, Aegean ruins, and volcanic valleys with domestic flights, hotel stays, guided sightseeing, and key airport arrangements handled for you. Begin in Istanbul, where Byzantine and Ottoman monuments frame the old city: Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, The Blue Mosque Istanbul, the Byzantine Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace Museum, and the Grand Bazaar. A Bosphorus Cruise adds a different view of the city, gliding between Europe and Asia after the colors and aromas of the Spice Bazaar.
This route then opens into western Turkey’s classical and natural landscapes. Walk through Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where ancient ruins rise above the white Pamukkale Travertines, then continue to the Aegean coast for Pergamon, including the Pergamon Acropolis, Library of Pergamon, Temple of Athena, and remains of the Altar of Zeus. At Ephesus Ancient City, trace Roman-era streets to the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre of Ephesus, and the House of the Virgin Mary before flying onward to Cappadocia. Here, fairy chimneys, Zelve Open Air Museum, Pasabag Monks Valley, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and an underground city reveal a landscape carved by nature and lived in for centuries. With shared touring and well-planned domestic flight connections, the trip suits travelers who want Turkey’s major cultural anchors without arranging each move themselves.
Trip Highlights
- Wander Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman landmark quarter
- Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
- Marvel at Pamukkale Travertines and Hierapolis ruins
- Trace Pergamon Acropolis and the Altar of Zeus remains
- Walk Ephesus Ancient City’s marble Roman streets
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus
- Explore Zelve Open Air Museum’s carved cave dwellings
- Watch fairy chimneys rise across Pasabag Monks Valley
- Hike Rose Valley through rock-cut churches
- Descend into Cappadocia’s ancient underground city
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul at any time. After landing at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), meet the local representative at the exit of the international arrivals area, where they will be holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in and time to settle in after your flight. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure. 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 Istanbul hotel to join fellow travelers for a full-day guided group tour focused on the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman relics. Your guide will lead the group first to Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a landmark shaped by imperial, Christian, and Islamic history, followed by The Blue Mosque Istanbul, known for its blue İznik tiles and six minarets.
Continue to the Byzantine Hippodrome, where monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain recall the ceremonial heart of Constantinople. After a lunch break at a local restaurant, visit Topkapi Palace Museum, including its courtyards, treasury displays, and optional Harem section. The day concludes at Grand Bazaar Istanbul, with time to browse its covered lanes. The tour ends around 5:00 pm, followed by transfer back to your hotel and free time at leisure. 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, your guide will lead the group on a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Begin with a drive to Eminonu Pier and a brief visit to the Spice Bazaar Istanbul, where stalls display spices, sweets, teas, and small handicrafts. You will then board a shared boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, passing between Istanbul’s European and Asian shores with views of Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, waterfront mansions, and historic fortifications.
After the cruise, return to your hotel to collect your luggage, then transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Denizli, which takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, a representative will meet you and arrange the transfer to your hotel in Pamukkale. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure. 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 at your hotel in Pamukkale, join fellow travelers as your guide will lead the group on a full-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour, with pickup around 10:30 am. Begin at Hierapolis, where the route includes the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Theatre, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, associated with the martyrdom of St. Philip.
Following the guided visit, pause for an included lunch before continuing to Karahayit, known for its red thermal waters and mineral-rich hot springs. The afternoon continues at the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, often called the Cotton Castle, where calcified mineral pools form one of Turkey’s most distinctive landscapes. You may also choose to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools for an additional fee.
The tour ends around 4:00 pm, then continue by road to Kusadasi, a drive of approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Arrival is expected by 7:30 pm, followed by hotel check-in. 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, your guide will lead the group from your hotel in Kusadasi on a scenic drive to Pergamon, one of western Turkey’s most important ancient centers. The visit begins at the Pergamon Acropolis, set high above the surrounding plain, where you will see the Library of Pergamon, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Trajan, and the remains of the Altar of Zeus.
