5 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul
This 5 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul connects dreamlike valleys, white mineral cascades, and ancient Roman cities—all in one seamless route. With flexible flights, scenic bus rides, and expert-guided tours, it’s the perfect itinerary for those who want the full Turkey experience in just a few days—without the chaos.
- All three must-see regions in one compact itinerary
- Start easy with a flexible flight and a relaxed first day
- Perfect mix of natural beauty and ancient wonders
- No time wasted—flights and transfers all organized
- Optional hot air balloon ride? Yes, you can add it!
What's Included
- Flight: Istanbul → Cappadocia
- Overnight bus: Cappadocia → Pamukkale
- Flight: Izmir → Istanbul
- All hotel, airport & bus station transfers
- 2 nights accommodation in Cappadocia, 1 in Kusadasi, 1 freshen-up room in Pamukkale
- Red and Yellow Cappadocia Tours
- Full-day Pamukkale and Ephesus Tours
- Professional English-speaking local guides
- Daily breakfast and 4 lunches
- All entrance fees to museums and historical sites
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks during lunches and dinners
- Swimming at Cleopatra Antique Pool
5 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour from Istanbul: Timeless Valleys to Marble Cities
Day 1 ─ Fly to Cappadocia (Flexible Flight Time) ➝ Free Day
Depending on your selected flight time: You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel and transferred to the airport.
Flight to Cappadocia: Enjoy the view from above as you travel to Turkey’s surreal heartland. (Flight time and airport may vary.)
Upon arrival: Our team will greet you at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel or strolling through the nearby village streets and scenic viewpoints.
Day 2 ─ 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, meet your guide at the hotel’s lobby and begin your full-day tour.
Today’s Highlights: Nature’s Sculptures & Cultural Roots
- Devrent Valley: A fantasyland of stone sculptures formed naturally—some say you’ll spot camels, others say dragons.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Home to the tallest fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, used by ancient hermits and monks.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Hands-on pottery time in a riverside town known for clay arts going back thousands of years.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: A walk through history in a troglodyte village filled with cave homes, churches, and stories.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb this towering natural fortress for a breathtaking view over the valleys you just explored.
17:00 ─ End of tour. Return transfer to the hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 3 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
09:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, start the Yellow Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Valleys, Villages & Subterranean Secrets
- Red Valley: Hike through red-toned cliffs and hidden cave churches bathed in sunlight.
- Gulludere Valley: Peaceful trails with panoramic vistas and quiet cave sanctuaries.
- Cavusin Village: An abandoned Greek town frozen in time, with steep stone steps and a hilltop chapel.
- Pigeon Valley: A long canyon lined with ancient dovecotes used for farming and messaging.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Discover an underground maze that once protected thousands from invasions.
17:00 ─ End of tour. Transfer to the bus terminal in Cappadocia.
19:00 ─ Overnight bus to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hours, includes rest stops).
Day 4 ─ Arrival in Pamukkale ➝ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Transfer to Kusadasi
05:30 – 06:00 am ─ Arrive at Denizli Bus Station. Our team will greet you and transfer you to a hotel in Pamukkale for a freshen-up room.
10:00 am ─ Start your full-day Pamukkale Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Mineral Magic & Ancient Healing
- Pamukkale Travertines: Step onto shimmering white terraces filled with thermal water, shaped by nature’s own hand.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore a Greco-Roman healing city built beside sacred springs, complete with temples and theaters.
- The Necropolis: One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Asia Minor, filled with sarcophagi and mythology.
- Bath and Basilica, Latrina, Triton Fountain: Dive into everyday Roman life through their architecture and rituals.
- Temple of Apollon: Site of ancient rituals and mysterious spiritual energy.
- Cleopatra Antique Pool: Optional swim in mineral-rich waters among fallen marble columns. (Extra fee applies)
16:30 ─ Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Day 5 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Fly to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, join your full-day Ephesus Tour.
Today’s Highlights: From Ruins to Wonders
- Ephesus Ancient City: One of the most legendary cities of the classical world—see libraries, temples, streets, and more.
- Library of Celsius, Marble Streets, Agora, Temple of Hadrian: The architectural heart of ancient Rome in Asia Minor.
- Great Amphitheatre: Feel the echo of history in a massive stone structure once filled with crowds and speeches.
- House of Virgin Mary: A sacred spot revered by both Christians and Muslims.
- Temple of Artemis: Visit the remains of what was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
16:30 ─ Transfer to Izmir Airport.
19:00 – 21:00 ─ Flight to Istanbul. (Flight time is changeable according to the season and availability.)
Upon arrival: Our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your Istanbul hotel.
- Domestic flight times may vary depending on seasonal airline schedules and seat availability.
- Flights include 15kg checked baggage + 8kg cabin bag. Extra baggage can be purchased at the time of online check-in.
- The overnight bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale takes around 10 hours and includes rest stops. Modern coaches with reclining seats are used.
- In Pamukkale, a freshen-up hotel room is provided before the tour starts.
- Optional hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia can be added during booking, early reservation is strongly recommended.
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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Five days felt like perfect length for seeing everything without rushing. Cave hotel WiFi was reliable.
Ancient theater acoustics demonstration at Ephesus was incredible. Person whispering on stage could be heard clearly in back rows. Roman engineering knowledge was sophisticated. Pamukkale terraces were slippery but beautiful.
Thermal waters helped with jetlag recovery. Each destination was unique experience.
Comprehensive tour covering geological wonders, ancient ruins, and volcanic landscapes. Transportation between cities was comfortable and air conditioned. Guides spoke excellent English and answered all questions patiently.
Spring weather was perfect for outdoor activities. Wildflowers bloomed throughout Cappadocia valleys creating colorful contrast.
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