Turkey 10-Day Tour by Plane from Istanbul to Istanbul Including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya
by Tour Altinkum Travel
Overview
This 10-day tour covers Turkey’s main destinations using domestic flights from and to Istanbul. The itinerary begins with three nights in Istanbul, where participants visit sites representing the city’s location across two continents and its history under three empires. After Istanbul, the tour continues by plane to Cappadocia for two nights. There, guests visit underground cities, rock-cut churches, and the region’s distinctive fairy chimneys. Next, the tour proceeds to Kusadasi for two nights, serving as a base to explore the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus and the nearby House of the Virgin Mary. The tour then travels to Pamukkale, where guests can swim in the thermal springs and see the natural terraces. The final stop is Antalya, with two nights spent in its old town, featuring visits to the clock tower, Hadrian’s Gate, Kesik Minare, and cobblestone streets. Transportation throughout the tour is by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles and includes multiple domestic flights if the flight tickets option is selected. The package includes breakfast and lunch as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers on arrival and departure, and pre-paid skip-the-line tickets for entrance to historical sites. Entrance fees, personal expenses, and tips for guides and drivers are not included. Some site visits may be affected by local holidays or renovations. There is an option to upgrade some land transfers to flights, such as Antalya to Cappadocia, at an additional cost, which changes the itinerary by removing the visit to Konya. Optional activities, like a one-hour boat tour in Antalya, may replace unavailable attractions. Flight tickets can be included or excluded based on the selected option during booking, with guidance provided for purchasing flights if excluded.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Istanbul-Ataturk-Airport Arrival
Upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, the traveler will be met and transferred to their hotel.
60 min
Largest-Byzantine-Religious-Center
Apart from the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China, this was the largest building on earth. During the Byzantine era, it functioned as the city's main place of worship.
60 min
Byzantine-Religious-Center
It functioned as the religious center of the city throughout the Byzantine period.
60 min
Blue-Mosque
Constructed by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616, the Blue Mosque is notable for its six minarets and large dome and is a prominent landmark in the old city.
60 min
Hippodrome
Built in 203 AD by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus, the Hippodrome was the civil center during the Roman period, accommodating up to 100,000 spectators.
60 min
Grand-Bazaar
Featuring 18 entrances and over 4000 shops, this is among the largest bazaars in the world.
120 min
Topkapi-Palace
Serving as the imperial residence and government seat of the Ottoman Empire, the palace housed Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.
60 min
Spice-Bazaar
After hotel breakfast and check-out, meet the guide at the hotel lobby for a half-day tour starting at the Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme, and many other herbs and spices.
120 min
Bosphorus-Cruise
A traditional boat excursion along the waterway between Europe and Asia passes old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and fishing villages, including views of Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace.
120 min
Drive-to-Airport
Following the tour, transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir.
60 min
Izmir-Arrival-Transfer
Upon arrival, the traveler will be greeted by a driver who will take them to their hotel.
60 min
House-of-Virgin-Mary
The House of Virgin Mary is a church built in the 6th century AD atop the foundations of a 1st century AD house and is recognized by the church as the final residence of Mary.
60 min
Ancient Ephesus
Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the 1st century AD, it was the second-largest city worldwide after Rome, with over 250,000 inhabitants. Visitors can walk the ancient streets and see monuments such as the third largest ancient library and the largest Roman theatre in Asia.
120 min
Temple of Artemis
Known as Artemision, the Temple of Artemis was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In ancient times, its cult dedicated to Artemis attracted many visitors, making Ephesus a significant pilgrimage destination.
60 min
Pamukkale Terraces
Pamukkale is a historic settlement known for its hot springs believed to have healing properties, considered the earliest spa in history. The terraces formed by warm spring water at 35°C contain calcium bicarbonate. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
120 min
Hierapolis Ancient City
The ancient city of Hierapolis contains the largest Necropolis in Anatolia, with 1,200 gravestones. The Sacred Pool is a notable feature, where shallow thermal waters flow over ancient Roman ruins beneath the surface.
60 min
Drive to Antalya
At the end of the tour, drive to Antalya. Check in to the hotel. Overnight stay in Antalya.
180 min
Karpuzkaldıran & Düden Waterfalls
Meet the guide at the arranged time and visit Karpuzkaldıran and Düden Waterfalls. The area offers cascading water and green surroundings. Follow park paths, listen to the water, and stop at viewpoints for photos before entering the city center.
60 min
Antalya Old Town & Boat Tour
Lunch is served at a local restaurant offering traditional Turkish dishes. Afterwards, there is 1 to 1.5 hours of free time to explore Kaleiçi, Antalya's historic old town, on foot. Visitors can see Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower, and Kesik Minare, or visit galleries, shops, and boutiques. The day concludes with a sightseeing boat tour lasting one hour along the coastline, costing 10 Euros per person. Overnight stay is in Antalya.
240 min
Transfer to Antalya Airport
Meet the driver at the scheduled time and transfer to Antalya Airport for the flight to Kayseri.
30 min
Arrival in Kayseri & Hotel Check-in
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Note that the flight may be in the morning or afternoon depending on availability. Optional activities include a Cappadocia Sunset Quad Safari if arriving in the morning or a Turkish Bath in Antalya if the flight is in the afternoon.
60 min
Rose and Red Valley
Rose and Red Valley is a unique area in Cappadocia with sharp ridges tinted pink, especially at sunset. The pink color comes from minerals in the sandstone and becomes more pronounced as the day progresses, peaking when the sun shines directly on the valley.
60 min
Village in Red Valley
The village is surrounded by the gradually widening Red Valley. Houses are carved into large rock formations. The village is known for its rock churches.
60 min
Pigeon Valley
Pigeon Valley is named for the many man-made dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic tuff. It is considered one of the best walking areas in Cappadocia.
60 min
Underground City
This settlement provided refuge for 15,000 Christians and was important for early Christianity, serving as shelter and worship space until the end of the 7th century AD. The eight-story city is connected by 30km of corridors and passageways and contains rooms used as bedrooms, a church, a meeting hall, and food storage areas.
60 min
+ 10 more places this tour can include
Languages
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
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