5-Day Turkey tour from Izmir: Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Day 1: Arrival transfer to Kusadasi

On arrival at Izmir Airport or Kusadasi Port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and explore at your own pace.

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

Day 2: Full day in Ephesus and Sirince Village

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day visit to Ephesus, one of the great cities of the ancient Greek and Roman world. Walk through its remarkably preserved streets and see the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre and Trajan Fountain.

After lunch, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be where Mary spent her final years. You will also pass by the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before visiting the Isa Bey Mosque. The day finishes in Sirince Village, a former Greek village known for its traditional shops, local produce and wine production. You will have free time here to wander independently before returning to Kusadasi.

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

Day 3: Pamukkale and Hierapolis, overnight bus to Cappadocia

After breakfast, leave Kusadasi and join the group in Selcuk for the journey to Pamukkale. Following lunch, explore the white mineral terraces known as the Cotton Cliffs, formed over centuries by calcium-rich thermal waters.

Your guided visit also includes the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will see its basilica, theatre and Roman Baths. There is free time to explore the site independently, with the option to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools at your own expense. Later, transfer to the bus station for your overnight, air-conditioned coach journey to Cappadocia. There will be breaks during the journey for personal needs.

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

Day 4: North Cappadocia tour

On arrival at Goreme bus station, transfer to your Cappadocia hotel for breakfast before meeting your guide. Begin with the curious rock formations of Devrent Valley, then continue to Pasabag Valley, also known as Monks Valley, where the distinctive mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys stand among the valley floor.

Travel on to Avanos before lunch. In the afternoon, visit the cave dwellings and churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum, an important former monastic settlement. Your final stop is Uchisar, where natural rock castles rise above the surrounding landscape, before returning to your hotel.

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

Day 5: South Cappadocia tour and flight to Istanbul

An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride is available at an additional cost. After breakfast, set out on your South Cappadocia tour with a visit to Red Valley, followed by a walk of approximately 5 km through Rose Valley, also known as Gulludere Vadisi. Along the way, you will see the region’s rock-cut churches.

Continue to Cavusin Village, known for its old houses and churches associated with early Christian clergy, then stop for lunch. The afternoon includes Pigeon Valley and either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christian communities once lived below ground. At the end of the tour, transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

• Airport, port and tour transfers
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees on the programme
• Two nights’ Kusadasi hotel accommodation with breakfast
• One night’s Cappadocia cave hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Pamukkale to Cappadocia overnight coach ticket
• Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul flight

Exclusions

• Hot air balloon ride
• Optional activities
• Drinks with meals
• Meals not specified in the itinerary
• Istanbul airport to hotel transfer
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses