A Twelve-Day Crossing of Turkey: From Ancient Ephesus to the Fairy Chimneys
Some journeys show you one Turkey. This one shows you six. In twelve days you pass from the marble boulevards of Roman Ephesus to the snow-white terraces of Pamukkale, from the turquoise bays of the Lycian coast to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, and every stage feels different from the one before.
The 12-day Turkey package tour from Istanbul is built as a guided small-group journey for up to 18 guests. Domestic flights, hotels with breakfast, Blue Cruise board, entrance fees and a professional English-speaking guide are included, so you can focus on the places rather than the logistics.
The rhythm is intentional: archaeology first, then sea, then spirit and landscape. You begin among the colonnades of Ephesus and the pilgrimage tradition of the House of the Virgin Mary, sail for three nights past Lycian tombs and the sunken ruins of Kekova, then cross Anatolia to Konya, the city of Rumi, before two full days in Cappadocia.
If you are searching for the best Turkey tour package that combines Ephesus, Pamukkale, a Fethiye Blue Cruise and Cappadocia, this itinerary is designed for you. It brings together an Ephesus and Pamukkale tour, a multi-day Mediterranean gulet cruise, Antalya, the Mevlana Museum in Konya and a two-day Cappadocia tour from Istanbul, with every domestic flight and transfer already arranged.
Two free days, in Kusadasi or Selcuk and in Antalya, keep the pace comfortable. Whether you travel as a couple, with friends or as a small family group, the route gives you ancient history, Mediterranean swimming, cultural depth and dramatic scenery in one carefully paced Turkey itinerary.
Ancient Ephesus & Hierapolis
Roman streets, the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, and an ancient spa city above Pamukkale.
Three-Night Blue Cruise
Sail Oludeniz, Kas, Kekova and Simena on a traditional gulet with full board.
Cappadocia in Depth
Two guided days through valleys, rock churches and an underground city.
The 12-Day Route at a Glance
Places You Will Discover on This Tour
Each stop adds a different chapter to the same journey. Here is what makes each one worth the trip.
Ephesus
A great Roman metropolis of Asia Minor, with marble streets, baths, a huge theatre and the facade of the Library of Celsus.
House of the Virgin Mary
A peaceful wooded shrine honoured in Christian tradition as Mary's last home.
Pamukkale Terraces
Cotton-white travertine pools fed by thermal springs, walked barefoot with your guide.
Hierapolis
Colonnaded streets, a Roman theatre and a vast necropolis beside the terraces.
Kas, Kekova & Simena
Rock tombs, sarcophagi, a sunken city and a castle village along the cruise route.
Antalya Kaleici
Ottoman houses, a Roman-era harbour and Hadrian's Gate in a walled old quarter.
Konya & Mevlana Museum
The resting place of Rumi beneath a turquoise dome, home of the Whirling Dervish tradition.
Cappadocia
Fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, valleys and underground cities across two full days.
Tap a day to open it. Blue Cruise departures are usually on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and free days may be rearranged to match them with your approval.
Your journey begins at dawn in Istanbul. After hotel pickup you transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Izmir, where a representative meets you at the arrivals exit and takes you straight to the ancient Aegean. Within hours you are standing in one of the great archaeological landscapes of the Mediterranean world.
Temple of Artemis
Your first stop is the site of the Temple of Artemis, celebrated in antiquity as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Little remains above ground today, only a lone reconstructed column, yet the size of the foundations and the marshy plain around them let you imagine a sanctuary that once drew pilgrims and merchants from across the Mediterranean.
Ephesus Ancient City
Step onto Marble Street and follow the same route that carried merchants, sailors and pilgrims between the harbour and the city centre. Your guide explains Hadrian's Temple, the terraced houses with their mosaics, the public baths and the colonnaded avenues, so the ruins read as a living Roman city.
