9 Days Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia By Plane - Discover Turkey's Wonders

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred directly to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace. Overnight in Istanbul.

At 8:30 in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and meet your professional tour guide for a comprehensive full-day tour of Istanbul’s most iconic historical sites. The itinerary includes visits to the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture; the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles; the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of sporting and political events during the Roman Empire; the vibrant Grand Bazaar, renowned for its wide array of carpets, jewelry, and leather goods; the majestic Topkapi Palace, the former administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire; and the beautifully adorned Rustem Pasa Mosque. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be returned to your hotel at approximately 5:00 PM. Overnight in Istanbul. (Breakfast, Lunch)

At 8:30 , you will be collected from your hotel for a half-day excursion along the Bosphorus. The first stop will be the historic Spice Bazaar, where the aromas of exotic spices fill the air and stalls overflow with dried fruits, nuts, teas, Turkish delight, and more. Following this, you will embark on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, providing unforgettable views of grand Ottoman palaces, elegant wooden mansions, and landmarks along both the European and Asian shores of the city. The tour ends around 1:00 PM with return transfer to your hotel. In the evening, you will take a flight to Izmir. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Following breakfast, you will depart Kusadasi for Pamukkale. Upon arrival, your guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis will begin. Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Adjacent to this natural wonder lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, a former healing center during Roman times, featuring remarkable ruins including a theatre, Roman baths, and basilica. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Your full-day Ephesus tour begins at 9:00 AM. The first visit will be to the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will then explore the spectacular ruins of Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. After a lunch break, the tour continues with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be where she spent her final days. After the tour concludes, you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight to Kayseri. Overnight in a cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Today’s full-day tour of North Cappadocia starts at 9:30 AM. The first destination is Devrent Valley, known for its surreal rock formations and fairy chimneys. You will then visit Pasabag, also called Monks Valley, which offers some of the most remarkable examples of multi-headed fairy chimneys. The tour continues in Avanos, a town famous for its traditional pottery workshops dating back to 3000 BC, where you will witness pottery-making using clay from the Red River. Next, you will visit Uchisar, a unique troglodyte village dominated by a massive rock-castle that offers panoramic views of the region. After the tour, you will return to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast, Lunch)

At 9:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The day begins with a walk through Kizilcukur, or Red Valley, renowned for its striking rock formations and hidden rock-carved churches. You will then visit Cavusin, one of the oldest settlements in the area, notable for the Church of St. John the Baptist and its scenic views. The tour continues with a visit to one of Cappadocia’s vast underground cities, such as Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, which extend down multiple levels and served as shelter for ancient civilizations. The final stop is the Pigeon Valley, where you will observe the ancient pigeon houses carved into the rocks. After the tour, you will retrieve your luggage from the hotel and be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

At 8:30 , you will depart from the European side of Istanbul and drive across the Bosphorus via the First Bridge to reach the Asian side, passing through districts such as Kadikoy and Bostanci, where you will enjoy views of local life on this side of the city. From Bostanci, you will board a boat to the Princes’ Islands. The tour focuses on Buyukada, the largest and most famous of the islands. Here you will see historic landmarks including Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery, Ayios Dimitrios Church, and the Hristos Monastery. A delicious lunch will be served at a seaside restaurant. After a brief guided tour of the island's charming town center, you will have free time to explore the shores of Buyukada by renting a bicycle or enjoying a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage. Since motor vehicles are not permitted on the islands, this peaceful retreat will be a highlight of your journey. On your return, the ferry will pass by the other islands—Heybeli, Burgaz, and Kinali—before reaching Kabatas on the European side. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel by 12:00 . You will then be transferred to Istanbul Ataturk Airport according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your tour and services. Should you wish to extend your stay in Istanbul with additional nights, please let us know.