13-Day Ultimate Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Blue Cruise, Antalya & Cappadocia

Tour Overview

Discover the very best of Turkey on this carefully designed 13-day immersive journey, combining iconic cities, ancient civilizations, turquoise coastlines, and surreal landscapes. From the imperial wonders of Istanbul to the classical ruins of Ephesus, the white terraces of Pamukkale, the crystal-clear waters of a Blue Cruise, the Roman heritage of Antalya, and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, this tour offers a perfect balance of history, nature, relaxation, and adventure.

✔️ Ideal for first-time visitors
✔️ Includes domestic overland transportation
✔️ Professional English-speaking guides
✔️ Authentic cave hotel experience in Cappadocia

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Upon arrival, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Byzantine & Ottoman Relics Tour (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Morning pickup (08:30) for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart.

Highlights:

• Hagia Sophia – masterpiece of Byzantine architecture

• Blue Mosque – famous for its blue Iznik tiles

• Roman Hippodrome – center of ancient Constantinople

• Topkapi Palace – residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years

• Süleymaniye Mosque – the architectural jewel of Mimar Sinan

Tour ends around 17:00.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise Tour (Breakfast Included)

Morning pickup at 08:30 for a half-day tour.

Highlights:

• Spice Bazaar – vibrant colors and aromas of the East

• Bosphorus Cruise – sail between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions, and modern waterfront residences

Tour finishes around 13:30.
Evening overnight bus to Kuşadası / Ephesus (21:30, approx. 10 hours).

Day 4 – Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Explore one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities.

Highlights:

• Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• Library of Celsus

• Grand Theatre

• Agora, Odeon & Roman Baths

• House of the Virgin Mary, a major Christian pilgrimage site

Overnight in Kuşadası.

Day 5 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Drive to Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertines.

Highlights:

• Hierapolis Ancient City

• Temple of Apollo

• Roman Theatre

• Necropolis

• Ancient thermal baths

• Calcium terraces and pools of Pamukkale

After the tour, continue by bus to Fethiye (approx. 4 hours).
Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 6 – Blue Cruise (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included)

Board your traditional wooden gulet yacht from Fethiye Harbour (11:00–12:00).

Cruise Highlights:

• Samanlık Bay or Butterfly Valley (sea conditions permitting)

• Swimming, snorkeling & relaxation

• Ölüdeniz – Blue Lagoon (optional paragliding)

• St. Nicholas Island – Byzantine ruins, sunset views

Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 7 – Free Day in Fethiye

Enjoy a full free day to relax, swim, explore the town, or join optional activities.
Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 8 – Transfer to Antalya

Afternoon bus transfer to Antalya, Turkey’s Mediterranean capital.
Free evening at leisure.
Overnight in Antalya.

Day 9 – Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

Full-day guided tour of ancient Pamphylia.

Highlights:

• Perge Ancient City – stadium, Roman baths, colonnaded streets

• Lunch near Aspendos Theatre

• Aspendos Roman Theatre & aqueducts

• Side – free time and shopping

Evening overnight bus to Cappadocia (20:00, approx. 10 hours).

Day 10 – North Cappadocia (Fairy Chimneys) Tour

Early arrival in Nevşehir, transfer to your cave hotel in Ürgüp.

Highlights:

• Devrent (Imagination) Valley

• Love Valley

• Avanos pottery workshop

• Uchisar Castle – panoramic views of Cappadocia

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 11 – South Cappadocia Tour

Discover hidden valleys and underground cities.

Highlights:

• Kızılçukur (Rose Valley)

• Çavuşin Village & Church of St. John

• Underground City

• Pigeon Valley

Evening overnight bus to Istanbul (21:00).

Day 12 – Istanbul Free Day

Morning arrival and transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet.
Enjoy a free day for shopping, sightseeing, or optional tours.
Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 13 – Departure (Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport according to your flight details.
End of tour services.

What’s Included

✔ Airport & hotel transfers
✔ Accommodation as per itinerary
✔ Meals mentioned (Breakfasts, Lunches)
✔ Professional English-speaking guides
✔ All entrance fees
✔ Transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking coaches
✔ Local taxes & service charges

Not Included

✖ Dinners (unless specified)
✖ Drinks
✖ Tips for guide & driver
✖ Personal expenses
✖ Optional activities