7-Day Tour of Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia by Plane & Bus

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and Airport Transfer

On arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), meet our representative outside the international arrivals area, where they will be holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.

The rest of the day is free to settle in and explore at your own pace. This evening, you may wish to join the optional Bosphorus dinner cruise and show.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): None

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, join your guide for a full-day exploration of Istanbul’s historic old city. Begin at Hagia Sophia, then visit the Blue Mosque and the former chariot-racing arena of the Hippodrome, now known as Sultanahmet Square.

Continue to Topkapi Palace, the residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans, before lunch at a central city restaurant. The day concludes at the Grand Bazaar, with its maze of covered lanes and more than 4,000 shops, before your return to the hotel.

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

Day 3: Flight from Istanbul to Izmir and Ephesus Tour

Leave Istanbul early this morning for your domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival, travel to Selçuk, where you will meet your guide and begin your full-day tour.

Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, including the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre and Trajan Fountain. After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be where Mary spent her final years. You will also pass the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and visit İsa Bey Mosque.

Later, continue to Şirince Village, a former Greek village known for its traditional shops, local food and wine production. You will have free time to look around independently before travelling to your hotel in Kusadasi.

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

Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Overnight Bus to Cappadocia

After breakfast, travel from Kusadasi to Selçuk to meet the rest of the group, then continue by road to Pamukkale. There will be a short comfort stop during the journey. On arrival, lunch is served before your guided visit begins.

See the white mineral terraces of the Cotton Cliffs at Pamukkale, formed over centuries by calcium-rich thermal waters. Continue through the ruins of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre and Roman Baths. Afterwards, there is free time to explore independently, with the option to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools at your own expense.

Following the tour, transfer to the bus station for your overnight local bus to Cappadocia. The fully air-conditioned, non-smoking journey takes around 10 hours and includes three breaks. You will have free time at the bus station before departure, when you may arrange your own dinner.

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

Day 5: North Cappadocia Tour

On arrival at Göreme bus station, you will be met and transferred to your Cappadocia hotel for breakfast. Later, meet your guide for a day touring the northern valleys and villages of the region.

First visit Devrent Valley, known for its naturally shaped fairy chimneys, followed by Paşabağ Valley, also called Monks Valley, where mushroom-shaped rock formations rise from the valley floor. Continue via Avanos for lunch.

In the afternoon, explore the carved caves and old churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum. Before returning to your hotel, stop at the natural rock castles of Uçhisar.

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

Day 6: South Cappadocia Tour and Flight to Istanbul

An optional early-morning hot-air balloon ride is available at an additional cost. After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of southern Cappadocia.

Visit Red Valley, then walk approximately 5 km through Rose Valley, passing rock-cut churches along the way. Continue to Çavuşin Village, known for its old houses and churches associated with Christian clergymen. After lunch, visit Pigeon Valley.

The afternoon includes Kaymaklı Underground City or Özkonak Underground City, where early Christian communities once lived below ground. At the end of the tour, transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your late-evening flight to Istanbul. On arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel.

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

Day 7: Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of your Istanbul hotel and transfer to Istanbul International Airport in line with your flight arrangements. Your tour services end at the airport.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions

• Professional licensed guides
• Airport, hotel and tour transfers
• Domestic flights from Istanbul to Izmir and Cappadocia to Istanbul
• Overnight local bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia
• Standard-quality hotel accommodation
• Entrance fees on the tour programme
• Included breakfasts and lunches

Exclusions

• Dinners
• Optional hot-air balloon ride
• Pamukkale Antique Pools entry
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Travel insurance