12 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Bodrum By Plane - A Comprehensive Turkish Adventure

Upon arrival at Istanbul International Atatürk Airport, you will be met by a Yuki Tour representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you will receive your room key and have the remainder of the day at leisure to begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

Your full-day Istanbul city tour will begin at 08:30. Today you will visit Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, where you will see collections of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, sultans’ garments, imperial jewels, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle, which holds relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next is the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Continuing to the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine sports and politics, you will view the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. You will also visit Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, and the Rustem Pasa Mosque. After the tour, return to your hotel around 5:00 PM. Overnight in Istanbul.

Departure from your hotel will be at 08:30 for a half-day Bosphorus cruise. You will first visit the Spice Bazaar, where the air is rich with the aromas of various spices, fruits, flowers, and local delicacies. Then, you will enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides Europe and Asia. From the boat, you will admire Ottoman palaces, historic wooden mansions, and luxurious modern residences. You will also see the Rumeli Fortress from the water, a magnificent military structure built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452. The cruise concludes with a unique experience of crossing from one continent to another via the Bosphorus Bridge. In the evening, you will take a flight to Kayseri and transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Your tour begins at 09:30 with a visit to Devrent Valley, located on the northern slopes of Aktepe. The valley is known for its surreal rock formations and pointed fairy chimneys. Next, you will see Love Valley, famed for its remarkable three-headed fairy chimneys. In Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery tradition dating back to 3000 BC, you will visit a local pottery workshop that uses red clay from the nearby Red River. The tour continues with a visit to Uchisar, a troglodyte town centered around a massive rock used as a fortress and offering panoramic views of Cappadocia and Mount Erciyes. The tour concludes around 5:00 PM with a return to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia. (Lunch included)

Your day begins at 09:30 with a full-day tour of South Cappadocia. You will explore Kızılçukur, an isolated valley near Ürgüp known for its hidden rock-cut churches and picturesque vineyard paths. In Çavuşin, one of the region’s oldest villages, you will visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which dates to the 5th century. You will then explore Mazıköy Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s largest and deepest subterranean complexes, with multiple levels and chambers. The final stop is Pigeon Valley, where you will see the ancient pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your evening flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, a Yuki Tour representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi. (Breakfast and Lunch included)

Your full-day tour begins at 09:00 with a visit to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will then proceed to Ephesus, the most well-preserved Greco-Roman city in the world, where highlights include the Celsus Library, Agora, Theatre, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Domitian, and Roman Latrines. After lunch, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where she spent her final days. Overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, you will depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, you will begin your guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is a spectacular natural site formed by calcium-rich hot spring waters cascading over the cliffs for thousands of years. Hierapolis, founded in 190 BC, was a healing and cultural center of the Roman Empire. Highlights include the basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. In the evening, you will take a bus to Bodrum. Overnight in Bodrum.

Today, you will enjoy a full-day boat trip with lunch served on board. Departing around 11:00 AM, the cruise explores the crystal-clear waters of the Bodrum coastline. You will stop at several scenic bays for swimming and snorkeling or relaxing in the sun. At Black Island, you may bathe in a grotto known for its warm mineral waters. The tour concludes around 5:00 PM. Overnight in Bodrum. (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included)

Today’s tour begins at 08:30 with a journey to Dalyan, a peaceful town known for its unspoiled nature. You will take a 45-minute boat ride to reach Iztuzu Beach, a nesting ground for endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles. You will also visit the ancient city of Caunos, founded in the 9th century BC, which features impressive rock-cut tombs believed to be royal burial sites. The tour provides insight into local history, beliefs, and natural beauty. Overnight in Bodrum. (Breakfast and Dinner included)

Today is free for you to relax or explore Bodrum at your own pace. In the evening, you will take a flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

At 08:30, you will depart for a full-day tour to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. En route, you will pass by four other islands known for their serene nature and historical charm. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the islands, so the traditional phaeton (horse-drawn carriage) remains the primary mode of transportation. You will enjoy a carriage ride through streets lined with elegant Ottoman mansions draped in bougainvillea. Lunch will be served at a waterfront seafood restaurant with views of Istanbul’s Asian shore. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight. We hope you enjoyed your journey with us and look forward to welcoming you again. (Breakfast included)