Turkey Taste 12 Days: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Bodrum
Twelve days. Five iconic destinations. One seamless, fully guided journey across Turkey.
This Turkey small group tour covers the most celebrated destinations in the country, from the layered history of Istanbul to the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, the marble streets of Ephesus, the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, and the ancient harbor town of Bodrum — all within 12 carefully structured days.
Designed for a maximum of ten travelers, the itinerary strikes a balance between guided exploration and personal discovery. Boutique and four-star hotels in central locations, domestic flights between regions, and most meals are bundled into the program, removing the burden of logistics so travelers can focus entirely on the experience.
The route visits landmarks that span more than two millennia: the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the underground cities of Kaymakli in Cappadocia, the Library of Celsus in Ephesus, the travertine pools of Pamukkale, and the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus in Bodrum — one of the original Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Families seeking private arrangements will find that option available as well.
Tour Highlights
Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul over two full guided days.
Discover Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, Goreme Open Air Museum, and the deep chambers of Kaymakli Underground City.
Walk the marble-paved streets of ancient Ephesus and visit the House of Virgin Mary on the slopes of Aladag Mountain.
Stand on the cascading white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and explore the ruins of Hierapolis above the cliffs.
Tour St. Peter's Castle in Bodrum, the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, and the ancient theater dating to the 4th century BC.
Cruise the Bosphorus Strait separating Europe and Asia, passing Ottoman palaces and historic wooden waterfront mansions.
Overnight in cave hotels in Cappadocia and boutique properties in Sultanahmet, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, and Bodrum.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive at IST or SAW and transfer to your Sultanahmet boutique hotel. Over the next two days, visit the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Spice Bazaar, and the neighborhoods of Ortakoy. A Bosphorus cruise by public ferry is included on day three.
Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri, then transfer to Cappadocia. Explore the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys, Kaymakli Underground City, Devrent Valley, Pasabag, a pottery workshop in Avanos, Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Rock Castle. Two nights are spent in a selected cave hotel.
Fly from Cappadocia to Izmir and transfer to Sirince, the historic Turkish-Orthodox village, for your first night. The following day, visit Ephesus — including the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Grand Theater, and the House of Virgin Mary — before settling into a boutique hotel in Kusadasi.
Drive approximately three hours from Kusadasi to Pamukkale. Explore the mineral-rich travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis perched above the white cliffs. Check into a five-star thermal hotel and use the thermal pool in the evening.
Drive to Bodrum and check into a centrally located four-star hotel. On the full touring day, visit St. Peter's Castle with its underwater archaeology museum, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, and the ancient theater of Halicarnassus.
Fly from Bodrum back to Istanbul and transfer to your Sultanahmet hotel for a final night. The following morning, a private transfer takes you to the airport in time for your departure flight.
What Is Included
Included
- All domestic flights (Istanbul–Cappadocia, Cappadocia–Izmir, Bodrum–Istanbul)
- Private airport transfers throughout the tour
- 11 nights accommodation in boutique, 4-star, and 5-star thermal hotels
- Cave hotel nights in Cappadocia
- Daily breakfast; dinner included on Pamukkale night
- Full-day guided tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Bodrum
- Bosphorus cruise (public ferry)
- Entrance fees to Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum, House of Virgin Mary, Pamukkale terraces, St. Peter's Castle, and Halicarnassus Mausoleum
- Professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide
- Use of thermal pool at Pamukkale hotel
- Option to upgrade to a private tour for families or groups
Not Included
- International flights to and from Turkey
- Travel insurance
- Lunches (except where noted in itinerary)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Optional activities not listed in the program
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Tour
With a maximum of ten travelers, spaces fill quickly on departures throughout the year. Confirm your dates and secure your spot today.
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