Turkey's Top Landmarks Tour: Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Istanbul - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Kayseri, Transfer to Cappadocia, Whirling Dervish Ceremony

Welcome to Turkey! After landing at Kayseri Airport, your driver will meet you and drive you 1.5 hours to Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey known for its incredible landscapes, underground cities, and ancient structures carved into rocks. Your first introduction to Turkey will occur at the Saruhan Caravanserai to witness a whirling dervish ceremony. The dervish are Sufis Muslims whose rituals include a highly stylized whirling dance, a physically active and meditative performance that dates back to the 13th century.

In addition to the ceremony, take some time to appreciate this magnificent building, an important stop on the caravan trade routes dating back to 1249. It was built with traces of Seljuk architecture and a work of art all on its own, with impressive facades and high ceilings. After an exciting first day, you'll return to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow.

Day 2: Göreme Open Air Museum, Ceramics Tour in Avanos & Nature Walk 

Your first full day in Turkey will take you through some of the most iconic landscapes of Cappadocia. You'll start today's 2.5-hour tour at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site was believed to be a Byzantine monastic settlement home to monks and includes some of the most ornate rock-cut churches and frescoes in the world, which your guide will teach you about. There are various churches and chapels to see here, but the most prominent is the Dark Church, which dates back to the mid-11th century and is known for its beautiful frescoes and high-vaulted ceilings.

Next, you'll visit the beautiful town of Uçhisar, known for its natural fortress used for housing and defense. From here, discover panoramic views from Avcılar Valley, Çavuşin, and Paşabağ Valley (Valley of Monks), where you'll see the famous rock formations called "fairy chimneys" and cave dwellings. Afterward, you'll head to Avanos for a three-hour tour. This city is famous for its ceramic production, relying on the red clay from the Kızılırmak River—likely since 2000 BCE—to support this art. While here, you'll have the opportunity to see a pottery demonstration.

When that's over, you'll take a short nature walk in the Love Valley (2.5 mi/ 4 km) within Göreme Historical National Park, a perfect way to get up close with these incredible rock formations you spotted earlier in the day.

Day 4: Cappadocia Cooking Class, Horseback Safari, Fly to Şirince

Today, you'll participate in a hands-on cooking class taught by a local cook. With this two-hour culinary experience, you'll strap on your apron and get your hands dirty as you learn about traditional Anatolian recipes, made from beloved ingredients that each tell a story. When you finish the lesson, you'll have the opportunity to sit down and enjoy what you've made.

The cooking class is the main event on today's itinerary, but if you'd like, you can also have the opportunity to explore Cappadocia's valleys on horseback. Horseback riding can be done anytime—including sunrise or sunset—before or after your cooking class. Just let your guide know when you want to go, and they'll arrange a time to pick you up at your hotel and take you to the local ranch.

Day 5: Discover the Ancient City of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today is devoted to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus—just 20 minutes outside Şirince. The ruins of this city are beautifully preserved and are a testament to the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian periods. Watch where you step, though; this ancient city still undergoes annual excavations, uncovering new sections and amazing artifacts yearly.

Home to philosophy, architecture, and art, Ephesus was (and still is) an important biblical site, and the city also hosts the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Highlights of today's tour include the impressive Celsus Library, the epicenter of philosophical and intellectual life at one time, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, where you'll dive into a collection that spans more than 8,000 years. At the end of the day, you'll head back to your hotel in Şirince to call it a night. 

Day 6: Transfer to Pamukkale: Hot Springs, Ruins of Hierapolis & Spa Day

Leave the coast behind today as your driver takes you 3.5 hours inland to Pamukkale, famous for its baby-blue, mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces. Meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, Pammukale's unreal landscape comprises mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and a series of terraced basins. You'll get to soak in the hot springs while you're here and take in the incredible views. 

Nearby is ancient Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 BCE. You'll also explore the ruins in Pamukkale, which include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis, as well as a truly unique swimming site—the Antique Pool—full of submerged Roman columns due to an earthquake. After exploring, you'll continue to your spa hotel, where you can enjoy all the facilities, from the pools and sauna to the Turkish baths, massages, and hot spring baths. 

Day 7: Fly to İstanbul, Free Time to Explore

This morning, your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the airport for a five-hour flight from Pamukkale to İstanbul. When you land, you'll have free time to explore the city before jumping into the sightseeing tomorrow. So, for the afternoon into the evening, wander the streets, stop at the vendors and local shops, enjoy some street food delicacies, and marvel at the sight of this spectacular city. The day is yours, whether you enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee outside a café, head to an art gallery, or take yourself on a photography tour. Whatever you do, get a good night's sleep, as tomorrow will be busy!

Day 8: İstanbul Landmarks Tour: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia & Topkapı Palace

After a relaxing breakfast, your guide will take you on a six-hour tour to get to know the city better. You'll start at Sultanahmet Square, a jumping-off point to many historical and cultural sites in the center. These include the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, incredible ruins that date back to the Byzantine era, more than a millennium ago. You'll also stop at the Blue Mosque, an incredible mosque built in the 17th century, earning its name from the stunning blue tiles that furnish its interior. 

Next, you'll visit the Hagia Sophia. This amazing site on Instabul's skyline dates back to 537 CE and was the largest building in the world at that time. Initially, it was built as a basilica for the Greek Orthodox Christian Church until 1453, when the Ottomans captured Constantinople and turned it into a mosque. You'll take a tour of the site, and while you listen to its history, be sure to appreciate the mosaics lining the walls and the grandeur of the building.

Last, your guide will lead you to Topkapı Palace, the royal palace of the Ottomans. The exhibition halls offer a proper glimpse into the Sultans' lives while showcasing the Empire's remarkable architectural heritage.

Day 10: Flavors of İstanbul Food Tour

Ready to dive into more Turkish cuisine? Today, your guide will take you on a memorable food tour, which takes you to the best markets, restaurants, and street food stops throughout the city. The tour is five hours long and stretches through many neighborhoods, from Beyoğlu to Eminönü to the Asian side of İstanbul in Karaköy.

Along the way, you'll get to try some Turkish favorites, from kebab and traditional meze (a Turkish appetizer featuring a range of small dishes such as yogurt, cheese, hot pepper paste, salad, and artichokes), to desserts of baklava and katmer (a flaky pastry that dates back to ancient times), and several other Anatolian dishes. Don't miss the strong Turkish tea, known as çay!