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Anatolia Expedition Tours

Best of Turkey

10-Day Turkey Tour to Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya and Cappadocia

Travel
10 Days, 5 Locations, 1 Country
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 4 Lunch
Accommodation
9 Nights
Tailor Your Trip
4 Choice Experiences
From $0

Best of Turkey 10 Days Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya and Cappadocia

You could spend a lifetime discovering the best of Turkey, but this incredible 10-day journey offers the perfect glimpse into its most iconic treasures. From the bustling bazaars and majestic mosques of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, every stop immerses you in history and culture. Marvel at the surreal travertine terraces of Pamukkale, unwind on the turquoise coast of Antalya, and be captivated by the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings of Cappadocia. This tour delivers a tapestry of unforgettable experiences that will remain etched in your memory.
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
COMFORTABLE TRANSPORT
EXPERT TRAVEL DIRECTOR
PROFESSIONAL DRIVER
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
ALL THE BIG SIGHTS
TAILORED
BY YOU
Experiences to Tailor Your Tour
Incredible on-trip experiences you can choose to opt into based on your interests and budget. Expertly designed by our team, they get you to the heart of a destination, supercharging your tour beyond the main must-sees.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

10 Days trip from Istanbul to Istanbul visiting 5 Cities

ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

Welcome to Turkey’s Cultural Capital!

Upon landing at Istanbul Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel in a private car. The remainder of the day is free to relax and recover from jetlag.

Cultural Note: Turkish hospitality is world-famous. Expect a warm welcome with tea or coffee — it’s a cultural tradition to offer drinks to guests.

Overnight in Avicenna Hotel 4*
Meals N/A

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

ISTANBUL OLD CITY TOUR

After breakfast, embark on a walking tour through the heart of Old Istanbul (Sultanahmet):

Hagia Sophia:
Once the world’s largest church, later a mosque, now a museum — a symbol of Turkey’s layered history.
Blue Mosque:
Built in the 17th century, it’s still an active mosque adorned with 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles.
Hippodrome:
The Roman chariot-racing stadium that once hosted 100,000 spectators.
Grand Bazaar:
Wander through 4,000 shops offering carpets, jewelry, spices, and ceramics.
Topkapi Palace:
The lavish residence of Ottoman sultans with dazzling treasures and panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

Fun Fact: The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s oldest covered markets, dating back to the 15th century — and still buzzing today.

Overnight in Avicenna Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

FREE TIME IN ISTANBUL & FLIGHT TO IZMIR

Enjoy a free day in Istanbul, or consider a Choice Experience to the Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Tour. Cruise between two continents, Europe and Asia, and visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar with its fragrant teas and sweets.

In the evening, fly to Izmir and transfer to the coastal resort town of Kusadasi.

Cultural Note: Turkish Delight (lokum), often sold in the Spice Bazaar, has been enjoyed since the Ottoman Empire and was once considered a luxury treat for sultans.

Overnight in Suhan Seaport Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

EPHESUS & HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY

Spend the day exploring one of the most important archaeological sites in Turkey:

Temple of Artemis:
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (only a single column remains).
Ephesus Ancient City:
A sprawling site with marble streets, temples, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theater.
House of Virgin Mary:
A serene pilgrimage site where Mary is believed to have spent her last years.

Fun Fact: Ephesus once had a population of 250,000, making it one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire.

Overnight in Suhan Seaport Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

PAMUKKALE & HIERAPOLIS › ANTALYA

Travel to Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” known for its dazzling white terraces of mineral-rich waters.

Pamukkale Terraces:
Walk barefoot across the travertine pools and, optionally, swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, a thermal spring with ancient Roman columns submerged in the water.
Hierapolis Ancient City:
Explore ruins of this spa city, including the amphitheater and vast necropolis.

Continue by air-conditioned transfer to Antalya, Turkey’s Mediterranean gem.

Cultural Note: Cleopatra’s Pool is said to have been a gift from Mark Antony to Cleopatra — legend has it she swam here herself. atra — legend has it she swam here herself.

Overnight in Ring Downtown Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

ANTALYA CITY TOUR

Cable Car Ride – “From Sea to Sky”
Start your day with a breathtaking cable car journey up to Tünektepe, rising 4,475 feet (1,365 meters) above sea level. From the summit, enjoy sweeping views of Antalya’s coastline, majestic mountains, pine forests, and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. This is the perfect spot to capture unforgettable photos.
Düden Waterfalls
Continue to one of Antalya’s most famous natural landmarks, the Düden Waterfalls. Stroll through the lush park, listen to the roar of cascading water, and soak in the peaceful, refreshing atmosphere.
Lunch with a View
Savor a delicious meal at a local restaurant overlooking the stunning landscape, where panoramic views make the experience even more memorable.
Antalya’s Old Town (Kaleiçi)
In the afternoon, enjoy 1–1.5 hours of free time to explore Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming Old Town. Discover ancient landmarks including Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, the Truncated Minaret, and city walls dating back to the 2nd century. Wander through narrow stone streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and small museums. Don’t miss the chance to pick up authentic souvenirs before leaving.

