10 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
Discover the essence of Turkey on this carefully designed 10-day adventure through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus.
From Ottoman palaces and Byzantine landmarks in Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, thermal pools of Pamukkale, and ancient Roman streets of Ephesus — every day offers something unforgettable.
This itinerary combines history, nature, and culture with domestic flights, guided tours, hotel stays, and just the right amount of free time.
- Covers 4 iconic Turkish destinations in one seamless itinerary
- Includes guided tours, flights, bus, and hotel transfers
- Balanced schedule with both structure and free time
- Explore nature, ancient cities, and world heritage sites
- Flexible booking with optional extras available
What's Included
- Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 10
- Domestic flights: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Izmir ➝ Istanbul
- Intercity bus: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- Hotel accommodation in Istanbul (4 nights), Cappadocia (1 night), Kusadasi (2 nights), freshen-up room in Pamukkale (1 day)
- Full-day Istanbul Old City Tour
- Full-day Northern and Southern Cappadocia Tours
- Full-day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tours
- Entrance fees to all attractions listed
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Lunches during guided tours
- Licensed English-speaking guides
- All hotel-tour-airport transfers
- Freshen-up room upon arrival in Pamukkale
What's Not Included
- Dinners
- Drinks at lunch
- Entry to Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (optional)
- Optional hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
- Personal expenses
10 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: A Complete Turkish Cultural Escape
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Welcome to Türkiye! Our team will meet you at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) upon arrival with a name sign.
You’ll then be transferred directly to your hotel for check-in and leisure time.
Day 2 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
Enjoy your day as you wish. Whether you stroll through the lively districts of Galata and Karakoy, sip Turkish tea by the Bosphorus, or shop for handmade souvenirs — the city is yours to explore.
Day 3 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am ─ You will be picked up from your hotel for a guided exploration of Istanbul’s ancient treasures.
Today’s Highlights:
- Hagia Sophia: A masterwork of architecture where Christian mosaics and Islamic features coexist under one magnificent dome.
- Hippodrome: Once the social center of Constantinople, featuring historical monuments from Roman and Byzantine eras.
- Blue Mosque: Step inside to see exquisite İznik tiles and architectural symmetry like no other.
- Grand Bazaar: Get lost among thousands of shops inside one of the world’s oldest covered markets.
- Topkapi Palace: Discover Ottoman court life with relics, sultan’s chambers, and panoramic Bosphorus views.
17:00 ─ You will be dropped off at your hotel after the tour.
Day 4 ─ Flight to Cappadocia ➝ Northern Cappadocia Tour
Early Morning: After hotel check-out, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin touring straight away.
Today’s Highlights:
- Devrent Valley: A surreal valley where the rocks resemble animals and shapes only the imagination can explain.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Walk among towering fairy chimneys and hermit shelters carved by monks.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Try spinning your own pot at this town famous for red clay pottery from the Kizilirmak River.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: A deserted troglodyte village that once held churches, kitchens, and homes within its rocks.
- Uchisar Castle: The tallest natural viewpoint in Cappadocia offering views across the lunar-like landscape.
17:00 ─ Check-in and overnight at your hotel.
Day 5 ─ Southern Cappadocia Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
Hot Air Balloon Flight
The price of the hot air balloon flight is not included in this package. You can add it optionally if you want to experience the incredible sunrise view over Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Watching
If you prefer to stay on the ground but still want to capture amazing photos of the balloons floating over the fairy chimneys, join our hot air balloon watching tour.
09:30 am ─ Pick-up from your hotel for your second day of exploration.
Today’s Highlights:
- Red Valley: A scenic valley famous for its vivid rock colors and hidden cave chapels along hiking trails.
- Gulludere Valley: Home to early Christian churches and panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding region.
- Cavusin Village: Explore an abandoned rock village with stories etched into every wall and window.
- Pigeon Valley: Spot thousands of pigeon holes carved into rock faces once used for agriculture and messaging.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Venture underground through tunnels that sheltered entire communities centuries ago.
17:00 ─ Transfer to the bus terminal.
20:00 ─ Overnight bus ride to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hrs with breaks).
Day 6 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Transfer to Kusadasi Hotel
05:30 am ─ Arrive at Denizli Bus Station. You will be welcomed and transferred to a nearby hotel to freshen up.
09:30 am ─ Pick-up from hotel for a full-day tour.
Today’s Highlights:
- Pamukkale Travertines: Stroll barefoot on bright white terraces created by thermal spring deposits.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Roman roads, ancient baths, and temples await in this once-thriving Greco-Roman spa town.
- The Necropolis: A massive ancient cemetery showcasing unique tomb styles spanning centuries.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (Optional Entry): Swim among submerged Roman columns in mineral-rich warm water.
16:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for overnight stay.
Day 7 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
Relax by the Aegean Sea, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore nearby markets and beaches. Optional boat tours and day trips to Greek islands are available upon request.
Day 8 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am ─ Hotel pick-up and start your journey through the ancient world of Ephesus.
Today’s Highlights:
- Ephesus Ancient City: A marvel of the ancient world with colonnaded streets, temples, and libraries.
- Library of Celsius: Snap pictures of this iconic monument and its beautifully restored facade.
- Great Amphitheatre: One of the largest theatres in the ancient world, still awe-inspiring today.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years.
16:00 ─ Transfer to Izmir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul and hotel transfer.
Day 9 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
Enjoy your final day in the city. Revisit a favorite spot, do some last-minute shopping, or unwind at a local café with views of the Bosphorus.
Day 10 ─ Transfer to Airport ➝ Fly Home
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport depending on your departure time.
- Domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and Izmir to Istanbul are included.
- Overnight intercity bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is comfortable and pre-arranged.
- All tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Baggage allowance on flights: 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin. Extra luggage can be added during online check-in.
- Optional hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia can be added at booking.
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please let us know during the reservation process. On the checkout page, you will see an "Additional Request" section where you can specify your preference.
However, please note that we will make the reservation at one of the hotels listed below or similar quality hotels based on availability.
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Ten days was perfect for really understanding each place instead of just checking off list.
Topkapi Palace harem was fascinating glimpse into Ottoman royal life. Ephesus theater acoustics demonstration was incredible when guide whispered from stage and we heard clearly in back rows. Ancient engineering knowledge was far more advanced than I realized.
Ten days allowed revisiting favorite spots and trying different restaurants locals suggested.
Extended stay revealed how tourism impacts small communities. Local families balance preserving traditions with economic opportunities from visitors. Conversations with shopkeepers and hotel staff provided insights beyond typical tourist experience.
December weather was mild and crowds minimal. Christmas market in Istanbul was unexpected cultural blend.
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