9-Day Best of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Fethiye

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul – Welcome & Hotel Transfer

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, our professional team will be there to welcome you and ensure a smooth start to your Turkey tour package. Your driver will meet you at the airport exit holding a sign with your name and assist you with your luggage before transferring you comfortably to your hotel.

Enjoy a relaxing private airport transfer in Istanbul as you travel through one of the world’s most fascinating cities that bridges Europe and Asia. After arriving at your hotel, check in and take the rest of the day to relax after your flight or explore the nearby area at your leisure.

Your unforgettable 9-day Turkey tour officially begins in Istanbul, the cultural and historical heart of the country. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Accommodation: Askoc Hotel, Sura Design hotel, Double Tree Hilton Hotel Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Not included

Day 2 – Flight to Cappadocia & North Cappadocia Tour

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, one of the most extraordinary destinations in Turkey. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and your Cappadocia tour will begin immediately.

The North Cappadocia Tour (Red Tour) covers some of the region’s most famous highlights. You will first visit the spectacular Göreme Panorama, offering breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s unique volcanic landscape. Continue to the Zelve Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut churches and beautiful Byzantine frescoes.

Next, explore Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for its impressive fairy chimneys, followed by a visit to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where unusual rock formations resemble animals and various shapes.

Later, visit the traditional pottery town of Avanos, located along the Red River, where you can observe local artisans creating pottery using ancient techniques.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Zelve Open Air Museum – One of the most fascinating open-air museums in Cappadocia, featuring ancient cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and tunnels carved by early Christian communities. This unique valley offers an impressive insight into the region’s historical cave life and monastic culture.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Included

Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Famous for its extraordinary fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps, Pasabag is one of the most iconic landscapes in Cappadocia. The valley was once used by hermit monks who carved small cells and chapels into the rocks for solitude and meditation. Today, it offers some of the best photo opportunities in Cappadocia.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Göreme Panorama – A spectacular viewpoint offering breathtaking views over the unique valleys of Cappadocia, filled with fairy chimneys and volcanic rock formations. It is one of the best spots to take panoramic photos and admire the extraordinary landscape of the region.

Duration: 20 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Red Valley – One of the most beautiful valleys in Cappadocia, famous for its striking red-colored rock formations that glow especially during sunset. The valley offers scenic walking paths, ancient cave churches, and breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia’s unique landscape.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Love Valley – One of the most famous valleys in Cappadocia, known for its unique and towering fairy chimneys formed by volcanic rock erosion. The valley offers spectacular panoramic views and is a popular spot for photography, showcasing some of the most unusual rock formations in the region.

Duration: 20 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Ürgüp Three Beauties – One of the most iconic landmarks of Cappadocia, the Three Beauties are a group of striking fairy chimneys symbolizing the unique volcanic landscape of the region. According to local legend, these formations represent a princess, a shepherd, and their child. The site is also one of the best panoramic photo spots in Cappadocia.

Duration: 20 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Avanos Handicraft Town – Located along the banks of the Red River (Kızılırmak), Avanos is famous for its centuries-old pottery and ceramic traditions dating back to the Hittite period. Visitors can explore local workshops where skilled artisans create beautiful handmade pottery using traditional techniques and red clay from the river.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Accommodation: Empire Cave, Atax Cave, Heaven Cave Hotel Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Lunch

Day 3 – Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride, South Cappadocia Tour & Flight to Ephesus

Early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to experience the world-famous Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional). Floating above the magical landscape of fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations at sunrise is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Turkey.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up for the South Cappadocia Tour (Green Tour). The day begins with a scenic walk through the breathtaking Red Valley and Rose Valley, known for their colorful rock formations and hidden cave churches.

Continue to Pigeon Valley, famous for the pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, followed by a visit to the impressive Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians once lived and hid from invasions.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir, the gateway to the legendary Ephesus Ancient City. Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi or Selçuk.

Overnight stay in Kusadasi / Ephesus region.

Özkonak Underground City – One of the most fascinating underground cities in Cappadocia, believed to have been built during the Hittite period and later expanded by early Christians. The city features an advanced ventilation system, storage rooms, tunnels, and defense holes used to protect inhabitants during invasions. Visitors can explore several levels of this remarkable underground settlement and learn about ancient cave life in Cappadocia.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Included

Uchisar Castle – The highest natural rock formation in Cappadocia, Uchisar Castle offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the region. Carved into a massive rock, this historic fortress was once used as a strategic lookout point and shelter by ancient civilizations. From the viewpoint, visitors can admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, including valleys, fairy chimneys, and Mount Erciyes in the distance.

