17 DAYS ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA, PAMUKKALE AND EPHESUS TOUR

The 17 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour is a thoughtfully paced journey through four of Türkiye’s most iconic regions — Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus — designed for travellers who want deep cultural exploration, historic sites, and natural wonders without rushing. This tour balances guided sightseeing, domestic flights, overnight intercity transport, free days for independent exploration, entrance to major UNESCO and archaeological sites, and authentic local experiences. From Ottoman palaces and bustling bazaars in Istanbul to surreal volcanic landscapes in Cappadocia, thermal travertines in Pamukkale, and classical ruins in Ephesus, this itinerary showcases Turkey’s timeless heritage and breathtaking geography.

Tour Program

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Transfer
Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW), meet your representative, and transfer to your hotel; evening at leisure.

Day 2 – Free Day in Istanbul
A relaxed day to explore Istanbul independently — ideal for rest after travel or optional tours such as a Turkish dinner cruise.

Day 3 – Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
Guided tour of Sultanahmet highlights: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and other cultural treasures.

Day 4 – Free Day in Istanbul
Another free day to discover hidden gems, neighbourhoods, culinary experiences or leisure time.

Day 5 – Flight to Cappadocia & Free Afternoon
Transfer to airport and fly to Cappadocia; arrival and transfer to your hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 6 – Northern Cappadocia (Red Tour)
Guided exploration of Devrent Valley, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Avanos pottery town, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Castle.

Day 7 – Southern Cappadocia (Yellow Tour)
Visit Red Valley, Cavusin Village, Pigeon Valley, Ozkonak Underground City, and other scenic sites with guided commentary.

Day 8 – South Cappadocia (Green Tour) & Overnight Bus
Full-day tour including Ihlara Valley, Derinkuyu Underground City, Belisirma Village, Selime Monastery, Esentepe Viewpoint, then board an overnight bus to Pamukkale.

Day 9 – Pamukkale Arrival & Guided Tour
Arrive early in Pamukkale and enjoy a freshen-up room; guided tour of Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Day 10 – Free Day in Kusadasi
Leisure day in Kusadasi to unwind on the Aegean coast, explore local markets or enjoy the seaside environment.

Day 11 – Second Free Day in Kusadasi
Additional independent day for beach time, optional boat tours, or local excursions.

Day 12 – Ephesus Tour & Flight to Istanbul
Full-day guided tour of Ephesus including Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, House of Virgin Mary, then fly back to Istanbul in the evening.

Day 13 – Free Day in Istanbul
Time to revisit favourite spots or discover new parts of the city on your own.

Day 14 – Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour
Guided scenic cruise on the Bosphorus, and visit Camlica Hill and Beylerbeyi Palace for panoramic views of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides.

Day 15 – Free Day in Istanbul
Another day of flexible exploration — museums, local food tours, or shopping can be enjoyed at your pace.

Day 16 – Free Day in Istanbul
Final full free day to savour Istanbul’s culture, architecture or culinary delights.

Day 17 – Departure & Airport Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for your international flight home, concluding the tour.

Included

2 domestic flights: Istanbul → Cappadocia; Izmir → Istanbul (return).
1 overnight intercity bus from Cappadocia to Pamukkale.
Hotel accommodation: Istanbul (9 nights), Cappadocia (3 nights), Pamukkale (freshen-up room), Kusadasi (3 nights).
All transfers (airport–hotel, bus station, and between tour destinations).
Full-day guided tours: Istanbul Old City, Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents, Cappadocia Red/Yellow/Green, Pamukkale, Ephesus.
Entrance tickets to all scheduled attractions on guided tour days.
Daily breakfast and lunches during guided tours.
Licensed, English-speaking professional tour guides.

Excluded

International flights to/from Türkiye.
Dinners and drinks at lunch or free days.
Optional experiences such as hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia.
Swimming at the Cleopatra Antique Pool in Pamukkale (optional).
Personal expenses, travel insurance, visas, tips & gratuities.

Important Notes

Domestic flights and bus schedules are subject to seasonal availability and airline timetables.
Itinerary order and timing may change due to operational reasons such as weather or transport conditions.
Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon ride) require advance booking and additional payment.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing are recommended for varied tours and outdoor visits.
Free days provide flexibility for independent exploration or additional bookings.