10-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale & Ephesus

Welcome to Istanbul!

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred directly to your hotel.

At Istanbul Airport, one of our assistants will be waiting to accompany you on the transfer to the hotel in one of our high-comfort vehicles.

At the hotel, we will proceed with the check-in process, and the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and start exploring this impressive city.

Greca Tip: Discover the best tips to make the most of your trip in the following article: The Best Tips for Planning a Trip to Istanbul

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin the day with a visit to the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. Located on Istanbul’s third hill, this impressive temple offers one of the city’s most iconic panoramic views. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the renowned imperial architect Mimar Sinan, it represents the splendor of the Ottoman Empire and the elegance of its architectural legacy.

After the visit, we will have free time to continue exploring Istanbul at our own pace, stroll through its historic streets, enjoy its cafés, or discover its traditional markets. Those who wish may join an optional full-day excursion through the historic heart of the city, including the exterior visit of Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a lunch at a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet district, and free time at the fascinating Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the chance to try a traditional çay (Turkish tea) accompanied by a piece of lokum while enjoying the rhythm of Istanbul life from a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will set out to experience one of Istanbul’s most iconic activities: a scenic Bosphorus Cruise. As we sail along the strait that separates Europe and Asia, we will admire magnificent Ottoman palaces, elegant waterfront mansions, and charming wooden houses while discovering the city’s rich history from a unique perspective.

Next, we will visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar, a historic marketplace established by the Ottomans more than five centuries ago. Filled with colorful stalls offering spices, sweets, teas, and local specialties, it remains one of Istanbul’s most authentic and lively shopping destinations. Our included tour concludes at the bazaar, where you will have free time to explore its bustling atmosphere and browse its many shops.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion with lunch to Istanbul’s Asian side. The tour includes a visit to the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, the former summer residence of the Ottoman sultans, followed by views of the famous Bosphorus Bridge, which links the European and Asian continents. After lunch, we will explore the charming district of Üsküdar before continuing to Çamlıca Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across both sides of the city.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: Visit the Spice Bazaar with an empty suitcase and an open mind—its fragrant spices, Turkish delights, and traditional teas make some of the best souvenirs to bring home.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will spend the day exploring the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most extraordinary regions, shaped millions of years ago by the eruptions of Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan. Over time, wind and erosion sculpted its remarkable rock formations, creating one of the world’s most distinctive natural landscapes.

Our first stop will be the Göreme Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we will visit an extraordinary Byzantine monastic complex featuring rock-cut churches adorned with beautifully preserved frescoes that reflect centuries of Christian history and tradition.

We will then continue to the Avcılar and Güvercinlik Valleys, home to some of the finest panoramic views of Cappadocia’s iconic fairy chimneys, the volcanic rock formations that have become the region’s most recognizable symbol. During the day, we will also visit traditional workshops specializing in handcrafted carpets as well as onyx and turquoise craftsmanship, where we will discover techniques that have been passed down through generations.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to enjoy an included dinner before relaxing for the evening.

Greca Tip: Cappadocia’s handmade carpets and onyx crafts are true works of art. If you decide to purchase one, be sure to request a certificate of authenticity to guarantee its origin and quality.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will depart early for Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most remarkable natural wonders. Upon arrival, we will visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a fascinating Hellenistic settlement whose impressive ruins reveal centuries of history. As we walk through its archaeological remains, we will discover the legacy of a city that flourished thanks to the healing properties of its thermal waters.

Next, we will explore the famous Cotton Castle (Pamukkale), a breathtaking natural site renowned for its dazzling white travertine terraces, cascading mineral-rich pools, and spectacular limestone formations. Created over thousands of years by thermal waters rich in calcium, this extraordinary landscape is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Turkey’s most iconic attractions.

At the end of the day, we will arrive at the hotel, where we will enjoy an included dinner before resting.

Greca Tip: Walking barefoot on Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces is part of the experience and helps preserve this unique natural wonder, so be sure to wear footwear that is easy to remove.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will depart for the legendary city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world and the former capital of Asia Minor. During our visit, we will stroll along its impressive marble streets while discovering remarkable landmarks such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Trajan, the magnificent Great Theatre, and the extraordinary Library of Celsus, regarded as one of the finest architectural masterpieces of the ancient world.

Later, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site believed by Christian tradition to be the place where Mary spent the final years of her life. We will then stop at a local leather gallery to learn about the region's renowned craftsmanship and its long-standing tradition of producing high-quality lambskin garments.

At the end of the day, we will continue to Kuşadası or Izmir, where we will enjoy an included dinner at the hotel before relaxing for the evening. Please note that between May and October, accommodation may be provided in Izmir or its surrounding area instead of Kuşadası.

Greca Tip: Ephesus is one of the Mediterranean’s most extraordinary archaeological treasures. Wear comfortable shoes and take time to notice the intricate details carved into its streets and monuments, where traces of daily life from more than two thousand years ago can still be seen.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin our journey back to Istanbul, stopping along the way in Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and a city renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage.

During our visit, we will explore the magnificent Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture, stroll through the historic Koza Han (Silk Bazaar), once a thriving center of the Silk Road trade, and visit the elegant Green Mausoleum, one of Bursa's most iconic landmarks.

Following our visit, we will continue our journey to Istanbul. At the end of the day, we will arrive at the hotel to rest.

Please note: On some departures, for operational reasons, the journey from Izmir to Istanbul may be operated by a domestic flight, in which case the visit to Bursa will be omitted.

Greca Tip: While visiting the Silk Bazaar, take time to browse Bursa's renowned silk scarves and textiles, among the city's most treasured traditional crafts.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will transfer to the airport at the scheduled time to board our international departure flight. Hotel pick-up will take place approximately 4 hours before your international flight departure time. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed by our local assistant to ensure a smooth and timely transfer.

With this transfer, our services come to an end, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Turkey's spectacular landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality.

Greca Tip: Before leaving, consider taking home some traditional Turkish delights or authentic Turkish tea—a delicious way to remember your journey long after you return home.