Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale Tour By Plane
Cappadocia, located in the heart of Anatolia, Turkey, boasts both natural and historical significance. This unique region was sculpted over millions of years by a combination of powerful volcanic eruptions, wind, rain, and ice. The resulting landscape is adorned with extraordinary rock formations known as “fairy chimneys,” rock-cut monasteries, and mysterious underground cities. Once a sanctuary for early Christians, Cappadocia is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and an open-air museum brimming with unique natural and cultural components.
Ephesus Ancient City, situated on the Aegean coast of Turkey, dates back to the 10th century BC and was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during Classical Greek times. After the Roman Empire took control, Ephesus grew in importance, becoming the third-largest Roman city in Asia Minor. Mentioned in the Book of Revelation, Ephesus is also one of the Seven Churches. Notable highlights of the ancient city include the Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, and the Great Theater. Perched above the city is the humble Virgin Mary’s House, a shrine located at the foot of Bulbul Mountain in Selcuk. It is believed that she spent her last years living in this house, which was discovered thanks to the visions of German Catholic nun Anne Catherine Emmerich just before her death. Since being declared a pilgrimage center for Catholics by Pope Paul VI, it has become an essential destination for the Christian world. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was also the religious center of the antique city of Ephesus.
Pamukkale, which means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is a natural wonder that features white terraces cascading down a hill, and the ancient city of Hierapolis situated on top of it. The hot water springs that feed the travertines have made the site a health center for thousands of years, attracting Greek and Roman populations in the past. Today, visitors can explore a range of natural and historical highlights, including the travertines, Cleopatra Pool, the Amphitheater, the Martyrium of Apostle Philip, the Domitian Gate, the Necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo. Pamukkale’s otherworldly beauty has made it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
5 Days Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale Tour Package Itinerary
Day 1: North Cappadocia Tour
Your tour starts early in the morning with a transfer from your hotel in Istanbul to the airport for your 1.5-hour flight to Kayseri Airport. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Cappadocia to join a small group regular tour. Your first stop will be Devrent Valley, where you will witness the unique fairy-chimneys that have been shaped by wind and rain over millions of years. Next, you will visit Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), where you will see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After that, you will take a break in the charming city of Avanos and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, an extraordinary collection of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements dating back hundreds of years. Finally, you will visit the natural Uchisar Castle before spending the night in Cappadocia.
Day 2: South Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart for Red Valley to explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike 5 km through Gulludere Valley (Rose Valley). Then, you will visit the fascinating Cavusin Village, known for its unique houses and churches of Christian clergymen. Afterward, you will drive to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik) for lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians once lived in fear and faith. On the way back, you will see the natural castle of Ortahisar before spending one more night in Cappadocia.
Day 3: Free Day and Fly to Izmir (Breakfast)
Today, you will have a free day to explore Cappadocia on your own. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Kayseri airport to take a flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Kusadasi city to stay overnight.
Day 4: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast )
After breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will take you to Ephesus, one of the most superbly preserved Greco-Roman cities. You will explore the ruins of the Celsus Library, Agora, the Theater, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Domitianus Temple, and Roman Latrines. Then, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, known to be where she spent her final days. After a break for lunch, you will visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Finally, you will have a chance to see the Isa Bey Mosque before returning to your hotel to spend one more night in Kusadasi.
Day 5: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast )
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, you will drive to Pamukkale for about 3 hours. Upon arrival, you will have lunch at a local restaurant and start your visit to Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo, the ancient theater, the Necropolis, and the great baths of Hierapolis antique city where St. Philip was martyred. You will also visit the calcium terraces and pools, which are Pamukkale’s most famous attraction. After the tour, you will be transferred to Denizli Airport to take the evening flight to Istanbul, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
What’s Included?
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service charges
- Domestic flight tickets
- Hotel accommodations on the itinerary
- Professional English speaking guidance
- Entrance fees to the various sites
- Transportation with A/C and non smoking coaches
What’s Not Included?
- Entrance fee for Terrace Houses in Ephesus and Cleopatra’s Pool in Pamukkale.
- Lunch and Dinner
- Tips and personal expenses
