4 Days Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus Tour From Istanbul

Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Tour By Plane

Meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, Pamukkale is a natural wonder  with beautiful white terrace like calcium formations and ancient city of Hierapolis. There are 17 hot water springs in Pamukkale which feed the travertines. The place was used as a health center for thousands of years. Hierapolis antique city is located on top of Pamukkale. It became a host to Greek and Roman populations in the past. There are several natural and historical highlights to visit in Pamukkale including; Travertines, Cleopatra Pool, The Amphitheater, Martyrium of Apostle Philip, Domitian Gate, Necropolis and The Temple of Apollo.

Ancient Greek city of Ephesus is located in the Aegean Region of the western Turkey. Built in the 10th century BC, Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League in Classical Greek times. After the city came under the control of Roman Empire, it became more important being the 3rd largest Roman city in Asia Minor. Also Ephesus is one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Some of the highlights of Ephesus are The Library of Celsus, The Gate of Augustus, Basilica of St. John and The Temple of Artemis.

Cappadocia is located in central Anatolia and it is one of the most mysterious places in Turkey. Christian sources mention Cappadocia throughout history. Cappadocians were occupying a large area in the region from Mount Taurus to The Black Sea in the time of Herodotus. Cappadocia’s highlights are the unique natural beauty of  Fairy Chimneys, underground cities and natural beauties.

4 Days  Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia Tour Program

Day 1 – Pamukkale Tour

• We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and take you to the airport. Hour of pick up will be arranged according to flight time. Flight from Istanbul to Denizli.
• When you land on Denizli, one of our staff will welcome you with a name sign in Denizli Airport. Then you’ll be taken to Pamukkale city center where you meet professional tour guide and other participants.
• We will start the tour with a visit to Hierapolis antique city. Locations to visits are; Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater and Antique Pool which are all located in Hierapolis. You will find a chance to take photos of the best spots in Pamukkale while walking through the travertines without shoes/slippers and socks. Also, Karahayit and Red Water are included in the tour.
• At about 16:00 o’clock at the end of the tour you will be transfered to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 2 – Ephesus Tour

• We will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast. You will visit one of the well preserved ancient city of Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House, Artemis Temple, Isa Bey Mosque and Lunch.
• At the end of the tour you will be transfered to airport for your flight to Cappadocia according to your flight time.
• After you arrive to Cappadocia we will  transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia,

Day 3 – North Cappadocia Tour

**OPTIONAL: Cappadocia Hot Air Ballon Ride before breakfast early in the morning.

• You will be picked up from your hotel in Cappadocia at about 09:00 AM. Then you will be transferred with an air-conditioned coach to meet the tour guide and other attendees.
• First stop of the tour is Devrent Valley with red colored lunar landscape. Although never used as a settlement in history, unique landscape and rock formations are the highlights of the valley. Your guide will explain how these strange shaped rocks formed. Next you will visit Pasabag (also known as The Monks’ Valley). This location was named after the monks who lived here 4th century AD. You can view different rock formations and mushroom shaped chimneys here as well.  Then it’s time to have a lunch in a local restaurant and taste some Anatolian meal.
• After lunch, stop is the town of Avanos. This place is known pottery, so you can join a pottery workshop here. You can even try to create your own pottery. The Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik) where you can visit handcrafted caves, tunnels and natural cliffs. Some of the fairy chimneys here reach 130 ft.
• Another place to visit is the great rock called Uchisar Hill (also known as Landlord’s Castle). Not only the cut-rock caves are amazing here, but also the view of the land is a must-see. Goreme Valley is best seen from Esentepe. You can take panoramic photos of the best geological formations on this landmark.
• Last stop of the tour is Goreme Open-Air Museum. You will see cave churches with incredible fresco work in combined structures of monasteries. Your tour guide will tell you how these were created between 10th and 12th centuries AD. At the end of the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4 – South Cappadocia Tour

• You will be picked up from your hotel in Cappadocia at about 09:00 AM. Then you will be transferred with an air-conditioned coach to meet the tour guide and other attendees. First stop of the tour is Derinkuyu with complex handcrafted tunnels and ancient caves. Derinkuyu Underground Settlement is the largest underground city found in Turkey and the most popular among other underground settlements in Cappadocia.
• Next is a 4 km’s walk through Ihlara Valley while sightseeing some of the most important examples of churches and caves found in the region. Then it’s time to have a lunch in a local restaurant and taste some Anatolian meal.
• After lunch it is time to visit Belisirma Village which is famous for the ruins covering the place. Ala,  Bezirhane,  Karagedik  and  Direkli church ruins are some of the beautiful remnants of Byzantine era. Then we will head to Selime, probably the most beautiful and detailed monastery handcrafted inside a cave. The Last stop of the tour is Nar Lake. The lake is a volcanic crater located 30 km’s from Derinkuyu and Ihlara.
• At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport to take the flight to Istanbul back. After you arrive to İstanbul airport we will give you our last service, transfer you to your hotel in İstanbul.