8-Day Turkey Highlights Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus
✈ Istanbul → Cappadocia | 🚐 Overland | ✈ Izmir → Istanbul
A balanced journey through Turkey’s cultural capitals, natural wonders, and ancient cities.
🗓 Itinerary Summary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
- Welcome at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel
- Free time to rest or enjoy the Old City
- Optional: Evening Bosphorus cruise with dinner and local music
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Day 2 – Full-Day Istanbul Heritage Tour
- Explore the best of Istanbul’s historical peninsula with your guide:
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi Palace
- Hippodrome Square
- Grand Bazaar
- Optional visit to Spice Bazaar or Basilica Cistern
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Day 3 – Flight to Cappadocia & Northern Tour
- Morning flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir)
- Begin Northern Cappadocia tour upon arrival:
- Devrent Valley, Pasabag (Monks Valley)
- Avanos pottery workshops
- Goreme Open-Air Museum
- Uchisar Castle viewpoint
🏨 Overnight in Cappadocia
Day 4 – Southern Cappadocia Tour & Transfer to Antalya
- (Optional: Hot air balloon ride at sunrise)
- Visit:
- Red Valley, Cavusin Village, Kaymakli Underground City
- Pigeon Valley
- Afternoon drive toward Antalya via scenic countryside
- Short stops possible along the way
🏨 Overnight in Antalya
Day 5 – Antalya Old Town & Waterfalls
- Discover the charm of Kaleiçi (Old Town): Ottoman houses, Roman harbor
- Visit Hadrian’s Gate, Antalya Museum, and Hidirlik Tower
- Enjoy the Düden Waterfalls or relax by the beach
- Optional: Visit Aspendos Theater or Perge ruins
🏨 Overnight in Antalya
Day 6 – Drive to Pamukkale via Taurus Mountains
- Morning departure for Pamukkale (approx. 4 hrs)
- Explore the white terraces of Pamukkale and ruins of Hierapolis:
- Roman Theater, Necropolis, Thermal Pools
- Optional: Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool
🏨 Overnight in Pamukkale or nearby
Day 7 – Ephesus Ancient City & Drive to Izmir
- Morning drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities
- Highlights: Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Marble Road
- Visit the House of the Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis ruins
- Transfer to Izmir in the evening
🏨 Overnight in Izmir or near the airport
Day 8 – Flight from Izmir to Istanbul & Departure
- Morning flight from Izmir to Istanbul
- Optional: connect to your international flight or extend your stay in Istanbul
- Hotels with breakfast
- Domestic flights (15kg baggage allowance)
- Airport transfers
- Lunch on tours (Besides standard Turkish meal, special meals as vegetarian, vegan, halal options are also available)
- Entrance fees for sights and museums mentioned on the itinerary
- Professional English-Spanish-Russian speaking guide
- Personal expenses
- Beverages during lunch
- Dinner
- Personal Shoppings
- Medical insurance
- Tip to guide and driver
B
1. Travel Documents
- A valid passport is required for all international travelers.
- Please check visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
- Domestic flights (if included) require a government-issued ID or passport at check-in.
2. Physical Requirements
- This tour involves moderate walking on uneven surfaces, including historical sites and cobblestone streets.
- Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
- This tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible — please contact us in advance for mobility accommodations.
3. Accommodation
- Standard accommodation is based on double occupancy.
- Single room requests may incur an additional fee.
- Hotel names and locations will be confirmed prior to departure.
4. Weather & Clothing
- Istanbul’s weather can change quickly — we recommend layered clothing.
- Bring a light jacket, umbrella, and sun protection depending on the season.
- Modest dress is recommended when visiting mosques (shoulders and knees covered).
5. Payments & Cancellations
- A deposit may be required at the time of booking.
- Full payment is typically due [X] days before the tour begins.
- Please review our cancellation policy for refund and change terms.
6. What's Included / Not Included
Included:
✔ Accommodation, guided tours, entrance fees, airport transfers, daily breakfast (unless otherwise stated)
Not Included:
✘ International flights, travel insurance, optional activities, meals not listed in the itinerary, personal expenses
7. Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is highly recommended and may cover cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience during your 4-day tour, we recommend bringing the following items:
- Comfortable walking shoes – You’ll be exploring historical sites and natural landscapes, so sturdy footwear is essential.
- Light layers of clothing – Weather can vary, especially between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Dress in layers to stay comfortable.
- A jacket or sweater – Evenings in Cappadocia can be cool, especially if you're taking a hot air balloon ride.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses – Protect yourself from the sun during daytime tours.
- A hat or cap – Especially useful during outdoor activities.
- Camera or smartphone – To capture the unforgettable sights and moments.
- Daypack or small backpack – Handy for carrying water, snacks, and personal items during day trips.
- Personal medication – Bring any essential medicines you may need.
- Passport or ID – Required for domestic flights and hotel check-ins.
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Optional but recommended:
- Swimsuit – Some hotels may have pools or spas.