5 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Troy Tour

Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and North Cappadocia Tour

You will be collected from your Istanbul hotel and transferred to the domestic airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. On arrival, continue to Cappadocia to meet your guide and begin the North Cappadocia tour.

Visit Devrent Valley, known for its unusual fairy-chimney formations, followed by Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles rise from the valley floor. Continue to Avanos for lunch, then visit the cave dwellings and churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum. The day also includes a visit to the natural castles of Uchisar before transfer to your Cappadocia hotel. A traditional Turkish Night show with dinner is available as an optional extra.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Lunch

Day 2: South Cappadocia Tour and Overnight Bus to Pamukkale

An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride is available before breakfast. After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia. Begin at Red Valley, then walk through the rock-cut churches and valleys of Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi). Continue to Cavusin Village, known for its old houses and churches associated with Christian clergy.

After lunch, visit Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi) before heading underground to either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christian communities once lived. At the end of the tour, travel overnight by air-conditioned local bus to Pamukkale, with comfort breaks en route.

• Overnight in Overnight bus to Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour to Kusadasi

Arrive at the Pamukkale/Denizli bus station in the early morning and transfer to a hotel to freshen up, have breakfast and rest briefly. Your guided tour begins with the red thermal waters of Karahayit, followed by the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Within Hierapolis, see the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater and Antique Pool. There is free time to explore Pamukkale; you may swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools at your own expense. Walk barefoot down the white terraces of the Pamukkale Travertines, then have lunch and visit an Onyx Factory. Afterwards, continue by road to Kusadasi and check in to your hotel.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Ephesus Tour and Bus to Canakkale

After breakfast, join your guide for a full-day tour of the Ephesus area. Start at the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, then explore the remarkably preserved Greco-Roman city of Ephesus.

Following lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, regarded as a sacred place by both Christians and Muslims, and the Isabey Mosque. Continue to Sirince Village, an old Greek village, where you will have free time to browse its small traditional shops and sample local food and wine if you wish. Return to Kusadasi after the tour and board the public bus to Canakkale. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

• Overnight in Canakkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Troy Tour and Bus from Canakkale to Istanbul

After breakfast and hotel check-out, travel from Canakkale for a morning visit to the ancient city of Troy. Explore the site associated with the legend of Helen, Queen of Sparta, and Paris, the Trojan Prince.

After the Troy tour, return to Canakkale and board the public bus to Istanbul. The tour ends on arrival at Istanbul’s main bus station; onward transport from the bus station is not included.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions

• Istanbul hotel pickup and airport transfer on the European side
• Domestic flight and intercity bus tickets as per itinerary
• Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Meals stated in the itinerary
• Entrance fees listed in the programme
• Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions

• Transfer from Istanbul bus station to hotel
• Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
• Optional Turkish Night show and other optional activities
• Drinks with meals
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance