Tour Overview
10-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus, Antalya & Cappadocia is planned as a 10 Days / 9 Nights journey linking Destinations. The route is designed to combine cultural sightseeing, practical transport connections and time in the principal destinations without compressing the main visits into a single day.
Across the itinerary, the main sightseeing is built around Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Side, Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus, Kusadasi, Izmir, Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary. Each stop is positioned within the day-by-day route so that the historical, cultural and landscape highlights remain easy to follow from one destination to the next.
Travel logistics are integrated into the program rather than treated as separate arrangements. Depending on the confirmed route, the package includes 4-star hotel accommodation, licensed guided sightseeing, private transfers, domestic flights, ferry connections, 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches. The result is a complete multi-day itinerary with the major visits, overnight stops and travel sectors clearly organized.
Tour Highlights
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the vibrant city where Europe and Asia meet. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or the cruise port, you will be greeted and transferred privately to your hotel. Hotel check-in is available after 13:00.
A travel representative will meet you at the hotel to provide information about your upcoming journey and answer any questions regarding the tour.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax, explore nearby streets, or enjoy your first evening in the city.
Istanbul Old City Tour (Private Guided Tour)
After breakfast, your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby around 10:00 AM to begin discovering the historical treasures of Istanbul.
During the tour you will visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire, where you will see monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain.
Continue to the famous Blue Mosque, known for its elegant architecture and beautiful blue Iznik tiles. Afterwards visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that has served as both church and mosque throughout history.
The tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans for centuries. Your final stop will be the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets with thousands of shops offering carpets, jewelry, ceramics and souvenirs.
The tour concludes around 16:00 and you will return to your hotel.
Bosphorus Cruise Tour & Flight to Izmir
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 08:30 for a half-day morning tour.
First drive along the historic Golden Horn, passing the impressive Byzantine city walls. Then explore the colorful Spice Bazaar, where the aromas of spices, herbs, and Turkish delights fill the air.
Next, embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia while enjoying views of Ottoman palaces, historic mansions, and impressive bridges along the strait.
The tour ends around 12:30 in Sultanahmet. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Ephesus Ancient City Tour
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel between 08:30 and 08:45 for a full-day exploration of ancient Ephesus.
The day begins with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where Mary spent her final years.
Continue to the impressive ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Walk through marble streets and see highlights such as the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the famous Library of Celsus.
After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The tour also includes a stop at the charming hillside village of Sirince, known for its traditional houses and local wines.
Return to Kusadasi in the late afternoon.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour / Transfer to Antalya
After an early breakfast, depart around 07:30 for a scenic drive to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters.
After lunch, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, located just above the terraces. Highlights include the Temple of Apollo, the impressive Roman Theatre, the Necropolis, and the ancient thermal baths.
Following the tour, continue your journey with a transfer to Antalya on the Mediterranean coast.
Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour
After breakfast, depart around 08:00 for a full-day tour of some of the most remarkable archaeological sites in southern Turkey.
First visit Perge, an important city of ancient Pamphylia. Here you will see the remains of Roman baths, the colonnaded street, the agora, fountains, and a large stadium.
Next continue to Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, the theatre once accommodated up to 15,000 spectators.
Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant before heading to Side, a charming coastal town filled with ancient ruins. Explore the Roman theatre, baths, and the iconic Temple of Apollo by the sea. You will also have free time to walk along the harbor or relax by the beach.
On the return journey to Antalya, stop at Kursunlu Waterfall surrounded by beautiful nature.
Flight to Cappadocia
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight to Kayseri.
Upon arrival in Kayseri, you will be welcomed and transferred to Göreme, located in the heart of Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the unique landscapes of the region.
North Cappadocia Tour
Optional Activity:Experience a magical sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys.
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel between 09:45 and 10:00 for a full-day tour of Northern Cappadocia.
Start with a visit to Uchisar, the highest point in the region, where you can admire panoramic views and photograph the famous rock castle. Continue to Cavusin and the beautiful Rose Valley, known for its striking red-colored rock formations.
Next visit Pasabag (Monks Valley) and the fascinating fairy chimneys, followed by the historic Zelve Open-Air Museum.
After lunch, explore Devrent Valley, famous for its unusual rock formations resembling animals and shapes. The tour also includes visits to Urgup and Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery. Here you will have the chance to watch a pottery demonstration and even try making your own piece.
Optional visits to carpet or rug workshops can also be arranged.
South Cappadocia Tour / Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast, check out from the hotel but you may leave your luggage at reception until departure.
Around 09:45–10:00 AM you will begin the South Cappadocia tour. First stop is Ortahisar, where you can photograph the impressive rock castle dominating the town skyline.
Continue to Mustafapasa, a former Greek village known for its traditional stone houses. Then drive through Sahinefendi to visit the recently discovered Sobesos Roman ruins, famous for their colorful mosaic floors.
Later enjoy a scenic walk through Soganli Valley, visiting ancient cave churches along the route. After lunch in Soganli Village, continue to Kaymakli Underground City, an extraordinary subterranean settlement used by ancient communities for protection.
After the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, check out from your hotel before 12:00 PM. At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your international departure.
What's Included
Included
- 🏨 Accommodation 9 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
- 🏛️ Istanbul Old City Tour Private Istanbul Old City Tour with an English-speaking licensed guide, transportation, and entrance fees. Lunch is not included.
- 🚢 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Half-Day Small Group Bosphorus Cruise Tour in the morning.
- 🏛️ Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Cappadocia Tour 5-Day Regular Small Group Tour covering Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and 2 days in Cappadocia, including an English-speaking licensed guide, transportation, entrance fees, and lunch.
- ✈️ Domestic Flights Flight from Antalya to Kayseri and from Kayseri to Istanbul. Each ticket includes 15 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of hand luggage.
- 🚐 Transportation & Transfers Private transfers from/to airports and hotels throughout the tour with a private car.
- 🤝 Professional Travel Support A fully guided, multi-city Turkey tour package including hotel accommodation, domestic flights, private transfers, professional English-speaking guides, and carefully coordinated travel arrangements.
Not Included
- ✈️ International Flights International flight tickets to and from Turkey.
- 🎈 Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia.
- 🍽️ Meals & Beverages Meals and beverages not specifically mentioned under Included.
- 🎟️ Optional Visits & Services Visits, activities, and services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- 🧳 Personal Expenses Personal expenses during the tour.
- 💰 Tips & Gratuities Tips for drivers, guides, and other services.
