Video12 Days Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia Tour
12 Days Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia Tour
12 Days
Starts and ends in IstanbulRoute mapSmall GroupOur tours are guaranteed to depart regardless of participant count. Group size varies by tour date, with a maximum of 15 travelers.
3 guide languagesAvailable Languages English Spanish ItalianPrices may vary depending on the selected language.
12 Days
Starts and ends in IstanbulRoute mapSmall GroupOur tours are guaranteed to depart regardless of participant count. Group size varies by tour date, with a maximum of 15 travelers.
3 guide languagesAvailable Languages English Spanish ItalianPrices may vary depending on the selected language.
HOT
VideoYour route
Day by day11 hotel nights2 domestic flights
What you'll experience
From the domes of Istanbul to the ruins of Troy, the marble streets of Ephesus, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the surreal valleys of Cappadocia, this 12-day Turkey tour gives the country a strong historical arc without feeling rushed.
At Troy the visit covers the sacrificial altars, the ancient walls and the agora, and a free day on the coast precedes the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. Cappadocia is reached by air, with the Red and Yellow routes running from Devrent Valley and the Avanos pottery workshop to Cavusin Village and an underground city.
In your price
Already covered for you
- Domestic flightswith 15 kg luggage
- 11 hotel nights
- 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches
- Entrance feeson the itinerary
- Airport and hotel transfers
Taxes and service fees includedTÜRSAB licence 6250 · Since 2009
You just enjoy the trip, we take care of the rest.
See all inclusions and exclusionsDay by day
12-Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia
Day 1:Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul
- Transfers included
- Free time
When your flight lands at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, our airport team will meet you using the flight details you shared. Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul and check in.
Free time ideas: a Bosphorus ferry ride, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar, or the streets of Galata and Karakoy.
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When your flight lands at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our airport team will meet you using the flight details you shared.
Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul and check in.
The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey.
Overnight stay in Istanbul
Day 2:Istanbul Old City Tour
- Breakfast
- Istanbul
- Transfers included
- Free time
Visit Istanbul's landmark where Byzantine and Ottoman history meet.
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Hippodrome
- Grand Bazaar
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Meal: Breakfast
08:30 - After breakfast, pick up from your hotel and transfer to Sultanahmet.
- Hagia Sophia: Visit Istanbul's landmark where Byzantine and Ottoman history meet.
- Blue Mosque: See the elegant domes, six minarets, and blue Iznik tiles of Sultanahmet Mosque.
- Hippodrome: Walk through the former Roman racecourse with its surviving obelisks and monuments.
- Grand Bazaar: Enjoy free time in one of the world's best-known covered markets.
12:45 - Istanbul old city tour ends at the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight stay in Istanbul
Day 3:Bosphorus Cruise & Istanbul Free Time
- Breakfast
- Istanbul
- Transfers included
Morning is free in Istanbul. Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Bosphorus cruise boat.
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Meal: Breakfast
Morning is free in Istanbul.
13:30 - Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the Bosphorus cruise boat.
Cruise along the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, waterfront mansions, bridges, and fortress views from the water.
16:00 - Bosphorus cruise ends and you return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Istanbul
Day 4:Troy Tour from Istanbul
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Transfers included
Explore the archaeological mound where nine major settlement layers reveal more than 4,000 years of history and give physical context to the legend of the Trojan War.
- Troy Ancient City
- Wooden Trojan Horse Replica
- Sacrificial Altars
- 3,700-Year-Old City Walls
- Houses of Troy I
- Agora of Troy
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Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
06:00-07:00 - After breakfast and check-out, pick up from your hotel in Istanbul and depart by road toward the Dardanelles. (The exact pickup time depends on your hotel location.)
12:30 - Arrive in Eceabat and stop for the included lunch before the archaeological tour.
13:00 - Continue to Troy Ancient City and meet your professional guide for the afternoon visit.
- Troy Ancient City: Explore the archaeological mound where nine major settlement layers reveal more than 4,000 years of history and give physical context to the legend of the Trojan War.
- Wooden Trojan Horse Replica: Begin near the symbolic wooden horse and hear how the famous episode became one of the best-known stories associated with ancient Troy.