Duration: 30 minutes

Admission Ticket: Not Included

Çavuşin Village – One of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia, known for its historic cave houses and ancient rock-cut churches. This charming village was once an important Christian community, and visitors can explore the ruins of old cave dwellings and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.

Duration: 30 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Rose Valley – One of the most scenic valleys in Cappadocia, famous for its soft pink and rose-colored rock formations that change shades throughout the day depending on the sunlight. The valley offers beautiful walking trails, hidden cave churches, and spectacular panoramic viewpoints, making it one of the most popular stops for nature and photography lovers.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Ortahisar Castle – One of the most impressive natural rock castles in Cappadocia, Ortahisar Castle rises dramatically above the traditional village houses. Historically used as a strategic watchtower and storage area, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the unique volcanic landscape of the region.

Duration: 20 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Accommodation: Derici Hotel, Ilayda Hotel, Double Tree Hilton Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 – Ephesus Tour & Overnight in Ephesus

After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the most remarkable and best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Walking through its marble streets offers a fascinating journey back to the Roman period, when Ephesus was an important commercial and cultural center.

During the tour, you will explore the magnificent Library of Celsus, one of the most iconic structures of the ancient world, followed by the impressive Great Theatre of Ephesus, which once hosted up to 25,000 spectators. You will also see the remains of the Temple of Artemis, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The tour continues with a visit to the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of Mary and today an important pilgrimage site for Christians.

After completing the Ephesus tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Ephesus / Kusadasi region.

Ephesus Ancient City – One of the most remarkable and best-preserved ancient cities in the world, Ephesus was once a major Roman trading center and an important cultural hub of the ancient Mediterranean. Visitors will walk along its marble streets and explore impressive monuments such as the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, and ancient Roman baths, offering a fascinating glimpse into life during the Roman period.

Duration: 2 hours

Admission Ticket: Included

Temple of Artemis – Once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis was one of the largest and most magnificent temples of the ancient Greek world. Although only a few remains can be seen today, the site represents the grandeur and historical importance of ancient Ephesus and its religious significance in antiquity.

Duration: 20 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

House of the Virgin Mary – A sacred pilgrimage site located on Mount Bülbül near Ephesus, believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary. According to Christian tradition, Mary spent her last years here under the care of St. John. Today, the site is visited by thousands of pilgrims and travelers each year and has been recognized by several Popes as an important religious destination.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Included

Selçuk Town – A charming historical town located near Ephesus, Selçuk is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Turkish atmosphere. The town is home to important landmarks such as Isa Bey Mosque, St. John’s Basilica, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s deep history and local life.

Duration: 30 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Accommodation: Derici Hotel, Ilayda Hotel, Double Tree Hilton Hotel Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 – Pamukkale Tour & Transfer to Fethiye

After breakfast, you will depart for Pamukkale, one of the most famous natural wonders in Turkey. Known as the “Cotton Castle,” Pamukkale is famous for its stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside.

Upon arrival, you will explore the spectacular Pamukkale Travertines, where visitors can walk along the natural white terraces and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The tour also includes a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring impressive ruins such as the Roman Theatre, ancient baths, temples, and necropolis.

After completing the Pamukkale tour, you will continue your journey to Fethiye, one of the most beautiful coastal destinations in Turkey.

For guests joining the Small Group Tour option, transportation between cities is provided by comfortable public intercity buses. For guests booking the Private Tour option, all transfers are arranged with private minivan services, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable travel experience.

Arrival in Fethiye and hotel check-in. Overnight stay in Fethiye.

Pamukkale Travertines – A breathtaking natural wonder known as the “Cotton Castle”, Pamukkale is famous for its stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside. Visitors can walk along the beautiful travertine pools, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and experience one of the most unique natural formations in Turkey.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Included

Hierapolis Archaeology Museum – Located within the ancient city of Hierapolis, this museum is housed in the former Roman bath complex. It displays a remarkable collection of artifacts discovered during excavations in the region, including statues, sarcophagi, inscriptions, and everyday objects from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, offering valuable insight into the rich history of Hierapolis and Pamukkale.

