7 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul
Experience the soul of Turkey on this 7 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul. Wander through valleys shaped by ancient volcanoes, walk barefoot across shimmering white terraces, and stroll along marble streets once ruled by Roman emperors.
With flexible flights, expert guides, and seamless transfers, you’ll travel through history, nature, and culture. All perfectly woven into one unforgettable journey.
- Cover Turkey’s top three must-see regions in one perfect trip
- Flexible flights and fully arranged airport/hotel transfers
- Combination of adventure, history, and relaxation
- Expert local guides bring each site’s story to life
- Optional hot air balloon flight available in Cappadocia
What's Included
- Flight tickets: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Cappadocia ➝ Izmir, Pamukkale ➝ Istanbul
- Overnight intercity bus ticket: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- All transfers between airports, hotels, and bus stations
- Hotel stays: 3 nights in Cappadocia, 2 nights in Kusadasi
- 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 Southern Cappadocia (Green) Tour
- Guided Pamukkale Tour
- Guided Ephesus Tour
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Drinks during lunches
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entrance fee (optional)
- Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (optional)
7 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul: Valleys, Thermal Pools & Roman Marvels
Day 1 ─ Fly to Cappadocia (Flexible Flight Time) ➝ Free Day
Hotel Pick-up: At your chosen time, our team will pick you up from your Istanbul hotel and transfer you to Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Flight to Cappadocia: Board your domestic flight and fly to Turkey’s fairy tale landscape. (Flight times are arranged according to availability.)
Arrival: Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, meet our staff holding a personalized name sign and transfer directly to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Cappadocia.
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 at your hotel, meet your guide and start the Red Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Surreal Rock Formations and Historical Heritage
- Devrent Valley: Walk among natural rock sculptures shaped like animals and mythological figures in this imaginative valley.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Explore towering fairy chimneys where early monks lived and worshiped in solitude.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Visit the center of traditional pottery making along the Kızılırmak River and experience ancient techniques firsthand.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Wander through this abandoned rock village filled with cave dwellings, ancient churches, and tunnels.
- Uchisar Castle & Panoramic View: Climb to the top of Cappadocia’s natural fortress for panoramic views of the surreal landscape.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 3 ─ Southern Cappadocia Yellow Tour
09:30 am ─ After breakfast, meet your guide to begin today’s exploration.
Today’s Highlights: Secret Valleys and Cave Churches
- Red Valley: Hike through a colorful maze of cliffs and valleys home to hidden cave churches and ancient frescoes.
- Gulludere Valley: Experience serene landscapes where nature and history blend in harmony with small chapels scattered across the hills.
- Cavusin Village: Roam the remains of a Greek village dominated by a massive rock formation and its historical church.
- Pigeon Valley: Discover the pigeon houses carved into the cliffs that once supported agricultural life in the region.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into the depths of this ancient subterranean city with its complex system of tunnels, rooms, and security traps.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 4 ─ Cappadocia Green Tour ➝ Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
09:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide for the Green Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Nature’s Hidden Gems and Ancient Underground Cities
- Ihlara Valley: Trek through a lush canyon lined with rock-cut churches, beautiful frescoes, and a peaceful river.
- Derinkuyu Underground City: Explore the largest underground city in Cappadocia with eight floors of intricate tunnels and rooms built for survival.
- Belisirma Village: Stop for a riverside lunch in a charming village hidden within the valley.
- Esentepe: Enjoy a sweeping panoramic view over Cappadocia’s rolling valleys and fairy chimneys.
- Yaprakhisar: Admire the dramatic cliffside scenery that inspired scenes from old Hollywood movies.
17:00 ─ After the tour, you’ll be transferred to bus station and free time until bus departure time.
19:00 ─ Board the overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale. (Journey approx. 10 hours with comfort stops.)
Day 5 ─ Pamukkale Freshen-up Room ➝ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Hotel Transfer in Kusadasi
05:30 – 06:00 am ─ Arrival at Denizli Bus Station. Our team will meet you and transfer you to a hotel for a freshen-up room.
10:00 am ─ Begin your guided Pamukkale Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Natural Marvels and Healing Waters
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot along the surreal white terraces shaped by centuries of mineral-rich thermal water flows.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Discover the ancient Roman city that grew around the sacred hot springs, featuring temples and baths.
- The Necropolis: Visit the extensive ancient cemetery housing intricately carved sarcophagi and tombs.
- Bath and Basilica, Triton Fountain, Latrina: Explore the heart of Roman public life through these impressive ruins.
- Temple of Apollon: Visit the site once known for oracles and spiritual healing rituals.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool: Swim among submerged ancient marble columns in warm mineral waters. (Optional, entrance extra.)
16:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for overnight stay.
Day 6 ─ Free Day in Kusadasi
Enjoy a full day to relax by the Aegean coast.
You can choose to rest at the beach, stroll through Kusadasi’s lively bazaars, or join optional boat tours or excursions.
Day 7 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer in Istanbul
08:30 am ─ After breakfast and check-out, meet your guide and start the Ephesus Tour.
Today’s Highlights: Echoes of a Roman Empire
- Ephesus Ancient City: Wander through one of the most complete Roman cities with temples, theaters, and libraries lining the marble streets.
- Library of Celsius: Admire one of the most iconic and beautifully restored structures from antiquity.
- Agora and Marble Streets: Follow in the footsteps of ancient philosophers and merchants as you explore these historical corridors.
- The Temple of Hadrian: See one of Ephesus’s most elegantly carved temples with mythological reliefs.
- The Great Amphitheatre: Stand in awe within this ancient arena that once held thousands for performances and gladiator contests.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the peaceful sanctuary believed to be the final residence of Mary.
- Temple of Artemis: Explore the archaeological remains of one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
16:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport.
19:00 – 21:00 ─ Flight to Istanbul.
Arrival in Istanbul: Upon landing, our transfer team will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Istanbul.
- Domestic flight schedules may vary depending on seasonal availability; direct or connected flights will be booked according to the best option available.
- Domestic flight tickets include 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage allowance. Extra baggage can be purchased during online check-in.
- Overnight intercity bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is equipped with reclining seats and offer comfort stops along the way.
- A freshen-up room is provided in Pamukkale before starting the guided tour.
- Hot air balloon flights are optional and subject to early booking due to limited availability.
- All hotel, airport, and station transfers are arranged for a smooth experience.
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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Perfect balance between comprehensive coverage and relaxed exploration. Never hurried.
Extended time allowed visiting during different parts of day to see how lighting changed ancient sites. Sunset at Ephesus theater was particularly dramatic with golden light on marble columns. Dawn balloon flights over Cappadocia revealed landscape details invisible during midday visits.
Tour provided cultural immersion beyond typical tourist activities. Local festivals and community events enhanced understanding.
Winter solstice timing created unique atmospheric conditions with dramatic cloud formations and clear skies alternating throughout week. Weather variety enhanced photographic opportunities significantly.
Amazing journey showcasing Turkey's incredible diversity within relatively compact geographical area. Educational value was exceptional for understanding regional development patterns.
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