Discover Turkey’s Highlights in 9 Days: From Istanbul to Cappadocia via Ephesus & Pamukkale
Tour Overview
Discover the highlights of Turkey in 9 unforgettable days with our all-inclusive tour package. Begin in Istanbul, exploring its rich history and iconic landmarks. Journey to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures. Relax in the breathtaking travertine terraces of Pamukkale and enjoy its rejuvenating thermal springs. Conclude your adventure in Cappadocia, marveling at its surreal landscapes, fairy chimneys, and optional hot air balloon rides. This itinerary includes domestic flights, 4-star hotels, guided tours, and seamless transfers, making it the perfect choice for travelers from the USA, UK, and worldwide seeking a stress-free exploration of Turkey’s top destinations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Highlights
- Meet & greet at Istanbul Airport, private transfer to your .
- Private transfer to 4* hotel
- Free time to relax and explore
Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour – Byzantine & Ottoman Relics
- You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning at 08:30 am for the tour.
Places to Visit
- Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia)
- Topkapi Palace (Treasures & Harem – optional)
- Blue Mosque & Hippodrome
- Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight
- Stay at 4* hotel in Istanbul.
Day 3: Flight to Izmir – Ephesus & Virgin Mary House Tour
- 04:30 – Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport
- 07:00 – Flight from Istanbul to Izmir
- 08:25 – Arrival in Izmir, transfer to Kusadasi & start the tour
Places to Visit
- House of Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final days.
- Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Ephesus Ancient City (Celsius Library, Temple of Hadrian, Agora, Great Theatre)
- Basilica of St. John
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight
Stay at 4* hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 4: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour – Transfer to Cappadocia
- You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning at 08:30 am and drive to Pamukkale (Duration 3 hours )
Places to Visit
- Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Castle): Unique white calcium terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore Roman Theater, Antique Pool (Cleopatra’s Pool), Necropolis, and ancient ruins.
- Cleopatra’s Pool (Antique Pool): Swim among ancient columns in mineral-rich thermal waters.
- Pamukkale Thermal Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in the healing thermal waters.
Transport
Evening overnight bus to Cappadocia (or optional flight)
- After tour You will get an overnight bus to Cappadocia with non smoking, fully air-conditioned bus at 21:00 or 22:00. (duration 10 hours) Bus will be stopped 3 times for the personel needs or Optinal we can arrange flight instead of bus transport ?
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight
Night bus / flight option to Cappadocia
Day 5: Cappadocia North Tour – Fairy Chimneys & Open-Air Museums
Arrival in Cappadocia
- On Upon arrival to Cappadocia early in the morning; our representative staff will meet you at the Bus Station and and transfer to Hotel, check in, fresh up and after Breakfest you will join in to full day Cappadocia tour at 09:30 am
Places to Visit
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
- Pasabag (Monks Valley)
- Avanos Village (pottery & crafts)
- Uchisar Castle
Meals
- Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight
Stay in Cappadocia (Cave Hotel or 4*)
Day 6: Cappadocia South Tour – Underground City & Ihlara Valley
Optional
Hot Air Balloon Ride (early morning)
- You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning at 08:30 am for the tour.
Places to Visit
- Ozkonak Underground City
- Ihlara Valley hike (4 km)
- Selime Monastery
- Caravanserai on Silk Road
Transport
Evening flight from Kayseri → Istanbul
- 17:00 Airport transfer
- 19:30 Flight from Kayseri to Istanbul
- 20:50 Arrival meeting in Istanbul airpot, pick you up and transfer to your hotel
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight
Stay at 4* hotel in Istanbul.
Day 7: Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour
- You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning at 08:30 am for the tour.
Places to Visit
- Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus Boat Cruise
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Bosphorus Bridge (to Asia)
- Camlica Hill (panoramic view)
Meals
Breakfast & Lunch included
Overnight
Stay at 4* hotel in Istanbul.
Day 8: Free Day in Istanbul
Activities
- Shopping at bazaars
- Self-discovery & optional tours
Overnight
Stay at 4* hotel in Istanbul.
