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Visit Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Ankara on this 12-day group tour that starts and ends in Istanbul. You begin with an airport transfer and a free first day, then a full guided day through Byzantine and Ottoman sites including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
A morning Bosphorus cruise and a stop at the Spice Market follow, before an evening flight to Kayseri for the Cappadocia leg. The route continues across Turkey with breakfast included each morning, plus lunch on the Istanbul touring day. It’s a clear, well-paced way to see the country’s main highlights.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be met by our representative at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with our agency code for identification. Following a brief meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to rest after your journey or explore the city independently. 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.
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 Theodosius, Serpent 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.
After the tour ends around 5:00 pm, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you wish to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax and unwind at the hotel.
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 Eminönü, where you will have a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you’ll board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, along with centuries-old mansions, citadels, and the stunning European and Asian shorelines.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 12:15 pm to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri, which is approximately 1.5 hours in duration.
Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the rest of the evening is free to relax.
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 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 mesmerizing Sufi tradition.
Alternatively, you may opt for a Turkish Night show with dinner, which includes traditional Turkish music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. All these activities are available at an extra cost.
After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The guide will provide a briefing on the day’s activities before starting with a visit to the Red Valley, where you’ll explore renowned rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).
Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon. Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes.
In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge. At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your own pace.
After breakfast, before checking out from your hotel in Cappadocia, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to Kayseri Airport. You’ll then board a flight to Antalya, with a connection in Istanbul. Upon arrival in Antalya, another representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
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 theater, Roman 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.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Antalya’s main bus station, where you will board the intercity coach to Denizli (duration: 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 Pamukkale at your leisure.
After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Pamukkale. At around 10:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Today’s tour will start around 10:30 am with the first stop at Karahayit, where you can see the famous Red Spring Waters, known for their unique thermal properties.
Afterward, the tour will proceed to Pamukkale, where you’ll explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key sites you’ll visit include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater.
Following this, you will enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have 1 hour of free time to explore the natural wonders of Pamukkale. During this time, you may also choose to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools (optional, at your own expense).
Later, you will meet back with the guide and the group at the designated meeting point to take a walk along the famous Cotton Cliffs (travertines). After the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, arriving at approximately 7:30 pm for check-in.
Once settled, you can relax and enjoy the evening at your leisure.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel at around 8:30 am. You will then be picked up to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that played a vital role as a cultural and commercial hub in its time. During your visit, you’ll explore key highlights such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.
After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last years. Next, you will pass by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though little remains of the structure today.
Then, explore the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture. After the tour, at approximately 4:00 pm, you will be driven to Izmir Airport for your late evening flight to Ankara via Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative holding a sign with your name and transferred to your hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 9:00 am for a city tour of Ankara. Key sites include the Mausoleum of Ataturk, a tribute to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing artifacts from the Paleolithic to Urartian periods, which highlight Central Anatolia’s rich history.
At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to Ankara Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our airport representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel.
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.
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Booking your 12-Day Turkey Tour is quick and easy through our secure online booking form on our website. Simply select your preferred departure date, enter your details, and submit your reservation to receive instant confirmation. Our team is also available to assist you should you have any questions during the process.
We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express through our secure payment gateway, ensuring your transaction is safe and protected. You may choose to pay the full amount at the time of booking or secure your spot with a deposit, with the balance due before the tour begins. All payments are processed in a fully encrypted environment for your peace of mind.
You will receive an instant confirmation email as soon as your booking is completed, outlining the key details of your tour. Your final travel voucher, which includes hotel information and meeting points, will be sent to you 24–48 hours before the tour start date. Please check your inbox (and spam folder) and contact us if anything is missing.
The hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's valleys is an optional activity available at an additional cost and is not included in the standard tour price. We highly recommend it, as the early morning flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the fairy chimneys and unique landscapes. Please let us know in advance if you'd like to add this unforgettable experience to your itinerary.
As the Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, modest dress is required for entry. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women are asked to cover their hair with a scarf. Scarves are usually available at the entrance, but we suggest bringing your own and wearing easily removable shoes, as you'll need to take them off before entering.
This tour includes domestic flights, such as the evening flight from Istanbul to Kayseri for your transfer to Cappadocia. Domestic flight luggage allowances are typically more limited than international flights, often around 15 kg for checked baggage plus a small cabin bag, depending on the airline. We recommend packing light and confirming the exact allowance with us before departure to avoid any extra fees.
Yes, Pamukkale is famous for its stunning white travertine terraces filled with warm, mineral-rich thermal waters where you can wade and relax. You may also visit the nearby Cleopatra's Antique Pool for an additional fee, where you can swim among ancient Roman columns. We recommend bringing a swimsuit and a towel, as walking on the terraces is done barefoot to protect this natural wonder.
You'll stay in carefully selected standard-quality hotels throughout the tour, such as Antea Hotel, Muyan Suites, or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel (or similar) in Istanbul. In Cappadocia, you'll enjoy an authentic cave hotel experience at Heaven Cave House, Zula Cave House, or Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel (or similar). All accommodations are comfortable and well-located, and final hotel details will be confirmed in your travel voucher.
Turkey is a popular and welcoming destination that warmly hosts millions of visitors each year, and tourist areas like Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Pamukkale are generally very safe. As with any travel, we recommend using common sense, keeping your belongings secure, and following your guide's advice. With our experienced local representatives and guides accompanying you throughout, you'll be in good hands every step of the way.
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. Summers can be hot but still enjoyable, while winters offer a magical snow-covered landscape over the fairy chimneys. Whenever you travel, our tour is designed to showcase Cappadocia's surreal beauty at its best.
Many nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, though numerous countries are eligible for the convenient e-Visa, which can be obtained quickly online before your trip. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so we strongly recommend checking the official Turkish e-Visa website or your local consulate well in advance. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
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.
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Joining the 12-Day Turkey Tour was truly the best travel decision we’ve ever made. From the vibrant streets of Istanbul to magical Cappadocia, the stunning coast of Antalya, the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, the ancient city of Ephesus, and historic Ankara, every destination offered something unforgettable.
Everything was well organized — hotels were comfortable, transfers smooth, and the guides were friendly and knowledgeable. We could simply enjoy the journey without any worries.
Many thanks to Can Berber for his outstanding support and to the All Istanbul Tours office for arranging such an incredible trip. Highly recommended to anyone planning to explore Turkey!