7-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

First, you will visit the Grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that originally served as a cathedral, later functioned as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. It showcases centuries of history, blending elements of both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise, Flight from Istanbul to Denizli, Overnight Stay in Pamukkale

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will begin a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. The tour starts with a drive to the Eminonu Pier, where you will visit the historic Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This vibrant marketplace offers an array of spices, herbs, and traditional Turkish delights, making it an ideal spot to experience the flavors and aromas of Istanbul.

Following the market visit, you will board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and serves as a natural divide between Europe and Asia. From the boat, you’ll have the opportunity to admire iconic landmarks such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Additionally, you’ll pass by ancient citadels and traditional mansions lining the shores, offering a picturesque view of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

After the cruise, you will return to your hotel to collect your luggage before heading to the airport for a flight to Denizli. The flight, typically lasting about one hour and thirty minutes, will take you closer to Pamukkale, home to its famous travertines and ancient ruins.

Upon your arrival in Denizli, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale, where you can check in and relax in preparation for an overnight stay.

• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Overnight Bus to Cappadocia (649.8 km)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 10:30 am to embark on a full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, two of Turkey’s most fascinating historical and natural landmarks.

Your first destination is the City of Hierapolis, where you will explore the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and the ancient Roman Baths. Hierapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into ancient Roman life and its spiritual significance.

Following your exploration, you’ll head to Karahayit, known for its red thermal waters and therapeutic springs.

Afterward, you’ll pause for a lunch break, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy local cuisine before continuing your adventure.

The tour continues to the spectacular Pamukkale Travertines, also known as the Cotton Castle. These dazzling white terraces filled with turquoise thermal water offer a chance to immerse yourself in this natural wonder. For those interested, you can enjoy an optional swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools, a unique thermal bathing experience available at an extra charge.

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to the bus station for your overnight bus to Cappadocia. The bus departs at around 9:00 pm, leaving you some free time to relax or enjoy dinner near the station. Your overnight journey will be in a comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking bus and will take around 10 hours with three breaks en route.

• Overnight Bus to Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: No accommodation is included on this day

Day 5: North Cappadocia Tour

Upon arriving at the Goreme bus station in the morning, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After enjoying breakfast, you can relax in the hotel lobby until your pick-up at 9:30 am. At that time, you will begin your North Cappadocia tour, where you’ll meet your guide and start exploring the region.

The tour will start with a visit to the Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys shaped like animals. Next, you’ll explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), known for its impressive mushroom-shaped rock formations.

After this, the tour continues to Avanos, a charming town renowned for its ancient pottery traditions. Following lunch in Avanos, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, an extraordinary collection of carved caves and ancient churches, which gives a glimpse into the region’s early monastic life.

Towards the end of the day, you will stop for about 15 minutes to take panoramic photos of the stunning Uchisar Castle. While the interior of the castle is not open for visitors, the exterior provides breathtaking views over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your leisure.

For extra activities, you can choose one from the following options: a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. Please note that all activities are available at an additional cost, and you can join only one due to time constraints.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Zula Cave House or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost.

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be taken to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay overnight.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel OR Ayasultan Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Denizli and Kayseri to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
• Overnight intercity coach ticket from Pamukkale to Cappadocia.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel including breakfast
• 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast
• English-speaking guide during the tours
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare & airport taxes.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour
• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• Overnight buses do not have bathroom facilities.
• 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. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• 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.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.