After time at the upper city, pause for lunch at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers. In the afternoon, continue to the ancient Gymnasium, the Lower Agora, the steep hillside Hellenistic Theater, and the Temple of Dionysus. Following the tour, return to Kusadasi and enjoy the evening at leisure. 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 of your hotel at around 8:30 am and join your guide and fellow travelers for a full-day tour of Ephesus. Begin at the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, where the group will explore major landmarks including the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain. After lunch, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, then pass by the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The tour also includes a visit to Isa Bey Mosque, known for its Seljuk-era architecture. At approximately 4:00 pm, you will be driven to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul, with an approximate total flight journey of 3 to 4 hours including the connection. Upon arrival, a representative holding a sign with your name will meet you and transfer you 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.
For an optional early start, you may book a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s valleys at extra cost before the guided program begins. After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and join fellow travelers for a full-day North Cappadocia tour led by your guide. Begin at Devrent Valley, known for its imaginative fairy chimney formations, then continue to Pasabag Monks Valley to view its distinctive mushroom-shaped rock pillars.
The group then continues to Avanos, a town closely associated with traditional pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Zelve Open Air Museum, where cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and traces of Cappadocia’s monastic life reveal the region’s unique carved landscape. Before returning to the hotel, pause for about 15 minutes to take panoramic photos of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as interior entry is not included. The tour ends at around 4:00 pm, followed by transfer back to your hotel. The evening is free, with optional activities available at extra cost. 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 of your Cappadocia hotel and meet your guide at approximately 9:30 am for the group tour of South Cappadocia. Begin in Red Valley, then continue on a scenic hike of about 5 km through Rose Valley, passing rock-cut churches and distinctive valley formations. Your guide will then lead the group to Cavusin Village, known for its old stone houses and historic cave churches, before a lunch break around noon.
In the afternoon, visit Pigeon Valley, where dovecotes carved into the rocks mark the slopes between the villages. Continue to Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where your guide explains how early Christian communities used these subterranean spaces for shelter. Around 4:00 pm, transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight to Istanbul, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Upon arrival in Istanbul, meet the representative and 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 at your hotel in Istanbul, check out before 12:00 noon. According to your international flight details, you will be transferred to Istanbul International Airport for your departure. Please allow the scheduled transfer time to accommodate airport procedures and luggage handling. This marks the end of your 9-day guided group tour through Istanbul, Pamukkale, Pergamon, Ephesus, and Cappadocia, and the conclusion of One Nation Travel services. Lunch is also included as specified for this day, depending on your departure arrangements.
Inclusions:
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including Istanbul airport arrival meet & greet transfer and final departure transfer
- Domestic flight tickets as specified in the itinerary (Istanbul to Denizli, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Istanbul)
- Tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary
- 3 nights accommodation in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-Star Hotels, inclusive of breakfast
- 1 night accommodation in Pamukkale at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Kusadasi at a 4-Star hotel, inclusive of breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, inclusive of breakfast
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch)
- Services of a professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours
- Air-conditioned tour bus for scheduled touring
- All entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service charges
Exclusions:
- International flights
- Turkey e-Visa fee
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Drinks during meals unless specified
- Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary, such as hot air balloon ride or Turkish bath
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Important Information
- Domestic flights in Turkey typically allow 15 kg of checked luggage per person, depending on the airline and fare class. Excess baggage fees apply, so please pack accordingly for the Istanbul–Denizli, Izmir–Cappadocia, and Cappadocia–Istanbul flight sectors.
- Mosques in Istanbul and Seljuk/Islamic sites such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and Isa Bey Mosque require modest dress. Women should cover their hair, shoulders, and knees, and men should avoid shorts; shoes must be removed before entering mosque prayer areas.
- Mosques may close to visitors during prayer times, especially Friday prayers around 12:00–14:00. Your guide will adjust the order of visits where possible, but access to mosque interiors cannot be guaranteed at all times.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as this tour includes extensive walking on uneven stone surfaces at Ephesus, Pergamon, Hierapolis, Cappadocia valleys, and Istanbul’s historic areas.
