7-Day Istanbul, Pamukkale, Konya and Cappadocia Tour
Overview
From Hagia Sophia to Pamukkale’s white terraces and Cappadocia’s carved caves, this seven-day route gives you three very different sides of Turkey. Start in Istanbul, where your guide connects the city’s Byzantine and Ottoman past through its mosques, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. You’ll explore with fellow travelers, with lunch included on your Istanbul sightseeing day and time to explore independently between tours.
Fly to Denizli for Pamukkale, where you’ll walk barefoot across the travertines and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. Swimming in the antique pools is an optional extra. The overland journey continues through Konya, a former Silk Road trading center associated with Rumi, before reaching Cappadocia for two nights in a cave hotel.
In Cappadocia, mushroom-shaped pinnacles, rock-cut churches and underground passages bring the landscape into focus. You’ll explore Zelve Open Air Museum, hike approximately five kilometers through Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi), and visit Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City. Bring comfortable walking shoes for these active sightseeing days. An optional balloon ride costs extra. Domestic flights and the scheduled transfers connect the route, returning you to Istanbul for your final night.
Highlights
- Explore Hagia Sophia with your English-speaking guide
- Walk through Topkapi Palace on your Istanbul tour
- Walk barefoot across Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces
- Explore Hierapolis and its ancient Roman remains
- Visit Konya on the overland route to Cappadocia
- See Pasabag Valley’s distinctive mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles
- Explore carved caves at Zelve Open Air Museum
- Hike approximately five kilometers through Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi)
Itinerary
Day 1Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day
Arrive in Istanbul at any time, landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW). Our team will meet you at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with your name. From there, we'll transfer you to your hotel.
The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. If you decide to explore on foot, wear comfortable shoes and set your own walking pace.
For an optional evening activity, you can join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. No meals are included in today's tour program.
You'll stay overnight in Istanbul at Muyan Suites, Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel, Albatros Premier Hotel, or a similar standard-quality property.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
- Included Meal(s): None
Day 2Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour
After breakfast, we'll pick you up from your Istanbul hotel at around 8:30 AM. You'll begin a full-day tour with your English-speaking guide and fellow travelers. Entrance tickets for the scheduled visits are included.
You'll visit Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, also called Sultan Ahmet Mosque. You'll also explore the Hippodrome at Sultanahmet Square, part of the city's Roman heritage. On Fridays, the Blue Mosque visit is outside only because of religious prayer services.
Lunch is included at a central city restaurant. Your sightseeing also includes Topkapi Palace, connecting the day's Byzantine and Roman sights with Istanbul's Ottoman past. Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the sites, and bring modest clothing for mosque visits.
You'll visit the historical Grand Bazaar, with more than 4,000 stores. The bazaar is closed on Sundays and during religious holidays. The sightseeing order may change.
After the tour, we'll transfer you back to your hotel at approximately 5:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you like. You'll stay overnight in Istanbul.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3Fly to Denizli from Istanbul — Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour
Your day starts early, with pickup from your Istanbul hotel for your airport transfer. Your flight to Denizli departs between 6:00 and 7:00 AM, as shown on your e-ticket. On arrival, you'll be picked up and transferred to Pamukkale, where you'll meet your professional guide and fellow travelers.
At around 10:00 AM, you'll visit Karahayit to see the Red Spring Waters. We'll then drive to Pamukkale and begin exploring Hierapolis at around 10:30 AM. You'll see the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Temple of Apollo, Plutonium, Theater, and Antique Pool.
You'll also have opportunities to photograph Pamukkale before approximately 60 minutes of free time at around 12:30 PM. You can explore the terraces or choose an optional swim in the antique pools at your own expense. Bring a swimsuit if you'd like to swim.
At around 1:30 PM, you'll meet your guide for the walk down the Pamukkale travertines, also called the “cotton castle.” You'll walk from top to bottom without shoes or socks, so wear footwear that's easy to remove. At around 2:30 PM, we'll take you to a local restaurant for your included lunch.
After lunch, you'll visit an Onyx Factory at around 3:30 PM for approximately 30 minutes. We'll then transfer you to your Pamukkale hotel for check-in and your overnight stay. Breakfast and dinner are also included today.
