Turkey · Archaeology

10-Day Turkey Highlights Tour with Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

10 Days Round trip from İstanbul Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Topkapı Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans
02 Visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul's historic heart
03 Discover the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus and ancient Hierapolis
04 Cruise through Dalyan and Kekova to see rock-cut tombs and the Sunken City
05 Experience Cappadocia's valleys, cave churches, and Kaymakli Underground City
06 Enjoy the chance to take a hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia

Embark on a 10-day tour through Turkey's highlights, from the imperial landmarks of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the white travertines of Pamukkale. Continue along the coast to Dalyan, Fethiye, Kayaköy, Kekova, and Antalya, with boat trips, archaeological sites, and scenic beaches along the way. In Cappadocia, explore valleys, cave churches, Göreme Open-Air Museum, and Kaymakli Underground City. The journey ends with the chance to experience Cappadocia's famous hot-air balloon flight.

Embark on a 10-day tour through Turkey's highlights, from the imperial landmarks of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the white travertines of Pamukkale.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Antalya, Istanbul, Izmir, Kayseri, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Kekova, Perge, Aspendos, Dalyan, Avanos

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Old City

Start a two-day tour at the old city, which served as the throne of power for the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, ruling the world for nearly 15 centuries.
First, visit Topkapi Palace, built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. It was the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans and houses souvenirs from 600 years, including the imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, and a calligraphy section.
Next, head to the Blue Mosque, the largest mosque in the city and one of Istanbul's most famous sights.
Afterwards, explore the Grand Bazaar, the world's most attractive shopping center with over 4,000 shops. Have lunch there as well.
Continue to Buyuk Valide Han and, en route to the Spice Market, witness the remarkable Istanbul skyline from the tall courtyard surrounded by workshops.
Lastly, enjoy free time at the Spice Bazaar, known for its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs, also referred to as the Egyptian Bazaar.

Day 02

Full-Day Sightseeing

Begin the day with a visit to Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture. Originally constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian, it was later converted into a mosque and is now a museum.
Next, explore the Underground Cistern, a highlight for many visitors in Istanbul.
Visit Sultanahmet Square, formerly the Hippodrome of the Byzantine Empire, where you can see important monuments such as the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and Stone Obelisk.
Head to the pier for a private Bosphorus cruise, sailing through the waterway that separates Asia and Europe. Capture photos of marble palaces, Ottoman wooden villas, and modern residences.
Take a one-hour flight to Izmir and then drive to Selçuk for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 03

Ephesus

Visit Ephesus, the capital of the Romans in Asia Minor, known for its well-preserved classical buildings. Highlights include the Celsus Library, Terrace Houses, theatre, and the main street where Cleopatra and Marcus Antonius were welcomed.
After exploring Ephesus, drive for approximately 2.5 hours to reach Pamukkale Travertines, a UNESCO-listed natural and cultural heritage site. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, renowned as one of the most important healing centres of Antiquity.
Afterwards, drive for another 2.5 hours to reach Fethiye.

Day 04

Boat Tour in Dalyan

Begin with a boat tour in Dalyan, where you can admire the rock-cut tombs of the kings and visit the Ancient Harbor of Kaunos.
Stop at İztuzu Beach, a nesting area for sea turtles.
Continue to Fethiye Ölüdeniz, where you can go paragliding and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Blue Lagoon. Take time for a swim and visit the monumental rock-cut tombs of Amintas.

Day 05

Kayaköy

Drive to Kayaköy and explore the astonishing Greek ghost town, which was impacted by the mass population exchanges of the 1920s.
Continue to Saklıkent Canyon, one of the most important natural beauties in the Lycian region.
Visit Patara, the Roman-era capital and the most important harbour city in the Lycian region. Explore the ancient structures and enjoy the longest sandy beach in Turkey, the nesting site for sea turtles. End the day at the Patara dunes.

Day 06

Kekova

Check out from the hotel and drive to the Kekova region.
Explore the Kekova region by boat, which flooded after a great earthquake in the 2nd century. Discover the Sunken City and the valuable Tyrian dye production sites.
Stop at Simena (Kalekoy), a water-locked village adorned with Roman-era sarcophagi and crowned by a Crusader Castle. Take a walk up to the castle for a breathtaking view of the sea.
Drive to Myra's ancient site, the Byzantine capital of the Lycian region, and visit the Church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus).
Drive for approximately 2.5 hours to reach Antalya.

Day 07

Antalya

Visit the magnificent site of Perge in the morning.
Explore Aspendos, known for its best-preserved theatre in the Roman world. Marvel at the aqueduct that brought water from the Taurus Mountains.
Return to Antalya and visit the Duden Waterfall, which meets the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 08

Open-Air Museum of Goreme

Take an early morning flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri.
Follow well-maintained trails through the Gulludere (Rose) Canyon and Kizilçukur (Red) Valley, and continue to Çavusin Village. Discover hidden Byzantine-era cave churches adorned with frescoes.
Stop at a pottery workshop in Avanos and enjoy a glass of local wine while witnessing a hands-on demonstration.
In the afternoon, visit the Open-Air Museum of Goreme, a significant monastic settlement with churches carved into rocks and painted with wall paintings.
Optional Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Saruhan Caravanserai: Watch a special dance performance by the Sufis in the historical Caravanserai Building, which is over 700 years old.

Day 09

Hot-Air Balloon Flight

Start the day with a hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia. Be picked up by a van and enjoy a balloon ride, breakfast, and a special party before being escorted back to the hotel.
Explore Paşabağ Valley, famous for its volcanic formations called "Fairy Chimneys."
Visit a carpet cooperative to learn about Turkish tribal art and weaving traditions through educational lectures and hands-on demonstrations.
Take a short drive to the Kaymakli Underground City, built by early Christians, to avoid religious persecution.
Continue the tour with visits to Devrent Valley, Love Valley, and Three Beauties.
Enjoy a Turkish Night with dinner.

Day 10

Departure

Transfer to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airport (B)

Where this trip takes you

Travertines of Pamukkale, Ephesus, Open-Air Museum of Goreme

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from İstanbul 13 cities · 10 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

A private air-conditioned vehicle will assist us during our trip.
All transfers from/to the airport.
All domestic flights stated in the itinerary.
Professional licensed guide.
All accommodations.
All entrance fees.
Boat trips stated in the itinerary (Istanbul Bosphorus, Dalyan Boat Tour, Kekova Sunken City Boat Tour).
All lunches.

What's Not Included

Arrival and departure flight tickets.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Personal equipment.
Tips for the guide and local staff.

Know before you go

Optional activities stated in the itinerary, such as the balloon ride, dervish show, paragliding, horse riding, quad bike, and rafting, are available at an additional cost.

Logistics