12 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Bodrum By Plane

12-Day Best of Turkey Small Group Tour | Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Bodrum

Tour Style: Small Group Tour
Duration: 12 Days / 10 Nights
Departures: All Year Round – Guaranteed Departure
Destinations: Istanbul – Cappadocia – Kusadasi – Pamukkale – Bodrum – Dalyan – Princes’ Islands

Experience the ultimate Best of Turkey small group tour, perfectly designed for travelers who want to explore Turkey’s highlights in comfort and depth. This carefully curated 12-day itinerary combines iconic historical landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable coastal experiences.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you will be greeted by a Yuki Tour representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Not included

DAY 2 – Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

Depart at 08:30 for a comprehensive guided tour of Istanbul’s historic treasures.

Highlights include:

• Topkapi Palace – former residence of Ottoman sultans and home to sacred relics

• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – famous for its blue İznik tiles

• Hippodrome of Constantinople – Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column & Column of Constantine

• Hagia Sophia – masterpiece of Byzantine architecture

• Rustem Pasha Mosque – renowned for exquisite tile work

• Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets

Lunch is included. Return to your hotel around 17:00.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 3 – Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day Bosphorus Cruise.

Program includes:

• Spice Bazaar – aromatic market filled with spices and local delicacies

• Bosphorus boat cruise – scenic views of palaces, Ottoman mansions & bridges

• Sightseeing of Rumeli Fortress from the sea

• Crossing the Bosphorus Bridge between Europe & Asia

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4 – North Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys Tour

After breakfast, depart at 09:30 for a full-day guided tour of North Cappadocia.

Highlights include:

• Devrent Valley – surreal fairy chimney formations

• Love Valley & Pasabag (Monks Valley) – iconic mushroom-shaped rocks

• Avanos – traditional pottery workshops using Red River clay

• Uchisar Castle – panoramic views over Cappadocia

Return to hotel around 17:00.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 5 – South Cappadocia & Underground City / Flight to Izmir

After breakfast, explore the hidden landscapes of South Cappadocia.

Highlights include:

• Red Valley (Kizilcukur) – scenic walks among rock-cut churches

• Cavusin Village – one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia

• Mazikoy Underground City – multi-level ancient refuge

• Pigeon Valley – rock-carved pigeon houses

After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Arrival transfer to Kusadasi.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 6 – Ephesus Tour & Transfer to Pamukkale

Begin your tour with a visit to the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Continue to explore Ephesus, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in the Mediterranean:

• Library of Celsus

• Great Theatre

• Agora, Odeon, Roman Baths & Temples

After lunch, visit the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site. Transfer to Pamukkale.

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 7 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour / Evening Bus to Bodrum

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of:

• Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Castle) – UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Hierapolis Ancient City – theater, necropolis & Roman baths

In the evening, travel by bus to Bodrum.

Overnight: Bodrum
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 8 – Bodrum Picnic Boat Cruise

Enjoy a full-day Bodrum boat trip along the turquoise Aegean coast.

Swim and snorkel in crystal-clear bays, relax on deck, and visit Black Island, famous for its mineral mud baths.

Overnight: Bodrum
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9 – Dalyan & Caunos Tour

Discover the natural beauty of Dalyan.

Highlights include:

• Boat trip through the Dalyan Delta

• Caunos Rock Tombs – ancient Lycian tombs carved into cliffs

• Iztuzu Beach – protected nesting ground of Caretta Caretta turtles

Return to Bodrum in the evening.

Overnight: Bodrum
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

DAY 10 – Free Day in Bodrum / Flight to Istanbul

Enjoy a free day at leisure in Bodrum before your flight back to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11 – Princes’ Islands Tour

Escape the city with a relaxing ferry ride to the Princes’ Islands.

Visit Buyukada, explore the island by horse-drawn carriage, admire Ottoman mansions, and enjoy a seafood lunch by the sea.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 12 – Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

End of Tour Services

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔ Airport transfers & ground transportation
✔ Domestic flights (Istanbul–Kayseri, Kayseri–Izmir, Bodrum–Istanbul)
✔ 10 nights accommodation with breakfast
✔ Professional English-speaking guides
✔ All sightseeing tours as per itinerary
✔ Entrance fees & museum tickets
✔ Meals as specified (B/L/D)
✔ Air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles

NOT INCLUDED

✘ International flights
✘ Drinks & personal expenses
✘ Tips for guide & driver
✘ Optional tours

WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?

• Small-group experience for personalized service

• Covers Turkey’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Balanced itinerary: culture, nature & coast

• Guaranteed departures year-round

• Ideal for first-time visitors & culture lovers

Book now and discover the true essence of Turkey on this unforgettable 12-day journey!