Library of Celsus
The two-storey facade of the Library of Celsus, built in the early 2nd century AD in honour of a Roman governor, is the most photographed image of Ephesus. Statues of Wisdom, Knowledge, Intellect and Virtue stand between its columns, and your guide explains how the building also served as a tomb.
Great Theatre of Ephesus
Sit on the stone seats where Ephesians once gathered for plays, assemblies and public spectacle. The acoustics and the view down the harbour road explain why this city was a stage for both Roman power and early Christian history.
House of the Virgin Mary
A small stone house in a quiet wooded setting is honoured in Christian tradition as the place where Mary spent her last years. The contrast with the monumental scale of Ephesus is striking, and many visitors remember the calm here long after the marble has faded. A leather fashion presentation may be offered after the tour; simply tell your guide if you prefer to skip it.
Day 2 is deliberately unhurried. After a full first day of sightseeing you are free to set your own pace around the Aegean coast: a slow breakfast, a walk along the sea, or a quiet afternoon at your hotel.
Kusadasi
A lively Aegean seaside town with a harbour promenade, bazaar lanes and sea views, ideal for an easy day of shopping, coffee and sunshine.
Selcuk Town
A relaxed market town beside the ruins, with tea gardens, a weekly bazaar and a Byzantine citadel above the streets. It makes an easy, walkable base for a slow breakfast and a stroll.
Basilica of St. John
On Ayasuluk Hill, the ruined basilica is associated with the tomb of St. John in Christian tradition. The hilltop gives wide views over Selcuk and the Ephesus plain. This is a free-time suggestion, with entrance at your own expense.
Ephesus Archaeological Museum
The museum in Selcuk displays finds from Ephesus, including statues, reliefs and objects connected with Artemis. It helps you understand what you saw on Day 1. This is a free-time suggestion, with entrance at your own expense.
Selcuk and Sirince
Selcuk is a small market town in the shadow of a Byzantine citadel and the best base for a more intimate feel of the Ephesus region. A short ride inland, the hillside village of Sirince is known for its stone houses and fruit wines. Ask your hotel about local taxi or minibus options.
After breakfast, meet your guide around 07:30 to 08:00 and travel inland to a hillside that looks carved from snow. Today joins a natural wonder to an ancient spa city, and it is one of the most photographed days of the tour.
Drive Through the Meander Valley
The morning road carries you inland through the fertile Meander (Buyuk Menderes) plain, a landscape of cotton fields and orchards that fed the ancient cities of Caria and Phrygia. Your guide sets the scene for the day on the way.
Pamukkale Travertine Terraces
Pamukkale means cotton castle, and the name fits. Calcium-rich thermal water has flowed down the slope for thousands of years, leaving white terraces and pools that glow in the morning light. Visitors walk barefoot along marked paths, so a small bag for your shoes is useful.
Hierapolis
Above the terraces lies Hierapolis, an ancient spa city of colonnaded streets, baths, a theatre and one of the largest necropolises in Anatolia. People came here for the healing waters as well as for its cultural and religious life. The Cleopatra Swimming Pool is an optional swim; its entrance fee is not included. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before your transfer to the hotel.
Hierapolis Main Street and Necropolis
The colonnaded main street leads to the Frontinus Gate and past the ruined Temple of Apollo. Beyond the walls lies one of Anatolia's largest necropolises, with thousands of tombs, a reminder of how many came here to be healed, and to be buried.
Cleopatra Swimming Pool (Optional)
Swim among fallen ancient columns in warm, mineral-rich water. The entrance fee is not included and is paid locally. Bring swimwear and a towel.
After breakfast you transfer to the local bus station for the journey to Fethiye, about three hours by road. A local representative meets you on arrival and takes you to your hotel. The afternoon is yours.
Bus Journey to Fethiye
A comfortable bus ride of about three hours takes you from the inland plateau down to the Lycian coast. The scenery shifts from farmland to pine mountains and, finally, to the sea.
