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Explore Turkey’s natural wonders and ancient treasures on this 5-day tour from Istanbul. Begin in Pamukkale, visiting Karahayit’s Red Springs, the ancient city of Hierapolis, and the striking Cotton Castle travertines. Fly on to Cappadocia, where you’ll discover the surreal landscapes of Devrent Valley, Pasabag Valley, and the Zelve Open Air Museum, with panoramic views of Uchisar Castle. Continue with hikes in the Red and Rose Valleys, visits to Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, and an Underground City. Conclude with the Green Tour, featuring Derinkuyu Underground City, Ihlara Valley, and the grand Selime Monastery. Book now for a journey blending history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes!
You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 AM for your transfer to the airport to catch your early morning flight to Denizli (between 6:00 – 7:00 AM as per your e-ticket). Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be met and transferred to Pamukkale to begin your full-day guided tour.
Around 10:45 AM, your first stop will be Karahayit, famous for its unique Red Spring Waters. After visiting Karahayit, you’ll head to Hierapolis around 11:30 AM. The ancient city of Hierapolis is home to several remarkable highlights, including the Necropolis of Hierapolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Plutonium, and the Theater. You’ll also have the opportunity to take photos at the most scenic spots in Pamukkale.
At around 12:30 PM, you'll break for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you'll have some free time to explore the natural wonders of Cotton Castle. During this time, you may opt to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense), a thermal pool nestled amidst ancient ruins.
At 1:30 PM, you'll regroup with your guide and have the unique experience of walking barefoot down the Pamukkale travertines (White Cliffs), allowing you to appreciate the delicate formations up close.
Your tour will finish at approximately 4:00 PM, and you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in.
Depending on available flights, you can fly from Denizli to Nevsehir or Kayseri via Istanbul, either in the morning or afternoon. Upon arrival at Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in.
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 your full-day North Cappadocia tour. Your first stop will be at the Devrent Valley to marvel at the unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit the Pasabag Valley (also known as Monks Valley), famous for its mushroom-shaped rock formations.
Following this, the tour continues to the charming city of Avanos, renowned for its pottery-making traditions. After lunch, you will explore the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you can experience a series of ancient caves and churches that highlight the region’s monastic history.
Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have a chance to stop at Uchisar Castle to take panoramic photos of the surrounding landscape. Please note that entry into the castle itself is not permitted.
The tour will end around 4:00 pm, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore, or participate in additional activities.
For extra activities, you can choose a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. All of these activities are available at an additional cost.
After breakfast, around 9:30 am, embark on your full-day guided tour of South Cappadocia. Your first stop will be the stunning Red Valley, where you can enjoy a 5 km hike through the picturesque Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi). This valley is famous for its striking rock formations and historical churches carved into the cliffs.
Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, known for its ancient houses and churches, which were once home to Christian clergymen. Following this, take a break for lunch around noon at a local restaurant.
Afterward, head to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), renowned for its pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, which were once used by locals to collect pigeon droppings for fertilizer.
In the afternoon, explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, fascinating subterranean settlements where early Christians sought refuge from persecution.
The tour will end at around 4:00 pm, and you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.
Optionally, in the evening, you can attend a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner. This event offers an immersive experience of Turkish culture, featuring live music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. Please note, this activity is available at an additional cost.
After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to join the full-day Green Tour of Cappadocia. The day starts with a visit to Esentepe, offering a stunning panoramic view of Göreme. This spot is ideal for capturing the enchanting landscape of the Göreme Valley. From there, the tour takes you to the Derinkuyu Underground City, a remarkably well-preserved subterranean complex dating back to the Hittites and later utilized by early Christians. This ancient city, with its intricate design including stables, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, provides a unique glimpse into historical survival strategies.
Next on the itinerary is the Ihlara Valley, where you embark on a scenic 4 km hike. This beautiful valley, dotted with small churches from the early Christian period, is a peaceful haven with a meandering stream and the gentle sounds of nature. After the hike, you will enjoy a delightful lunch in Belisirma Village, situated charmingly by the river.
The adventure continues with a visit to the 13th-century Selime Monastery. The tour’s final stop is at Yaprakhisar, known for its breathtaking panoramic views and as a filming location for the famous “Star Wars” movie.
At the end of the tour, around 3:30 pm, you will be transferred to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Departure times are subject to flight availability, typically between 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm, with the flight lasting approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.
Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.
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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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I recently joined the 5-Day Pamukkale and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul with All Istanbul Tours, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Everything was perfectly arranged—from airport transfers to hotel accommodations and guided tours.
Pamukkale was absolutely stunning. Walking barefoot along the white travertine terraces and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis felt like stepping into another world. Cappadocia, on the other hand, was pure magic. The Göreme Open-Air Museum, underground cities, and fairy chimneys were incredible to see up close. The highlight of the trip was definitely the hot air balloon ride at sunrise—an unforgettable moment that I’ll cherish forever.
Our guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and always made sure we were comfortable. I truly appreciated how seamless and stress-free the whole experience was.
Thank you to All Istanbul Tours for making this trip so special. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Turkey!