5 Days Ephesus Pamukkale Cappadocia Tour

Day 1: Ephesus

1. 2h · Admission ticket not included
   We will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning, take you to airport for your flight to Izmir. We'll meet you at Izmir Airport and drive to Selçuk to visit Ephesus.
   Ephesus is drawing millions of people every year with its history and spiritual importance. Ephesus used to be a major Roman City and a busy trade hub. Also, as the home of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus was a popular city. It was also an important center for Christianity since St. Paul preached at the Great Theater, and St. John is believed to have spent his last years. Ephesus is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the Seven Churches of Asia.
   We'll visit the Celsus Library, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, Hercules Gate, Domitian Temple, and more. You'll get to experience the atmosphere of this ancient city, feel its history, and take in the sights that make Ephesus one of the most remarkable ancient cities in Turkey.
2. Ephesus Terrace Houses
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   These are exclusive residences situated on the slopes opposite the Temple of Hadrian along Curetes Street. Commonly known as the “rich houses,” they were uncovered during recent excavations. The houses near Curetes Street feature colonnaded porticoes, while step streets connected directly to the house entrances. We will stop at Terrace Houses and explore the Houses of Rich Ephesians.
3. 30m · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit Ephesus Experience Museum, offering a journey throught the history of Ephesus and daily life of Roman era. The Experience museum brings Ephesus to life through 3D projections, interactive storytelling, and digital reconstructions. The museum provides a sensory and educational experience, making it an excellent addition to exploring the actual ruins of Ephesus.
4. Virgin Mary's House
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   The House of Virgin Mary is a Catholic and Muslim shrine located in Bülbüldağı, located in the vicinity of Ephesus. This sacred place was awarded to the visit of various popes and the Patriarchate Blessing.
5. The Temple of Artemis
   30m
   Temple of Artemis, also known as the Temple of Diana. Only one or two pieces of marble remain from the temple, which is considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
   After the tour you will be taken to your hotel to spend the night in Kusadasi.

Day 2: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

1. Hierapolis & Pamukkale
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   We will leave Kusadasi after an early breakfast and drive to Pamukkale. It is a 3-hour drive through scenic countryside. We will visit Hierapolis and see Necropolis, Roman Bahts, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium and Theater
2. Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   The Archaeological Museum of Hierapolis can be found within the Ancient City of Hierapolis, encompassing structures like the Ancient Roman Bath, Gymnasium, and library. Our visit to the Hierapolis Museum is the perfect finale to our journey through the history of this ancient city.
3. Cleopatra Pools
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Above Pamukkale's white travertine pools, the Antique Pool awaits. Fed by the same thermal springs, it's where Cleopatra once bathed. This modern spa facility allows you to enjoy these historical healing waters. The Antique Pool is a Roman ruin today, but no less impressive. Immerse yourself, navigate around fallen columns and Roman artifacts, and relish the therapeutic waters. Pose for photos while balancing on submerged temple stones.
4. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   Pamukkale Thermal Pools Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its striking white calcium cascades and hot springs, making it one of Turkey's top Instagram-worthy destinations. The name 'Pamukkale' translates to 'cotton castle' in Turkish. These healing hot springs once served as a pagan cult center in ancient times. The terraces, shaped by mineral-rich running water, continue to evolve over thousands of years. Today, Pamukkale's pristine beauty remains well-preserved. Immerse yourself in the soothing hot springs, unwind, and capture stunning photos of this natural wonder.
5. Kusadasi
   3h
   At the end of the tour, we will drive you back to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 3: Flight from Izmir to Cappadocia

1. Cappadocia
   4h
   Today, we will drive you to Izmir Airport according to your flight schedule for your flight to Cappadocia. We will meet you at Cappadocia Airport and drive you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 4: Northern Cappadocia Tour

1. Uchisar Castle
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and head to Uçhisar Castle, where you’ll enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Cappadocia. From this incredible vantage point, your guide will introduce you to the unique landscape, history, and geology of the region, giving you a deeper understanding of what makes Cappadocia so extraordinary.
2. Goreme Open Air Museum
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the most well-preserved rock-cut churches and monastic complexes in Cappadocia. These ancient sanctuaries are carved into the soft volcanic rock by early Christian monks and adorned with vivid frescoes picturing biblical scenes including the life of Christ and various saints. You’ll learn about the history of monastic life in Cappadocia, the significance of these Byzantine-era paintings, and how this hidden refuge became an important center for early Christianity.
3. Avanos
   1h
   We will visit the pottery workshops in Avanos, where artisans still use centuries-old techniques to craft pottery from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River. You'll see skilled artisans at work and learn about the rich history behind this traditional art.
4. Pasabag Vadisi
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Then, we will visit Pasabag (Valley of the Monks), famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and some of Cappadocia's most distinctive rock formations. This serene valley was once home to hermit monks, including St. Simeon, who lived in isolation within rock-carved dwellings. As we explore, you'll learn about the monastic lifestyle and the spiritual significance of this unique landscape.
5. Devrent Valley
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   We'll visit Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), where you'll see fairy chimneys resembling animals and mythical figures. We will also take time to admire the surreal rock formations shaped by nature over thousands of years. This valley, untouched by human settlement, offers a dreamlike landscape that sparks creativity and wonder.
   At the end of the tour, we will take you back to your hotel. Overnight at Cappadocia.

Day 5: Southern Cappadocia Tour

1. Goreme Panorama
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Göreme Panorama Viewpoint, where you'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Cappadocia's unique landscape. From this elevated spot, you'll see fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and the rolling valleys that define the region. Your guide willl give you information about Cappadocia's geological formations and historical significance.
2. Cavusin Village
   1h
   Next, we will visit Çavuşin Village, one of Cappadocia’s oldest settlements, known for its rock-carved houses and churches. The village was once home to both Greek and Turkish communities. You can explore narrow pathways, cave dwellings, and the historic Church of St. John the Baptist.
3. Love Valley
   30m
   Next, we will head to Love Valley. It is famous for its tall, pillar-shaped rock formations, naturally sculpted by wind and erosion over thousands of years. Love Valley is is one of the most photographed spots in Cappadocia with its unique landscape and smooth, towering fairy chimneys. As we walk through the valley, you’ll learn about the geological forces that created these formations and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
4. Kaymakli Underground City
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   We will visit Kaymaklı Underground City built by early Christians as a hidden refuge from persecution. It is one of the largest and deepest underground settlements in Cappadocia. We will explore this multi level undergroun city and its narrow tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and even a church, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of those who once lived here in secrecy.
5. Pigeon Valley
   30m
   Our final stop is Pigeon Valley. We will see hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the soft rock by early settlers of the area and used to collect pigeon droppings to use as fertilizer for local farms. The valley also offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect spot to take in Cappadocia’s unique landscape one last time.
6. Istanbul
   2h
   At the end of the tour, we will drive you to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. We'll meet you at Istanbul Airport and drive you back to your hotel.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness