17 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
Designed for those who want to experience everything without rushing.
This 17-day program covers Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus in generous detail—balancing immersive guided tours with spacious free days.
From Ottoman palaces to underground cities and ancient Roman theaters, each destination offers depth, beauty, and comfort.
- Thoughtfully spaced itinerary with time to relax
- Expert-guided tours at top UNESCO heritage sites
- Domestic flights, overnight buses, and all transfers included
- Seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off at every step
- Optional experiences tailored to your pace (balloon, cruise, thermal swim)
What's Included
- 2 domestic flights (Istanbul–Cappadocia, Izmir–Istanbul)
- 1 overnight bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale
- Hotel accommodation: Istanbul (9 nights), Cappadocia (3 nights), Pamukkale (freshen-up room), Kusadasi (3 nights)
- All transfers between hotels, airports, bus stations, and tour areas
- Istanbul Old City Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
- Red, Yellow, and Green Cappadocia Tours
- Pamukkale and Ephesus full-day guided tours
- Entrance tickets to all scheduled attractions
- Daily breakfast
- Lunches during guided tours
- Licensed, English-speaking professional tour guides
What's Not Included
- Dinners
- Drinks at lunch
- Optional hot air balloon ride
- Swimming at Cleopatra Antique Pool
- Personal expenses
17 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: Türkiye’s Timeless Landscapes & Living Heritage
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Arrival: Upon landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our team will greet you at the arrival gate with a name sign.
You will then be transferred comfortably to your hotel in central Istanbul for check-in and rest.
Day 2 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: This is your day to relax after international travel or explore Istanbul at your own pace.
You may choose to join optional activities such dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. (Available upon your request.)
Day 3 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am: Our guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby after breakfast. You will then be transferred to the historical Sultanahmet area.
Empires, Mosques, and Markets
- Hagia Sophia: Witness the architectural grandeur of this former church-turned-mosque-turned-museum.
- Hippodrome: See the remnants of the Roman chariot racing stadium and its famous obelisks.
- Blue Mosque: Step inside the Ottoman masterpiece with its striking blue Iznik tiles and six minarets.
- Grand Bazaar: Shop or stroll through one of the world’s oldest covered markets, home to thousands of vendors.
- Topkapi Palace: Explore the lavish former residence of Ottoman sultans and the imperial treasury.
17:00: At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at your hotel.
Day 4 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: Another opportunity to discover Istanbul on your own. Visit museums, take a food tour, or enjoy a ferry ride on the Bosphorus.
Day 5 ─ Flight to Cappadocia (Flexible Time) ➝ Free Day
Depending on your selected flight: You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel and transferred to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen (SAW).
You will fly to Cappadocia. After landing at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, our team will welcome you with a name sign at the airport exit.
Then you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free for rest or light exploration.
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 for a guided tour through the unique northern valleys of Cappadocia.
Chimneys, Clay, and Castles
- Devrent Valley: See surreal rock formations shaped like animals and human figures.
- Pasabag Open Air Museum: Wander among fairy chimneys once used by monks for secluded meditation.
- Avanos: Visit a pottery workshop and try your hand at creating something from local red clay.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: Discover abandoned rock-cut dwellings, churches, and tunnels once home to early Christians.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb this volcanic fortress for unmatched panoramic views of Cappadocia.
17:00: Return to your hotel after the tour.
Day 7 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour
09:30 am: After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel for today’s cultural and natural highlights.
Hidden Valleys and Subterranean Cities
- Red Valley: Hike through a canyon known for its dramatic colors and cave churches.
- Gulludere Valley: Discover quiet trails and rock-carved chapels among fairy chimneys.
- Cavusin Village: Visit a once-inhabited Greek village built into the cliffs.
- Pigeon Valley: Learn how locals used pigeon droppings as fertilizer for centuries.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Venture underground into a complex of carved tunnels and defense systems used for shelter.
17:00: Tour ends with a return transfer to your hotel.
Day 8 ─ Green Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
09:30 am: After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, you’ll be picked up for the full-day Green Tour through scenic southern Cappadocia.
Valleys of Peace and the Depths of History
- Ihlara Valley: Hike along the Melendiz River and explore cave churches hidden within the gorge.
