Cappadocia & Ephesus & Pamukkale Tours from Istanbul

Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul is planned for people who will be departing from Istanbul. From Istanbul, you will be transferred to Cappadocia via bus or plane, depending on your preference. There is no train service that runs directly between Istanbul and Cappadocia. Your journey can conclude in Izmir, Kusadasi or Bergama (Pergamon).

Day 1 – Early flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia, and arrival in the splendour of Cappadocia. Our tour commences upon your arrival in the region. Avanos is home to “Fairy Chimneys” in Devrent Valley and Paşaba (Monks’) Valley, as well as an ancient technique for producing pottery. Visit the “open-air museum” of Goreme, which contains the earliest churches and chapels carved into fairy chimneys and the finest examples of frescoes. Uchisar Castle is the highest point in the region. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – We will start our exploration with the view of the Hospital Monastery in its entirety in the region. Afterwards, we will visit the “wonderland” of Kızılçukur (Red Valley) and the village of Çavuşin, which features dwellings carved into the rock. The underground City of Kaymaklı, a city cut into the rock up to eight or nine levels deep where early Christians hid from Roman and Byzantine persecution. Time to explore Çatalkaya’s rock formations. A breathtaking view of Esentepe’s fairy chimneys. Pigeon Valley contains the world’s largest concentration of pigeon nests. At the end of the day, you will be transported by overnight intercity bus from Nevsehir to Denizli City where you will be connected to Pamukkale.

Day 3 – Good morning. ready to explore the magnificence of ancient Pamukkale? This breathtaking natural location is unmatched in the entire world and is close to Denizli. A brief staycation at a hotel where you can freshen up, take a shower, and get some rest. This amazing stalactite formation was created by the carving action of thermal spring waters. Since the time of the Romans, thermal waters have been used for therapeutic purposes. The ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and the thermal centre with its hotels and thermal pools are both located on the plateau. The historic thermal baths on this property have been restored and turned into an archaeological museum. We are leaving from Pamukkale for an overnight in Kuşadası after dinner on our way.

Day 4 – Today we will explore the marvels of ancient Ephesus. It was one of the “Seven Churches of Asia” mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Ready to visit the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, Marble Street, the Odeon, the Bouleterion, the Temple of Hadrian and Serapis, the Agora, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Double Church, the Arcadian Way, and the Magnesia Gate? Well done. Our next stop will be the last residence of the Virgin Mary on Mount Solmissos, followed by lunch in Selcuk. Visit the Isabey Mosque, one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Anatolian Beylik architecture, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” If time permits, we shall visit a carpet weaving centre supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before leaving the region. These talented weavers use hand-made traditional techniques as opposed to typical carpet weaving centres that use the latest technology. Get informed about how to create traditional rugs by using traditionally-dressed peasantry in an authentic marquee to examine each stage of the process from live displays. Return to Izmir for an evening flight from Kuşadası to Istanbul or a night bus.

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