- Overnight in Pamukkale.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4Pamukkale to Cappadocia via Konya
After breakfast, you'll check out of your Pamukkale hotel and set out toward Cappadocia via Konya. This part of the journey takes approximately five hours, covering 400 km.
Along the way, you'll visit Konya, a former Silk Road trading center associated with Rumi (Mevlana) and the Whirling Dervishes. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring during the stop, and keep water handy for the drive. You'll have the option to stop for lunch before continuing.
After the optional lunch, we'll continue to Cappadocia, driving about 2.5 hours (165 km). You'll be transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. Accommodation is at Holiday Cave Hotel, Heaven Cave House, Ottoman Cave Suites, or a similar cave hotel.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5North Cappadocia Tour
You can book an optional early-morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia's valleys at an extra cost. After breakfast, we'll pick you up from your hotel at around 9:30 AM. You'll join your guide and fellow travelers for a full-day tour of North Cappadocia.
Your first stop is Devrent Valley, where you'll see fairy chimneys. Next, visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see its mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Wear comfortable shoes for walking at the sightseeing stops, and bring sun protection.
We'll then drive to Avanos and take a break for lunch, which is included. After lunch, you'll explore Zelve Open Air Museum. Its carved caves and ancient churches offer a look at Cappadocia's monastic past.
Before returning, you'll have about 15 minutes to photograph the natural rock castles of Uchisar. We'll transfer you back to your hotel at around 4:00 PM. The rest of the day is free to explore independently or consider optional activities. You'll spend another night at your cave hotel in Cappadocia.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6South Cappadocia Tour - Fly back to Istanbul
After breakfast, we'll pick you up from your Cappadocia hotel at around 9:30 AM. You'll meet your guide and fellow travelers for a full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day's activities before you set out.
You'll begin at Red Valley, exploring rock-cut churches before hiking approximately 5 km through Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi). Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water for the hike. Next, you'll visit Cavusin Village to see its old houses and churches.
We'll stop at around noon for your included lunch, then drive to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi). In the afternoon, you'll explore Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians once lived.
After the tour, we'll transfer you to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late-evening flight to Istanbul. On arrival, our team will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. You'll stay overnight in Istanbul at Muyan Suites, Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel, Albatros Premier Hotel, or a similar property.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7Departure from Istanbul - End of Tour Service
After breakfast, you'll check out of your Istanbul hotel before 12:00 noon.
We'll then transfer you to Istanbul International Airport, with timing based on your flight details.
Your tour and our services end with this airport transfer. Thanks for traveling with us.
- Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Featured Hotels
Hand-picked hotels for your stay — view our featured options for each city.
Featured Hotels
Pamukkale
Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel
4 Star
Colossae Thermal Hotel
4 Star
Istanbul
Antea Hotel Oldcity
4 StarBoutique
Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel
4 Star
Muyan Suites
4 StarBoutique
Cappadocia
Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel
Cave Hotel
Heaven Cave House
Cave Hotel
Holiday Cave Hotel
Cave Hotel
Romantic Cave Hotel
Cave Hotel
Zula Cave House
Cave Hotel
Hotels are subject to availability; alternatives of an equal standard may be provided.
What's included
- 6 nights of accommodation with breakfast: 3 nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star hotels, 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, and 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel.
- Arrival meet-and-greet and hotel transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW) on Day 1.
- Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Denizli and from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul, with the airport transfers specified in the itinerary.
- Overland transfer from Pamukkale to Cappadocia via Konya, including the Konya visit and transfer to your Cappadocia hotel.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off for sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary.
- Full-day group tours of Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks, Pamukkale and Hierapolis, North Cappadocia, and South Cappadocia, including the scheduled shopping stops.
- English-speaking guides during the tours; visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary. The Blue Mosque visit is exterior-only on Fridays, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and during religious holidays.
- 6 breakfasts on Days 2–7, 4 lunches on Days 2, 3, 5 and 6, and dinner on Day 3.
- Departure transfer from your Istanbul hotel to Istanbul International Airport on Day 7, according to your flight details.
- Local taxes and service charges.