- The South Cappadocia tour includes an approximately 5 km hike through Rose Valley and visits to underground cities with narrow tunnels, stairs, and low ceilings. This may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or serious knee/back problems.
- Pamukkale’s travertine terraces can only be walked on barefoot in designated areas to protect the natural formations. The surface may be slippery, so please take care and bring a small towel if you plan to walk on the terraces.
- The Pergamon tour involves a long scenic drive from Kusadasi and visits to elevated ancient ruins, including the Acropolis area. Expect a full day with extended road travel and walking at archaeological sites.
- Cappadocia weather can be cool in the mornings and evenings, especially outside summer, while Pamukkale and Ephesus can be very hot in peak season. Layered clothing, sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are strongly recommended.
- If you plan to add an optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, it must be pre-booked and is subject to weather and aviation authority approval. We recommend scheduling it for your earliest Cappadocia morning in case rescheduling is needed.
- Some museums, palace sections, or religious areas may have photography restrictions or require an additional fee for cameras. Please follow your guide’s instructions at Topkapi Palace, mosques, and archaeological sites.
- Turkey uses the Turkish Lira, and credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but small cash amounts are useful for drinks, personal expenses, tips, and purchases at local markets such as the Spice Bazaar.
FAQs
You can make an online reservation by using the booking form on this tour page, selecting your preferred departure date and number of travelers. Once submitted, you will receive instant confirmation, subject to availability. For custom requests, private upgrades, or pre/post-tour hotel arrangements, you may also contact One Nation Travel by email or phone.
Payments can be made securely by credit card, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, through our secure payment gateway. Bank transfer is also available upon request. For advance bookings, a deposit option may be offered, with the balance payable according to your confirmation details.
After completing your reservation, you will receive an instant email confirmation with your booking details. Your final travel voucher is typically sent 24–48 hours before the tour begins. It will include hotel information, airport transfer details, pickup times, and domestic flight arrangements where applicable.
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour starts. In this case, the cost of all flight and bus tickets—which are non-refundable—will be deducted from your paid balance, and the remaining amount will be refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the tour, the full amount paid will be considered non-refundable, as a “no-show” policy will apply.
The hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is not included in the price of this tour. However, it can usually be arranged as an optional early-morning activity, subject to weather conditions and availability. If you would like to join the balloon ride, we recommend reserving it in advance, as flights in Cappadocia often sell out quickly.
Yes, the itinerary includes time at the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, where visitors can walk in designated areas. Shoes are normally removed to protect the mineral formations, so it is useful to bring a small towel and wear comfortable clothing. Swimming in certain antique pool areas, such as Cleopatra’s Pool if available, may require an extra entrance fee.
This tour involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces, especially at Ephesus, Pergamon Acropolis, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia’s valleys. Day 8 includes a scenic hike of about 5 km through Rose Valley, so comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended. Travelers should be able to manage stairs, slopes, cobblestones, and archaeological terrain at a relaxed group pace.
When visiting mosques in Istanbul and at Isa Bey Mosque near Ephesus, modest clothing is required. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are asked to cover their hair with a scarf inside active mosque areas. Shoes are removed before entering mosque prayer sections, so wearing easy-to-remove footwear is practical.
Domestic flights included in the itinerary connect Istanbul to Denizli, Izmir to Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul, and Cappadocia back to Istanbul. Luggage allowance depends on the airline used, but Turkish domestic flights commonly include a checked bag and cabin baggage within standard limits. Your final voucher will show the confirmed flight details, and we recommend keeping luggage compact for smoother shared transfers.
Spring from April to June and autumn from September to October are among the best times for this route, with pleasant weather for Istanbul sightseeing, ancient ruins, Pamukkale terraces, and Cappadocia valley walks. Summer is popular but can be hot, especially in Ephesus, Pergamon, and Pamukkale. Winter offers fewer crowds, although Cappadocia can be cold and weather may affect optional balloon flights.
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.
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