Fethiye
Fethiye is one of the great gateways to Turkey's Mediterranean coast: pine-covered mountains, turquoise bays, islands and the heritage of ancient Lycia. Lycian rock tombs are cut into the cliffs above the town, and the harbour promenade is a pleasant place for an evening stroll before your cruise begins.
Amyntas Rock Tombs
High above the town, a temple-like facade is cut into the cliff, one of the finest Lycian rock tombs in Turkey. Dating from the 4th century BC, it shows how Lycians imagined the home of the dead. The tombs are a short drive or climb from town.
Fethiye Harbour and Paspatur Bazaar
The harbour promenade is lined with gulets, and the old bazaar quarter behind it offers cafes, craft shops and fresh fish. It is a pleasant place for your first evening on the coast.
Kayakoy (Optional Free-Time Idea)
Kayakoy is an abandoned hillside village of stone houses that once held a Greek Orthodox community. It lies a short taxi ride from Fethiye and is a quietly moving place to wander.
Your Mediterranean Blue Cruise begins. After hotel pickup you transfer to the harbour at about 09:00 to 09:30, receive a cruise orientation and set sail. From now on the coast is your itinerary.
Boarding the Gulet
You meet your crew, receive a cruise orientation and settle into your cabin on a traditional wooden gulet. The aft deck, the sun mattresses and the long dining table become your home for three nights.
Samanlik Bay
A sheltered bay and a gentle first swimming stop. Lunch is served on board in water clear enough to see the seabed from the deck.
Butterfly Valley
Steep cliffs frame this secluded valley, known for its natural setting and butterfly population. Swimming and a short walk are possible here when sea conditions allow; the stop is weather dependent.
Oludeniz, the Blue Lagoon
One of the most recognisable coastal landscapes in southwestern Turkey, with brilliant blue water against a mountain backdrop.
St. Nicholas Island
The last major stop has Byzantine-period ruins above the water. Return to the boat for dinner and spend the night on board under the stars.
Wake to a calm Mediterranean morning as the boat heads east along the Lycian coast toward Kas and the waters of Kekova.
Firnaz Bay
Breakfast and a morning swim in a beautiful sheltered cove before the day's sailing.
Kas Harbour and Old Town
Whitewashed houses with bougainvillea, small galleries and waterfront cafes make Kas one of the most relaxed towns on the Turquoise Coast. Spend time on the quay before returning to the boat.
Antiphellos Theatre and Lycian Tombs
Ancient Antiphellos left a small theatre with sea views and Lycian rock tombs and sarcophagi, including a famous tomb on the town's main street.
Kekova waters
After lunch you sail into the Kekova region, where archaeological traces lie beneath the clear water. Swimming, relaxing and dinner on board close the day.
Sunset Anchorage and Dinner on Deck
As the light softens, the crew anchors in a quiet cove. Dinner is served on board, followed by a night under open skies far from city light.
Today combines archaeology under the sea with a hilltop village: the most atmospheric day of the cruise.
Sunken City of Kekova
Earthquakes and changing shorelines left parts of an ancient settlement submerged. From the boat you can look down through clear water at the traces of past life. Swimming directly over the ruins is restricted to protect the site.
Simena
A traditional coastal village beneath an Ottoman-era castle, with ancient tombs scattered near the shore. The scenery changes from open sea to an intimate historic landscape.
Simena Castle and Lycian Tombs
A short climb above the village brings you to a small Ottoman-era castle with a tiny theatre inside its walls. Below, Lycian sarcophagi stand along the shoreline, and the view over the bay is the best of the cruise.
Gokkaya Bay
Swimming and relaxation in a beautiful bay, with optional water sports for guests who want an active afternoon. Dinner and a final night on board.
Final Evening on Board
Your last night on the gulet is a relaxed one: a final swim, a farewell dinner on deck and time to enjoy the sea before returning to the mainland.
After breakfast the gulet cruises past Pirates Cave and arrives at Andriace Harbour, where you disembark. The pace changes from the rhythm of the sea to the lively atmosphere of Antalya.
