8-Day Wonders of Turkey: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul – Airport Transfer & Leisure Time
1 stop
1
Istanbul Airport
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), meet your local representative at the international arrivals hall, holding a sign with your booking code. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore independently.
Admission ticket free
Day 2
Full-Day Istanbul City Tour – Byzantine & Ottoman Highlights
7 stops
2
Sultanahmet District
After breakfast, around 8:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s old city.
Admission ticket free
3
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Istanbul
Explore this architectural marvel that served as a cathedral and mosque for centuries. Marvel at its grand dome, mosaics, and religious significance.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
4
Blue Mosque
Visit the iconic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, renowned for its six minarets and striking blue tiles.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
5
Sultanahmet Square
Walk through the ancient chariot racing arena and see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Topkapi Palace Museum
Visit the opulent palace of the Ottoman sultans and explore its treasury, courtyards, and optional Harem section.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
7
Grand Bazaar
Discover one of the world’s oldest covered markets with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, leather goods, and more.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
8
Sultanahmet District
Tour ends around 5:00 PM with drop-off back at your hotel. The evening is free to relax or explore. Overnight in Istanbul
Admission ticket free
Day 3
Morning Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia
5 stops
9
Bosphorus Strait
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 AM to join a guided Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise tour.
Admission ticket free
10
Egyptian Bazaar
Stroll through the fragrant spice and food market near the Galata Bridge.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
Bosphorus Strait
Sail along the Bosphorus Strait and enjoy views of Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Ottoman-era mansions. (1.5 hours) Return to your hotel around 12:15 PM.
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket included
12
Istanbul Airport
Then, collect your luggage and transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) for your evening flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.
Admission ticket free
13
Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel in Ürgüp for check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Admission ticket free
Day 4
Magical North Cappadocia Tour – Fairy Chimneys & Ancient Valleys
7 stops
14
Urgup
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your cave hotel at around 9:30 AM to begin a full-day exploration of North Cappadocia.
Admission ticket free
15
Devrent Valley
Wander through Devrent Valley, famous for its surreal rock formations shaped like animals and objects. Let your imagination roam as you capture whimsical photos in this naturally sculpted landscape.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
Pasabag
Explore Pasabag’s stunning fairy chimneys, with their mushroom-shaped rock caps. Learn about the hermits who once lived inside these formations, adding a touch of mystique to the scenery.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
17
Avanos
Visit the riverside town of Avanos, known for its red clay pottery traditions dating back to the Hittite era. Watch a pottery demonstration and learn about ancient techniques still in use today.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
18
Zelve Open Air Museum
Step into the ancient Zelve Monastery complex, home to centuries-old cave dwellings, churches, and tunnels. This site offers a vivid glimpse into monastic life in early Cappadocia.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
19
Uchisar Castle
Stop for panoramic views of Cappadocia at Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region. While interior access is restricted, the outside view is perfect for scenic photography.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
20
Urgup
Around 4:00 PM. Transfer back to hotel. Free time for optional activities or rest. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Admission ticket free
Day 5
Underground Cities & Valleys – South Cappadocia Tour + Flight to Izmir via Istanbul
8 stops
21
Urgup
Hotel checkout after breakfast. Pickup around 9:30 AM. Full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia.
Admission ticket free
22
Red Valley
Explore Red Valley’s dramatic rock formations and red-toned cliffs, especially vibrant in daylight. Discover hidden cave churches while hiking this unforgettable route.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
23
Rose Valley
Enjoy a scenic hike through Rose Valley, admired for its soft pink rock formations and ancient cave chapels. It’s one of the best places to appreciate the region’s natural beauty.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
24
Cavusin Village
Wander through the historic village of Cavusin, where abandoned rock-cut homes and churches reflect early Christian architecture and Cappadocia’s timeless charm.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
25
Pigeon Valley
Admire the cliffside dovecotes carved to house pigeons used in farming and messaging. Enjoy expansive valley views and learn about their surprising cultural role.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
26
Kaymakli Underground City
Descend into the fascinating underground city of either Kaymakli or Ozkonak. These subterranean refuges feature kitchens, cellars, and ventilation shafts used during times of conflict.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
27
Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR)
After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight to Izmir via Istanbul.
Admission ticket free
28
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Admission ticket free
Day 6
Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Thermal Wonders and Ancient Ruins
5 stops
29
Kuşadası
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi around 7:30 AM and transferred to the central meeting point in Selçuk. Once the full group has assembled, the tour will depart for Pamukkale at approximately 8:30 AM. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a short restroom break halfway through the journey.
Admission ticket free
30
Hierapolis
Explore the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis with its vast necropolis, grand theater, Roman baths, and ancient gates. Walk along Frontinus Street and see the blend of Greco-Roman architecture.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
31
Travertines of Pamukkale
Marvel at the white calcium terraces formed by thermal springs. Walk barefoot on the mineral-rich formations and take in views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included
32
Cleopatra Antique Pools
Swim among submerged Roman columns in this famous thermal pool, believed to be a gift to Cleopatra. Entry ticket is not included and must be paid on-site.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included
33
Kuşadası
End of tour around 4:00 PM. Return to your hotel in Kusadasi by approximately 7:30 PM. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Admission ticket free
Day 7
Ephesus Tour – Flight to Istanbul
7 stops
34
Kusadasi
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kusadasi around 8:30 AM. You will then be picked up by your guide to begin a full-day guided tour of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey.
Admission ticket free
35
Ancient City of Ephesus
Walk along the marble-paved streets of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Highlights include the Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, and the impressive Great Theater.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
36
House of Virgin Mary
Visit the peaceful stone house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final years. Nestled on a hillside, this sacred site is a place of pilgrimage and quiet reflection.
30 minutes • Admission ticket included
37
The Temple of Artemis
View the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little remains today, this site offers insight into Ephesus’ former grandeur and religious importance.
15 minutes • Admission ticket included
38
Isa Bey Mosque
Admire this 14th-century Seljuk mosque, known for its beautiful stonework, marble columns, and large courtyard. A great example of Anatolian Islamic architecture blending multiple styles.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
39
Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
At the end of the tour, around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) for your late evening flight to Istanbul.
Admission ticket free
40
Istanbul Airport
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.
Admission ticket free
Day 8
Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour
1 stop
41
Istanbul Airport
After breakfast, check out from your hotel (by 12:00 noon). You will be transferred to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) based on your flight schedule. End of Services
Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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