10-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus

10-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Ephesus

Itinerary Overview

Discover the essence of Turkey on this unforgettable 10-day journey through its most iconic destinations. Begin in vibrant Istanbul, exploring world-famous landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, complemented by a scenic Bosphorus Cruise.

Continue to the spiritual heart of Konya, home of Mevlana Rumi, before traveling to the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, renowned for its fairy chimneys, underground cities, and unique cave dwellings.

Journey onward to Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis, and conclude your adventure in Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. This tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Trip Highlights

• Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace

• Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia

• Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, center of Sufi culture

• Discover Cappadocia’s valleys, fairy chimneys & underground cities

• Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia (extra cost)

• Walk on the white terraces of Pamukkale

• Explore ancient Ephesus, including the Library of Celsus and Great Theater

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure.

Optional: Night Bosphorus Cruise with Dinner & Show (extra cost)
Overnight: Istanbul
Hotel: Boutique Hotel

Day 2 – Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, depart around 08:30 for a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart:

• Hagia Sophia

• Blue Mosque

• Hippodrome (Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, German Fountain)

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Topkapi Palace (Harem optional)

• Grand Bazaar

Return to hotel around 17:00.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Konya

Morning Bosphorus Cruise including:

• Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar)

• Boat cruise along the Bosphorus with views of Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and waterfront mansions

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Konya.
Arrival and hotel transfer.
Overnight: Konya
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 – Konya Tour & Bus to Cappadocia

Morning city tour includes:

• Mevlana Museum & Tomb of Rumi

• Sultan Selim Mosque

• Lunch at a local restaurant

• Alaeddin Hill & Alaeddin Mosque

• Seljuk Palace remains & Karatay Medrese

• Shams-i Tabrizi Mosque & Tomb

After the tour, travel by intercity bus to Cappadocia (approx. 3.5 hrs).
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Hotel: Cave Hotel

Day 5 – Full-Day North Cappadocia Tour

Optional: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride (extra cost)

Tour highlights:

• Devrent Valley

• Pasabag (Monks Valley)

• Avanos (pottery town) & lunch

• Zelve Open Air Museum

• Panoramic view of Uchisar Castle

Free evening with optional activities:
ATV tour, horseback riding, Whirling Dervish show, or Turkish Night (extra cost).
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 – Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour

• Red Valley & Rose Valley hiking

• Cavusin Village

• Lunch

• Pigeon Valley

• Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City

Return to hotel around 16:00.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 – Flight to Izmir (via Istanbul)

Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for flight to Izmir via Istanbul.
Arrival transfer to hotel in Kusadasi.
Free evening.
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

Early departure for Pamukkale:

• Lunch upon arrival

• Guided visit to Pamukkale Travertines

• Hierapolis Ancient City (Theatre, Roman Baths, Basilica)

• Free time & optional Cleopatra Antique Pool (extra cost)

Return to Kusadasi.
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 – Ephesus Tour & Flight to Istanbul

Full-day tour includes:

• Curetes Street

• Temple of Hadrian

• Great Theater

• Trajan Fountain

• Lunch

• House of the Virgin Mary

• Temple of Artemis

• Isa Bey Mosque

Evening flight to Istanbul and hotel transfer.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 10 – Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
End of Tour Services

Tour Includes

• All airport & hotel transfers

• Domestic flights & intercity bus tickets

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Accommodation:

  • 3 nights Istanbul (Boutique / 4★)

  • 1 night Konya (4★)

  • 3 nights Cappadocia (Cave Hotel)

  • 2 nights Kusadasi (4★)

• Meals as per itinerary (B & L)

• Entrance fees

• Local taxes & service charges

Tour Excludes

• International flights

• Turkey visa fees

• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Optional tours & activities

• Drinks & dinners

• Services not mentioned above