9-Day Highlights of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity 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 for a full-day guided tour exploring the magnificent historical treasures of Istanbul.

The first stop will be at the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Built in 537 AD, it served as a church, mosque, and now a museum and mosque again. Inside, you will admire its stunning mosaics, massive domes, and historical significance.

Next, visit the breathtaking Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is renowned for its six minarets and its exquisite interior decorated with over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles in shades of blue.

Continue to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the social and sporting center of ancient Byzantium. Here, you will see the famous Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain, each with their unique historical stories.

The tour then proceeds to the grand Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Discover the palace’s rich collections of imperial costumes, jewelry, and the Prophet Muhammad’s relics in the Sacred Safekeeping Rooms.

After a lunch break at a local restaurant, continue your adventure at the world-famous Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Stroll through its labyrinthine alleys and vibrant stalls selling carpets, spices, jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs.

After completing the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

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

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar Visit – Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia

After breakfast around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your half-day tour. The first stop will be at the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi), one of Istanbul’s most colorful and lively markets. Explore the labyrinth of stalls filled with fragrant spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, nuts, and souvenirs. It’s a perfect place to experience the rich aromas and local flavors of Istanbul.

After visiting the bazaar, you will continue with a memorable Bosphorus Cruise. Sail along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides Europe and Asia, and enjoy magnificent views of historical palaces, grand Ottoman mansions, mosques, and fortresses lining both shores.

After the cruise, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri in Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your cave hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore the beautiful surroundings of Cappadocia at your leisure.

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

Day 4: North Cappadocia Tour

Optional: You can start your day early with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s magical landscape. This activity is available at an extra cost and must be booked in advance.

After breakfast around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the North Cappadocia tour. Your first stop will be at the beautiful Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where the unique rock formations resemble animal shapes and other imaginative figures.

Next, you will visit Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for its extraordinary mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Here, you will learn about the geological history and formation of these iconic structures.

The tour continues to the charming town of Avanos, located on the banks of the Kizilirmak River. Avanos is well known for its traditional pottery, and you will have the opportunity to watch a pottery demonstration by local artisans. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos.

Following lunch, you will visit the fascinating Zelve Open Air Museum, once a thriving monastic settlement carved into soft volcanic rock. Here, you can explore ancient homes, churches, and tunnels.

Finally, you will enjoy a panoramic photo stop at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering spectacular views over the region. Please note that entrance inside the castle is not permitted; you will admire it from the outside.

After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your own pace.

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

Optional evening activities (available at an extra cost):

• Turkish Night Show with Dinner
• 2-hour ATV Safari Tour
• 2-hour Horseback Riding Tour
• Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast around 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day South Cappadocia tour. Start your day with a visit to the spectacular Red Valley, known for its stunning red-colored rock formations and ancient cave churches. Enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley (Gulludere), famous for its vibrant landscape and hidden chapels.

Continue to Cavusin Village, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia, where you can see historical cave houses and churches built into the cliffs.

After a lunch break at a local restaurant, proceed to Pigeon Valley, named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic stone.

In the afternoon, explore one of Cappadocia’s remarkable underground cities — either the Kaymakli Underground City or the Ozkonak Underground City — depending on availability. These underground cities provided shelter to early Christians fleeing persecution and are a fascinating part of Cappadocia’s rich history.

After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore Cappadocia at your leisure.

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

Day 6: Fly to Izmir – Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir (via Istanbul). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast around 7:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to depart for Pamukkale. Upon arrival, explore the stunning Pamukkale Travertines, famous for their white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Continue your visit to the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, where you can see the impressive Roman Theater, the Necropolis, and the ancient Roman Baths. You will also have the opportunity to swim in the historical Cleopatra’s Antique Pool (entrance fee extra and payable on-site).

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi. The rest of the evening is free for you to relax.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Ephesus Ancient City Tour

After breakfast around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Ephesus Ancient City. Discover the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including the magnificent Library of Celsus, the elegant Temple of Hadrian, the grand Great Theater, and the sacred House of the Virgin Mary. You will also visit the historic site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Departure from Izmir

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Izmir (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Izmir International Airport according to your flight details. This will mark the end of our tour and services. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
• Domestic flights: Istanbul to Kayseri and Kayseri to Izmir
• 2 nights in Istanbul at a special class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast
• 3 nights in Kusadasi at a boutique or 4-star hotel, including breakfast
• Professional English-speaking licensed tour guides during the tours
• Entrance fees to all museums and historical sites mentioned
• Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking private vehicle
• Meals as specified in the itinerary (daily breakfast and lunch during full-day tours)
• Pick-up and drop-off services from/to hotels
• All service charges and local taxes

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare
• Visa to enter Turkey
• Dinners and drinks during meals
• Entrance fee for Cleopatra’s Antique Pool (optional)
• Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks, etc.)
• Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the program
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

IMPORTANT INFO:

• 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 cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• 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.