Departure from Your Hotel to Pamukkale / Semi-Private Tour to Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Laodicea / Overnight at Kusadasi

Istanbul - Departures from Istanbul to Pamukkale by domestic flight: This travel package begins with a transfer from your hotel (or Airbnb address if parking is available) to the airport. Your driver will meet you at your pickup location and transfer you to the airport for your flight from Istanbul to Denizli. Upon arrival at Denizli Cardak airport, your tour guide and another driver will greet you at the arrival terminal exit gate, and you will commence today’s semi-private guided tour.

Pamukkale - Departures from Antalya, Fethiye, Marmaris, Bodrum to Pamukkale by private car: This travel package starts with a private transfer from your hotel (or Airbnb address if parking is available) to the Pamukkale Natural Park. Upon arrival, your tour guide and another driver will meet you, and you will begin today’s semi-private guided tour.

Pamukkale Natural Park - Pamukkale Natural Park is a must-visit destination for nature and history enthusiasts. For centuries, visitors have come here and left feeling rejuvenated. This natural park offers experiences at the white travertines of Pamukkale, Cleopatra Pools, and the ancient city of Hierapolis, all located within Pamukkale Natural Park.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Highlights of the Hierapolis Ancient City include Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater, and Antique Pool. During visits to these ancient ruins, you can capture photos from the most picturesque spots in Pamukkale.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools - After visiting the Hierapolis Ancient City, you will have free time for about 60-75 minutes to explore the natural beauty of Pamukkale and swim in the white travertines - thermal pools (or the antique pool - Cleopatra’s pool for an additional fee). Then, meet your guide again and continue to the restaurant for lunch.

Cleopatra Pools - Situated above the Pamukkale white travertine pools is a particularly spectacular location fed by the same hot springs. Here, you can bathe in the same waters Cleopatra once swam in! A professionally run modern spa facility allows you to enjoy these historical healing waters. Unlike the white water of the lower pools, the Antique Pool favored by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, is pure, clear, warm water. Once surmounted by a Roman Temple to Apollo with an ornate roof supported by Doric columns, imagine how Cleopatra must have experienced this in its glory days.

Pamukkale - You will stop at a local restaurant for lunch. Today’s lunch is included during the guided tour. After lunch, you will experience a traditional handcraft workshop to learn about the special stones/metals of Pamukkale.

Laodicea - Excavations here have revealed artifacts dating from 3500 BC (Late Chalcolithic) to 3000 BC (Early Bronze Age). The city’s name comes from the Seleucid king Antiochus II, who named it after his wife Laodike in the 3rd century BC when it was thriving. Later controlled by the kings of Pergamum, it was bequeathed to the Roman Empire and thrived again from the 4th to 6th centuries. Its importance then numbered it among the Seven Churches of Revelation.

Pamukkale Tandem Paragliding - Pamukkale Paragliding Adventure (Optional Attraction – You can add this attraction to your experiences for an additional cost): See Pamukkale’s glistening white travertine and ancient Hierapolis, including the enormous theater, from the air on this short-but-sweet paragliding experience with a seasoned pilot. You will race off the edge of a slope about 1,300 feet (400 meters) up, then glide on the breezes over the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kusadasi - After today’s semi-private guided tour in the Pamukkale district, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi Castle - This small castle is a picturesque Byzantine fortress standing on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. * There is no visit to this place on the tour. You can visit there on your own after we drop you at your hotel in Kusadasi.

Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI - This caravanserai was built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to support maritime trade in the region. This historical building is opposite Kusadasi cruise port. * There is no visit to this place on the tour. You can visit there on your own after we drop you at your hotel in Kusadasi.

Semi-Private Tour to Ephesus Ancient City and Its Surroundings / Flight to Cappadocia / Overnight at Cappadocia

Kuşadası - After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour guide will pick you up around 09:00 am for a full-day tour to Ephesus and its surroundings.

Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in the ancient world and is also mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. The Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets, and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.

Ephesus Experience Museum - At the Ephesus Experience Museum, you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With an innovative approach, this amazing museum offers a mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory.

Ephesus Terrace Houses - You will walk in front of the Terrace Houses during your tour, and your guide will provide information about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City. (There will be no visit to this place during the guided tour.)

Selcuk - You will stop at a traditional Turkish restaurant for lunch. Today’s lunch is included during the guided tour. After lunch, you will experience a traditional handcraft cooperative to learn about the special arts of Turkish villagers.

Sirince Koyu - This pretty old Orthodox village, 12 km away from Ephesus and 30 km from Kusadasi, was once called Cirkince (“ugly”). Indeed, its inhabitants gave it this name on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor share the beauty of their village. Still, after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly at all and called it Sirince (“pretty”). As the village is located on the top of a mountain, you will enjoy the impressive views of vineyards and peach trees on the way. You will find wines made from apples, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, melons, watermelons, cherries, and many other fruits.

The Temple of Artemis - Another visit on this tour is the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to the Ephesus ancient city.

Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport - At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Izmir airport for your flight to Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Upon your arrival at the airport in Cappadocia, your driver will be waiting to meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Hot Air Balloon Ride (OPTIONAL) / Thrilling Optional Adventures in the Valleys of Cappadocia / Overnight at Cappadocia

Cappadocia Balloon Tours - Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED FOR OPTIONS OF “GOLD PACKAGE” & “DIAMOND PACKAGE”. EXCLUDED FOR OPTION OF “SILVER PACKAGE”): Get ready for a wonderful experience unique to Cappadocia! We’ll pick you up from your hotel and take you to the balloon launch site, where you can watch the fascinating process of the balloon being prepared for flight. The ride takes place at sunrise, offering breathtaking views as your pilot gently ascends to an altitude of approximately 700 to 1,000 meters above the ground. From this height, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes. At certain moments during the flight, your pilot may descend as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, allowing for incredible photo opportunities. The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, with the flight itself lasting around 60 minutes. At the end of your journey, enjoy a celebratory glass of champagne before being transferred back to your hotel.

Cappadocia Tours - After the balloon ride, you’ll have the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure. You can relax at your authentic Cappadocia hotel or choose to join a short activity in the afternoon. Optional experiences such as a Camel Ride, ATV Quad Bike Tour, or Horseback Riding through the stunning valleys of Cappadocia are available. These additional activities are not included in the package price and can be added to your itinerary at an extra cost. Please contact the tour operator regarding these optional services once you have confirmed your booking for this trip package.

Semi-Private Tour to Must-See Places of Cappadocia / Flight Back to Istanbul

Urgup - Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel to start this thoughtfully designed day trip to Cappadocia’s must-see attractions. After hundreds of feedback from our guests, we created this trip itinerary for guests who are interested in the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of Cappadocia. Our semi-private daily tours, limited to a maximum of 10 guests per group, provide an in-depth exploration of Cappadocia’s ancient sites and breathtaking landscapes.

Goreme National Park - In a breathtaking landscape sculpted by erosion, Göreme National Park is home to rock-carved sanctuaries that showcase remarkable examples of Byzantine art from the post-Iconoclastic period. This tour will take you through the Göreme Open-Air Museum and Tokalı Church, two of the park’s most iconic landmarks.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - The Göreme Open Air Museum is recognized as one of the earliest monasteries in Christian history. This rock-hewn settlement, where education was provided to spread Christianity, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, renowned for its fresco-covered churches and rock-hewn living spaces.

TokalI Church - The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.

Ortahisar - Ortahisar Castle, also known as the most spectacular fairy chimney of Cappadocia, is located in Ortahisar town of Nevşehir. Said to be one of the first multi-storey settlements in the world, this castle is surrounded by steep valleys on three sides. Its geography enabled the castle to be used for protection and shelter in ancient times. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns.) After a panoramic visit to this amazing rock castle, you will continue for Weaving is a significant aspect of Turkish culture, with roots that trace back to Central Asia. This ancient tradition is still alive in Cappadocia today. During our tour, we’ll take a brief visit to a cooperative where world-renowned Turkish carpets are crafted, offering you the chance to learn about the intricate details of this age-old art form.

Avanos Oren Yeri - Today’s lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, where you’ll have the opportunity to try “Testi Kebab,” a traditional kebab unique to the Cappadocia region. (Vegetarian options are also available at the same restaurant.) Avanos is well-known for its charming old town with cobblestone streets and scenic river views. Formerly known as Venessa, the ancient city of Avanos overlooks the Kızılırmak (Red River), the longest river in Turkey, which separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. A notable historical feature of Avanos, still prominent today, is its earthenware pottery production, which remains a key economic activity in the town. The ceramic industry in this area, with its numerous pottery workshops, dates back to the Hittites, and the clay sourced from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has been used for centuries. You will have a short stop to experience this during your tour.

Uchisar Castle - Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (Visits to the rock castle are not included due to walking difficulties and safety concerns. Instead, you will have a stop for a panoramic view of the rock castle.)

Devrent Valley - This valley, also known as Imagination Valley, is home to numerous rock formations shaped like animals, predominantly in shades of red. One of the most common shapes found here is that of a camel.

Fairy Chimneys - Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, you will have seen many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia.

Cappadocia - Once the tour is finished, you’ll be taken to the Cappadocia airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

İstanbul - Upon arriving at Istanbul Airport, your driver will be ready to meet you and provide a transfer to your hotel. * Your return flight from Cappadocia is conveniently scheduled between 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM, with an expected arrival in Istanbul between 9:30 PM and 10:45 PM. This perfectly timed itinerary allows you to fully enjoy your guided day tour in Cappadocia, with ample time to catch your evening flight without any rush.

• Breakfast
• Lunch

• Dinner and Drinks

Discover the enchanting fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, its tuff valleys and carved churches. Stroll along the marble pathways of the ancient cities of Hierapolis and Ephesus. Experience the unique wonders of Turkey’s white havens such as Salda Crater Lake and Pamukkale’s thermal pools. This 5-day journey through Turkey includes 4 nights hotel stay, domestic airfare from Istanbul to Pamukkale, Izmir to Cappadocia and Cappadocia to Istanbul, airport transfers as per the itinerary, entry fees for all museums, national parks and ruins mentioned in the itinerary and professional tour guides approved by the Ministry of Culture & Tourism for the daytime tours. Remember to add a hot air balloon ride to your booking for an extraordinary Cappadocia adventure. Discounted pricing options for this travel package are available for booking.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.