9-Day Turkey Highlights Tour by Plane

Istanbul – Pamukkale – Ephesus – Cappadocia

Start & End: Istanbul

⭐ Explore Turkey’s most iconic cities, ancient wonders, and natural masterpieces in one perfectly balanced 9-day journey.

Tour Overview

This 9-day guided Turkey tour is designed for travelers who want a complete Turkey experience with maximum comfort and minimum travel time. Thanks to domestic flights, you will explore Istanbul’s imperial heritage, the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, the legendary ruins of Ephesus, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, including underground cities and fairy chimneys.

Tour Style: Group Tour
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Group Size: Up to 23 people
Destinations: Istanbul – Pamukkale – Kusadasi – Ephesus – Cappadocia
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Cave Hotels, Underground Cities, Bosphorus Cruise

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Overnight: Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by our representative holding a name sign. Enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Istanbul independently.

Day 2 – Full-Day Istanbul: Byzantine & Ottoman Relics

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Istanbul

After breakfast, depart at 08:30 AM for a guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City.

Highlights:

• Hagia Sophia – A timeless masterpiece of Byzantine architecture

• Blue Mosque – Famous for its six minarets and İznik tiles

• Hippodrome of Constantinople – Ancient center of sports and politics

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

• Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s oldest covered markets

• Rustem Pasha Mosque – Renowned for its exquisite İznik tiles

Return to your hotel around 17:00.

Day 3 – Morning Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Pamukkale

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Pamukkale

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day Bosphorus Cruise Tour.

Highlights:

• Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) – Aromas of spices, herbs, and Turkish delights

• Bosphorus Cruise – Scenic boat trip between Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces, mansions, and the Bosphorus Bridge

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Denizli (Pamukkale).
Arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Day 4 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Kusadasi

After breakfast, begin your guided tour of Pamukkale & Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights:

• Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Castle) – Natural white terraces formed by thermal waters

• Hierapolis Ancient City – Necropolis, Roman Baths, Theater, temples, and ancient streets

In the afternoon, transfer to Kusadasi (approx. 16:00).

Day 5 – Ephesus Tour & Flight to Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Cappadocia (Cave Hotel)

Depart at 09:00 AM for a full-day tour of Ephesus.

Highlights:

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

• Ancient City of Ephesus – Library of Celsus, Great Theater, marble streets

• House of the Virgin Mary – Sacred pilgrimage site

After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport for your evening flight to Kayseri.
Arrival and transfer to your authentic cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 6 – North Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Cappadocia

Explore the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.

Highlights:

• Devrent Valley – Animal-shaped fairy chimneys

• Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Iconic mushroom-shaped formations

• Avanos – Traditional pottery workshops using Red River clay

• Uchisar Castle – Panoramic views over Cappadocia

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 7 – South Cappadocia & Underground City

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Cappadocia

Full-day tour of southern Cappadocia.

Highlights:

• Red Valley (Kizilcukkur) – Rock-cut churches and scenic paths

• Cavusin Village – One of Cappadocia’s oldest settlements

• Underground City (Kaymakli or Derinkuyu) – Ancient multi-level refuge cities

• Pigeon Valley – Unique rock formations and dovecotes

Day 8 – Ihlara Valley & Derinkuyu Underground City – Flight to Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: Istanbul

Depart at 09:30 AM for a nature-focused Cappadocia tour.

Highlights:

• Ihlara Valley – 6 km scenic hike through a lush canyon

• Belisirma Village – Riverside lunch stop

• Selime Monastery – Largest rock-cut cathedral in Cappadocia

• Derinkuyu Underground City – Deepest underground city in Turkey

Evening transfer to the airport and flight to Istanbul. Arrival and hotel transfer.

Day 9 – Departure from Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Istanbul Airport according to your flight time.
End of tour services.

What’s Included ✅

• Arrival & departure airport transfers

• All domestic flights

• 3 nights in Istanbul (Boutique or 4★ hotels with breakfast)

• 1 night in Pamukkale hotel with breakfast

• 1 night in Kusadasi hotel with breakfast

• 3 nights in Cappadocia cave hotel with breakfast

• All guided tours as per itinerary

• Professional licensed English-speaking guides

• Transportation in air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles

• Entrance fees & museum tickets

• Meals mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)

• Local taxes & service charges

Not Included ❌

• Drinks during meals

• Tips for guides and drivers

• Personal expenses

• Optional tours & activities