Pirates Cave
The gulet sails past a sea cave that, according to local tradition, once sheltered pirates who raided this coast. The cave is a photogenic stop on your final morning.
Andriace Harbour
You disembark near Andriace, the ancient harbour of Myra, and say goodbye to the crew. A bus continues along the coast.
Demre Stop
The bus passes through Demre, a town in the ancient Lycian region of Myra, and makes a stop for ATM and shopping needs. Sightseeing in Demre is not part of this program.
Arrival in Antalya
You reach Antalya at about 11:00 and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. The Mediterranean, the Taurus Mountains and the old harbour all share the same horizon.
Antalya Old Harbour Evening
In the afternoon, a short walk from the hotel brings you to the old Roman-era harbour, set below the walls of Kaleici. It is a lovely place for an evening stroll and dinner by the water.
Your hotel is in the heart of the city, so Day 9 is yours to spend in history or on the beach.
Kaleici Old Town
Wander through Kaleici, the walled old quarter: Ottoman wooden houses, narrow lanes, small shops and a Roman-era harbour. Hadrian's Gate marks the entrance to the historic centre.
Hadrian's Gate
A triple-arched marble gateway built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya in the 2nd century AD. It is the traditional entrance to the old town.
Antalya Old Harbour
Excursion boats, cafes and ancient stone walls frame the harbour. Take a short boat trip along the coast or simply enjoy a coffee overlooking the water.
Yivli Minaret and Hidirlik Tower
The fluted brick Yivli Minaret is a symbol of Seljuk-era Antalya, and the round Hidirlik Tower on the cliff edge is a Roman landmark. Both are within walking distance of Kaleici.
Beach day
If you prefer sun and sea, the beach is reachable by taxi or minibus. The choice between heritage and relaxation is entirely yours.
A driver collects you around 08:30 to 08:45 for a long scenic crossing from the Mediterranean coast to the Anatolian plateau.
Crossing the Taurus Mountains
Leaving Antalya, the road climbs through pine-covered passes of the Taurus range before the landscape opens into the high Anatolian plateau. Your driver keeps a relaxed pace with rest stops.
Konya and the Mevlana Museum
After about four hours you reach Konya, a former Seljuk capital and the city of Mevlana Jalal al-Din Rumi. The museum with its turquoise fluted dome tells the story of the Mevlevi order and the Whirling Dervishes. Dress modestly and move quietly inside.
Lunch in Konya
Lunch is at your own expense. Try etli ekmek, Konya's traditional flatbread topped with seasoned meat.
The Anatolian Plateau
After Konya the road crosses wide, open steppe where the horizon feels endless. It is a very different Turkey from the Mediterranean coast you have just left.
On to Cappadocia
About three more hours bring you to Cappadocia as volcanic formations and carved valleys begin to appear. A transfer takes you to your hotel.
Two days of Cappadocia begin. An optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight is possible this morning (not included; weather dependent, and a cancelled flight is reimbursed). Your guide meets you around 10:00.
Optional Sunrise Balloon Flight
Drift above valleys of fairy chimneys at dawn with dozens of other balloons. This optional activity is not included. If weather cancels it, the cost of the cancelled flight is reimbursed.
Goreme Panorama
Your first full view of Cappadocia: a sweep of cones, ridges and cave houses around Goreme, best seen in clear morning light.
Goreme Open-Air Museum
A cluster of rock-cut churches and monastic rooms, many with Byzantine frescoes. They show how communities adapted to soft volcanic stone. Some chapels are dark, so a phone torch helps.
Ortahisar
A traditional village beneath a rock castle, with narrow lanes and views over the valleys.
Pasabag and Devrent
Pasabag has the classic mushroom-capped fairy chimneys, while Devrent, the Imagination Valley, has formations that look like animals and camels.
