6 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul
Unlock the beauty of Turkey’s dream landscapes and ancient wonders with this 6 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul. From soaring fairy chimneys and secret underground cities to white travertine terraces and majestic Roman ruins, every day delivers a new unforgettable memory.
Carefully designed with flexible flights, smooth transfers, and guided tours, this itinerary promises you’ll experience the heart of Turkey at the perfect pace.
- Flexible start with flights arranged to fit your timing
- Explore Cappadocia’s magic, Pamukkale’s beauty, and Ephesus’ history
- Airport-hotel transfers included for maximum comfort
- Free day to relax by the Aegean coast in Kusadasi
- Optional hot air balloon ride available in Cappadocia
What's Included
- Flight tickets: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Izmir ➝ Istanbul
- Overnight intercity bus ticket: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- Airport and hotel transfers as per itinerary
- Hotel stays: 2 nights in Cappadocia, 2 nights in Kusadasi, 1 freshen-up room in Pamukkale
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Lunches during guided tours
- Professional licensed English-speaking tour guides
- Guided Northern Cappadocia (Red) Tour
- Guided Southern Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour
- Guided Pamukkale Tour
- Guided Ephesus Tour
- Entrance fees to all museums and historical sites listed
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks during lunches
- Dinners
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entrance fee (optional)
- Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (optional)
6 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul: Valleys, Thermal Wonders, and Timeless Cities
Day 1 ─ Fly to Cappadocia (Flexible Flight Time) ➝ Free Day
Hotel Pick-up: At your selected time, we will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Flight to Cappadocia: Relax on a short domestic flight into Turkey’s magical heartland. (Flight times will be adjusted based on availability.)
Arrival: Upon landing at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, our friendly team will greet you with a name sign and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Cappadocia.
The remainder of the day is free to rest, explore the village surroundings, or watch the sunset over fairy chimneys.
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, our guide will meet you at your hotel for today’s Red Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Fairy Chimneys and Ancient Valleys
- Devrent Valley: Witness nature’s creativity with rock shapes resembling animals and mythical figures in this dream-like valley.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Explore the soaring fairy chimneys where ancient monks carved out hidden sanctuaries in the soft rock.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Visit a pottery center by the Kızılırmak River and try traditional clay crafting passed down through generations.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Wander through abandoned rock-cut homes and churches in this historic troglodyte settlement.
- Uchisar Castle & Panoramic View: Climb to Cappadocia’s highest natural point for unbeatable panoramic scenery.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 3 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
09:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, your guide will meet you at the hotel for the Yellow Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Hidden Valleys and Underground Mysteries
- Red Valley: Wander through crimson-colored rock formations and discover secluded churches tucked into the cliffs.
- Gulludere Valley: Enjoy peaceful walking trails surrounded by tuff formations, pigeon houses, and ancient frescoes.
- Cavusin Village: Explore the ruins of a Greek village with a dramatic rock-hewn church on the hillside.
- Pigeon Valley: Walk alongside a scenic canyon filled with thousands of ancient dovecotes carved into the rock.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into a labyrinth of narrow tunnels and hidden rooms used by ancient Cappadocians for shelter and defense.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will have free time for dinner before departure.
19:00 ─ Board your comfortable overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale. (Journey takes approximately 10 hours with scheduled rest stops.)
Day 4 ─ Arrival in Pamukkale ➝ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Transfer to Kusadasi
05:30 – 06:00 am ─ Upon arrival at Denizli Bus Station, our team will meet you and transfer you to a hotel in Pamukkale for a freshen-up room where you can rest and refresh.
10:00 am ─ After a short rest and breakfast (optional), your Pamukkale Tour will begin.
Today’s Highlights: Thermal Springs and Ancient Spa Cities
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot along the gleaming white terraces formed by calcium-rich waters flowing down the hillsides.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Roam the expansive ruins of this Greco-Roman spa city with sacred springs and a sprawling necropolis.
- The Necropolis: Visit a vast ancient cemetery filled with impressive sarcophagi, tombs, and monuments.
- Bath and Basilica, Triton Fountain, Latrina: Discover daily Roman life in these remarkably preserved public structures.
- Temple of Apollon: Feel the ancient mysticism in this once-important center for healing and prophecy.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool: Swim among sunken marble columns in thermal waters once favored by royalty. (Optional, entrance fee extra.)
16:30 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 5 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
Enjoy a relaxing free day by the Aegean coast. Stroll along the beaches, shop at the lively Kusadasi Bazaar, or simply relax at your hotel and soak in the sun.
Day 6 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide to begin your Ephesus Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Walk Amongst Ancient Legends
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk through ancient marble streets and explore one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.
- Library of Celsius: Marvel at the grandeur of this ancient library, a true icon of Ephesus and Roman architecture.
- Agora and Marble Streets: See where merchants and philosophers once mingled and debated in the bustling heart of the city.
- The Temple of Hadrian: Admire one of the city’s finest preserved examples of Roman architecture and religious art.
- The Great Amphitheatre: Imagine the roar of the ancient crowds in this enormous 25,000-seat arena.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit this revered pilgrimage site nestled in the forested hills near Ephesus.
- Temple of Artemis: Stand before the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
16:30 ─ After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport.
19:00 – 21:00 ─ Flight to Istanbul. (Exact flight times will vary.)
Arrival in Istanbul: Upon arrival, meet our transfer team and enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Istanbul.
- Domestic flights are based on seasonal availability; schedules may vary slightly at the time of booking.
- All domestic flights include 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg cabin allowance per person. Extra luggage can be added during online check-in for an additional fee.
- Overnight intercity bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is equipped with comfortable seats and scheduled rest stops.
- Freshen-up room in Pamukkale allows you to refresh before your guided tour.
- Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are not included but can be booked early during reservation. Availability is limited, so early booking is strongly recommended.
- All airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers are fully organized for your convenience.
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 leisurely pace perfect for thorough exploration. Never felt rushed between sites.
Ephesus terrace houses showed how wealthy Romans lived with sophisticated heating systems and decorated walls. Pamukkale mineral content varied between pools creating different therapeutic benefits. Cave hotels preserved traditional architecture while adding modern comforts.
Photography workshop organized by hotel captured different lighting conditions throughout extended stay. Golden hour opportunities.
Local villages maintained traditional crafts and lifestyles. Cultural exchange beyond typical tourist interactions added authentic dimension to experience.
Extended time meant weather delays didn't impact overall itinerary. Flexibility built into schedule.
Other Top-Rated Turkey Tours
Loading similar tours...