6-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour with Flights

Small-group tour English-speaking guide Daily departures Hotel pickup included Best-price guarantee
5.00/5 (2 reviews)

Overview

Explore Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia on this 6-day Turkey tour with included domestic flights. You arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen, where a representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel for check-in.

A full day in Istanbul covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar with a guide. From there you fly to Denizli for a guided day at Pamukkale and Hierapolis, including Karahayit’s red springs and the Cotton Cliffs, before continuing to Kusadasi. Breakfast and select lunches are included, with optional add-ons like the Bosphorus dinner cruise available at extra cost.

Highlights

  • Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
  • Browse the Grand Bazaar’s thousands of shops
  • Fly from Istanbul to Denizli for Pamukkale
  • Tour ancient Hierapolis and its Roman theater
  • Walk along Pamukkale’s famous Cotton Cliffs
  • See Karahayit’s red thermal spring waters

Itinerary

Day 1Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

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.

Alternatively, you may choose to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, which offers a delightful evening with dinner and live entertainment while cruising along the Bosphorus. Please note, this activity comes at an extra cost.

  • 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.

The tour will end around 5:00 pm, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether exploring more of Istanbul on your own or simply relaxing.

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

Day 3Fly from Istanbul to Denizli - Pamukkale Tour - Transfer to Kusadasi for Overnight Stay

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 am. Upon arrival at Denizli Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to Pamukkale, where you’ll meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Today’s tour will start around 10:45 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 start exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis. Key sites you’ll visit include the NecropolisRoman BathsDomitian GateAgoraTriton FountainPlutonium, and the Theater.

Following this, a lunch break will be served 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.

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

Day 4Ephesus Tour – Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Izmir

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel at around 8:30 am. You will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that became an important cultural and commercial center of its time. Your visit includes 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 your tour ends at 4:00 pm, you'll be transferred to Izmir Airport for a late-evening flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, with a connecting flight in Istanbul. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel in Cappadocia.

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

Day 5Full Day Cappadocia Tour - Fly back to Istanbul

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 a full-day guided tour of Cappadocia, exploring its enchanting landscapes, historic sites, and unique rock formations.

Your morning begins at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you’ll discover ancient cave churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Following this, enjoy the panoramic views of Pigeon Valley, famous for its pigeon houses carved into volcanic rock. You’ll then have a brief photo stop at Uçhisar Castle, where you can capture the stunning surrounding landscapes, although the interior of Uçhisar Castle itself is not part of the tour.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional Cappadocian cuisine. In the afternoon, the tour continues to Pasabag Valley, home to Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and otherworldly geological formations. Next, you’ll explore the multi-level Kaymakli Underground City, a historical marvel where ancient communities once found refuge. The tour then takes you to Devrent Valley, or Imagination Valley, known for its surreal lunar landscape and rock formations shaped like animals.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for a late-evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, a representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for an overnight stay.

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

Day 6Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 11:00 am) 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

  • All transfers mentioned in the itinerary, including arrivals and departures.
  • Domestic flight tickets (Istanbul to Izmir, Izmir to Kayseri, and Kayseri to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
  • Tours and activities as outlined in the itinerary.
  • 3 nights in Istanbul at a Special Class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
  • 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
  • 1 night in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
  • Professional, licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
  • All entrance fees for sites mentioned in 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.
  • Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The hot air balloon ride operates in optimum weather conditions. The decision for the flight to take off on any given day is decided by the local government at the last minute depending on weather conditions to ensure passenger safety.

    If your paid and scheduled hot air balloon ride gets cancelled by the tour company at the last minute for weather conditions, we will provide you with a refund of USD 360.00 for the hot air balloon ride if you have it booked with us.

Frequently asked questions

How can I make an online reservation?

Booking with All Istanbul Tours is quick and easy through our secure online reservation form. Simply select your preferred departure date for the 6-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Cappadocia Tour, enter your traveler details, and submit your request to receive instant confirmation. Our team is also available to assist you should you have any questions during the process.