Red River Pottery Village
After lunch you follow the Red River to a village famous for pottery workshops, where you can watch potters at work and try the wheel.
Love Valley
The day ends at Love Valley with its tall, suggestive rock formations and panoramic views, ideal for sunset photos.
Your final day explores the southern side of Cappadocia, mixing viewpoints, valley walking, village life and an underground city before your flight.
Uchisar Castle
A huge natural rock formation with defensive and residential history and sweeping views over the landscape.
Red Valley and Rose Valley
About 4 km of walking takes you past rock churches and cave dwellings as the rock turns red and pink. Sturdy shoes are strongly recommended.
Cavusin Village
An ancient cave village with a ruined church, rock-cut homes and sweeping valley views.
Kaymakli Underground City
After lunch, descend into a multi-level underground settlement that shows how communities could shelter below ground in times of danger. Travellers with claustrophobia can ask the guide about the route.
Pigeon Valley
Hundreds of carved dovecotes line the cliffs, once used to collect pigeon droppings as fertiliser for vineyards and fields.
Three Beauties Valley
Three tall fairy chimneys stand together in a classic Cappadocia view. You then transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul, where a representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. End of The History Travel Agency service.
What Makes This 12-Day Turkey Tour Special?
Few itineraries combine so many contrasts in twelve days. One morning you walk among Roman ruins; a few days later you swim from a gulet in a secluded bay.
Ancient History & Archaeology
- Explore ancient Ephesus and the site of the Temple of Artemis
- Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Hadrian's Temple and the harbour road
- Hierapolis, the ancient spa city above Pamukkale
- Lycian rock tombs and sarcophagi around Kas and Kekova
- The House of the Virgin Mary
Natural Wonders
- Pamukkale's brilliant white travertine terraces
- Oludeniz, the Blue Lagoon
- Butterfly Valley, when sea conditions permit
- Secluded swimming bays on the Blue Cruise
- Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and valleys
Culture & Tradition
- Free time in Kusadasi or Selcuk
- Antalya's Kaleici Old Town
- The Mevlana Museum in Konya
- The Whirling Dervish tradition
- A Cappadocian pottery village on the Red River
Cappadocia Experiences
- Optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight
- Goreme Panorama and Open-Air Museum
- Pasabag, Devrent and Love Valley
- Red, Rose and Pigeon Valleys
- Kaymakli Underground City
What's Included & What's Not
Included in Your Tour Price
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Domestic flights specified in the itinerary, with 15 kg baggage allowance
- Airport pickups, drop-offs and transfers specified
- Bus tickets specified in the itinerary
- Blue Cruise accommodation and meals as listed
- Lunches during the specified tours
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees for the sights and museums listed
- Local transfers specified in the program
- Vegetarian, vegan and halal lunch options on request
Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Beverages during included lunches
- Dinners, except on the Blue Cruise
- Cleopatra Swimming Pool entrance fee
- Medical and travel insurance
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities not listed
- Optional hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia
Where You Will Stay
Choose the hotel class that suits you. Hotels are suggested properties, or similar, and the final list is confirmed with your reservation.
Economic Class
Cappadocia: Garden Inn, Milagre Cave Hotel, Holiday Cave Hotel, Ascension Cave Hotel. Pamukkale: Melrose View. Kusadasi: Istankoy, Ilayda. Fethiye: Minu, Infinity City. Antalya: Aspen, Mediterra Art.Comfort Class
Cappadocia: Hera Cave Suites, Avilla Cave, Imperial Cave. Pamukkale: Colossae Thermal, Hierapark Thermal. Kusadasi: Ilayda Avantgarde, Efe Boutique, La Vista Boutique, TNR Boutique. Fethiye: Yacht Boutique, Alesta Yacht. Antalya: Old Town Point, Afflon Loft, Akra, La Boutique, Elysium Green Suites, Elegance East.High Class
Not available for this itinerary.Make Every Day Better
Practical suggestions based on the route, season and pacing of this itinerary.