Your evening will be at leisure as you stay overnight in the city.

Overnight in Ring Downtown Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA & NORTH TOUR

Take an early morning flight to Cappadocia, one of the most unique landscapes in the world. Upon arrival, enjoy a full-day guided tour of North Cappadocia.

Göreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
Explore extraordinary rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries adorned with stunning frescoes dating back to the 10th century.
Avanos Pottery Village:
Visit the charming town famous for its pottery tradition that spans more than 4,000 years. Watch artisans at work and even try your hand at the pottery wheel.
Pasabag (Monks Valley):
Marvel at the iconic “fairy chimneys” – tall rock formations that create Cappadocia’s surreal, otherworldly scenery.
Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley):
Stroll among whimsical rock formations shaped like animals and objects, a natural playground for the imagination.
Love Valley Viewpoint:
Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia’s most dramatic landscapes, a perfect spot for memorable photos.

Overnight in Romantic Cave Hotel
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

SOUTH CAPPADOCIA TOUR

Spend the day exploring the highlights of South Cappadocia, combining dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, and cultural treasures.

Uçhisar Castle:
Begin with the highest viewpoint in Cappadocia, offering sweeping views across the region’s fairy chimneys and valleys.
Rose Valley & Red Valley Hike:
Enjoy a scenic walk through these iconic valleys, famous for their colorful rock formations that glow at sunrise and sunset.
Çavuşin Village:
Step back in time in this ancient village, known for its rock-carved houses and historic churches.
Underground City:
Explore a vast subterranean city once used by early Christians as a refuge. With tunnels, living quarters, and chapels, these underground settlements could shelter as many as 20,000 people.

Overnight in Romantic Cave Hotel
Meals Breakfast, Lunch

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

RETURN TO ISTANBUL

Enjoy a free morning in Cappadocia to relax, explore on your own, or simply soak in the magical landscapes one last time.

In the evening, take a flight back to Istanbul, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Did you know? Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents — Europe and Asia.

Overnight in Avicenna Hotel 4*
Meals Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

DEPARTURE FROM ISTANBUL

Spend the morning at leisure until your private transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight home.

Fun fact: In Turkish, people say goodbye with “Güle Güle,” which means “Go smiling.”

OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES

Step 1

SELECT YOUR DATES

Trip Start
Trip End
Details & Offers
Price (USD)
INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING
Istanbul
Explore the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the bustling Grand Bazaar with your Local Guide.
Ephesus
Walk through the ancient streets to see the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre and the Temple of Artemis.
Pamukkale
Marvel at the white travertine terraces and visit the ancient spa city of Hierapolis.
Antalya
Discover the old town of Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate, and relax by the turquoise Mediterranean coast.
Cappadocia
Admire the surreal fairy chimneys, visit rock cut churches in Göreme, and take the option of a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT ON YOUR TRIP
An expert tour guide and professional driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Many meals and daily breakfasts included
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Frequently Asked Question

Our range of quality hotels provides everything you need and nothing you don’t. The majority of our hotels are of a 3- or 4-star standard, and every night´s accommodation on your tour is pre-booked and included in the cost. You can find details of the specific hotels for your trip on the tour itinerary page.

Once on your chosen tour, it will follow a set route selected by our team of travel experts to serve up the very best of each destination in the time you have. But with over 30 different itineraries to choose from covering Turkey, the world really is your oyster. Explore our full range of tours, and use the destination filters to see all tours visiting specific countries you might have in mind.

A group of fellow travellers from all over the world who made the same excellent decision you did to book a Anatolia Expedition tour. As well as your tour companions you will also have your dedicated Driver and Travel Director with you 24/7.

Your Travel Director will handle all of the bookings and payments for any of the Choice Experiences you wish to do while you are on the road. This means you’re not locked into anything before your trip, giving you the ultimate flexibility to decide what you feel like doing (and what you want to pay for!) based on what you’re in the mood for then and there.

Absolutely you can! In fact, we encourage it. An Anatolia Expedition is a great way to explore the world as a solo traveler. You’ll enjoy all the ease, security and cost savings of a tour but still enjoy the flexibility and freedom of DIY travel. Plus it’s a great way to meet fellow travelers from all over the world. You will be matched up with a same-sex traveler to room share with, or you can opt to have your own room. Solo room pricing can be viewed from the tour page by selecting your departure date and clicking ‘Continue’ to see the price and availability of solo rooms in the next step.

Absolutely you can! Lots of our guests travel as couples, with family or with friends. You can checkout with a single booking and you will be roomed with people from your group. Anatolia Expedition is the perfect choice when travelling together. Our unique Unpackaged Tour design means that everyone in your group can travel together but still choose the experiences that they want to do. Got a group of 9 or more? We also offer special group departures and custom group itineraries. Check out our special groups deals.

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