- Sacrificial Altars: See the stone altars used in ancient religious ceremonies and learn how ritual life formed part of the city's social order.
- 3,700-Year-Old City Walls: Examine Troy's sloping limestone defenses, built to protect the strategically placed city overlooking the approaches to the Dardanelles.
- Houses of Troy I: View foundations dating from approximately 3000-2500 BC, among the earliest visible remains from the long sequence of settlements at the site.
- Agora of Troy: Walk through the public area that served commercial, civic, and religious functions during the later phases of the ancient city.
17:30 - The guided Troy tour ends, followed by a transfer to Canakkale Bus Station.
Board the intercity bus toward the Izmir area. (The departure time may change according to season and seat availability.)
Meet our local team at the bus station after arrival.
Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi/Selcuk for check-in.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi/Selcuk
Day 5:Free Day on the Aegean Coast
- Breakfast
- Free time
Free day in Kusadasi/Selcuk. You can rest by the coast, explore locally, or request an optional activity.
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Meal: Breakfast
Free day in Kusadasi/Selcuk. You can rest by the coast, explore locally, or request an optional activity.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi/Selcuk
Day 6:Ephesus Ancient City Tour
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Transfers included
Walk through one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, including Curetes Street, the Agora, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and Great Theater.
- Ephesus Ancient City
- House of Virgin Mary
- Temple of Artemis
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Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
08:30 - After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in Kusadasi/Selcuk and transfer to Ephesus.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Walk through one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities, including Curetes Street, the Agora, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and Great Theater.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit the quiet hillside sanctuary associated with Mary near Ephesus.
- Temple of Artemis: Stand by the surviving traces of Artemis's sanctuary, a site once ranked among the wonders of the ancient world.
16:00 - Ephesus tour ends and you return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi/Selcuk
Day 7:Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Transfers included
Walk near the white mineral terraces formed by thermal waters.
- Pamukkale Travertines
- Hierapolis Ancient City
- Cleopatra Antique Pool
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Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
08:00 - After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in Kusadasi/Selcuk and depart for Pamukkale.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk near the white mineral terraces formed by thermal waters.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Visit the Roman spa city above the travertines, including its theatre, necropolis, bath remains, gates, and main streets.
- Cleopatra Antique Pool: The antique pool area is open to view during the site visit; a separate local payment applies only if you choose to swim.
16:00 - Pamukkale tour ends and you return to your hotel in Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi/Selcuk
Day 8:Fly to Cappadocia & Settle In
- Breakfast
- Cappadocia
- Transfers included
- Free time
After breakfast and check-out, transfer from Kusadasi/Selcuk to Izmir Airport. Flight from Izmir to Kayseri or Nevsehir. When Izmir-Cappadocia does not operate nonstop on your date, we will book the best available Istanb...
Free time ideas: a sunset viewpoint above Goreme, Uchisar castle, or a Turkish night show (optional).
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Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast and check-out, transfer from Kusadasi/Selcuk to Izmir Airport.
Flight from Izmir to Kayseri or Nevsehir. When Izmir-Cappadocia does not operate nonstop on your date, we will book the best available Istanbul-connected flight.
Upon arrival in Cappadocia, meet our local team at the airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
The rest of the day is free in Cappadocia.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia
Day 9:Cappadocia North Tour - Red Route
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Cappadocia
- Transfers included
See imaginative rock formations shaped by volcanic erosion.
- Devrent Valley (Pink Valley)
- Pasabag Open Air Museum
- Avanos Pottery Workshop
- Goreme Panoramic View
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Uchisar Castle (exterior view)
Early Morning · Optional Add-ons
Hot Air Balloon Flight
#1 Rated Cappadocia Experience with Iconic Sunrise Views
Most booked activity
Balloon Watching Tour
The Best Cappadocia Viewpoints for Unforgettable Sunrise Photos
Best viewpoints guaranteed
Both options can be added at best available prices during booking.
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Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
09:30 - Pick up from your hotel and start the North Cappadocia route.
- Devrent Valley (Pink Valley): See imaginative rock formations shaped by volcanic erosion.
- Pasabag Open Air Museum: Visit Cappadocia's famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop: Watch a local artisan demonstrate Avanos pottery with the region's red clay.