Choose Your Month
May, June, September and October pair a running Blue Cruise with comfortable sightseeing temperatures.
Bring Two Kinds of Footwear
Sturdy walking shoes for Ephesus marble, Hierapolis and Cappadocia valleys, plus sandals or deck shoes for the gulet.
Pack Light for the Flights
Domestic flights allow 15 kg, so pack a small dry bag for the cruise and leave extra luggage at the hotel.
Book the Balloon Early
The optional Cappadocia balloon flight is weather dependent and fills quickly in season.
Eat Like a Local
Try etli ekmek in Konya and fresh seafood in Fethiye or Antalya on your free evenings.
Start early at Ephesus. Go as early as your schedule allows; the marble is cooler, quieter and less slippery.
Keep a swim kit handy. Swimwear, a towel and sun protection are useful at Pamukkale, on the cruise and at the optional Cleopatra Pool.
Dress modestly in Konya. Light layers covering shoulders and knees are best at the Mevlana Museum.
Planning Your 12-Day Turkey Journey
The Blue Cruise operates roughly from mid-April to October, so your travel dates decide the shape of the trip.
What to Bring
Tour Price by Hotel Class
Prices are per person in a double, twin or triple shared room. A minimum of two participants is required.
- Single-room supplement: +$1,260
- Domestic flights, cruise and guide included
- Single-room supplement: +$1,545
- Upgraded boutique and thermal hotels
- Not offered for this itinerary
These prices come from the tour program. Comparable multi-region Turkey packages that include domestic flights and a Blue Cruise commonly sit in a similar mid-range, but prices vary by season, so please confirm current rates and departure dates with us. The online form shows the Economic Class rate; Comfort Class is quoted on request.
5 Stars Excellent Service — Rated 5.0 on TripAdvisor
The History Travel holds a 5.0 rating from 33 TripAdvisor reviews at the time of writing. Below are summaries of recent guest reviews, written in our own words. Please read the originals, in the guests' own words, on TripAdvisor.
Family tour to Turkey. A family trip planned and run end to end: a detailed itinerary, all domestic bookings, transfers and guides arranged, and regular check-ins throughout. Highly recommended.
Top Tour Operator in Turkey. Bought a 7-day Cappadocia package as a gift for family. The tour was enjoyable, the staff service was excellent and the guest would happily return.
Excellent holiday in Turkey with family. Booked a 10-day family package after a friends' recommendation. Found the owner friendly and knowledgeable and the whole service well organized.
More than a tour guide, a friendly host. A couple's full-day Istanbul tour with a good lunch, the main mosques and Topkapi. The guides felt like hosts and the price was fair.
A thrilling visit to a glorious country. A personalised itinerary, prompt contact during the trip, knowledgeable English-speaking guides and top-quality transport and hotels.
Fantastic service for a Cappadocia tour. Met on day one, kept in touch by WhatsApp, and received a personal refund when the balloon flight was cancelled by weather.
Perfect customised Istanbul itinerary. A carefully planned itinerary, quickly adjusted for rest when a family member was unwell, without missing the attractions.
Explore Istanbul through History Travel. A professional agency in constant touch before and during the trip, with a vegetarian lunch arranged. Advice: wear comfortable shoes.
Mesmerising experience. A trip customised to the guests' requests, delivered with real hospitality. Strongly recommended.
12-Day Turkey Tour — FAQ
Book Your 12-Day Ephesus to Cappadocia Tour
- 14 nights hotel accommodation, half-board
- Licensed English-speaking Christian-heritage guide
- Private, air-conditioned transportation
- All entrance fees & sightseeing
- All airport & city transfers
- Secure payment options
- Free date change (30 days prior)
0090 536 560 10 38
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Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation or date change up to 30 days before departure, reflecting the advance hotel and guide bookings required for a 15-day private journey. Cancellations within 30 days are subject to the supplier terms confirmed in your quotation.
