Flight to Izmir and Transfer to Ephesus

Begin your adventure with a quick flight from Istanbul to Izmir, where your journey into Turkey’s rich history starts. Upon arrival in Izmir, we’ll arrange your seamless transfer to Ephesus. You’ll have plenty of time to relax before embarking on a guided tour of this iconic historical site the following day.

To ensure convenience and ease, we book your connecting flights to Izmir only after receiving your flight details. This guarantees you have adequate time to catch your next flight directly from the airport where you arrive.

Izmir Airport Meeting Plan:

Once you land, look out for a transfer guide holding a sign with your name near the exit.

From Izmir, it’s an approximately 60-minute drive to your accommodation, where you can unwind and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Overnight in Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)

Embark on a journey through history and culture, exploring some of the most significant sites of the ancient world.

🏛️ Ancient City of Ephesus
Step back in time as you wander through the remarkably preserved ruins of Ephesus, once the second-largest city of the ancient world, home to over 200,000 residents more than 3,000 years ago.

• Walk along the marble streets, lined with temples, baths, and fountains.
• Stand before the Library of Celsus, an architectural masterpiece.
• Imagine the grandeur of the Great Theatre, which once held 25,000 spectators.

🏺 Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World)
Visit the site of the legendary Temple of Artemis, once a magnificent structure dedicated to the goddess of hunting and fertility. Though only remnants remain today, its historical and cultural significance continues to inspire awe.

🌿 House of the Virgin Mary
End your day with a visit to this serene and sacred pilgrimage site, believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Nestled in the hills, it offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and prayer.

🌙 Overnight in Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

Sights Visited

🌄 Morning Transfer to Pamukkale

After spending the night in the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi), your journey continues with a comfortable transfer to Pamukkale, where stunning natural beauty and ancient history await.

🌿 Explore Pamukkale – The “Cotton Castle”

• Walk along the dazzling white travertine terraces, naturally formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.
• Relax in the thermal pools, known for their healing properties.
• Capture breathtaking photos of this otherworldly landscape.

🏛️ Discover Ancient Hierapolis (Included in Your Visit)

• Explore the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit its well-preserved amphitheater, necropolis, and Roman baths.
• Experience Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal pool filled with ancient submerged columns (optional swimming opportunity).

🍽️ Lunch & Free Time
Enjoy a delicious local lunch, followed by free time to relax and soak up the surroundings.

🪂 Optional Tour: Pamukkale Paragliding (For Thrill-Seekers!)
Take to the skies with a paragliding experience over Pamukkale, offering unforgettable panoramic views of the white travertines, ancient ruins, and lush valleys.

🚌 Overnight Bus from Pamukkale (Denizli) to Cappadocia
After a full day of exploration, you will have time to rest and refresh before boarding your overnight bus to Cappadocia. This 10-hour journey will give you time to recharge before arriving in the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.

🌙 Overnight: Overnight bus to Cappadocia

Sights Visited

🌄 Morning – Discover the Wonders of North Cappadocia
Your guided tour of North Cappadocia begins with visits to some of the region’s most iconic and breathtaking sites.

🏛️ Goreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Explore ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries.
• Admire well-preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes from the Byzantine era.
• Learn about early Christian settlements that once thrived in these unique cave dwellings.

🪨 Monks Valley (Pasabag) & Devrent Valley

• Monks Valley (Pasabag) – Walk among remarkable fairy chimneys, some of which were used as hermit dwellings by Christian monks.
• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Witness whimsical rock formations resembling animals and objects, a natural wonderland for photography.

👑 Three Beauties & Traditional Villages

• Stop at the Three Beauties, a famous rock formation known for its fairy-tale charm.
• Visit Avanos, renowned for its pottery-making tradition dating back to the Hittite period.
• Explore Cavusin, an ancient village with rock-cut houses and a historic church carved into the cliffs.

🍽️ Lunch Break – Enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Cappadocian flavors.

🛞 Optional Tour: ATV (Quad) Bike Safari – Sunset Adventure
For adventure seekers, embark on a thrilling quad bike safari at 5:00 PM.

• Ride through Cappadocia’s rugged terrain, valleys, and fairy chimneys.
• Experience a unique perspective of the region as you speed through ancient landscapes.
• Witness a stunning sunset, casting a golden glow over the valleys.

🌙 Evening Optional Tour: Turkish Night Show & Dinner
End your day with an authentic cultural experience in a traditional cave restaurant.

• Be entertained by colorful Turkish folk dances, belly dancing, and live music.
• Enjoy a delicious dinner with unlimited local drinks.
• Immerse yourself in Turkish hospitality and traditions, making for a memorable evening.

🏡 Overnight: Cappadocia

Sights Visited

☀️ Early Morning (Optional): Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
Start your day with a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia.

• Float above the fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings, witnessing a spectacular sunrise.
• Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views, creating unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Champagne toast & flight certificate included after landing. (This activity is optional and requires an additional cost.)

🍽️ Breakfast at Your Accommodation
After your balloon ride (or a relaxing morning), enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on the South Cappadocia tour.

🌄 Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour
Explore some of the region’s most fascinating and lesser-known sites, rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes.

🏛️ The Underground City

• Descend into one of Cappadocia’s famous subterranean cities, used by early Christians as a refuge from invaders.
• Discover narrow tunnels, hidden chambers, churches, and ventilation systems carved deep into the rock.

🌿 Meskendir Valley & Pigeon Valley

• Hike through Meskendir Valley, surrounded by striking rock formations and ancient cave dwellings.
• Visit Pigeon Valley, named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, used for centuries by locals.

💙 Love Valley

• Stop at one of Cappadocia’s most unique landscapes, where tall, phallic-shaped rock formations create a surreal and stunning view.
• A must-visit for photographers, offering dramatic scenery and panoramic vistas.

🏰 Uchisar Castle (Highest Point in Cappadocia)

• Climb to the top of Uchisar Castle, a natural rock fortress offering unparalleled panoramic views over the entire region.

🛫 Evening – Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
After your tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.

• Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you may:
  ✔️ Catch your connecting flight.
  ✔️ Take advantage of our transfer service to your hotel in Istanbul.

🌙 End of Your Cappadocia Journey – Welcome Back to Istanbul

Sights Visited