5 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Flight
Explore Turkey’s most iconic landscapes and timeless ruins with this 5 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Flight. From the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the ancient marble streets of Ephesus, and the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale, this tour delivers a perfect blend of history, nature, and comfort.
Flights, guided tours, and hotel transfers are all thoughtfully arranged, so you can enjoy your journey without a worry.
- Three world-famous regions covered smoothly in just five days.
- Seamless flights and transfers, no stress about connections.
- Ideal mix of nature, history, and relaxation.
- Free time built in perfect balance between tours and rest.
- Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's surreal landscape.
What's Included
- Flight tickets: Istanbul–Cappadocia, Cappadocia–Izmir, Pamukkale–Istanbul
- All airport, hotel, and tour transfers as per the itinerary
- 1 night accommodation in Cappadocia, 2 nights in Kusadasi
- Guided Northern Cappadocia (Red) Tour
- Guided Southern Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour
- Guided Ephesus Tour
- Guided Pamukkale Tour
- Professional English-speaking licensed guides
- Daily breakfasts and 4 lunches during tours
- All entrance fees to museums and historical sites
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks during lunches
- Dinners
- Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia (optional)
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entry fee (optional)
5 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul by Flight: From Volcanic Valleys to Ancient Wonders
Day 1 ─ Fly to Cappadocia ➝ Northern Cappadocia Red Tour
Hotel Pick-up: Early morning, our team will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Flight to Cappadocia: Board your domestic flight to the magical land of fairy chimneys. (Flight time may vary depending on the season.)
Arrival: Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, meet our representative holding a personalized name sign and transfer directly to the tour area.
Today’s Highlights: Cappadocia’s Natural Wonders and Ancient Settlements
- Devrent Valley: Wander among whimsical rock formations shaped naturally into animals and fantastical figures by centuries of erosion.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: See the region’s most iconic fairy chimneys, where hermits once carved out homes inside the towering formations.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Explore the charming riverside town famous for red clay pottery, and try your hand at crafting your own piece under a master’s guidance.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Discover a once-thriving troglodyte community, complete with rock-hewn churches, dwellings, and communal spaces.
- Uchisar Castle & Panoramic View: Climb to the top of this natural fortress for breathtaking views across Cappadocia’s valleys and volcanic landscape.
17:00 ─ End of the tour. You will be transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for overnight stay.
Day 2 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow 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 at your hotel, your guide will pick you up to begin the Yellow Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Hidden Valleys, Rock-Cut Chapels, and Underground Cities
- Red Valley: Hike through colorful rock formations and hidden cave churches with frescoes that date back centuries.
- Gulludere Valley: Enjoy peaceful walking trails surrounded by vineyards, pigeon houses, and ancient chapels carved into the soft tuff.
- Cavusin Village: Explore the remains of a once-thriving Greek settlement, known for its rock-carved homes and the Church of St. John the Baptist.
- Pigeon Valley: Learn about the clever pigeon farming techniques of ancient Cappadocians as you walk along this scenic canyon.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into a network of tunnels and chambers that served as secret refuges from invasions centuries ago.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3 ─ Flight to Izmir ➝ Free Day in Kusadasi
Hotel Pick-up: After breakfast and check-out, our team will transfer you from your Cappadocia hotel to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport.
Flight to Izmir: Take a direct or connected flight depending on availability. (Flight schedules will be confirmed upon reservation.)
Arrival in Izmir: Upon landing, meet our staff at the airport exit and transfer directly to your Kusadasi hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax, swim at the beaches, enjoy seaside cafes, or stroll through Kusadasi’s lively bazaar.
Day 4 ─ Ephesus Tour
08:30 am ─ After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby to start your full-day guided Ephesus Tour.
Today’s Highlights: A Journey Through Roman Splendor
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk along marble-paved streets and explore grand monuments like temples, theaters, and libraries that reveal Ephesus’ importance in Roman times.
- Library of Celsius: Stand before the iconic facade of this ancient library, once the third largest in the Roman Empire.
- Agora and Marble Streets: Trace the lively heart of ancient commerce, once buzzing with merchants and philosophers.
- The Temple of Hadrian: Admire beautifully preserved Roman architecture and religious symbolism carved into stone.
- The Great Amphitheatre: Imagine the roar of 25,000 spectators in this impressive structure used for concerts and political speeches.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the sacred sanctuary believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, nestled on Mount Koressos.
- Temple of Artemis: Witness the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, still echoing grandeur despite its ruins.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 5 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Fly Back to Istanbul
08:00 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred from your hotel to Pamukkale.
10:30 am ─ Start your guided Pamukkale Tour.
Today’s Highlights: White Terraces and Ancient Healing Centers
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot across glistening white terraces formed by thermal mineral waters flowing down the mountainside.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the sacred ancient city with its majestic temples, theatres, and Roman baths built over the healing hot springs.
- The Necropolis: Visit the “City of the Dead,” featuring one of the largest collections of ancient tombs and sarcophagi in Turkey.
- Bath and Basilica, Triton Fountain, Latrina: See how Romans combined wellness, religion, and public life in their sophisticated city planning.
- Temple of Apollon: Feel the mystique of a place once dedicated to healing rituals and prophecy.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool: Swim among ancient marble columns in warm, mineral-rich waters. (Optional, entrance fee extra.)
16:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred to Denizli Airport.
19:30 – 20:30 ─ Flight to Istanbul. (Flight times vary depending on airline schedules.)
Arrival in Istanbul: Upon landing, meet our team at the airport exit and enjoy a smooth transfer back to your hotel in Istanbul.
- Domestic flight times and routes may vary based on airline schedules and seasonal availability. Final details will be shared upon confirmation.
- Flight tickets include 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage per passenger. Extra luggage can be purchased at check-in.
- If direct flights are unavailable, the most suitable connected flight options will be arranged.
- Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are available at extra cost and require early reservation due to limited slots.
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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Flight connections were efficient and saved significant travel time. More time for actual sightseeing.
Ephesus library facade was more impressive than photos suggested. Scale and detail of marble carvings demonstrated Roman artistic skills. Pamukkale calcium formations were actively growing which made geological processes visible in real time.
Cave hotel room temperature stayed cool naturally during summer heat. Ancient climate control techniques.
Balloon pilot explained geological formation processes during flight. Educational experience beyond just scenic views. Thermal updrafts from valleys demonstrated natural physics principles.
Underground cities showed remarkable planning for ventilation, storage, and defense. Multi-level communities functioned completely independently.
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