4-Day Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour (Starts in Istanbul and Ends in Izmir)

Small-group tour English-speaking guide Daily departures Hotel pickup included Best-price guarantee
5.00/5 (6 reviews)

Overview

Embark on the 4-Day Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour from Istanbul, combining Turkey’s most iconic landscapes and ancient wonders. Begin in North Cappadocia with Devrent Valley, Pasabag Valley, Avanos, the Zelve Open-Air Museum, and views of Uchisar Castle. Continue with South Cappadocia, exploring the Red and Rose Valleys, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, and an underground city such as Kaymakli or Ozkonak. Travel overnight to Pamukkale to marvel at the Cotton Cliffs, the healing Karahayit Red Springs, and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Conclude in Ephesus, discovering the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Isa Bey Mosque. Optional hot air balloon rides and cultural shows make this journey even more memorable. Reserve today and unlock Turkey’s timeless treasures!

Itinerary

Day 1Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to Cappadocia, where your full-day North Cappadocia tour will begin.

Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to stunning mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After exploring these natural wonders, you will head to Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery making.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and caves, providing a glimpse into the monastic history of the region. Towards the end of the day, you will stop at Uchisar Castle for panoramic photos. While entry into the castle itself is not permitted, the surrounding area offers beautiful views of the landscape.

After the tour, at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

For extra activities, you can choose one from the following options: a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. Please note that all activities are available at an additional cost, and you can join only one due to time constraints.

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

Day 2South Cappadocia Tour – Overnight local bus travel from Cappadocia to Pamukkale (650 km).

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 the tour, you’ll take an overnight bus to Pamukkale on a non-smoking, air-conditioned coach. The bus will leave the station at approximately 8:30 pm, and the ride will take about 10 hours. There will be three scheduled stops along the way for your personal needs.

  • Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

Upon your arrival at the Pamukkale/Denizli main bus station between 05:30 – 06:00 am, you will be transferred to a 2-star hotel in Pamukkale to freshen up and enjoy breakfast before starting your full-day tour. Please note that there will be no stay in the hotel room; it is simply a place to refresh and have a meal. After breakfast, you will meet the rest of the group in the hotel lobby to join the tour.

Today’s tour will start around 9:30 am, when you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your guided Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with a professional, licensed guide. The first stop will be Karahayit, where you’ll see the striking Red Spring Waters. Afterward, the tour will proceed to Pamukkale, where you’ll explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key highlights include the NecropolisRoman BathsDomitian GateLatrinaFrontinus StreetAgoraByzantium GateTriton FountainCathedralApollon TemplePlutonium, and the Theater.

Close to noon, you will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant to enjoy some local cuisine.

After lunch, you will be given some free time for approximately 60 minutes to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale. As an option, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time.

Next, you will meet with your guide to visit the famous Pamukkale Travertines, also known as Cotton Castle in Turkish. Here, mineral-rich thermal waters flow down stunning white terraces, creating one of Turkey’s most iconic natural landscapes. You’ll have the unique experience of walking barefoot along the terraces, from top to bottom.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will drive to Kusadasi, which will take approximately 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Kusadasi.

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

Day 4Ephesus Tour - Trip ends in Kusadasi

After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and be picked up around 8:30 am to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that became a significant center of its time. You’ll visit key highlights, including the Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Trajan Fountain.

After lunch, you’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her final years. You will also pass by the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though only a few traces remain today.

Next, you’ll visit the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture. Tour will end at approximately 4:00 pm.

There are two available options at the end of the Ephesus tour.

Option 1: You can end your tour in Kusadasi. This will be the end of our service.
Option 2: You can choose to be transferred to Izmir Airport to take a domestic or International flight or be transferred to the Kusadasi or Izmir main bus station to take a bus to another destination e.g. Bodrum, Marmaris, Antalya, Fethiye and Istanbul. The cost of the domestic flight ticket or bus ticket for your onward journey is not included. If you want we can arrange a domestic flight or bus ticket for you at an extra cost for your chosen next destination within Turkey. This will be the end of our tour service.

  • Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch

Featured Hotels

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

What's included

  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
  • Domestic flight ticket from Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir only
  • Overnight intercity coach ticket (Cappadocia to Pamukkale)
  • 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast
  • 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast
  • English-speaking guide during the tours
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary: (B) breakfast, (L) lunch
  • Entrance fees mentioned by the itinerary
  • Local taxes and service charges

What's not included

  • End of the Tour in Ephesus on Day 4, bus and/or flight tickets are not included.
  • 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.
  • Overnight buses do not have bathroom facilities.
  • Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
  • On Day 4 the tour finishes at approximately 4:00 pm. You have the option to be dropped off directly to the Izmir airport, Izmir bus station or in Kusadasi / Selcuk area. This will be the end of our tour service.
  • 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

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 6 reviews
5 stars 100%
4 stars 0%
3 stars 0%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
  1. Tanu B.

    My family and I embarked on a 4-day tour to Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus, marveling at the region’s natural beauty and historical treasures. Immaculate hotels, appetizing local cuisine, and knowledgeable, personable local guides made our experience unforgettable. We explored mesmerizing landscapes, ancient ruins, and vibrant local markets. A must-try for any traveler!

  2. Shailesh K.

    I had the pleasure of booking this tour with All Istanbul Tours Agency. I was extremely happy with the tour and services provided. The tour guide and driver were excellent. The hotels were clean and had great service. The itinerary was perfectly planned and easy to use. I would highly recommend using this company for your Turkey vacation.

  3. Ayushi C.

    I booked a four day tour to Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus with All Istanbul Tours and it was amazing! Ayhan was so helpful with the organization of the itinerary and the booking of the hotels and the tours.

  4. Pamela N.

    My experience in Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus was amazing. Comfortable transportation. Overall great experience!

  5. Michelle M

    Hi One Nation,

    We have really enjoyed our tour (especially the balloon ride this morning!). All transfers worked very well and we also enjoyed our tour guide for the past two days: Saveda. We also enjoyed the Flintstone Cave hotel – the accommodations were very comfortable and the staff was welcoming.

    We are boarding our bus shortly for Pamukkale and are really looking forward to our full day of tours tomorrow.

    With regard,

    Michelle

  6. John T

    This trip to Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus was fantastic. There is a lot to do and see. We highly recommend!

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