6 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
Discover Turkey’s cultural and natural wonders in just 6 unforgettable days with our Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour. Walk through the timeless streets of Istanbul, explore the surreal valleys of Cappadocia, soak in the white terraces of Pamukkale, and uncover the ancient grandeur of Ephesus. Carefully designed with flights, buses, and expert guides, this journey captures the very soul of Anatolia.
- Covers four of Turkey’s most famous destinations efficiently
- Domestic flights and intercity bus journeys organized seamlessly
- Balanced mix of history, culture, natural wonders, and free moments
- Guided by experienced English-speaking local experts
What's Included
- Flight ticket: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Izmir ➝ Istanbul
- Overnight intercity bus: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- All airport-hotel and hotel-tour transfers
- Professional licensed English-speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation: 1 night in Istanbul, 1 night in Cappadocia, 1 night on the bus, 1 night in Pamukkale, 1 night in Kusadasi
- Full-day Istanbul Old City Tour
- Full-day Northern Cappadocia Red Tour
- Full-day Northern Cappadocia Red Tour
- Full-day Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour
- Full-day Pamukkale Tour
- Full-day Ephesus Ancient City Tour
- Freshen-up hotel room upon arrival in Pamukkale
- Daily breakfasts at hotels
- Lunches during guided tours
- All entrance fees for sites mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks during lunch
- Dinners
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entry (optional)
- Optional activities like hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia or Pamukkale
6 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: A Journey Through History and Nature
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Arrival: Upon landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), meet our representative holding a name sign at the exit.
Transfer: Enjoy a smooth drive to your hotel in Istanbul.
The rest of the day is free to relax and recover from your flight.
Day 2 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am ─ After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up for an unforgettable journey into Istanbul’s ancient heart.
Today’s Highlights: A Walk Through the Ages
- Hagia Sophia: Step inside this grand monument where Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy harmoniously blend under a soaring dome.
- Hippodrome: Wander through the site of ancient chariot races, surrounded by iconic relics like the Serpent Column and Obelisk of Theodosius.
- Blue Mosque: Admire the intricate blue tiles and elegant architecture of one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks.
- Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself among thousands of colorful shops offering everything from spices to handwoven carpets.
- Topkapi Palace: Visit the former royal residence filled with Ottoman treasures, sacred relics, and panoramic gardens overlooking the Bosphorus.
17:00 ─ After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3 ─ Flight to Cappadocia ➝ Northern Cappadocia Red Tour
Early Morning: After breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Arrival: Upon landing, meet our local team and transfer to the tour starting point.
Today’s Highlights: A Surreal Journey Through Rock Formations
- Devrent Valley: Discover a fantastical landscape where rock formations mimic animals, objects, and mythical creatures.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Walk among towering fairy chimneys where monks once lived in solitude.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Witness the ancient art of pottery-making and even try your hand at crafting your own piece.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Explore abandoned cave homes, churches, and community halls carved into soft volcanic rock.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb to Cappadocia’s highest natural viewpoint and marvel at panoramic views across the valleys.
17:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Day 4 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
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, join your guide for another spectacular day in Cappadocia.
Today’s Highlights: Hidden Valleys and Underground Mysteries
- Red Valley: Hike through a canyon of crimson-hued rock layers shaped by centuries of wind and water.
- Gulludere Valley: Discover hidden churches and colorful rock formations bathed in warm sunlight.
- Cavusin Village: Visit this abandoned village filled with ancient rock-cut homes and a towering church.
- Pigeon Valley: See thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, once used for agriculture and communication.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into a multi-level subterranean refuge built to protect ancient communities from invasions.
17:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to the bus station.
20:00 ─ Board an overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale (approximately 10 hours, comfortable coaches with breaks).
Day 5 ─ Arrival at Pamukkale ➝ Freshen Up Room ➝ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Kusadasi Hotel Transfer
05:30 am ─ Arrive at Denizli Bus Station.
Freshen Up: Our team will meet you and transfer you to a hotel for a few hours to refresh and rest before the tour.
09:30 am ─ After breakfast, your guide will pick you up to begin your full-day Pamukkale tour.
Today’s Highlights: Cotton White Wonders and Ancient Healing
- Famous Pamukkale Travertines: Walk across the stunning terraces formed by centuries of mineral-rich hot springs.
- White Calcium Terraces: Experience one of Turkey’s most iconic natural wonders, gleaming under the sun.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the remains of an ancient Roman spa city, complete with a well-preserved theatre and necropolis.
- The Necropolis: Wander through one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, home to elaborate sarcophagi and tombs.
- Bath and Basilica: Visit communal bathhouses and basilicas that tell stories of faith and daily life from ancient times.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (Optional Entry): Swim among submerged marble columns in legendary thermal waters once enjoyed by royalty.
16:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 6 ─ Ephesus Ancient City Tour ➝ Flight Back to Istanbul ➝ End of Service
08:30 am ─ After breakfast and hotel check-out, meet your guide and head towards the ancient city of Ephesus.
Today’s Highlights: Marvels of the Ancient World
- Ephesus Ancient City: Stroll the marble streets of one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, lined with grand monuments and temples.
- Marble Streets: Walk along the ancient pathways once bustling with merchants and philosophers.
- The Odeon: Visit the small ancient theatre used for concerts and public meetings.
- The Agora: Explore the marketplace where trades and political debates once flourished.
- The Temple of Hadrian: Admire intricate reliefs depicting the legend of Ephesus’ foundation.
- The Library of Celsius: Marvel at the majestic facade that once housed thousands of scrolls and manuscripts.
- The Great Amphitheatre: Imagine performances and political speeches held in this impressive 25,000-seat venue.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the holy site where it’s believed the Virgin Mary spent her final years.
16:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul.
End of Service: Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), your tour ends.
Important Final Note:
This tour concludes at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW). Please inform us during booking which airport you prefer if you have an international flight scheduled. Optional hotel transfer services within Istanbul are available at an additional cost — please notify us during booking if you would like to arrange this service.
- Domestic flights between Istanbul and Cappadocia, and Izmir to Istanbul are included.
- Overnight intercity bus journey from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is by comfortable coach.
- Domestic flight baggage allowance: 15 kg checked luggage + 8 kg cabin bag per person. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in.
- This tour concludes at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
- If you have an international flight, please inform us which airport you prefer during booking.
- Optional Istanbul hotel transfer (at the end of the tour) upon return is available at extra cost; please notify 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.
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Six days hit all the highlights without feeling too rushed. Loved the variety.
My husband was skeptical about group travel but this converted him completely. Istanbul street food was outstanding and he still talks about that lamb dish we had near the mosque. Kids enjoyed swimming in thermal pools more than any fancy resort pool.
Ephesus library ruins blew my mind. How did they build something so intricate 2000 years ago?
Christmas vacation and weather was surprisingly mild for December. Balloon ride got cancelled twice due to wind but third time was charm. Cave breakfast tasted better than any five star hotel we have stayed at. Sometimes simple pleasures beat luxury.
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