12 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
Explore Türkiye’s cultural heartbeat with this 12-day journey through its most iconic regions.
From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the otherworldly valleys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the timeless ruins of Ephesus, this itinerary offers a rich mix of history, nature, and comfort.
It includes guided tours, domestic flights, intercity transport, and handpicked hotels for a well-balanced travel experience.
- Four destinations in one easy-to-follow route
- All flights, hotels, and transfers included
- Guided tours balanced with free exploratio
- Perfect for first-time Türkiye travelers
- Optional experiences like hot air balloon & thermal pools available
What's Included
- Domestic flights: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Izmir ➝ Istanbul
- Overnight bus: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- Airport-hotel-tour transfers throughout
- Hotel accommodation: 6 nights Istanbul, 2 nights Cappadocia, 2 nights Kusadasi, 1-day freshen-up in Pamukkale
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- Lunches during guided tours
- Istanbul Old City Tour, Bosphorus Cruise, Cappadocia Red & Yellow Tours, Pamukkale & Ephesus Tours
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
- Entrance fees for all scheduled sites
- Freshen-up room in Pamukkale
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks at lunch
- Dinners
- Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (optional)
- Swimming at Cleopatra Antique Pool in Pamukkale (optional)
12 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: A Journey Through Türkiye’s Past and Present
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Arrival: After landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), meet our team at the arrival gate holding a personalized name sign. You will be transferred directly to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Day 2 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: No scheduled activities today. Spend your time exploring vibrant neighborhoods, joining an optional Bosphorus sunset cruise, or relaxing at a traditional Turkish bath.
Day 3 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am: Hotel pick-up and departure to Istanbul’s historic peninsula for a guided full-day tour.
Layers of Empire, Faith, and Art in the Heart of Constantinople
- Hagia Sophia: Marvel at a structure that served as a basilica, mosque, and now again a mosque—blending Christian and Islamic elements.
- Hippodrome: Walk through the former center of chariot racing and Byzantine ceremonies surrounded by historic monuments.
- Blue Mosque: Famous for its serene symmetry and thousands of hand-painted Iznik tiles.
- Grand Bazaar: Dive into one of the world’s oldest markets, with thousands of stalls offering carpets, gold, and spices.
- Topkapi Palace: Explore the lavish courtrooms, gardens, and sacred relics of Ottoman sultans.
17:00: Drop-off at your hotel.
Day 4 ─ Bosphorus Lunch Cruise
14:00: Hotel pick-up and transfer to the boat pier for a scenic cruise between continents with a delicious onboard lunch.
Gliding Between Two Worlds: Europe & Asia on the Bosphorus
- Dolmabahce Palace (from the sea): Gaze at this ornate palace where the Ottoman Empire met European elegance.
- Ortakoy & Waterfront Mansions: View aristocratic yali homes nestled along the waterline.
- Bosphorus Bridges: Pass beneath Istanbul’s suspension bridges connecting East to West.
16:00: Return transfer to your hotel.
Day 5 ─ Flight to Cappadocia ➝ Free Day
Flexible time: Hotel pick-up and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Flight to Cappadocia at your selected time (morning, afternoon, or evening). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Day 6 ─ Northern Cappadocia (Red Tour)
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: Hotel pick-up for a full-day guided tour through surreal rock formations and cultural treasures.
Unveiling Cappadocia’s Rock Formations & Heritage
- Devrent Valley: A landscape of natural sculptures resembling animals and mythical shapes—perfect for photo lovers.
- Pasabag Valley: Walk among the most striking fairy chimneys where early Christian monks lived in solitude.
- Avanos: Visit a local pottery workshop and see ancient techniques still in use today.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Wander through this multi-level cave village that once served as a religious community.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb to the top of Cappadocia’s highest viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views.
17:00: Return transfer to your hotel.
Day 7 ─ Southern Cappadocia (Yellow Tour) ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
09:30 am: Departure from your hotel for your second full-day tour in Cappadocia.
Into the Valleys & Villages of Southern Cappadocia
- Red Valley: Enjoy scenic hikes through volcanic ridges rich in color and history.
- Gulludere Valley: Discover hidden churches and tunnel-like paths that open to spectacular views.
- Cavusin Village: Explore this semi-abandoned Greek village carved into the rock walls of the valley.
- Pigeon Valley: Learn how pigeons played a key role in agriculture as you pass countless carved dovecotes.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Travel deep beneath the surface to discover ancient shelter systems and stone-door defense mechanisms.
17:00: Free time until evening transfer.
20:00: Overnight bus to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hrs).
Day 8 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Transfer to Kusadasi Hotel
05:30 am: Arrival at Denizli Bus Station. Our team will welcome you and transfer you to a nearby hotel for freshening up.
09:30 am: Pick-up from hotel to begin the full-day Pamukkale tour.
Rest & Reset in Thermal Territory
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk across these naturally formed white terraces created by centuries of thermal water flow.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore temples, bathhouses, a grand theatre, and the Temple of Apollo in this once-sacred healing city.
- The Necropolis: One of Anatolia’s largest burial grounds, showcasing intricate tombs and sarcophagi.
- Bath and Basilica: Witness the architectural remains of Roman religious and bathing structures.
- Frontinius Street & Gate: The ancient city’s main thoroughfare, still lined with colonnades and fountains.
- Latrina & Triton Fountain: Highlights of Roman-era engineering used for public utilities and ceremonial decor.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (Optional): Bathe in mineral waters among submerged marble columns from antiquity.
16:00: Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 9 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
All day: Enjoy a full day at your leisure. Stroll along the harbor, visit local beaches, shop in the bazaars, or book an optional boat tour.
Day 10 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am: Hotel pick-up and start your journey through the ancient world of Ephesus.
Columns of Glory in the Ancient Metropolis
- Ephesus Ancient City: One of the best-preserved ancient cities with monumental gates, temples, and Roman roads.
- Library of Celsius: Once the third-largest library in the ancient world, now an iconic symbol of Ephesus.
- Great Amphitheatre: Walk through this massive structure that once hosted performances and political gatherings.
- House of Virgin Mary: A tranquil pilgrimage site believed to be Mary’s final home.
16:00: Transfer to Izmir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul and hotel transfer.
Day 11 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: Enjoy a final day in the city. You can revisit favorite spots, shop for souvenirs, or join an optional half-day experience.
Day 12 ─ Transfer to the Airport ➝ Fly Home
Based on flight time: You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your international flight.
- All domestic flights include 15 kg check-in + 8 kg cabin baggage per person. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in.
- Overnight intercity bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is included
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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12 days was ultimate luxury. Could explore at human pace instead of tourist schedule.
Cistern visit was unexpected highlight with mysterious atmosphere created by dim lighting and water reflections. Underground basilica felt like discovering secret world beneath busy city streets. Ephesus library facade was architectural masterpiece rivaling any modern building.
The tour allowed deep cultural connections. Local imam invited me to evening prayers which was moving spiritual experience.
Extended time revealed seasonal rhythms and how communities celebrate traditional holidays. Participated in local olive harvest festival that brought entire village together for communal meal and folk dancing under stars.
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