How can we make payment?

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, and Mastercard through our secure payment gateway, so your details remain fully protected. You may choose to pay the full amount upfront or reserve your place with a deposit and settle the balance later. As a licensed agency operating since 2007, we ensure every transaction is handled safely and transparently.

When will I receive confirmation after booking?

You will receive an instant confirmation email as soon as your booking is completed online. Your final travel voucher, including hotel details, pickup times and your representative's contact information, will be sent 24 to 48 hours before the tour begins. This gives you ample time to prepare 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 and is available as an optional add-on at extra cost. We highly recommend booking it in advance, as it offers a truly unforgettable sunrise view over the fairy chimneys and valleys. Please let us know if you would like us to arrange this for you.

What should I wear when visiting the mosques on this tour?

When visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and the Isa Bey Mosque near Ephesus, modest dress is required as these are active places of worship. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should bring a scarf to cover their hair. Comfortable shoes that are easy to remove are also helpful, as you will need to take them off before entering.

Can I swim at Pamukkale during the tour?

Yes, during your free time at Pamukkale you may choose to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools, a relaxing thermal pool filled with mineral-rich waters and submerged ancient columns. This experience is optional and at your own expense. You will also have time to walk barefoot along the famous white Cotton Cliffs (travertines), so bringing a swimsuit and towel is a great idea.

What is the luggage allowance for the domestic flights?

This tour includes several domestic flights, from Istanbul to Denizli, Izmir to Cappadocia (via Istanbul), and back to Istanbul, which are operated by Turkish domestic carriers. The standard allowance is typically one piece of checked baggage of around 15 kg plus a small carry-on, though this can vary by airline. We recommend packing light to make your transfers and early-morning departures smoother.

Which hotels will I stay in during this tour?

You will stay in carefully selected standard-quality hotels in each destination: Muyan Suites, Antea Hotel Oldcity or Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel (or similar) in Istanbul, Efe Boutique Hotel, Neopol Hotel Deluxe or Derici Hotel (or similar) in Kusadasi, and authentic cave hotels such as Heaven Cave House, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or Romantic Cave Hotel (or similar) in Cappadocia. The specific hotel is confirmed on your final voucher, and all stays include breakfast.

Is Turkey safe for tourists?

Yes, Turkey is a very popular and welcoming destination that hosts millions of international visitors each year, and the tourist areas on this itinerary are safe and well-established. As a licensed agency operating since 2007, we ensure you are accompanied by professional guides and representatives throughout your journey. As with any travel, we simply recommend using common sense and keeping your belongings secure in busy areas like the Grand Bazaar.

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 popular, while winter offers a magical snow-dusted landscape. Whenever you travel, Cappadocia's surreal valleys and cave hotels make it a highlight of this tour.

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

Many nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free or with a simple e-Visa, which can be obtained quickly online before your trip. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so we recommend checking the official Turkish e-Visa website for the most up-to-date information. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.

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 2 reviews
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  1. Madeline C.

    Taking the 6-Day Turkey Tour was a fantastic way to experience so many highlights in a short time. Istanbul amazed us with its rich history and vibrant culture, Pamukkale’s white terraces were simply stunning, Ephesus brought ancient history to life, and Cappadocia was magical with its unique landscapes and cave hotels.

    The organization was excellent — transfers were on time, hotels were comfortable, and the guides were knowledgeable and very helpful. Everything went smoothly, which allowed us to just enjoy and make memories.

    Many thanks to the All Istanbul Tours team for making this trip so easy and unforgettable. I will definitely recommend this tour to others!

  2. Christine R.

    We recently enjoyed the 6-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Cappadocia Tour organized by All Istanbul Tours. The tour guides were remarkably knowledgeable, bringing each historical site to life with their insights. The accommodations provided were clean and comfortable, adding to our overall satisfaction. This tour offered by All Istanbul Tours was a wonderful way to explore Turkey’s rich history and stunning landscapes with friends.

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