12-Day Discover Turkey Guided Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus

Welcome to 伊斯坦布尔! Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, a One Nation Travel representative will be waiting to greet you. You’ll be assisted with your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and settle into your room. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Begin at the iconic 圣索菲亚大教堂, the magnificent 6th-century cathedral that served as the world’s largest place of worship for nearly a thousand years. Walk across the square to the stunning 蓝色清真寺, famous for its six slender minarets and cascade of domes adorned with over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Next, visit the 赛马场, once the social and sporting heart of Constantinople, where you can still see the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers before continuing to 托普卡帕宫, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, housing extraordinary collections of jewels, manuscripts, and imperial relics. Around 3:30 PM, head to the legendary 大巴扎, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops lining its labyrinthine corridors. Spend time browsing handcrafted ceramics, Turkish carpets, leather goods, and spices. By 4:30 PM, return to your hotel with the rest of the evening free to explore the Sultanahmet neighborhood at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will lead the group to the bustling 香料市场 (Egyptian Bazaar), one of Istanbul’s oldest covered markets. Wander through aromatic stalls brimming with Turkish teas, dried fruits, spices, and handcrafted souvenirs alongside fellow travelers. Take your time browsing the colorful displays before the group makes its way to the nearby pier.

Around 10:00 AM, board a boat for a scenic 博斯普鲁斯海峡游轮 along the 博斯普鲁斯海峡, the legendary waterway separating Europe and Asia while connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. As the boat glides along the channel, admire the ornate façade of 多尔玛巴赫切宫, the elegant 贝勒贝伊宫 on the Asian shore, and the sweeping span of the 博斯普鲁斯海峡大桥. Your guide will point out Ottoman-era waterfront mansions, ancient fortresses, and hilltop neighborhoods lining both continents.

By approximately 12:15 PM, the cruise concludes and the group returns to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure — perfect for revisiting a favorite neighborhood, picking up last-minute gifts, or savoring a leisurely Turkish meal at a waterside restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your early-morning domestic flight to Izmir (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, you will be transferred to Selçuk, where you will meet your professional tour guide and join your group to begin the full-day Ephesus tour.

Start your exploration at the Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, once a thriving center of culture and commerce. Walk along its marble streets to discover the 哈德良神庙, adorned with elaborate carvings honoring Emperor Hadrian, and the imposing 大剧院, designed to hold up to 25,000 spectators. Admire the 图拉真喷泉, a striking monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan with beautifully crafted statues and detailed stonework.

Around midday, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Turkish cuisine before continuing the afternoon program.

After lunch, your guide will lead the group to the 圣母玛利亚之家, a peaceful pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos where it is believed Mary spent her final years. Next, pass by the remains of the 阿耳忒弥斯神庙, once celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — though only a few columns remain, its historical significance is unmistakable. Finally, visit the 伊萨贝清真寺, an elegant example of 14th-century Seljuk architecture renowned for its intricate calligraphy and refined stonework.

Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası for check-in. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Kuşadası.

After breakfast around 7:30 AM, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and driven to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group will assemble. Around 8:30 AM, your guide will lead the group on the approximately three-hour drive to Pamukkale, with a short restroom stop midway. Upon arrival around 11:45 AM, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the guided tour at approximately 1:00 PM.

Your exploration begins at the iconic 棉花崖, where mineral-rich thermal waters have sculpted brilliant white travertine terraces over thousands of years. From there, you’ll walk into the ancient city of 希拉波利斯, discovering its well-preserved historical structures including the basilica, the impressive 希拉波利斯剧院, 以及 罗马浴场. After the guided portion concludes, you’ll have free time to wander the ruins at your own pace. If you wish, you can take a swim in the 棉花堡古董泳池 (at your own expense), where warm thermal waters flow among submerged ancient columns. Your guide will confirm the exact meeting point and regrouping time.

At approximately 4:00 PM, the group will transfer to the main bus station in Denizli, where you’ll board an intercity coach to Antalya — an expected journey of around five hours. Upon arrival at the Antalya bus terminal, a representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:00 AM your guide will lead the group east along the stunning Mediterranean coastline for a full day exploring the ancient cities of Pamphylia. Your first stop is 佩尔格古城, one of the most impressive ruins in southern Turkey. Walk through the monumental Roman gate, the colonnaded street, and the well-preserved stadium that once seated 12,000 spectators.

Continue to the magnificent 阿斯潘多斯古剧场, widely considered the best-preserved Roman theater in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, it still hosts performances today and seats approximately 15,000 — your guide will explain the remarkable acoustics that make this structure so extraordinary.

