8-Day Turkey Escorted Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia

Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Türkiye! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your arrival representative and transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore independently. Istanbul’s waterfront, historic neighbourhoods and lively streets provide a memorable introduction to your journey.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Not included

Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of Istanbul’s historic centre.

Begin at the Hippodrome, once the setting for Byzantine chariot races. See the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column and Walled Obelisk before continuing to the Blue Mosque, admired for its graceful architecture and İznik tiles.

Next, visit Hagia Sophia’s visitor area and discover the history of this remarkable monument.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to Asil Efendi, where you can browse Turkish delight, spices, coffee, ceramics and souvenirs. Shopping is optional.

Return to your hotel after the tour.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included

Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to İzmir – Kuşadası

After breakfast, enjoy a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise along the waterway separating Europe and Asia.

Admire waterfront palaces, historic residences and landmarks along the shores. Depending on the cruise route, sights may include Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi Palace. These are viewed from the boat; interior visits are not included.

Following lunch at a Turkish restaurant, explore the Spice Bazaar, with time to browse its colourful stalls.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to İzmir. On arrival, meet your transfer representative and continue to your hotel in Kuşadası.

Overnight: Kuşadası
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Flight: Istanbul–İzmir airfare excluded

Ephesus & Şirince Village

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour of Ephesus.

Walk through the ancient city, discovering Curetes Street, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and remains of its public buildings. Visit the nearby remains of the Temple of Artemis.

After lunch, stop at a carpet-weaving centre for an introduction to traditional craftsmanship.

Continue to Şirince, a hillside village known for its historic houses, narrow streets and fruit wines. Enjoy time to explore its shops and village atmosphere. Wine tastings, when offered, are optional and may cost extra.

The program also includes a visit to a regional leather production centre before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Kuşadası
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Excursion

Following an early breakfast, depart from Kuşadası for a full-day excursion to Pamukkale.

Enjoy lunch before visiting the white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Discover the site with your guide and enjoy time for photographs and walking in permitted areas.

Optional bathing experiences are subject to availability and separate admission charges.

Visit a regional textile outlet before the return journey to Kuşadası. This is a long excursion day, with substantial time spent travelling.

Overnight: Kuşadası
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Flight to Cappadocia

After breakfast, transfer to İzmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir, depending on the confirmed flight arrangements. A connection may be required.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before dinner.

If you would like to join an optional hot-air balloon flight the following morning, speak with your guide in advance.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included
Flight: İzmir–Kayseri/Nevşehir airfare excluded

Cappadocia Underground City, Göreme & Valleys

After breakfast, begin your guided discovery of Cappadocia.

Explore Özkonak Underground City, where passages and chambers reveal how underground spaces were used by local communities. Continue to Göreme Open-Air Museum, known for its rock-cut churches and frescoes.

Visit Çavuşin village, then enjoy lunch in Avanos. Afterwards, attend a pottery demonstration to learn about one of the region’s traditional crafts.

Continue with scenic stops at Love Valley, Devrent Valley and the Three Beauties fairy chimneys, enjoying views of Cappadocia’s distinctive rock formations.

Return to your hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Cappadocia – Flight to Istanbul – Departure

Enjoy breakfast and, depending on your flight schedule, some final free time in Cappadocia.

Transfer to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your flight to Istanbul and your onward journey.

Thank you for travelling with TravelShopBooking. We look forward to welcoming you again.

Meals: Breakfast included
Flight: Cappadocia–Istanbul airfare excluded