Turkey 10-Day Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale

Summary

From Istanbul’s spice-scented bazaars to Cappadocia’s pink valleys and Pamukkale’s warm terraces

You’ll walk through ancient marble streets in Ephesus, float along the Bosphorus past palaces and fishing boats, soak your feet in Pamukkale’s warm springs, and watch sunrise turn Cappadocia pink—all with flights, transfers, hotels and lunches sorted for you. It’s busy but never rushed—and those little moments stay with you long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first real memory that sticks is standing under the dome of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul—my neck craned back, shoes squeaking a little on the cool stone. Our guide, Emre, just grinned at my wide-eyed look. “Everyone does that,” he said. Later, walking through the Spice Bazaar, I kept catching whiffs of cinnamon and mint—so strong it almost felt like I’d eaten them. It was loud too; vendors calling out prices in Turkish, kids darting between stalls. We took a Bosphorus cruise after lunch (lunches are included—thankfully, because I never figured out what to order on my own), watching old wooden houses drift by on both sides. The water was this strange blue-green color—almost fake-looking.

Flying from Istanbul to Izmir for the Ephesus day trip felt almost too easy; someone met us at every airport with a sign (and yes, they actually smiled). Ephesus itself—I mean, you read about these places but walking those marble streets is something else. Our guide told us about the Library of Celsus while a stray cat wound around my ankles. At the House of Mary it was quiet except for some birds and the low hum of people praying or just thinking. I didn’t expect to feel anything there but…well, you know how it is sometimes.

Pamukkale was hot and bright—so bright I had to squint even with sunglasses. The thermal pools were warm and slippery underfoot; we all laughed when someone nearly slid right in (okay, it was me). The next morning in Antalya started with fresh bread at breakfast and ended with wandering Kaleici’s old town alleys—paint peeling off doors, old men playing backgammon outside tiny cafés. In Cappadocia I tried to say “güvercin” (pigeon) in Pigeon Valley and our driver burst out laughing—probably butchered it completely. The fairy chimneys really do look unreal at sunrise; pink light everywhere and not much talking from anyone.

I still think about that last night in Istanbul—a little tired but weirdly happy after ten days of moving around Turkey by plane and bus (all sorted for us). There’s something about seeing so many places—the chaos of bazaars one day, silent underground cities the next—that makes you feel small but also lucky. Not everything went perfectly (missed a photo op or two), but honestly? That made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival to Istanbul

• Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport
• Meet and transfer to hotel

Day 2 — Treasures of Istanbul

• Visit Hagia Sophia
• Explore Basilica Cistern
• See Blue Mosque
• Visit Hippodrome
• Shop at Grand Bazaar

Day 3 — Bosphorus Cruise and Flight to Izmir

• Breakfast and hotel check-out
• Visit Spice Bazaar
• Take Bosphorus Cruise
• Drive to airport
• Fly to Izmir
• Transfer to hotel

Day 4 — Ancient Ephesus Tour

• Visit House of Virgin Mary
• Explore Ancient Ephesus
• See Temple of Artemis

Day 5 — Pamukkale Tour and Travel to Antalya

• Visit Pamukkale Thermal Pools
• Explore ancient city of Hierapolis
• Drive to Antalya and check-in

Day 6 — Antalya City Tour

• Take cable car to Tunektepe
• Visit Duden Waterfalls
• Lunch with panoramic view
• Explore Antalya Old Town (Kaleici)

Day 7 — Konya and Cappadocia

• Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
• See Sultanhani Caravanserai
• Travel to Cappadocia and check-in

Day 8 — Underground Cities of Cappadocia

• Visit Rose Valley
• Explore Red Valley
• Walk in Pigeon Valley
• Tour Kaymakli Underground City
• Visit Uchisar town

Day 9 — Fairy Chimneys and Flight to Istanbul

• Check out and visit Goreme Museum
• Explore Devrent Valley
• Visit Pasabagi (Monks Valley)
• Lunch and pottery in Avanos
• See Goreme Panorama
• Visit Uchisar Castle
• Drive to Kayseri Airport
• Fly to Istanbul
• Transfer to hotel

Day 10 — Departure Day

• Breakfast and hotel check-out
• Transfer to Istanbul Airport

Top questions

How many domestic flights are included in this Turkey tour?

This 10-day Turkey tour includes two domestic flights: one from Istanbul to Izmir and another from Kayseri (Cappadocia) back to Istanbul.

Are airport transfers provided throughout the trip?

Yes, all airport transfers are included from arrival to departure during this Turkey itinerary.

Is lunch included every day on this Turkey 10-day tour?

Lunches are included as mentioned in the itinerary—typically during guided touring days such as Ephesus or Pamukkale.

What type of accommodation can I expect?

You’ll stay at comfortable hotels like Celal Sultan Hotel in Istanbul or boutique/cave hotels in Cappadocia; similar alternatives may be used if needed.

Are entry tickets for attractions included?

Your guide will have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets ready; you’ll pay your guide directly for entry fees during the tour.

Is this Turkey tour suitable for families with children?

The itinerary is suitable for all fitness levels; children under 8 get free entry to historical sites.

Can infants join this multi-day Turkey tour?

Yes—infants can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What happens if a site is closed during my travel dates?

If any historical sites are closed due to holidays or maintenance, alternative visits will be arranged where possible—check with the team before booking.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pickup and drop-off at every stop, all domestic flights within Turkey with generous baggage allowance, nine nights’ accommodation across Istanbul, Kusadasi/Ephesus region, Antalya and Cappadocia (including cave hotels), guided tours with local experts each day plus lunches as listed. Airport transfers are always included so you never have to worry about connections or finding your way between cities.