12-Day Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour

Small-group tour English-speaking guide Daily departures Hotel pickup included Best-price guarantee
5.00/5 (4 reviews)

Overview

Explore the best of Turkey on this 12-Day Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour, a multi-city group journey through six remarkable destinations. Begin in Istanbul with guided visits to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

Cruise the Bosphorus past Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, then fly to Konya to continue your adventure. This balanced itinerary combines history, culture, and natural wonders with expert guides, comfortable hotels, and select meals included. Book now to secure your place.

Highlights

  • Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
  • Explore the historic Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar
  • Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • Stroll the colorful Spice Market in Eminonu
  • Fly from Istanbul to Konya by domestic flight
  • Travel through six Turkish destinations in 12 days

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.

  • Overnight in Istanbul
  • Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day

Day 2Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures. The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from both Christian and Islamic cultures. Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture. From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of TheodosiusSerpent Column, and German Fountain. After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax. Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family. The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts. At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.

  • Overnight in Istanbul
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3Bosphorus Cruise - Fly from Istanbul to Konya

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the pier in Eminonu, where you'll make a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This vibrant marketplace offers an array of colorful spices, dried fruits, teas, and souvenirs, providing a true taste of Istanbul's culture. Following this, you'll board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the narrow waterway dividing Europe and Asia while connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. As you sail, enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul’s stunning waterfront landmarks, including the Dolmabahce Palace, the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, which connects the continents of Europe and Asia. At the end of the tour, you'll return to your hotel around 12:15 pm to pick up your luggage. Then, you will be transferred to Istanbul's domestic airport for your flight to Konya, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Upon your arrival in Konya, a representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.

  • Overnight in Konya
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4Konya Tour - From Konya to Cappadocia by Intercity Bus (235 km)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 am. Visiting first the Tomb of Rumi in the glittering Mevlana Museum, an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims and indeed all lovers of Rumi. Next door, we visit the Ottoman-era Sultan Selim mosque before having lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant.

We drive along Mevlana Caddesi, Konya’s main avenue, to reach the age-old Alaettin Hill (a prehistoric tumulus) to visit the 1000-year-old Alaaddin Mosque, where Rumi often prayed. In its courtyard are the tombs of many of the Seljuk Turkish sultans who ruled during Rumi’s lifetime, and who consulted him for spiritual guidance.

Walking down the north side of Alaettin Hill we pass the remains of the Seljuk sultan’s palace, then cross the street for a view of the elaborate portal of the medieval Great Karatay Medrese theological college, after which we walk to the Mosque and Tomb of Sems-i Tabrizi, Rumi’s closest companion, spiritual mentor, and inspiration for many of his poetic works. At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to the Konya bus station.

From here you will board the intercity day coach to Cappadocia (duration 3 hours). Upon your arrival at the Goreme bus station in Cappadocia, you will be met at the bus station and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

  • Overnight in Cappadocia
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an extra cost. After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia.

Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches. Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore the city at your own pace, or participate in optional activities. For additional activities, you can choose a Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the enchanting Sufi tradition.

All these activities are available at an extra cost.

  • Overnight in Cappadocia
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6South Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Cappadocia’s valleys. Please note that this activity is available at an extra cost. After breakfast at the hotel around 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day South Cappadocia Tour.

Your tour guide will brief you on the day’s itinerary before starting with a visit to the Red Valley, where you will explore its famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the scenic Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, known for its ancient houses and churches of Christian clergymen. After exploring this historical village, you will take a break for lunch around noon. After lunch, the tour will continue with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), famous for its pigeon houses carved into the cliffs.

In the afternoon, you will visit either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge during periods of persecution. After your full-day tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel at approximately 4:00 pm.

The rest of the day is free for personal exploration or relaxation.

  • Overnight in Cappadocia
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7Fly to Antalya

After breakfast check out of the hotel in Cappadocia. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Kayseri Airport to take your flight to Antalya through Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Antalya.

Check into your hotel in Antalya and the rest of the day is free.

  • Overnight in Antalya
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 8Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 8:00 am to begin your tour. The first stop is Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC and one of the largest ancient cities in the Pamphylia region. From there, you will depart for the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, an exceptionally well-preserved structure built in the 2nd century A.D.