- Goreme Panoramic View: Stop for wide views over the valleys and fairy chimneys.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: Explore rock-cut churches, cave dwellings, and old valley settlements.
- Uchisar Castle (exterior view): See the tall rock citadel from outside and use it as a landmark for understanding the surrounding valleys.
17:00 - Cappadocia Red Route ends and you return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia
Day 10:Cappadocia South Tour - Yellow Route
- Breakfast & Lunch
- Cappadocia
- Transfers included
Walk through one of Cappadocia's most colorful volcanic valleys.
- Red Valley
- Rose Valley (Gulludere Valley)
- Cavusin Village
- Pigeon Valley
- Underground City
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Meal: Breakfast & Lunch
09:30 - Pick up from your hotel and start the South Cappadocia route.
- Red Valley: Walk through one of Cappadocia's most colorful volcanic valleys.
- Rose Valley (Gulludere Valley): See cave churches, carved rooms, and soft-toned valley views.
- Cavusin Village: Visit an old village known for rock-cut houses and cliff views.
- Pigeon Valley: View pigeon houses carved into the valley walls.
- Underground City: Descend into rock-cut passages and chambers designed for shelter, storage, and protection underground.
17:00 - Cappadocia Yellow Route ends and you return to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia
Day 11:Fly Back to Istanbul
- Breakfast
- Istanbul
- Transfers included
- Free time
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport. Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. The domestic flight time and Istanbul arrival airport will be confirmed from the airline operation available for...
Free time ideas: Istiklal Avenue and Taksim, a Turkish bath (hamam), or the sunset from Galata Tower.
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Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport.
Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. The domestic flight time and Istanbul arrival airport will be confirmed from the airline operation available for your travel season.
Meet our team at the airport in Istanbul.
Transfer to your hotel and keep the rest of the day free.
Overnight stay in Istanbul
Day 12:Departure from Istanbul
- Breakfast
- Transfers included
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Based on your international flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
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Meal: Breakfast
After breakfast, check out from your hotel.
Based on your international flight schedule, our team will transfer you to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
Your 12 Days Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia Tour ends after the airport transfer.
Tour Services
What's Included
Clear scope of services for the 12 Days Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia Tour
Includes
Services covered in your tour package
- 11 nights accommodation: 4 nights in Istanbul, 4 nights in Kusadasi, and 3 nights in Cappadocia
- 11 breakfasts and 6 lunches as listed in the itinerary
- Intercity bus sectors and domestic flight tickets with 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage per flight sector
- Airport, hotel, bus station, and tour transfers on program days
- Guided touring in Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia
- Entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
- All local transportation, parking, highway, and service charges
Excludes
Services not covered by the package price
- Dinners and unmentioned meals
- Drinks at lunch
- Personal expenses
- Optional swimming in Cleopatra Antique Pool in Pamukkale
- Optional activities
Where you'll stay
Hotels on this tour
11 hotel nights: Istanbul 4 · Kusadasi 4 · Cappadocia 3. Choose the hotel class that suits your comfort and budget; you can change it when you book.
Istanbul · 4 nights
Emine Sultan Hotel, Sultan Hamit Hotel+ 4 more
Kusadasi · 4 nights
Urkmez Hotel, Akman City Hotel+ 2 more
Cappadocia · 3 nights
Heaven Cave Hotel, Tafana Cave & Stone Lodge Hotel+ 5 more
Per person in a double room. Hotels are confirmed after booking, subject to availability.
Highlights
Why this 12-day Turkey route is a strong choice
- Clear historical flow: Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia follow a route that moves naturally from imperial history to ancient cities and volcanic landscapes.
- More relaxed Aegean section: Four nights in Kusadasi give enough time for Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and a free day without turning the west coast into a rushed transfer chain.
- Two full Cappadocia tour days: The North and South Cappadocia routes are both included, so the valleys, fairy chimneys, and underground city are properly covered.
- Practical transport plan: Intercity bus sectors, domestic flights, airport transfers, and hotel transfers are coordinated in advance.
- Easy finish in Istanbul: The final night and airport transfer in Istanbul make international departure planning simpler.
Not sure yet?
