12-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Ankara

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – Welcome to Turkey

Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be ready and waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area. They’ll be holding a sign with our agency code clearly displayed for easy identification. Afterward, you’ll be swiftly transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, an experience enhanced with dinner and a show.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, our professional tour guide will pick you up to join the full-day tour of Byzantine and Ottoman relics, revealing Istanbul’s captivating heritage.

Our first destination is the illustrious Hagia Sophia, an awe-inspiring testament to Byzantine architecture. Originally a cathedral, later a mosque, and now serving as a museum, this architectural marvel is a sight to behold with its beautiful mosaics and grand dome.

The journey continues to the historic Hippodrome, once the bustling heart of Byzantine public life. Here, you’ll witness intriguing monuments such as the Serpent Column and the Obelisk of Theodosius.

Next, we visit the iconic Blue Mosque, an enduring symbol of Istanbul’s rich history, with its striking domes and minarets. Step inside to appreciate the beautiful interior adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles.

Mid-day, we break for lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant where you can savor a variety of delectable local dishes, including succulent kebabs, tangy mezes, and sweet baklava.

After lunch, we head towards the majestic Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman Sultans. As you wander through its opulent courtyards and ornate rooms, you’ll learn about the fascinating lives of the sultans, courtiers, and eunuchs who once inhabited this palace.

Our day concludes at the vibrant Historical Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Explore the myriad stalls offering a diverse array of goods, from Turkish carpets and ceramics to exotic spices and sweets.

As the day draws to a close around 5:00 pm, we will return you back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to relax.

• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 3: Bosphorus Morning Cruise and Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 8:30 am by our professional guide for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Your day commences with a scenic drive to the Eminonu pier, where you’ll briefly visit the aromatic Spice Market, a living testament to Istanbul’s trading past.

From there, you’ll join a shared boat cruise along the Bosphorus, a strait that serves not only as a link between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara but also as a bridge between the continents of Europe and Asia. During the cruise, soak up the sights of the Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, as well as numerous historic fortresses and stately mansions set against the beautiful European and Asian shorelines.

After the cruise, you’ll return to your hotel to collect your luggage. Then, a transfer will take you to the Istanbul airport for a flight to either Kayseri or Nevsehir, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport, a meet and greet service will be provided, followed by a transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 4: North Cappadocia Tour

For an enriching experience, you may consider booking an early morning hot air balloon ride. This breathtaking adventure provides stunning aerial views of the valleys; however, please note that this activity incurs an additional charge.

After a delicious breakfast around 9:30 am, we’ll pick you up from your hotel to kick-start your full-day adventure in North Cappadocia. Our first destination will be the Devrent Valley, a place where you can marvel at the unusual fairy chimneys, a testament to nature’s architectural prowess.

Next, we move onto the Pasabag Valley, known as the Monks Valley, where you can witness the distinctive mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Once we’ve soaked in the spectacular scenery, our journey will take us to the vibrant city of Avanos.

Following lunch, we’ll explore the fascinating Zelve Open Air Museum in Cappadocia. Here, you’ll discover a series of hand-carved caves and ancient churches, taking you on a journey through the region’s monastic heritage.

Towards the end of the day, we’ll take you to the awe-inspiring natural castles of Uchisar before winding down.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm. The rest of the day will be at leisure

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, prepare to join the exploration of South Cappadocia. Our tour guide will meet you at around 9:30 am and brief you on the exciting itinerary planned for the day.

The exploration will commence with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, where you can see the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the enchanting Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, we’ll introduce you to Cavusin Village, known for its houses and churches belonging to Christian Clergymen. Around noon, we’ll take a break to enjoy a local lunch.

The journey continues after lunch, taking us to the Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. These intriguing historical sites housed early Christians and offer a captivating peek into the past.

The day’s exploration concludes here, and we will arrange for you to be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm, leaving the rest of the day for you to spend as you wish.

