Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Ephesus 6-Day Trip

Embark on a 6-day journey from Istanbul to Ankara, exploring charming historical towns such as Saratli, Uçhisar, Göreme, Konya, Pamukkale, and Ephesus, and gain a deeper understanding of Turkey's rich heritage.

Details of the 6-Day Trip

Day 1: Istanbul to Ankara

Your adventure begins with a pickup at your chosen location, followed by a ride on a comfortable coach headed for Ankara, Turkey's capital, situated 450 kilometers from Istanbul. One of the notable moments during the trip will be crossing the magnificent Bosphorus Bridge.

After five hours on the road, we will arrive at our hotel. Cap off your day with a delightful dinner at the hotel before retiring to your room for the night.

Day 2: Discovering Ankara, Saratli, and Cappadocia

Start your day with a delectable Turkish breakfast before embarking on a guided exploration of Ankara. This tour highlights some of the city's most significant landmarks, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, known for its extensive collections of Anatolian artifacts. Next, pay your respects at An?tkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the Republic's first President.

After visiting the capital, journey towards Cappadocia. A stop will be made at Saratli, an intriguing Underground City established by early Christian communities seeking refuge from Arab invasions. As you explore this well-preserved site, you will find old stables, chambers, and communal areas.

Your arrival in Cappadocia will be in the late afternoon after a three-hour bus trip, followed by dinner at your hotel.

Day 3: Exploring Cappadocia

Indulge in a hearty breakfast and then set off to discover the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and surreal scenery.

This guided visit will take you to Göreme, where ancient houses and churches carved into the volcanic rock, adorned with 10th and 11th-century frescoes, await. Then, proceed to Uçhisar, a nearby cave-dwelling village, and marvel at the spectacular fairy chimneys in Monks Valley and Derbent Valley.

After absorbing the breathtaking vistas of Cappadocia, you'll head back to your hotel.

Day 4: Pamukkale

After breakfast, depart from Cappadocia, arriving at Pamukkale. On the way, a visit to the Sultanhan Caravanserai—dating back to the Seleucid era—will be included.

In Pamukkale, enjoy the opportunity to explore the spectacular “Cotton Castle” at your own pace. Known for its striking terraces and thermal pools, Pamukkale's landscapes offer an unforgettable sight, although swimming is currently prohibited.

After a fulfilling day, you’ll return to your hotel for a hearty dinner and a restful night.

Day 5: Ephesus and ?zmir

In the morning, board the bus again and head to Ephesus, the ancient city revered for its dedication to Artemis.

Once you arrive at this historic site, approximately four hours away, a guided tour will take you to the highlights, including the Odeon, the Hadrian Temple, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, the Agora, the Theatre, and Marble Street. Additionally, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, her final residence.

On the way to ?zmir, there will be an opportunity to visit a local leather factory.

After reaching ?zmir, Turkey's third-largest city, proceed to your hotel where you will dine and spend the night.

Day 6: Free Day in ?zmir

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before indulging in a full day of free time in ?zmir, if your tour concludes here.

Be aware that the bus from ?zmir back to Istanbul departs around 5 pm, with a travel duration of approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic.

Accommodation During the Tour

This tour includes five nights of lodging at the following hotels:

Ankara: Anadolu Downtown 5*, Point 5* or an equivalent hotelCappadocia: Dinler Urgup 5*, Avrasya Hotel 4*, Perissia 5* or a comparable hotelPamukkale: Colossae Hotel 5*, Richmond Hotel 5* or a similar establishment?zmir: Blanca 4*, Kaya Prestige Hotel 4* or a comparable hotel

The rates are per person based on a double or triple room sharing (with an additional bed). Note that a supplement applies for single occupancy reservations. Special children's rates apply when sharing a room with two adults.

Flights from ?zmir to Istanbul

During your booking, you may select an option that includes flights from ?zmir back to Istanbul. In this case, rather than parting ways at the hotel in ?zmir, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight.

Essential Information

The sequence of excursions may change due to arrival days or other circumstances, but all visits will be preserved.Generally, check-in at hotels begins at 2 pm, and check-out is by 12 pm.For departures on December 30 and 31, please inquire about any New Year supplements.The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar) may be closed during religious holidays (May 23-26, July 31-August 3, and October 29) and Sundays.Tour availability may be affected during fairs and national holidays.The whirling dervish performance will be available only until the end of February 2023.

Adjustments to the Itinerary

The itinerary may be modified based on arrival days or unforeseen events, including recognized holidays (especially May 23-26, July 31-August 3, October 29, and Sundays). Some sites, such as the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, or the Atatürk Mausoleum, may be inaccessible without prior notice; in these instances, only their exteriors will be visited.

Meeting Points

The tour offers pickup services from the following locations in Istanbul:

International Islamic University for Sciences (IIUS) (formerly Marmara University, Sultanahmet campus) at 12 pmAtaturk Cultural Center (Atatürk Kültür Merkezi) at 12 pmMarmaray Yenikapi Station (Aksaray entrance) at 12:20 pmMarmaray Sirkeci Station (Sirkeci Gar entrance) at 12 pm

You will be prompted to choose one of the aforementioned pickup points while reserving your trip.