11-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus Package

Summary

Turkey Multi-Day Tour with Hot Air Balloon & Ancient Sites

You’ll walk ancient streets in Ephesus, float over Cappadocia at sunrise, taste spices in Istanbul’s bazaars, and stand where legends began—from Troy to Gallipoli—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

Landing in Istanbul felt like stepping into a living postcard. The city buzzes early—locals weaving through Besiktas with simit carts and the call to prayer echoing from distant minarets. Our transfer whisked us straight to a hotel tucked in the old city. You can smell roasted chestnuts from street vendors even before you see them.

The next morning, we dove right into history at Hagia Sophia. Our guide, Emre, shared stories about emperors and sultans while sunlight filtered through stained glass. Wandering Topkapi Palace’s courtyards, I kept noticing cats lounging on ancient stones—apparently they’re unofficial residents here. The Grand Bazaar was a maze of colors and voices; I lost track of time haggling for a scarf I probably didn’t need. The Blue Mosque’s blue tiles really do glow in the afternoon light.

We took a boat ride along the Bosphorus—windy on deck but worth it for views of both Europe and Asia at once. The Spice Bazaar smelled like sumac and fresh coffee; I picked up some Turkish delight for later. Dolmabahce Palace felt almost too grand to be real—crystal chandeliers everywhere you look.

Leaving Istanbul behind, we drove out to Gallipoli. There’s a quiet heaviness there—the sea is calm but the memorials are moving. In Çanakkale, our hotel overlooked the Dardanelles Strait; you can hear ferries honking late into the night.

Troy and Pergamum were next—standing by Troy’s wooden horse replica is one of those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments. Pergamum’s hillside theater has wildflowers growing between the seats in springtime.

Kusadası became our base for Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. Walking down Ephesus’ marble streets at sunrise was surreal—the place feels untouched by time except for the odd selfie stick popping up here and there. At Meryem Ana Evi (Virgin Mary’s house), candles flicker quietly inside stone walls.

Pamukkale’s travertine pools are as white as everyone says—they squeak under your feet like snow. Hierapolis ruins sit just above; we watched sunset from there before catching an overnight bus to Cappadocia (bring snacks—the bus stops are pretty basic).

Cappadocia was pure magic from start to finish. Göreme looks like something out of a fairytale with its cave houses and fairy chimneys poking up everywhere. Our special hotel had rooms carved right into rock—cool even when it’s hot outside. Uchisar Castle gives you a view over the whole valley if you climb up early before crowds arrive.

The highlight? Floating over Cappadocia at dawn in a hot air balloon (guaranteed spot included). It’s chilly up there so bring an extra layer—even in summer! Later we explored Kaymakli Underground City; it’s easy to get lost if you wander off so stick close to your guide (ours told us about secret tunnels used during invasions). Avanos is famous for pottery—I tried spinning clay but mostly just made a mess.

The last day back in Istanbul was free—perfect for wandering or grabbing baklava at Hafiz Mustafa near Sirkeci station before heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Istanbul

• Transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Istanbul Historical Sites

• Visit Hagia Sophia Museum
• Visit Topkapi Palace
• Explore Grand Bazaar
• Visit Sultanahmet Mosque

Day 3 — Istanbul Tour and Boat Ride

• Boat tour on Bosphorus
• Visit Spice Bazaar
• Visit Dolmabahce Palace

Day 4 — Gallipoli Visit

• Tour Gallipoli Peninsula

Day 5 — Troy and Pergamum

• Visit Troy
• Visit Pergamum

Day 6 — Ephesus Exploration

• Visit Ephesus
• Visit House of the Virgin Mary

Day 7 — Pamukkale and Hierapolis

• Visit Pamukkale
• Visit Hierapolis

Day 8 — Cappadocia Highlights

• Visit Göreme
• Visit Uchisar Castle
• Visit Avanos

Day 9 — Cappadocia Adventure

• Hot air balloon ride
• Visit Kaymakli Underground City

Day 10 — Free Day in Istanbul

• Flight to Istanbul from Cappadocia
• Free day in Istanbul

Day 11 — Departure

• Transfer to airport

Top questions

Is the hot air balloon ride definitely included?

Yes, your place on the Cappadocia balloon ride is guaranteed as part of this tour package.

Are museum entrance fees covered?

All museum tickets mentioned in the itinerary are included—no hidden costs when you arrive at each site.

What kind of hotels will we stay in?

You’ll stay in comfortable 4-star hotels throughout, plus unique cave-style accommodation while in Cappadocia.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Definitely! The route is designed for all fitness levels and families with children or seniors will find it manageable.

How do we travel between cities?

You’ll use an air-conditioned vehicle for most transfers; there’s also an overnight bus from Pamukkale to Cappadocia and a domestic flight back to Istanbul at the end.

What’s included

This package covers museum tickets, English-speaking guides who really know their stuff, all main transport including air-conditioned vehicles and domestic flights where needed, plus comfy hotels (with something special in Cappadocia). Prams are fine for little ones and public transport is always nearby if you want to explore more on your own.