9 Days Essential Turkey Tour: Istanbul to Antalya
Explore Turkey’s most iconic destinations in just 9 days with this perfectly curated Essential Turkey Tour: Istanbul to Antalya. Begin in the captivating city of Istanbul, where centuries of empires meet at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Cruise along the Bosphorus, marvel at landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and discover ancient wonders in Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Finally, unwind in the coastal charm of Antalya before your return to Istanbul.
With flights, transfers, hotels, and guided tours included, this experience is ideal for travelers who want to see the best of Turkey in just over a week—seamlessly and stress-free.
- Includes Turkey’s top highlights across 5 regions in just 9 days.
- All domestic flights, hotel transfers, and intercity transport are arranged for you.
- Covers a mix of ancient cities, natural wonders, coastal charm, and cultural treasures.
- Flexible last day with airport drop-off tailored to international flight schedules.
- Optional hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia for a once-in-a-lifetime view.
- 8 nights’ hotel accommodation (Istanbul x3, Cappadocia x1, Kusadasi x2, Antalya x2)
- All Domestic flights: Istanbul → Cappadocia, Cappadocia → Izmir, Antalya → Istanbul
- All Intercity buses: Pamukkale → Antalya
- All airport, hotel, and bus station transfers
- Daily breakfasts and lunches during guided tours
- Professional English-speaking licensed tour guides
- Entrance tickets to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Guided tours in: Istanbul, North & South Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya City
- Boat trip in Antalya
- Transportation in air-conditioned modern vehicles
- Dinners
- Drinks during lunches
- Optional activities (hot air balloon ride, Cleopatra Pool)
- Personal expenses and tips
- International flight tickets
9 Days Turkey Tour Package: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Antalya
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Airport Pick-up: Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), meet our representative holding a name sign at the exit gate. You will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Free Day in Istanbul
Leisure Time: Today is free for you to rest or explore Istanbul on your own. You can enjoy a Turkish bath, shop at the Grand Bazaar, or book an optional city tour.
Day 3 – Best of Istanbul City Tour
Hotel Pick-up (08:00 – 08:30): You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the first location of the city tour.
Today’s Highlights: Ancient Icons and Scenic Views
- Ancient Hippodrome: The Byzantine-era sports arena featuring the Serpent Column, Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain.
- Blue Mosque: Famous for its six minarets and exquisite blue tiles, this grand mosque is still used for worship today.
- Hagia Sophia: Once a church, then a mosque, then a museum—this iconic building now functions as a mosque again and stands as a symbol of East meets West.
Lunch: Enjoy a delicious Turkish meal at a local restaurant or on the boat, according to the season.
- Golden Horn: A historical estuary surrounded by mosques, churches, and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Bosphorus Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. View Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden’s Tower, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and more.
17:00: The tour ends with a transfer back to your hotel.
Day 4 – Fly to Cappadocia & North Cappadocia (Red) Tour
Hotel Pick-up (04:00 – 04:30): You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia (IST or SAW depending on availability).
Flight: Morning flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, meet our team holding a name sign and transfer to start your first tour.
Today’s Highlights: Fairy Chimneys and Rock Formations
- Devrent Valley: Explore surreal rock formations resembling animals and objects.
- Pasabag Open Air Museum: Walk among fairy chimneys that once served as monk retreats.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop: Watch traditional pottery being made in this riverside village.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: An abandoned village showcasing troglodyte life.
- Goreme Panoramic Point: Admire the heart of Cappadocia’s fairy-tale landscape.
- Uchisar Castle (exterior visiting): Climb up for spectacular views over Cappadocia.
End of Tour: Transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 5 – South Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour & Fly to Izmir
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.
Hotel Pick-up (09:30): Your guide will meet you at your hotel after breakfast for your second tour in Cappadocia.
Today’s Highlights: Underground Wonders and Scenic Valleys
- Rose Valley: A beautiful valley known for its pink-hued rock formations and cave churches.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Explore the underground city once used as a refuge from invaders.
- Pigeon Valley: See dovecotes carved into cliffs that were used for farming purposes.
- Gulludere Valley: A quiet walking trail with ancient cave dwellings.
- Cavusin Village: Visit a traditional village featuring rock-carved homes and churches.
Evening: After the tour, you will be transferred to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Izmir. (If there is no direct flight, you will fly to Izmir via Istanbul.)
Arrival: Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 6 – Ephesus Tour
Hotel Pick-up (09:00): Begin a full-day tour to explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
Today’s Highlights: Roman Engineering and Biblical History
- Library of Celsus: A symbol of knowledge and grandeur with an ornate façade.
- Great Theatre: This enormous theatre hosted up to 25,000 people for plays and public gatherings.
- Terrace Houses: View lavishly decorated homes of Ephesus’ aristocracy.
- Temple of Hadrian: A beautifully preserved temple with sculpted reliefs.
- House of Virgin Mary: A sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the Virgin Mary’s final residence.
- Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though only a few columns remain.
End of Tour: Transfer back to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7 – Pamukkale Tour & Intercity Bus to Antalya
Hotel Pick-up (07:30): Depart for Pamukkale and Hierapolis for a full-day tour.
Today’s Highlights: Thermal Marvels and Ancient Ruins
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk across stunning white terraces formed by mineral springs.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the Roman amphitheater, necropolis, and thermal baths.
- Cleopatra Pool (optional): Swim among ancient submerged columns in warm thermal waters.
16:30: Transfer to Denizli Bus Station.
Intercity Bus: Travel to Antalya.
19:45: Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the bus terminal and transferred to your hotel.
Day 8 – Antalya City Tour with Boat Trip
Hotel Pick-up (09:00 – 09:30): Begin exploring Antalya’s natural and historical gems.
- Duden Waterfall (Upper): A peaceful spot where water flows through lush vegetation and caves.
- Lower Duden Waterfall: Watch water fall dramatically from cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Kaleici (Old Town): Explore narrow streets filled with Ottoman architecture, shops, and old walls.
- Antalya Harbor Boat Trip: Cruise along the coast and enjoy views of the cliffs and sea.
End of Tour: Transfer back to your hotel for your final evening in Antalya.
Day 9 – Flight to Istanbul & End of Tour
Hotel Pick-up: After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
IMPORTANT: If you have an international flight on the same day, please ensure your departure time and departure airport (IST or SAW) is shared with us during booking under the “Special Requests” section.
Tour Ends: Upon arrival at IST or SAW Airport in Istanbul, the tour ends.
- Domestic flight schedules may vary depending on airline availability. Direct or connected flights will be arranged accordingly.
- If your international flight departs on Day 9, please include your departure time and airport (IST or SAW) under the “Special Requests” section during booking.
- All airport and bus station transfers are private and arranged with your local flight or bus timing.
- Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia are not included and should be reserved early due to limited slots.
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.
Essential highlights package worked perfectly for our limited vacation time. Efficient routing maximized sightseeing.
Istanbul departure was emotional after bonding with Turkish hospitality. Already planning return visit for longer exploration.
Connecting flights worked smoothly despite initial concerns about domestic airline reliability. Turkish aviation impressed us completely.
Antalya beaches were perfect finale after cultural overload. Sometimes brain needs rest while body enjoys sunshine.
Essential tour format eliminated decision fatigue about what to see next. Professional planning beats amateur research every time for complex destinations like Turkey.
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