8 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia & Pamukkale Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul at any time. On arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you will be met at the international arrivals exit by our representative holding a sign with your name, then transferred to your hotel.

The afternoon is free to settle in or explore independently. An optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Show is also available this evening.

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

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, set out on a full-day guided tour through Istanbul’s Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman heritage. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque) and the former chariot-racing arena of the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square).

Continue to Topkapi Palace, then enjoy lunch at a central city restaurant. The day finishes at the historic Grand Bazaar, with its more than 4,000 shops, before returning to your hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

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

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise and Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri

Following breakfast, travel to Eminonu for a visit to the aromatic Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Then board a shared boat for a morning cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait separating Europe and Asia and linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.

From the water, see Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, historic citadels, old waterfront mansions and the shorelines of both continents. Return to your hotel to collect your luggage, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your Cappadocia hotel.

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

Day 4: North Cappadocia Tour

An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride is available at an additional cost. After breakfast, join your full-day North Cappadocia tour, beginning at Devrent Valley, known for its unusual fairy chimneys. Continue to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see its distinctive mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles, then travel to Avanos.

After lunch, explore the cave dwellings and ancient churches of the Zelve Open Air Museum, which offers a clear view of the area’s monastic past. Before returning to your hotel, visit the natural rock castles of Uchisar. The remainder of the day is free.

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

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of southern Cappadocia. Begin at Red Valley, where you can explore rock-cut churches before walking approximately five kilometres through Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi). Continue to Cavusin Village, known for its old houses and churches used by Christian clergymen.

After lunch, visit Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), then explore either Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christian communities once lived underground. Return to your hotel after the tour.

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

Day 6: Flight from Cappadocia to Denizli via Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of your Cappadocia hotel and transfer to Kayseri Airport. Fly to Denizli via Istanbul.

On arrival in Denizli, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale.

• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour and Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis. Explore the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis and the Roman Baths, where St Philip was martyred. Lunch is included during the tour.

In the afternoon, travel to Karahayit, known for its red water and thermal springs, before visiting the white travertine terraces of the Cotton Cliffs (Cotton Castle) in Pamukkale. You may also swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools at an additional cost. After the tour, transfer to Denizli Airport for your return flight to Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

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

Day 8: Departure from Istanbul

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport in line with your flight arrangements, marking the end of your tour services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Inclusions

• Domestic flights as listed in the itinerary
• Seven nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Airport and tour transfers
• English-speaking guide during sightseeing tours
• Entrance fees listed in the itinerary
• Meals as shown in the itinerary
• Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions

• International flights
• Turkey visa
• Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
• Optional tours, including the Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
• Drinks with meals
• Personal expenses and services not listed
• Travel insurance