9 Days Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour

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

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be met by our representative at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with our agency code for identification. Following a brief meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to rest after your journey or explore the city independently.

Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, which offers a delightful evening with dinner and live entertainment while cruising along the Bosphorus. Please note, this activity comes at an extra cost.

• 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 to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from 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: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise – Flight from Istanbul to Denizli

After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your half-day Bosphorus Cruise. First, you’ll stop at the historic Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) to explore its vibrant atmosphere and local flavors. Following this, you’ll board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.

During the cruise, enjoy stunning views of landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. You’ll also see ancient citadels and elegant mansions along the shorelines, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline from both continents.

At the end of the tour, you’ll return to your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage before being transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Denizli. Upon arrival in Denizli, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale, where you can check in and prepare for your 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 – Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and you will be picked up around 10:30 am to join the full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. First on the itinerary is a visit to the historic city of Hierapolis, known for its notable sites such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths—where St. Philip was tragically martyred.

Following an exploration of these awe-inspiring sites, you’ll pause for lunch. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Karahayit, famous for its therapeutic red water and thermal springs.

Next, visit the renowned Cotton Cliffs, also known as Cotton Castle, located in Pamukkale. These striking terraces and pools, formed by calcified mineral deposits, offer an opportunity for a dip in the Cleopatra Antique Pools at an additional cost.

At around 4:00 pm, depart for Kusadasi, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for an overnight stay.

• 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 5: Ephesus Tour – Flight from Izmir to Kayseri/Nevsehir

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel before 8:30 am. You will be picked up and met by your guide to begin a full-day tour of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city known for its historical significance. Your itinerary includes visits to the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

Following lunch, you’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. The tour will also pass by the Temple of Artemis, although only a few remains are left of what was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Your next stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture.

Once the tour ends, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, via Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.

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

Day 6: North Cappadocia Tour

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 around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles.

Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches.

Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

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

For additional activities, you can choose a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the mesmerizing Sufi tradition. Alternatively, you may opt for a Turkish Night show with dinner, which includes traditional Turkish music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

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

Day 7: South Cappadocia Tour – Return Flight to Istanbul

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 transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

• 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 8: Leisure Day in Istanbul with Optional Excursions

Today offers a free day in Istanbul, allowing you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich culture, savor local cuisine, visit historical sites, or simply relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

For those interested in a more guided experience, you may opt for one of three optional excursions (available at an additional cost). Each excursion provides a unique look into the region’s history and culture. At the end of your chosen day trip, you will be returned to Istanbul.

• Bursa: Explore the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, known for its historical architecture, including the Grand Mosque and the Bursa Citadel.
• Troy: Visit the legendary city made famous by Homer’s Iliad. This archaeological site offers insights into ancient Trojan life and the fabled Trojan War.
• Gallipoli: Journey to the World War I battlegrounds of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove and the Lone Pine Cemetery, for a meaningful look into the past.

These optional excursions can be selected at an additional cost when booking your tour. Enjoy your day in Istanbul however you choose, whether you explore independently or join one of these curated day trips!

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

Day 9: 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:

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• 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:

• 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.
• 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.