Day 9: Departure from Istanbul
Services
- Breakfast at hotel
- Private transfer to Istanbul Airport
After breakfast check out the hotel (before 12:00), We will pick you up from your hotel three hours prior(regarding your flight time) and transfer to Istanbul international Airport - End of services
Included Services
- Accommodation: 8 nights in 4-star hotels or selected cave hotels in Cappadocia
- Domestic Flights: Istanbul ↔ Izmir & Kayseri → Istanbul
- Airport Transfers: Meet & greet at airports with private transfers throughout the tour
- Guided Tours: Experienced English-speaking local guides at all destinations
- Meals: Daily breakfasts and selected lunches as per itinerary
- Transportation: Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles for all tours and transfers
- Entrance Fees: All monuments, museums, and attractions listed in the itinerary
- Bosphorus Cruise: Full cruise experience in Istanbul, including sightseeing
- Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia (can be pre-booked)
- Tour Assistance: 24/7 local support from our team during the tour
What’s Not Included
- International Flights to and from Turkey
- Travel Insurance (mandatory for most travelers)
- Visa Fees (for entry into Turkey)
- Optional Activities not mentioned in the itinerary (e.g., Hot Air Balloon Ride in Cappadocia if not pre-booked)
- Personal Expenses (souvenirs, snacks, drinks, tips, etc.)
- Entrance Fees for sites not listed in the itinerary
- Additional Meals outside of the included breakfast & lunch
- Upgrades for hotel rooms or private transfers not specified
Why Choose This Tour?
- Comprehensive 9-Day Itinerary: Explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus in one seamless journey.
- Expert Local Guides: Learn from knowledgeable English-speaking guides at every historic and cultural site.
- Comfortable Travel: Enjoy domestic flights, private transfers, and air-conditioned vehicles throughout the tour.
- Unique Experiences: Optional Cappadocia hot air balloon ride, Bosphorus cruise, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: Includes 4-star hotels, selected meals, entrance fees, and guided tours – no hassle, just explore.
- Ideal for First-Time Travelers: Perfectly planned for USA & UK travelers to experience the best of Turkey in just 9 days.
- Cultural & Historical Highlights: From ancient Ephesus ruins to Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks in Istanbul, every day is a rich cultural experience.
- Round Trip Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Domestic flight tickets ( Istanbul to Izmir & Kayseri to Istanbul )
- Overnight intercity coach tickets (Pamukkale to Cappadocia)
- 5 Nights 4* Hotel Accommodation in istanbul
- 1 Nights 4* Hotel Accommodation in Kusadasi
- 1 NightCave Hotel Accommodation in Cappadocia
- 1 Full Day istanbul old city tour
- 1 Full Day istanbul Bosphorus Cruise tour
- 1 Full Day Ephesus tour
- 1 Full Day Pamukkale tour
- 2 Full Day Cappadocia tour
- Museum entry fees
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Professional English speaking Licensed guidance
- Transportation in non-smoking mini/midi/coach bus.
You can choose one of the following hotels below for each town to stay in Turkey
Istanbul:4* The Golden Horn Hotel or Rast Boutique Hotelor Askoc Hotel
Kusadasi : 4* Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or Derici Hotel or Palm Hotel
Cappadocia: Safran Cave Hotel or Heaven Cave hotel or Urgup inn Cave hotel or 4* hotel
Price per person Single Room : 1630 Euros
Price per person Double Room share : 1340 Euros
Price per person Triple Room share : 1325 Euros
Frequently Asked Questions About 9 Days Best of Turkey Tour Package – Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia
Are domestic flights included in the tour?
- Yes, the package includes domestic flights between Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia/Kayseri, making travel comfortable and hassle-free.
What destinations are included in the 9-Day Best of Turkey Tour?
- This 9-Day Turkey Tour from Istanbul covers Turkey’s most iconic highlights:
- Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Bosphorus Cruise, Grand Bazaar
- Ephesus – Ancient city, Temple of Artemis, Virgin Mary’s House
- Pamukkale & Hierapolis – White travertine terraces and natural hot springs
- Cappadocia – Fairy chimneys, cave churches, Göreme Open-Air Museum, optional hot air balloon ride
It’s one of the best Turkey itineraries for first-time travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Why should I choose the 9-Day Best of Turkey Tour?
Because it offers:
- Top highlights of Turkey in one trip
- Domestic flights to save time and avoid long bus rides
- A combination of cultural landmarks, ancient ruins, and natural wonders
- Small group or private options
- Flexible add-ons like hot air balloon rides
Is this tour good for first-time visitors to Turkey?
- Absolutely. The 9 Days Best of Turkey Tour Package is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see Turkey’s highlights in a well-balanced itinerary. It’s especially popular among travelers from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand looking for a guided and organized holiday.
What is included in the 9-day Turkey tour package including Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia?
- The package includes domestic flights, 4-star hotels, guided tours, transfers, entrance fees to all major sites, and a detailed itinerary covering Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.
A family-friendly 9-day Turkey tour with guided tours and hotel accommodations that exceeded our expectations. Great for both adults and kids.