With a capacity of 15,000, the theater is still used for festivals and concerts today. Afterwards, there will be a lunch break at a restaurant by a nearby river before heading to Side (pronounced “Seeday”). Side is one of Turkey’s best-preserved classical ancient cities, known as a port city that once hosted the largest slave market in the region.

During Roman times, significant construction occurred here, including the large theaterRoman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo. You will have 1 hour of free time in Side to explore the city and enjoy the sea. On the return trip to Antalya, there will be a stop at the Manavgat Waterfall.

Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Antalya, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

  • Overnight in Antalya
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 9Travel from Antalya to Pamukkale by Bus (180 km)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Antalya’s main bus station, where you will board the intercity coach to Denizli (duration: approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival at Denizli bus station, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale.

The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

  • Overnight in Pamukkale
  • Meals included today: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 10Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour - Transfer from Pamukkale to Kusadasi (188 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be picked up around 10:30 am to begin your tour. The first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, where St.

Philip was martyred. After exploring these historical sites, you will enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, travel to Karahayit, known for its red water and healing thermal springs. Next, you’ll visit the famous Cotton Cliffs, also known as Cotton Castle, in Pamukkale.

You will have 1 hour of free time to explore the terraces and enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, you will have the option to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools for an extra fee. At around 4:00 pm, you will depart for Kusadasi (approximately 3 hours).

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

  • Overnight in Kusadasi
  • Meals included today: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 11Ephesus Tour — Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, check out of your hotel around 8:30 am. You’ll be picked up for an enriching full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities and once a major Greek port and cultural center. Your tour begins with a walk along the Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading you to some of its most remarkable sites.

One of the first stops is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure with intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing on, you’ll reach the impressive Great Theater, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is still known for its acoustics.

Here, your guide will share stories about the theater’s role in hosting gatherings, dramas, and even gladiatorial contests. Next, you’ll see the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire its detailed carvings and learn about its significance in the city’s water supply system.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a hillside. This modest stone house is believed to be the place where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It remains a pilgrimage site and a place for quiet reflection.

The journey then takes you to the Temple of Artemis. Although only a few columns remain, this once-grand temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a powerful symbol of the city’s importance in ancient times. Your final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture from the 14th century, with beautiful courtyards and intricate tile work that reflect the blend of cultures in the region.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.

  • Overnight in Istanbul
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 12Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Featured Hotels

Hand-picked hotels for your stay — view our featured options for each city.

What's included

  • Arrival, departure airport transfers, and ground transportation.
  • Domestic flights and bus tickets as per the itinerary.
  • English-speaking guide during the tours.
  • 3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Konya at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
  • 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel with breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Antalya at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
  • 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
  • Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner).
  • Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary.
  • Local taxes and service charges.

What's not included

  • International Flight Tickets.
  • Visa to enter Turkey.
  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
  • Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
  • Services not mentioned in the program.
  • Drinks with meals.
  • Travel insurance (recommended).

Good to know

  • The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
  • This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
  • The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
  • For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation.
  • For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation.
  • For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
  • For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation.
  • For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation.
  • Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
  • Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
  • Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
  • During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
  • You can swim in the Antique pool in Pamukkale. However, please note that there is an extra charge that you will have to pay directly at your own expense before entry to the pools. This entrance fee to the pools is not covered as part of your tour.

    Please note that you must bring your own towel, swimsuit etc. if you need to use the pools.

  • On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make an online reservation?

Booking your 12-Day Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour is quick and easy through our secure online reservation form. Simply select your preferred departure date, enter your travel details, and submit your request to receive instant confirmation. Our team is also available to assist you if you have any questions during the booking process.

How can we make payment?

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, processed through our secure online payment gateway. You may choose to pay the full amount upfront or take advantage of our deposit option to reserve your place, with the balance due before the tour begins. All transactions are encrypted to ensure your information remains safe.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

You will receive an instant confirmation email as soon as your booking is completed. Your final travel voucher, including hotel details, pickup times, and your guide's contact information, will be sent to you 24 to 48 hours before the tour starts. This ensures you have all the up-to-date details for your arrival in Istanbul.

Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride included in the tour?

The famous Cappadocia hot air balloon flight is not included in the standard tour price, as it is offered as an optional activity at an additional cost. We highly recommend booking this unforgettable sunrise experience in advance, as availability is weather-dependent and spaces fill quickly. Our local representative in Cappadocia will be happy to help you arrange it during your stay.

What should I wear when visiting the Blue Mosque and other mosques?

When visiting active places of worship such as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and the Alaaddin Mosque in Konya, modest dress is required. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Shoes must be removed before entering, so comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear is recommended.

What is the luggage allowance for the domestic flight from Istanbul to Konya?

On Day 3, you will take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Konya, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Domestic flights in Turkey typically allow around 15 kg of checked baggage plus a small cabin bag, though allowances can vary by airline. We recommend packing light and confirming the exact limit on your final voucher to avoid any excess baggage fees.

How long is the journey from Konya to Cappadocia?

After your guided tour of Konya on Day 4, including the Mevlana Museum and Alaaddin Mosque, you will travel to Cappadocia by intercity day coach. The bus journey covers around 235 km and takes approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival at the Goreme bus station, our team will meet you and transfer you to your cave hotel for check-in.

Which hotels will I be staying in during the tour?

This tour features comfortable, standard-quality accommodation throughout. In Istanbul you'll stay at the Antea Hotel Oldcity, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar, in Konya at the Hilton Garden Inn Konya or Novotel Konya or similar, and in Cappadocia at atmospheric cave hotels such as Heaven Cave House or Romantic Cave Hotel or similar. Final hotel assignments will be confirmed on your travel voucher.

Is Turkey safe for tourists?

Yes, Turkey is a welcoming and popular destination that draws millions of international visitors each year. As a licensed travel agency operating since 2007, All Istanbul Tours ensures you travel with experienced local guides and reliable transfers throughout your journey. As with any destination, we recommend taking normal travel precautions and following your guide's advice.

What is the best time to visit Cappadocia?

The best times to visit Cappadocia are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing and balloon flights. Summer can be hot but remains very popular, while winter offers a magical snow-dusted landscape. The clear morning skies during the shoulder seasons also provide excellent conditions for the optional hot air balloon experience.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

Many nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free or with a simple online e-Visa, which can be obtained quickly through the official Turkish government website before you travel. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so we recommend checking the latest rules well in advance of your tour. If you have any questions, our team is happy to point you in the right direction.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

If you need to cancel your tour or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour start date. As this tour includes domestic flights and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, the cost of these tickets will be deducted from your payment and the remaining balance refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the start date, no refund will be issued and the booking will be treated under our no-show policy.

Reviews

5.0/5
Based on 4 reviews
5 stars 100%
4 stars 0%
3 stars 0%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
  1. Sapna K.

    My husband and I were very happy during 12 days Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale and Ephesus tour. All the airport pick up was on time, hotels very comfortable and the Guides very informative and polite. by the word, we had a wonderful and memorable trip in Turkey. We can highly recommend it.

  2. Megan L.

    We did the 12 days Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale and Ephesus tour with All Istanbul Tours. Our tour guides was amazing, the accommodations were nice, and the excursions were amazing. Our tour guides was very knowledgeable about the history of Turkey and the country’s culture, which made the tour even more fascinating. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience Turkey’s diverse culture.

  3. Shekar P.

    All Istanbul Tours exceeded our expectations! Everything was arranged according to our wishes. All Istanbul Tours travel worked with us to maximize our time in Turkey. All transports and tours were as scheduled. All the guides and drivers were friendly and very helpful. Highly recommend!

  4. Chuck R.

    We used All Istanbul Tours for our trip to Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale and Ephesus. We had a trip we’ll never forget. Very well planned and organized trip, very good, friendly and knowledgable guides.

    I would definitely recommend using All Istanbul Tours.

Ask a question

Interested in This Tour?

Fill out the form below and our travel experts will get back to you within 2 hours with a personalized response.

Share this tour:

Similar Tours You May Like

Explore more adventures in the same region