See all 12 Day Turkey ToursCompare other Turkey tour packages
Each card shows how that tour differs from this one: route, nights and price. Open a card for its full itinerary, or compare every detail side by side below.
2 days shorter
10 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour
10 days · 9 hotel nights
Istanbul → Cappadocia → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Istanbul
Compared with this tour
- Skips Troy
- 1 night less in Kusadasi
- 1 night less in Cappadocia
€1,254€272 less than this tour
2 days longer
14 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour with Free Days
14 days · 12 hotel nights · 1 overnight bus
Istanbul → Cappadocia → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Istanbul
Compared with this tour
- Skips Troy
- 3 more nights in Istanbul
- 2 nights less in Kusadasi
€1,555€29 more than this tour
Same length, other route
12 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour with Free Days
12 days · 10 hotel nights · 1 overnight bus
Istanbul → Cappadocia → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Istanbul
Compared with this tour
- Skips Troy
- 2 more nights in Istanbul
- 2 nights less in Kusadasi
€1,461€65 less than this tour
Compare these 4 tours side by sideHide the comparison
| Compare | This tour12 Days Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia Tour | 2 days shorter10 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus Tour | 2 days longer14 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour with Free Days | Same length, other route12 Days Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour with Free Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 12 days · 11 hotel nights | 10 days · 9 hotel nights | 14 days · 12 hotel nights · 1 overnight bus | 12 days · 10 hotel nights · 1 overnight bus |
| Route | Istanbul → Troy → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Cappadocia → Istanbul | Istanbul → Cappadocia → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Istanbul | Istanbul → Cappadocia → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Istanbul | Istanbul → Cappadocia → Pamukkale → Ephesus → Istanbul |
| Nights in | Istanbul 3 · Kusadasi 4 · Cappadocia 3 · Istanbul 1 | Istanbul 3 · Cappadocia 2 · Kusadasi 3 · Istanbul 1 | Istanbul 4 · Cappadocia 2 · Pamukkale 1 · Kusadasi 2 · Istanbul 3 | Istanbul 4 · Cappadocia 2 · Kusadasi 2 · Istanbul 2 |
| Getting around | 2 domestic flights | 3 domestic flights | 2 domestic flights | 2 domestic flights |
| Guide languages | English | English, Spanish, Italian | English, Spanish, Italian | English, Spanish, Italian |
| Rating | 4.7 ★ · 24 reviews | 4.9 ★ · 13 reviews | New tour | New tour |
| Price from | €1,526 | €1,254 | €1,555 | €1,461 |
Good to know
Before you book
- Hotel pick-up times may vary depending on hotel location. Domestic flight times, flight routes, arrival airports, and intercity bus departures may change according to season, airline schedules, and operational availability.
- Domestic flight tickets include 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage per person; if needed, extra baggage is usually available during online check-in according to the airline's fees and rules.
- When Izmir-Cappadocia does not operate nonstop on your date, we will book the best available Istanbul-connected flight.
- You can add a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight or balloon watching tour while booking, using the optional add-ons section for our current best rates.
- At Pamukkale, viewing the Cleopatra Antique Pool area does not require a separate entrance fee; only the optional swim is paid locally.
- Intercity buses are not sleeper buses. They have reclining seats, but no flat-bed sleeping compartments.
- The free day in Kusadasi is unguided; optional activities can be requested in advance.
- Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended for Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia valleys.
Available Languages:EnglishTour Types:GroupPrivatePrices may vary depending on the selected language and tour type.
FAQ
Questions about this 12-day tour
Where does this tour start and end?
It starts and ends in Istanbul.
How do we travel between the cities?
By our transfers and tour vehicles and 2 domestic flights (Izmir → Cappadocia, Cappadocia → Istanbul). The route map above shows every leg.
Where do we stay overnight?
11 hotel nights: 3 in Istanbul, 4 in Kusadasi, 3 in Cappadocia and 1 in Istanbul. Under Hotels on this tour you can see the hotels of each class.
In which languages is the tour guided?
Guides are available in English.
Does this tour depart every day?
Yes, it departs daily and there is no minimum number of participants.
Can I change the itinerary or add days?
Yes. Our AI trip planner starts from this route: add days, swap cities or change hotels and see the new price at once. For anything else, send us a request.
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