Around 12:30 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Manavgat Waterfall, where the wide cascade of the Manavgat River creates a refreshing spot to stretch your legs and take photographs. In the afternoon, join fellow travelers at Side, a charming ancient port town. Stroll past the Temple of Apollo overlooking the sea and explore the Side Ancient Theater, a striking 2nd-century amphitheater carved into the hillside. By 5:00 PM, the group departs for the scenic drive back to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

Today is yours to enjoy Antalya at your own pace. After breakfast at your hotel, you’re free to spend the day however you wish. You may choose to relax on the city’s stunning Mediterranean beaches or dive into its rich cultural atmosphere. Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Kaleiçi, the charming historic old quarter, where boutique shops and cozy cafés line every corner. Consider visiting the Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s finest archaeological collections, or admire the iconic Hadrian’s Gate and explore the many historical landmarks scattered throughout the old town.

If you prefer a more leisurely day, unwind on one of Antalya’s inviting beaches along the turquoise coastline or indulge in a traditional Turkish bath for a truly rejuvenating experience. The old harbor area is also a wonderful spot for a waterfront lunch of fresh seafood. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Antalya. You will be picked up and transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to either Kayseri or Nevşehir via Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check‑in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the region at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

For an optional extra, consider booking an early morning 热气球之旅 over Cappadocia’s stunning valleys and fairy chimney formations. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost and should be pre-booked in advance.

After breakfast, around 9:30 AM, your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia. The first stop is 德文伦特谷, often called Imagination Valley, where wind-sculpted rock formations rise from the earth in striking animal-like shapes — a fascinating introduction to the region’s geological wonders. From here, continue to 帕萨巴格谷 (Monks Valley), home to iconic mushroom-shaped pinnacles that once sheltered hermit monks in their carved-out chambers.

Next, the group will drive to 阿瓦诺斯, a charming town along the Kızılırmak River renowned for its pottery-making tradition stretching back to Hittite times. Watch local artisans shape red clay on spinning wheels using techniques passed down through generations.

在当地餐馆享用午餐后，行程继续进行。 泽尔维露天博物馆, an abandoned rock-cut settlement featuring a remarkable network of cave dwellings, ancient churches adorned with faded frescoes, and a mosque — all carved directly into the soft tuff stone.

Towards the end of the afternoon, join fellow travelers for a panoramic photo stop at 乌奇萨城堡, Cappadocia’s tallest fairy chimney, offering sweeping views across the surrounding valleys. By approximately 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel with the remainder of the evening at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM your guide will lead the group on a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia. The morning begins with a visit to the striking 红谷, where you’ll embark on an approximately 5 km scenic hike through the 玫瑰谷 (Güllüdere Vadisi). The trail winds past remarkable rock formations in shades of pink and orange, with ancient rock-cut churches carved directly into the cliffs along the way.

Next, the group will visit 恰武辛村, known for its historical cave houses and early Christian churches once inhabited by clergymen. Take time to wander the old settlement and admire the carved facades before breaking for lunch at a local restaurant around noon.

After lunch, continue to 鸽子谷 (Güvercinlik Vadisi), named for the hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic rock — once used by locals to collect fertilizer for their vineyards. In the afternoon, descend into 卡伊马克勒地下城 或者 Özkonak Underground City, where early Christians carved elaborate multi-level refuges to escape persecution, complete with ventilation shafts, storage rooms, and communal spaces. The tour wraps up around 4:00 PM, after which you’ll transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 AM your guide will gather the group for the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The morning begins with a stop at Esentepe, where a sweeping panoramic view of 格雷梅 Valley unfolds before you — an ideal spot for photographs of the surrounding rock formations and cave dwellings.

From there, the group descends into 德林库尤地下城, one of the deepest and most remarkably preserved subterranean complexes in the region. Dating back to the Hittites and later expanded by early Christians, its labyrinth of stables, kitchens, living quarters, and ventilation shafts reveals the ingenious survival strategies of its ancient inhabitants.

Next, join fellow travelers for a scenic 4-kilometer hike through the lush 伊拉拉谷, following a meandering stream past small rock-cut churches from the early Christian era. The hike concludes with a relaxing lunch in Belisirma Village, set beside the river. After lunch, visit the impressive 13th-century 塞利梅寺, carved dramatically into a volcanic rock face. The tour’s final stop is 亚普拉基萨尔, known for its striking panoramic views and as a filming location for the “Star Wars” franchise.

Around 4:00 PM, transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight back to 伊斯坦布尔 (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast at your hotel, complete your check-out before 12:00 noon. Your transfer to 伊斯坦布尔 Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. End of tour services.