8 Days Istanbul – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia Tour

8 Days Istanbul – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Antalya – Cappadocia Tour

By Plane & Comfortable Buses – A Complete Journey Through Turkey’s Highlights

Experience the best of Turkey on this perfectly balanced 8-day guided tour, combining iconic cities, ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Travel by domestic flights and comfortable air-conditioned buses, explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and enjoy expertly guided tours from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey!
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 – Half-Day Bosphorus Tour (Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, depart for a memorable half-day Bosphorus tour, one of Istanbul’s must-do experiences.

Highlights include:

• Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar): A vibrant covered market filled with spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, and souvenirs

• Golden Horn: A historic natural harbor separating the old city from the new

• Byzantine City Walls: Impressive fortifications dating back to the 5th century

• Bosphorus Cruise: A scenic boat tour between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, waterfront mansions, and iconic landmarks

Return to your hotel in the early afternoon. Free time to explore the Old City on your own.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 3 – Flight to Izmir & Ephesus Tour (Lunch Included)

Early morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet our local team and join a full-day guided Ephesus tour.

Tour highlights:

• Isa Bey Mosque: A fine example of Seljuk architecture

• Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

• Ancient City of Ephesus: One of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities

  • Library of Celsus

  • Great Theatre

  • Agora, Odeon, Trajan Fountain

  • Temple of Domitian & Roman Latrines

• House of the Virgin Mary: A sacred pilgrimage site believed to be her final residence

After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Kusadası or Selcuk.

Overnight: Kusadası / Selcuk

Day 4 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour – Bus to Antalya (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

After breakfast, depart for Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.

Highlights include:

• Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Castle): Walk on dazzling white calcium terraces

• Ancient City of Hierapolis:

  • The largest necropolis in Anatolia with over 1,200 tombs

  • Roman baths, temples, and theater

• Cleopatra’s Sacred Pool: Thermal waters flowing over submerged Roman ruins (optional swimming)

After the tour, travel by comfortable, air-conditioned bus to Antalya (approx. 4 hours). Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Antalya

Day 5 – Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour – Overnight Bus to Cappadocia (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

After breakfast, depart for a full-day guided tour of Antalya’s ancient wonders.

Tour highlights:

• Perge: A major ancient city of Pamphylia with city walls, stadium, agora, and theatre; visited by St. Paul

• Kursunlu Waterfalls: A beautiful natural park with cascading waterfalls

• Aspendos: Home to the best-preserved Roman Theatre in the world

• Side: A charming ancient harbor city famous for its ruins, beaches, and lively atmosphere

After the tour, transfer to the bus station for an overnight bus journey to Cappadocia (approx. 10 hours) in a modern, air-conditioned coach.

Day 6 – Northern Cappadocia Tour (Lunch Included)

Early morning arrival in Cappadocia. Transfer to our local office to freshen up before starting the tour.

Highlights include:

• Goreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO): Rock-cut churches with vivid frescoes

• Uchisar Castle: The highest panoramic viewpoint in Cappadocia

• Devrent Valley: Famous for its surreal, lunar-like rock formations

• Pasabag (Monks Valley): Iconic fairy chimneys

• Avanos: Traditional pottery town along the Red River

• Cavusin Village & Urgup Fairy Chimneys

Transfer to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 7 – Southern Cappadocia Tour & Flight to Istanbul (Breakfast & Lunch Included)

After breakfast, depart for a full-day Southern Cappadocia tour.

Highlights include:

• Pigeon Valley: Spectacular views and ancient pigeon houses

• Derinkuyu Underground City: A multi-level ancient refuge city

• Selime Monastery: Impressive rock-cut churches and monastic complex

• Ihlara Valley: Cappadocia’s most lush and scenic canyon, with a gentle walk

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 8 – Departure from Istanbul (Breakfast Included)

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport according to your international flight schedule.
End of services — we hope to welcome you again on another unforgettable journey.

Tour Includes

✔ Hotel accommodation
✔ Domestic flight tickets
✔ Intercity bus tickets
✔ Airport & hotel transfers
✔ Professional English-speaking licensed guides
✔ All mentioned guided tours
✔ Meals as stated (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch)
✔ Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
✔ All local taxes

Tour Excludes

✘ Drinks
✘ Tips for guides & drivers
✘ Personal expenses