Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus 7 Day Package

Travel through Turkey in style and comfort with the Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus 7 Day Package. Priced at $1,370 per person, this tour offers a thorough exploration of Turkey’s most iconic sites in just one week. With a small group of no more than 12 travelers, it balances guided tours with free time, making it ideal for those who want an immersive yet relaxed experience.

This package includes all accommodations in 4-star hotels, domestic flights, meals, and luxury ground transportation. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer a well-organized itinerary with minimal planning hassles. While the pace is generally comfortable, some may find certain days quite full, especially with multiple sites to see across a limited timeframe.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package covers flights, hotels, breakfast, and some meals, simplifying logistics.
• Small group size enhances personal attention from guides and a more intimate experience.
• Highlights include Istanbul’s historic landmarks, Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, Pamukkale’s thermal pools, and the ancient city of Ephesus.
• The itinerary balances guided tours with free time for independent exploration.
• The tour is recommended by 92% of travelers with an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 25 reviews.

Starting in Istanbul: An Iconic Introduction

The tour begins with a welcome at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, where a driver greets travelers and transports them to a comfortable 4-star hotel. This initial stay in Istanbul sets the tone for a smooth, hassle-free experience. The guided first day covers major landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, which was once the largest building on earth outside the pyramids and Great Wall.

The Topkapi Palace follows, offering a glimpse into the residence of Ottoman Sultans and their seat of government for nearly 400 years. The Blue Mosque charms visitors with its six minarets and grand dome, and the Hippodrome, a Roman-era civil center, offers a sense of Istanbul’s layered history. The day concludes at the Grand Bazaar, with more than 4,000 shops, perfect for browsing and picking up souvenirs.

A domestic flight takes travelers from Istanbul to Kayseri in the morning of Day 2, with the transfer included in the package. This flight is about 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes baggage allowance, making the transition seamless.

Exploring Cappadocia’s Unique Landscapes

Day 3 kicks off with a visit to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches from the 9th century, decorated with colorful frescoes. While entry tickets are not included, the site is a must-see for its artistic carvings and preservation.

Next, the journey to Devrent Valley reveals a lunar landscape with animal-shaped rocks that seem sculpted by nature itself. No admission fee applies here, allowing free exploration of the quirky rock formations, including a Virgin Mary figure.

The Pasabag Monks Valley showcases mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys—some with twin or triple rock caps—offering iconic photo opportunities. This site, also free to visit, highlights Cappadocia’s distinctive geological features.

In Avanos, travelers enjoy a Turkish lunch and have the chance to try pottery-making with local artisans—an engaging cultural activity that adds a hands-on element to the day.

Later, a panoramic view from the Goreme Panorama and the Uchisar Castle provides sweeping scenes of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape, perfect for photos. These free-viewpoints offer unforgettable vistas of the fairy chimneys and volcanic formations.

Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Cappadocia

Day 4 explores more of Cappadocia’s geological wonders. The Rose Valley is especially striking at sunset, with pink-tinted ridges created by minerals in the sandstone. A walk through this vibrant landscape offers fantastic photo moments, especially during the late afternoon.

Cavusin village features houses carved into massive rock formations, and the Red Valley gradually expands around it. Known for its rock-hewn churches, Cavusin offers insight into ancient dwelling practices.

Pigeon Valley earns its name from dovecotes carved into volcanic tuff, which historically served as birdhouses. This scenic spot is ideal for walking and enjoying the peaceful scenery.

The day concludes with a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, a vast multi-level settlement once inhabited by Christians seeking refuge. Visitors can explore eight stories of tunnels, rooms, and churches, though ticket prices are not included.

Finally, the town of Ortahisar provides a charming setting with stone houses, narrow streets, and a castle-like rock formation, wrapping up the day’s exploration.

From Cappadocia to the Thermal Pools of Pamukkale

Day 5 takes travelers south to Pamukkale, home to thermal pools and white terraces formed by mineral-rich spring waters. These natural pools, at around 35°C, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and have historically been used for healing.

The afternoon includes a visit to Hierapolis, an ancient city with the largest necropolis in Anatolia—featuring over 1,200 gravestones. The Sacred Pool, where thermal waters ripple over ruins, offers a relaxing experience amid history.

The entry tickets to Pamukkale and Hierapolis are not included, so travelers can choose to explore at their own pace or relax in the natural pools. The combination of thermal waters and ancient ruins makes this stop both restful and fascinating.

Walking Among Ruins at Ephesus

Day 6 shifts focus to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the eastern Mediterranean. Walking along its well-maintained streets, visitors see monuments such as the Library of Celsus, the Roman theater, and public baths. The site once housed over 250,000 residents in the 1st century AD, making it a bustling metropolis of antiquity.

Next, the Meryemana (House of the Virgin Mary) offers a spiritual site believed to be where Mary spent her last days. This church was built over a 6th-century foundation and holds significance for both religious and historical reasons.

A visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, highlights Ephesus’s importance as a pilgrimage destination in antiquity. Its remains are modest but evocative of its former grandeur.

The day ends with a drive to Izmir Airport for a domestic flight of 1 hour and 30 minutes back to Istanbul, where a transfer takes travelers to their hotel for overnight stay.

Final Day: Wrapping Up in Istanbul

Day 7 is dedicated to departure preparations. After breakfast and hotel check-out, the tour provides a transfer to Istanbul Airport based on flight timing. The entire experience offers a seamless end to a week filled with history, landscapes, and cultural encounters.

The tour concludes at Istanbul Airport, leaving travelers with a rundown of Turkey’s diverse highlights, all organized by Tour Altinkum Travel. Its included ground transfers, domestic flights, and accommodations make for a hassle-free travel experience, especially for those who prefer a structured itinerary.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This 7-day package suits those seeking a comprehensive, guided overview of Turkey’s most famous sites without the stress of planning logistics. The small group size ensures personalized attention, while the all-inclusive nature reduces extra expenses.

Those who appreciate comfort—with 4-star accommodations and organized transport—will find the pace manageable. Travelers with an interest in history, geology, and ancient ruins will particularly enjoy the diverse stops. However, the packed schedule might be challenging for those seeking a more relaxed experience or with mobility limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included between all destinations?
Yes, the tour covers all land transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles, along with domestic flights between Istanbul, Kayseri, and Izmir.

Are entry tickets to historical sites included?
No, entry tickets to sites such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Goreme Open-Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, Pamukkale, and Ephesus are not included and are paid separately if desired.

What is the group size?
The tour operates with a maximum of 12 travelers, allowing for a more personal experience.

Can I explore sites independently?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time at several stops, allowing for independent exploration or rest.

Are meals included?
The package includes 11 meals, including breakfast at the hotels and lunch in Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

What are the accommodation standards?
Guests stay in 4-star hotels throughout the trip, ensuring comfortable and quality lodging.

How do flights fit into the schedule?
The domestic flights are scheduled to maximize sightseeing and are part of the organized itinerary, with baggage allowances included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children 8 years and below enjoy free entry to certain historical sites, making the tour family-friendly.

What should I consider before booking?
Check if sites are closed during religious or national holidays, as some attractions may be unavailable. Contact the tour provider for specific date closures.

How do I cancel if needed?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexible planning.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Tour Altinkum Travel, a reputable operator with positive reviews for planning and service quality.