Duration: 30 minutes

Admission Ticket: Included

Cleopatra Swimming Pool – Also known as the Ancient Pool of Hierapolis, this unique thermal pool is believed to have been used since Roman times. Visitors have the opportunity to swim among submerged ancient columns while enjoying the warm mineral-rich waters. The pool offers a relaxing and unforgettable experience in the historic setting of Pamukkale.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Optional / Extra Fee

Accommodation: Bahar Hotel, Blueberry Hotel, Double Tree Hilton Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 – Optional Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip, Free Time & Evening Transfer to Antalya

After breakfast, you will have free time to enjoy the beautiful coastal town of Fethiye, one of the most charming destinations on Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast. You may relax at the beach, explore the town center, or enjoy the stunning scenery of the surrounding bays and mountains.

For guests who wish to join, an Optional Fethiye 12 Islands Boat Trip is available. This relaxing boat excursion takes you through the beautiful islands and hidden bays of the Gulf of Fethiye, known for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular Mediterranean landscapes. During the tour, there will be several swimming stops where you can enjoy the refreshing sea and breathtaking views of the coastline.

Guests who prefer not to join the boat trip can continue enjoying free time in Fethiye.

In the evening, you will depart for Antalya, one of the most popular destinations on the Turkish Riviera.

For guests joining the Small Group Tour option, transportation between cities is arranged with comfortable public intercity buses. For guests booking the Private Tour option, the transfer will be provided with a private minivan service for a more comfortable and personalized travel experience.

Arrival in Antalya and hotel check-in. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Accommodation: Nisslara Hotel, Mediterra Art Hotel, Holidayinn Hotel Double Tree Hilton Hotel Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 – Antalya City Tour & Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will depart for a guided Antalya city tour, exploring some of the most famous highlights of this beautiful Mediterranean city.

The tour begins with a visit to the historic Kaleiçi (Old Town), known for its narrow streets, traditional Ottoman houses, and charming atmosphere. You will also see the famous Hadrian’s Gate, one of the most important historical landmarks in Antalya.

The tour continues with a visit to the scenic Düden Waterfalls, where natural spring water flows dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea, creating one of the most impressive natural sights in the region.

After completing the city tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town) – The historic heart of Antalya, Kaleiçi is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Ottoman houses, and charming atmosphere. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, small boutique shops, local cafés, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Hadrian’s Gate – One of the most important historical landmarks in Antalya, Hadrian’s Gate was built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian during his visit to the city in 130 AD. This impressive marble gate, decorated with beautiful columns and arches, once served as the main entrance to the ancient city.

Duration: 15 minutes

Admission Ticket: Free Entrance

Tünektepe Cable Car / Antalya Boat Trip – Visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Antalya and the Mediterranean coastline from the top of Tünektepe Hill by taking the scenic cable car. Alternatively, a relaxing boat trip from Antalya Harbor offers the chance to admire the beautiful coastline, cliffs, and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Optional / Extra Fee

Düden Waterfalls – One of the most famous natural attractions in Antalya, the Düden Waterfalls are formed by the waters of the Düden River flowing through lush green surroundings before dramatically cascading into the Mediterranean Sea. The area offers beautiful walking paths, scenic viewpoints, and a refreshing natural atmosphere.

Duration: 45 minutes

Admission Ticket: Not Included

Accommodation: Askoc Hotel, Sura Design Hotel, Double Tree Hilton Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8 – Optional Old City Guided Tour & Free Day in Istanbul

After breakfast, you will have the option to join a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, the heart of the former Byzantine and Ottoman empires. This optional tour introduces some of the most important landmarks of the city, offering insight into its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

During the tour, visitors can explore famous sites such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. Your guide will provide historical context and interesting stories about the city’s past while you walk through the historic streets of Sultanahmet.

Guests who prefer not to join the guided tour can enjoy a free day in Istanbul to explore the city at their own pace. You may visit museums, shop in local markets, relax at a traditional café, or discover different neighborhoods of this vibrant metropolis.

Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Accommodation: Askoc Hotel, Sura Desing Hotel, Double Tree Hilton Hotel Double/Twin or Triple Room

Meals: Breakfast

On the final day of your Turkey tour, enjoy your last moments before your departure transfer to the airport. At the end of the day, our team will pick you up from your hotel and provide a comfortable airport transfer service in Turkey for your flight back home. Thank you for traveling with us and exploring the beauty, culture, and history of Turkey. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories. Goodbye Turkey and safe travels! ✈️🇹🇷

Accommodation: Not included

Meals: Breakfast