What's not included
- International flight tickets.
- Visa to enter Turkey.
- Optional Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, available at an additional cost.
- Optional tours and activities mentioned in the itinerary, including the Bosphorus night cruise with dinner and show, at an additional cost.
- Swimming in the Pamukkale antique pools, at your own expense.
- Optional lunch on Day 4.
- Drinks with meals.
- An escorting tour guide.
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Travel insurance, which is recommended.
Good to know
- 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.
- The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
- 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.
- Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
- During religious holidays, the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the tour start and end, and are airport transfers included?
The tour starts and ends in Istanbul. On Day 1, you can arrive at any time at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW). Our team will meet you at the international arrivals exit with a sign bearing your name and transfer you to your hotel. Day 7 includes a transfer to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details, after hotel checkout before noon.
What accommodation is included?
The tour includes six nights with breakfast: three nights in Istanbul at Special Class or 4-star hotels, one night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, and two nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel. Your final night is in Istanbul after your return flight on Day 6.
Which meals are included?
Six breakfasts are included on Days 2–7, along with lunch on Days 2, 3, 5 and 6, and dinner on Day 3. No meals are included on Day 1. Drinks with meals are not included.
How do we travel between Istanbul, Pamukkale and Cappadocia?
Domestic flights and the specified airport transfers are included. On Day 3, you fly from Istanbul to Denizli, with departure between 6:00 and 7:00 AM as shown on your e-ticket, then transfer to Pamukkale. On Day 4, you travel overland to Cappadocia via Konya. After the South Cappadocia tour on Day 6, you transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for a late-evening flight to Istanbul, followed by a transfer to your hotel.
Is this a guided group tour?
Yes, this is a regular group tour with English-speaking guides during the sightseeing tours. Scheduled shopping stops are part of the group itinerary, including an Onyx Factory visit on Day 3. An escorting guide throughout the journey is not included. The itinerary order may change, but all described visits will take place, subject to the stated attraction closures.
Which Istanbul landmarks will we visit, and are there any closure restrictions?
Day 2 visits Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, with entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary. On Fridays, the Blue Mosque visit is exterior-only. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and during religious holidays.
What does the Pamukkale tour include?
Day 3 includes Karahayit's Red Spring Waters, the ancient city of Hierapolis and Pamukkale's travertines. You will have approximately one hour of free time and walk barefoot on the travertines. Swimming in the antique pools is optional and costs extra. The day also includes lunch, an Onyx Factory stop and a transfer to your Pamukkale hotel.
What will we see in Cappadocia, and how much walking is involved?
The North Cappadocia tour visits Devrent Valley, Pasabag Valley, Avanos and Zelve Open Air Museum, with a panoramic photo stop at Uchisar. The South Cappadocia tour includes Red Valley, an approximately five-kilometer hike through Rose Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, and either Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Which optional activities and other costs are not included?
You can add a Bosphorus night cruise with dinner and a show on Day 1, swimming in Pamukkale's antique pools on Day 3, or an early-morning Cappadocia balloon ride on Day 5, all at additional cost. International flights, the visa to enter Turkey, drinks with meals and travel insurance are not included. Travel insurance is recommended.
How far in advance should I book?
Book as early as possible, especially for public holidays and festivities. You can book up to two days before the tour starts, based on Istanbul local time, if places remain available. For requests less than two days before departure, contact us by email or phone; availability must be checked before your reservation can be confirmed.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, you must notify All Istanbul Tours at least 5 days before the tour starts. For a cancellation or date-change request received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from the paid balance. For a cancellation or date-change request received less than 5 days before the tour starts, the full amount paid is non-refundable. If a traveler does not appear for the booked service, the reservation is treated as a no-show and the full amount paid is non-refundable.
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I chose All Istanbul Tours for a tour of Istanbul, Pamukkale, Konya and Cappadocia because I wanted a tour that would be a once in a lifetime experience. I am so glad that I made this decision because it was an amazing experience. All Istanbul Tours was so professional, the tour guide was so amazing, and the prices were so reasonable. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
Well organized and safe trip. I’ve visited all places in the plan. Highly recommend!!