• Overnight in Cappadocia.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 6: Flight to Antalya

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before checking out from your hotel in Cappadocia. Our representative will pick you up and transfer you to Kayseri airport. You will then board a flight to Antalya, connecting through Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Antalya, another representative will meet you and guide you to your hotel. After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

• Overnight in Antalya,
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel OR Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 7: Perge, Aspendos, Side & Waterfall Tour

Start your day with a hotel breakfast, after which our transport will pick you up around 8:00 am. Our first stop is Perge, a city originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC. As one of the most expansive ancient cities in the Pamphylia region, Perge offers a deep dive into history.

We then move on to the Aspendos Ancient Theatre. This remarkably well-preserved amphitheater, built in the 2nd century A.D., boasts a capacity of 15,000. Its impeccable preservation allows it to serve as a venue for festivals and music concerts even today.

Following this, we will enjoy a leisurely lunch break at a riverside restaurant before we head to Side (pronounced Seeday). Known as one of the best classical ancient cities in Turkey, Side was a bustling port city that served as the region’s largest slave market. Numerous architectural marvels were constructed in Side during Roman times, including a vast theatre, Roman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo.

Here, guests will be given an hour of free time to explore the city and sea. On our way back, we will stop at the beautiful Manavgat Waterfall before driving back to Antalya. Once in Antalya, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

• Overnight in Antalya.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel OR Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 8: Journey from Antalya to Pamukkale via Bus (180 km)

After breakfast, a transfer will be arranged from your hotel to the main bus station in Antalya. From here, embark on an intercity coach journey to Pamukkale, which takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival at Pamukkale, a pickup will be arranged to transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the scenic beauty of Pamukkale at your leisure.

• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi.

Your day starts with breakfast, followed by a 10:30 am pick-up from your hotel. You’ll first explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, rich in history with the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, marking the martyrdom site of St. Philip. Following this fascinating exploration, a well-deserved lunch break awaits.

The afternoon invites you to Karahayit, a destination famous for its healing thermal springs and unique red water. From there, the journey continues to the stunning Cotton Cliffs of Pamukkale, also known as the Cotton Castle. This natural wonder, created by calcified mineral deposits, forms beautiful terraces and pools. You can choose to swim in the historical Cleopatra Antique Pools at an extra charge.

Your day of discovery concludes around 4:00 pm, paving the way to Kusadasi. You’re estimated to arrive by 7:00 pm, after which you can relax in your hotel with a comfortable overnight stay.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Ephesus Tour – Flight from Izmir to Ankara

After breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will meet you around 8:30 am to commence your full-day tour of Ephesus. During this tour, you will explore the ruins of Ephesus, an ancient Greek city renowned for its historical significance. The itinerary includes visits to the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

Following your morning exploration, you will break for lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, giving you a chance to relish the local cuisine.

After lunch, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her final years. The tour will then proceed to the Temple of Artemis. Though little remains of this once majestic site, formerly one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, its historical allure is undeniable. Your next stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque.

Later, you will visit Sirince Village, an old Greek village celebrated for its picturesque beauty and wine production. Here, you will be given an hour to independently explore, savor local delicacies and wines, and browse through various small traditional village shops.

Upon the conclusion of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Ankara via Istanbul. Upon arrival at Ankara airport, a representative holding a sign with your name will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.

• Overnight in Ankara.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Best Western Plus Center Hotel OR Holiday Inn Ankara OR The Wings Hotels Neva Palas or similar (Standard quality).

Day 11: Ankara Tour – Flight back to Istanbul

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 9:00 am to begin your city tour of Ankara. During this tour, you’ll explore some of the city’s most noteworthy landmarks. These include the Mausoleum of Ataturk, a monument dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, where exhibits spanning from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, to Urartu eras paint a vivid picture of Central Anatolia’s past.

Following the conclusion of the tour, you will be driven to Ankara Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul, our airport representative will meet you and arrange for your transfer to your hotel.

• Overnight in Istanbul.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 12: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• All transfers mentioned in this itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
• Domestic flight tickets (from Istanbul to Kayseri and Kayseri to Antalya and Izmir to Ankara and Ankara to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
• Intercity bus ticket from Antalya to Pamukkale.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star Hotels including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Antalya at a boutique hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• 1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel including breakfast.
• English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch).
• Visits and entrances fees as indicated in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.