8 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
Explore the soul of Turkey in just 8 days with this immersive journey across Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus. Discover ancient empires in the heart of Istanbul, marvel at Cappadocia’s magical landscapes, walk barefoot on Pamukkale’s white terraces, and feel history come alive at Ephesus.
This seamless tour combines guided experiences, domestic travel, and free time to explore on your own.
- Includes 4 iconic regions in one efficient and unforgettable itinerary
- Domestic flights, bus journeys, and hotel transfers are all arranged
- Balanced mix of guided tours and relaxed moments
- Experience both natural wonders and world-famous historical sites
- Optional extras like hot air balloons and thermal pools available
What's Included
- Domestic flights: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Izmir ➝ Istanbul
- Overnight bus: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- Hotel accommodation in Istanbul (4 nights), Cappadocia (1 night), Kusadasi (1 night), freshen-up room in Pamukkale (1 day)
- All airport-hotel-tour transfers throughout the tour
- Full-day Istanbul Old City Tour
- Cappadocia Red and Yellow Tours
- Pamukkale and Ephesus full-day guided tours
- Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Freshen-up hotel room usage in Pamukkale
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
- Daily hotel breakfasts
- Lunches during guided tours
What's Not Included
- Dinners
- Drinks at lunch
- Optional entrance to Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool
- Optional balloon flight (available in Cappadocia or Pamukkale)
- Personal expenses
8 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: A Cultural Adventure Across Turkey’s Wonders
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Arrival: Welcome to Istanbul! After landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting to greet you with a name sign at the exit gate.
Transfer: You’ll be transferred directly to your hotel in the city center for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax.
Day 2 ─ Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
08:30 am ─ After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel. Today, explore the heart of Istanbul where empires once ruled.
Today’s Highlights:
- Hagia Sophia: This world-famous monument blends Christian mosaics and Islamic architecture under one stunning dome.
- Hippodrome: Step onto the ancient square that hosted chariot races, imperial ceremonies, and gladiator games.
- Blue Mosque: Visit this active place of worship, known for its six minarets and exquisite interior design.
- Grand Bazaar: Browse thousands of stalls inside this historical marketplace filled with jewelry, carpets, and spices.
- Topkapi Palace: Walk through the lavish halls of the Ottoman sultans and enjoy sweeping views of the Bosphorus.
17:00 ─ After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 3 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
Today is yours to explore! Enjoy Istanbul at your own pace — relax at a Turkish bath, cruise the Bosphorus, or explore charming neighbourhoods like Balat or Ortaköy.
Day 4 ─ Flight to Cappadocia ➝ Northern Cappadocia Tour
Early Morning: After check-out, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Flight: Morning flight to Cappadocia (flexible depending on availability).
Arrival: Meet your guide at the airport and head straight into your first Cappadocia adventure.
Today’s Highlights:
- Devrent Valley: Walk among surreal rock formations shaped like camels, seals, and other animals in this storybook landscape.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Visit the famous “Monks Valley” where fairy chimneys were once hermit homes carved into stone.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Learn traditional pottery-making from local artisans in this town along the Red River.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Discover an ancient abandoned village with rock-cut dwellings and churches.
- Uchisar Castle: Climb this natural rock fortress for sweeping views across the fairy-tale valleys of Cappadocia.
17:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.
Day 5 ─ Southern Cappadocia 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 ─ Pick-up from your hotel after breakfast for another fascinating day in Cappadocia.
Today’s Highlights:
- Red Valley: Explore this colorful valley with hidden cave chapels and incredible hiking trails.
- Gulludere Valley: Marvel at natural rock tunnels and early Christian hermit dwellings.
- Cavusin Village: Stroll through the ruins of a former Greek village with historical churches and old stone homes.
- Pigeon Valley: View the cliffs where locals carved pigeon houses used in agriculture and communication.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Descend into this vast underground refuge built to protect ancient communities from danger.
17:00 ─ Tour ends with free time before departure.
20:00 ─ Transfer to the bus terminal and board your overnight intercity bus to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hours with breaks).
Day 6 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Kusadasi Hotel Transfer
05:30 am ─ Arrival at Denizli Bus Station.
Freshen Up: You will be transferred to a hotel to rest and freshen up before the tour begins.
09:30 am ─ Pick-up from hotel for the Pamukkale tour.
Today’s Highlights:
- Famous Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot on the white mineral terraces shaped by thousands of years of flowing thermal water.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Discover temples, amphitheaters, and thermal baths in this sacred Roman city.
- The Necropolis: Explore an ancient cemetery stretching for miles, with elaborate tombs and sarcophagi.
- Bath and Basilica: Visit these ruins that once symbolized healing, religion, and daily Roman life.
- Cleopatra Pool (Optional Entry): Swim in a warm thermal pool filled with ancient marble columns believed to have therapeutic benefits.
16:00 ─ After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am ─ You will be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel after breakfast and join your guide for the Ephesus Tour.
Today’s Highlights:
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk through one of the best-preserved Roman cities featuring grand streets and temples.
- Temple of Hadrian, The Odeon, The Agora: Visit beautifully restored monuments and lively gathering places of the past.
- The Library of Celsius: Marvel at this iconic structure built to house thousands of ancient manuscripts.
- The Great Amphitheatre: Imagine concerts and political debates in this massive 25,000-seat arena.
- House of Virgin Mary: See the holy site believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, nestled on a peaceful hilltop.
16:00 ─ Transfer to Izmir Airport after the tour.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul and hotel transfer upon arrival.
Day 8 ─ Transfer to Airport ➝ Fly Home
After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your international flight.
- This tour includes flights between Istanbul–Cappadocia and Izmir–Istanbul.
- Comfortable overnight bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale is included.
- Domestic flight baggage allowance: 15 kg check-in + 8 kg cabin bag per person. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in.
- If you wish to add optional activities (e.g. balloon flights, extra transfers), you can easily add it during booking this tour package.
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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Eight days was sweet spot for this itinerary. Perfect pace.
Hagia Sophia architecture was mind boggling. How do you convert between different religions while preserving both Christian and Islamic elements? Turkish bath experience was initially intimidating but became surprisingly relaxing once I stopped worrying about modesty.
Pottery workshop master was 70 years old and still working daily. His hands moved like magic shaping clay.
Eight days allowed discovering hidden gems locals recommended. Tiny restaurant in Cappadocia served best lentil soup of my life. Owner remembered my vegetarian dietary needs throughout stay and prepared special dishes not on regular menu.
Ephesus marble road still had grooves from ancient chariot wheels. Standing where Romans walked 2000 years ago was surreal.
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