9 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
This 9-day journey takes you deep into Turkey’s most iconic destinations from Istanbul’s imperial past to the magical valleys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the ancient streets of Ephesus. Experience a balanced combination of guided tours, scenic flights, intercity travel, and time to explore at your own pace.
From Bosphorus cruises to Roman ruins, this adventure is built for unforgettable memories.
- Covers Turkey’s top four travel regions in one itinerary
- Includes flights, hotel stays, guided tours, and all transfers
- Overnight bus travel for efficiency and budget-conscious comfort
- Plenty of free time to explore Istanbul on your own
- Smooth planning without worrying about transportation or tickets
What's Included
- Domestic flights: Istanbul ➝ Cappadocia, Izmir ➝ Istanbul
- Overnight bus: Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale
- All hotel-tours-airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation in Istanbul (5 nights), Cappadocia (1 night), Kusadasi (1 night), 1 night freshen-up in Pamukkale
- Guided tours: Istanbul Old City, Bosphorus Lunch Cruise, Cappadocia Red & Yellow Tours, Pamukkale Tour, Ephesus Tour
- Entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Licensed English-speaking tour guides
- Freshen-up room in Pamukkale
- Daily hotel breakfasts
- Lunches during guided tours
What's Not Included
- Dinners
- Drinks at lunch
- Optional swimming at Cleopatra Pool
- Optional hot air balloon rides
- Personal expenses
9 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour: From Bosphorus Waters to Ancient Wonders
Day 1 ─ Arrival in Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
Welcome to Turkey! Once you land at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our travel team will meet you at the exit gate holding a personalized sign.
You’ll then be transferred directly to your hotel. Use the rest of the day to settle in or take a relaxing walk around your neighborhood.
Day 2 ─ Free Day in Istanbul
This day is yours. Enjoy the city on your own, whether you’d like to sip Turkish coffee by the Bosphorus, shop at local boutiques, or explore neighborhoods like Kadikoy or Galata.
Day 3 ─ Bosphorus Lunch Cruise
14:00 ─ You will be picked up from your hotel for a unique sightseeing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
Enjoy a relaxing sail between Europe and Asia while savoring a freshly prepared lunch on board.
Today’s Highlights:
- Dolmabahce Palace (from the boat): Admire the extravagant waterfront palace that once housed the last Ottoman sultans.
- Ortakoy & Waterfront Mansions: Spot elegant wooden mansions and vibrant neighborhoods from the deck.
- Bosphorus Bridges: Pass beneath two of Istanbul’s famous bridges that connect continents.
16:00 ─ After the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 4 ─ Flight to Cappadocia ➝ Northern Cappadocia Tour
Early Morning: After check-out, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Fly to Cappadocia on a scheduled domestic flight. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin exploring.
Today’s Highlights:
- Devrent Valley: Known as “Imagination Valley,” the area features natural rock formations shaped like animals and figures.
- Pasabag Valley Open Air Museum: Home to some of Cappadocia’s tallest fairy chimneys and monk dwellings carved into stone towers.
- Avanos & Pottery Workshop: Visit a traditional pottery studio where you can observe or try the ancient art of ceramic making.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: A historical cave village showcasing early Christian life through churches and communal rooms.
- Uchisar Castle: End the day with a panoramic view over the valleys from Cappadocia’s natural rock fortress.
17:00 ─ Transfer to your hotel for check-in and overnight 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 ─ After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for today’s tour focusing on natural beauty and underground wonders.
Today’s Highlights:
- Red Valley: Famous for its layered rock formations and narrow trails dotted with cave churches.
- Gulludere Valley: A peaceful area with scenic views and hidden chapels tucked into the cliffs.
- Cavusin Village: A centuries-old Greek village with rock homes and panoramic views.
- Pigeon Valley: See carved niches where pigeons once lived and supported agriculture.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Discover a multi-level refuge used for shelter and defense against attacks.
17:00 ─ Tour ends. After some leisure time, you’ll be transferred to the bus terminal.
20:00 ─ Overnight bus journey to Pamukkale (approx. 10 hours).
Day 6 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Transfer to Kusadasi Hotel
05:30 am ─ Arrival at Denizli Bus Station. Our team will greet you and transfer you to a hotel for a few hours to freshen up.
09:30 am ─ Begin your guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
Today’s Highlights:
- Pamukkale Travertines: White thermal pools formed over millennia by calcium-rich waters. A must-see geological wonder.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore Roman baths, temples, the grand amphitheater, and ancient roads.
- The Necropolis: Visit a large ancient cemetery with sarcophagi and tombs from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
- Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (Optional Entry): Take a dip in the warm mineral pool said to be favored by the legendary queen herself.
16:00 ─ After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi for the night.
Day 7 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
08:30 am ─ After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your Kusadasi hotel and taken on a journey through one of Turkey’s most famous archaeological sites.
Today’s Highlights:
- Ephesus Ancient City: Wander down marble roads lined with monuments, temples, and fountains.
- Library of Celsius: Stand before this iconic two-story façade, once one of the world’s largest libraries.
- Great Amphitheatre: Imagine gladiators and emperors within this massive 25,000-seat structure.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the peaceful shrine believed to be the final residence of Mary.
16:00 ─ Transfer to Izmir Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul and hotel transfer upon arrival.
Day 8 ─ Free Day in Istanbul (Optional tours available)
Enjoy your last full day in Turkey with total flexibility. You may revisit your favorite spots, go shopping, or enjoy a relaxing day.
Day 9 ─ Transfer to Airport ➝ Fly Home
After breakfast and check-out, your driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your flight home.
- Flights include Istanbul–Cappadocia and Izmir–Istanbul
- All hotel pick-ups and drop-offs are included for tours and flights
- Domestic flight baggage: 15 kg checked + 8 kg cabin per person. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in.
- Optional activities such as balloon rides can be added 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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Nine days felt luxurious compared to typical vacation pace. Never stressed about missing anything.
Bosphorus cruise at sunset was magical with city lights reflecting on water. Cappadocia stargazing was incredible with zero light pollution. Thermal pools eased my chronic back pain better than any spa treatment I have ever tried.
9 days meant weather delays didn not ruin plans. Extra flexibility made all the difference.
Grand Bazaar haggling became fun game once I learned the rules. Started at ridiculous prices but ended up with beautiful carpet at fair price. Seller invited me for tea and shared stories about his family business spanning four generations.
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