10-Day Tours of Turkey from Istanbul (Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus)
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Note: If your flight is from/to Sabiha Gokcen Airport, an additional 30 Euro per car will be charged for one-way transfers.
Day 2 – Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour
Breakfast and Lunch Included
08:30 Pick up from your hotel to visit the Hagia Sophia, built in the 5th century and once the largest church in the world. The next stop is the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking Iznik tile interior. Afterward, visit the ancient Roman Hippodrome. Following a lunch break in the old town, visit the Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, and the Suleymaniye Mosque. The tour ends around 17:00, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour
Breakfast and Lunch Included
08:30 Pick up from your hotel to visit the Spice Bazaar, followed by a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait dividing the European and Asian continents. After a lunch break, visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace in the afternoon. Then, cross the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to the Asian side of Istanbul to visit Camlica Hill, the highest point offering panoramic views and perfect photo opportunities.
At 21:00, depart for an overnight bus to Cappadocia in a non-smoking, fully air-conditioned vehicle (Duration: 11 hours).
Day 4 – Cappadocia Tour 1
Lunch Included
Arrival in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel for a short freshen-up before starting the tour.
Begin with Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy chimneys. Continue to Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) to view the fascinating mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Head to Avanos for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where rock-carved churches and Christian settlements date back centuries. End the day with a visit to the natural castles in Uchisar before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 – Cappadocia Tour 2
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Visit Red Valley to explore rock-cut churches and hike 5 km through Gulludere (Rose) Valley. Next, visit Cavusin Village, known for its homes and churches once inhabited by Christian clergy. Continue to Pigeon Valley for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians lived in safety. On the way back, visit the natural castles in Ortahisar.
At 21:00, depart for an overnight bus to Pamukkale in a non-smoking, fully air-conditioned vehicle (Duration: 10 hours).
Day 6 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
Lunch Included
Arrival in Pamukkale and transfer to the hotel for a short freshen-up before starting the tour.
Discover Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the magnificent Theatre, the impressive Necropolis, and the ancient baths of Hierapolis where St. Philip was martyred. End the tour with a visit to the calcium terraces and pools of Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7 – Kusadasi
Breakfast Included
Free day. Transfer to Kusadasi (Ephesus) by bus. Check-in at your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8 – Ephesus Tour
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Start the tour with a visit to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, explore the best-preserved Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. Highlights include the Celsus Library, Agora, Theatre, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple, and Roman Latrines. After a lunch break, visit the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be her final residence.
At 21:30, depart for an overnight bus to Istanbul in a non-smoking, fully air-conditioned vehicle (Duration: 10 hours).
Day 9 – Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to Sultanahmet via free shuttle. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a free day. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10 – End of Tour
Breakfast Included
After breakfast, check out from your hotel (by 12:00). Transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport according to your flight details. End of tour and services.
