16 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
See the best of Türkiye with time to soak it all in.
This 16-day tour covers Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus—from ancient wonders to magical landscapes and coastal retreats.
With a perfect mix of guided sightseeing, domestic travel, and free days, it’s designed for travelers who want to see more and rush less.
- Covers Türkiye’s top highlights in comfort
- Extra free days to rest or explore
- All flights, buses, and transfers included
- Guided tours at historical and natural landmarks
- Optional experiences like hot air balloon and Cleopatra Pool swim
- 2 domestic flights (IST–Cappadocia, Izmir–IST)
- 1 overnight intercity bus (Cappadocia–Pamukkale)
- Hotel accommodation: Istanbul (8 nights), Cappadocia (2 nights), Pamukkale (2 nights), Kusadasi (3 nights)
- All hotel–airport–bus transfers
- Full-day Old City Tour & Bosphorus Cruise
- Cappadocia Red and Yellow Tours
- Pamukkale and Ephesus Guided Tours
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
- Daily breakfasts
- 5 lunches during guided tours
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Dinners
- Drinks at lunch
- Optional hot air balloon ride
- Swimming at Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool
- Personal expenses
16 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: The Ultimate Turkish Discovery
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Arrival: When you land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting to greet you with a name sign.
After meeting you at the airport exit gate, we will transfer you comfortably to your hotel in central Istanbul. Check-in and rest for the night.
Day 2 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: This is your first full day in Istanbul. You can relax at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace.
Optional tours such as the Bosphorus dinner cruise are available.
Day 3 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am: After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby.
You will be transferred to the historical Sultanahmet area to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City.
Where Empires Rose and Religions Crossed
- Hagia Sophia: Explore the majestic structure that served as a church, mosque, and museum for centuries.
- Hippodrome: Visit the ancient Roman arena, once the center of social life in Constantinople.
- Blue Mosque: Admire the stunning interior lined with thousands of handmade blue tiles.
- Grand Bazaar: Wander through one of the world’s oldest markets with over 4,000 shops.
- Topkapi Palace: Discover the lavish lifestyle of Ottoman sultans with its courtyards, treasures, and relics.
17:00: At the end of the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
Day 4 ─ Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour
08:30 am: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel. Your full-day guided tour starts with a visit to the Spice Bazaar.
Floating Between Continents, Framed by Palaces
- Spice Bazaar: Discover the aromatic heart of Istanbul with colorful spices, teas, and local products.
- Bosphorus Cruise: Glide past Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions, and waterfront mosques along the Bosphorus Strait.
- Camlica Hill: Capture panoramic views of the entire city from one of Istanbul’s highest points.
- Beylerbeyi Palace: Step into the summer residence of the Ottoman elite located on the Asian side.
17:00: After the tour, you will be returned to your hotel.
Day 5 ─ Flight to Cappadocia (Flexible Time) ➝ Free Day
Flexible time: You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport.
You will board your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, our local team will meet you at the exit gate with a name sign.
Then you will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is yours to rest or explore your surroundings.
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: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel by your guide.
Today’s full-day tour will take you through the must-see sights of northern Cappadocia.
Rocks That Tell Stories and Valleys That Echo Faith
- Devrent Valley: Admire natural rock formations that resemble animals and abstract shapes.
- Pasabag Open Air Museum: See the iconic fairy chimneys and hermit cells carved into volcanic stone.
- Avanos: Visit this pottery town where you can watch or try traditional clay making along the Red River.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: Explore abandoned cave churches and early Christian dwellings.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb to the top for breathtaking views across the Cappadocian valleys.
17:00: At the end of the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 7 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
09:30 am: After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for the Southern Cappadocia Tour.
Chasing Legends Below and Among the Hills
- Red Valley: Hike through a canyon painted in vibrant tones and dotted with hidden churches.
- Gulludere Valley: Explore peaceful trails and rock-cut chapels surrounded by quiet beauty.
- Cavusin Village: Walk through a historic village carved into volcanic rock cliffs.
- Pigeon Valley: Learn about the region’s dovecotes and how pigeons supported ancient life.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into this well-preserved subterranean refuge used during invasions.
17:00: After the tour, you’ll have free time to rest or have dinner before your transfer. We will transfer you to the bus station.
20:00: You’ll board an overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hours). The bus includes short breaks.
Day 8 ─ Arrival in Pamukkale ➝ Hotel Transfer ➝ Free Day
05:30–06:00 am: Upon your arrival at Denizli Bus Station, our local team will meet you at the terminal exit with a name sign.
You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the area.
Day 9 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Transfer to Kusadasi
09:30 am: You will be picked up from your hotel in Pamukkale to begin your full-day guided tour.
From Thermal Miracles to Timeless Ruins
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk across these cotton-like terraces formed by mineral-rich hot spring water over centuries.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore sacred temples, Roman baths, a necropolis, and a grand ancient theater.
- The Necropolis: Discover over 1,200 tombs, mausoleums, and sarcophagi scattered across this fascinating burial ground.
- Bath and Basilica: See where ancient Romans gathered to bathe and worship in a vast open space.
- Frontinius Gate & Street: Follow the ancient marble road that once welcomed emperors and pilgrims.
- Latrina & Triton Fountain: Learn about public hygiene and sacred water rituals in ancient Anatolia.
- Cleopatra Antique Pool (Optional): Swim among fallen columns in this thermal pool believed to be used by Cleopatra herself.
16:00: After the tour, we will transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 10 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
All day: Spend the day by the Aegean Sea. Relax at your hotel or explore the town, beach, or harbor at your own pace. Optional boat trips are available.
Day 11 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
All day: Another relaxing day to enjoy Kusadasi’s coastal charm. Optional activities such as visits to Dilek Peninsula or shopping in the local bazaar can be arranged.
Day 12 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am: After breakfast, you will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel for your Ephesus tour.
Echoes of Civilization Etched in Marble
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk through one of the most magnificent Greco-Roman ruins in the world.
- Library of Celsius: Marvel at the beautifully restored two-story library façade, once home to 12,000 scrolls.
- Great Amphitheatre: Stand where ancient audiences of 25,000 once watched gladiators and performances.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the serene house believed to be where Mary spent her final years.
16:00: After the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our transfer team will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 13 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: Enjoy the city at your own pace. Great opportunity for shopping at Istiklal Street, visiting museums, or trying a Turkish Hammam.
Day 14 ─ Bosphorus Lunch Cruise
13:30 pm: You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the pier for a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
A Culinary Journey Between Continents
- Bosphorus Sights: Pass by Dolmabahce Palace, Ortakoy Mosque, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and charming Ottoman mansions.
- Lunch Onboard: Enjoy a variety of Turkish dishes as you sail between Europe and Asia.
16:00: After the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 15 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: Your final full day is free to revisit favorite sights, shop for souvenirs, or just enjoy the city’s café culture and parks.
Day 16 ─ Transfer to the Airport ➝ Fly Home
Depending on your flight time: You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your international flight.
- 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin baggage included on domestic flights. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in.
- Optional hot air balloon in Cappadocia can be added during 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.
Artisan workshops throughout journey showcased traditional crafts maintained by families across generations. Carpet weaving, pottery glazing, metalwork techniques passed down through apprenticeship systems preserving cultural knowledge despite modernization pressures.
Comprehensive journey revealing Turkey as bridge between Europe and Asia culturally, geographically, and historically. Extended time demonstrated how civilizations adapted similar challenges differently based on available resources and strategic positions along trade networks.
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