- Belisirma Village: Stop for lunch in a riverside village amid lush surroundings.
- Selime Monastery: Visit a towering rock-cut monastery and cathedral complex.
- Esentepe: Take photos from one of Cappadocia’s best panoramic viewpoints.
- Yaprakhisar: Enjoy the dramatic landscape often compared to a Star Wars setting.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: Explore one of the deepest and largest ancient underground cities in Türkiye.
17:00: Return to your hotel, free time for dinner.
20:00: You will be transferred to the bus station and board an overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hours).
Day 9 ─ Pamukkale Arrival ➝ Freshen-Up Room ➝ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Kusadasi Transfer
05:30–06:00 am: You’ll arrive at Denizli Bus Station, where our local team will greet you with a name sign.
You will be transferred to a hotel in Pamukkale for a few hours of freshening up before the tour.
09:30 am: Begin your full-day guided Pamukkale tour.
White Hills, Warm Springs, and Ancient Spirits
- Pamukkale Travertines: Stroll barefoot over dazzling white terraces created by centuries of thermal mineral deposits.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Visit ancient temples, Roman baths, and an impressive theater in this historic spa town.
- The Necropolis: Explore over a thousand tombs stretching across the hillside, from simple graves to elaborate sarcophagi.
- Cleopatra Antique Pool (Optional): Swim among submerged columns in this warm, healing spring rumored to have been Cleopatra’s favorite.
16:00: After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Day 10 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
All day: Relax by the sea or explore the lively coastal town. Optional activities include boat trips, local markets, or a visit to the nearby Dilek National Park.
Day 11 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
All day: Another chance to enjoy the Aegean coastline. You can unwind at your hotel or take an optional excursion to a local village or beach club.
Day 12 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Fly to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am: After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your Kusadasi hotel for the full-day Ephesus tour.
Echoes of the Ancient World
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk the same streets that emperors, merchants, and apostles once used.
- Library of Celsius: Admire this grand structure—one of the most beautiful surviving Roman libraries.
- Great Amphitheatre: Marvel at the 25,000-seat theater that still hosts performances today.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit this sacred site believed to be where Mary spent her final days.
16:00: After the tour, we will transfer you to Izmir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 13 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: Enjoy the energy of the city. Revisit your favorite sights or explore lesser-known gems like Fener-Balat or Pierre Loti Hill.
Day 14 ─ Bosphorus Cruise and Two Continents Tour
08:30 am: Pick-up from your hotel after breakfast. Begin your full-day guided Bosphorus and Asian side tour.
Where Continents Meet and Cultures Collide
- Spice Bazaar: Dive into this aromatic labyrinth of colors and flavors.
- Bosphorus Cruise: View historic palaces and waterfront mansions on both sides of the city.
- Camlica Hill: Get a bird’s-eye view of the city from this panoramic hilltop park.
- Beylerbeyi Palace: Step into the summer residence of Ottoman sultans on the Asian side.
17:00: Tour concludes with return transfer to your hotel.
Day 15 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: A relaxed day to enjoy Istanbul however you wish. Optional activities include a Turkish hammam, culinary class, or shopping in Nisantasi.
Day 16 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
All day: Your final full day is a chance for last-minute exploration or relaxation. Consider visiting the Istanbul Modern or enjoying a rooftop café.
Day 17 ─ Transfer to the Airport ➝ Fly Home
Depending on your international flight time: You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW).
Our service ends upon drop-off.
- Domestic flights include 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin baggage per person. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in.
- Hotel–airport and hotel–tour transfers included at every stop.
- Optional experiences like hot air balloon ride can be added during booking this Turkey tour package.
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.
We're here to assist you!
It was ultimate cultural immersion. Left feeling like honorary Turkish citizen.
Brilliant comprehensive exploration exceeding all expectations.
17 days allowed witnessing complete lunar cycles affecting tidal patterns along coastal areas and understanding how ancient peoples used astronomical observations for agricultural timing and religious calendar calculations still practiced in rural communities.
Extended stay revealed environmental conservation efforts balancing tourism development with heritage preservation. Local initiatives protecting archaeological sites while providing economic opportunities for communities demonstrated sustainable approaches to cultural tourism management.
Other Top-Rated Turkey Tours
Loading similar tours...