The route begins where two continents meet. Walk through Sultanahmet to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, browse the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar, then cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia.
Tour Overview
Four Regions, Efficiently Done in 8 Days
Our 8 days Express Turkey tour is designed for travelers with limited vacation time who still want a genuinely comprehensive overview of the country, covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale in eight well-organized days.
Despite the efficient pace, nothing here feels rushed: a full guided day in Istanbul taking in its Byzantine and Ottoman history, two days across Cappadocia's volcanic valleys and underground city, a full day among the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and a day trip to Pamukkale's natural wonders before heading home. Domestic flights handle the longer distances, so your time on the ground is spent sightseeing, not traveling.
The tour offers expertly guided sightseeing, comfortable lodgings of your choice and memorable moments at each stop. It is a smart choice if you want real depth from a trip that fits into a single week of vacation time.
Why book an 8-day Turkey tour package?
A good Turkey tour package should balance history, scenery and time. This 8 days Turkey tour from Istanbul does that by choosing the four regions most first-time visitors want: Istanbul, the former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires; Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and underground cities; Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean; and Pamukkale, where the white travertine terraces meet the Roman ruins of Hierapolis.
Three domestic flights are included, each with a 15 kg baggage allowance, so you avoid long road transfers. Your price also covers seven nights of bed and breakfast accommodation, licensed English-speaking guides, air-conditioned vehicles, all airport transfers, entrance fees and taxes. Because it is flexible, the same route works as a private Turkey tour for couples and families or as a small group Turkey tour for solo travelers.
Whether you are searching for an Istanbul Cappadocia Ephesus Pamukkale tour, a Turkey itinerary for one week or a short Turkey vacation package, this express program gives a real taste of the country in a pace that is full but not rushed. You can add a Cappadocia hot air balloon flight or a Bosphorus dinner cruise, choose your hotel level, and travel in spring, summer or autumn.
Small group or private. Join a small group, or arrange a private tour exclusively for your party. Tell us your preference, hotel level and dates when you enquire.
A note on pacing
Transfer days include a half-day of sightseeing on each end wherever flight schedules allow, so travel time is kept to a minimum without sacrificing what you see.
Why this route works
Istanbul gives you the Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks close together. Cappadocia is an entirely different landscape of valleys, cave churches and cities dug underground. The Aegean coast then adds Roman Ephesus and the thermal terraces of Pamukkale. Each stage changes the scenery and the pace.
Tour at a glance
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Istanbul · Cappadocia · Ephesus · Pamukkale
- Small-group tour or private tour
- 3 domestic flights with 15 kg baggage
- Optional Cappadocia balloon flight
- Local lunches included
- All entrance fees and taxes
- Licensed English-speaking guides
Duration
8 Days
7 nights
Style
Group or Private
small group / own party
Flights
3 Domestic
15 kg bags included
Price
$1,835
per person
Your route
Four Regions, One Seamless Journey
Istanbul, Cappadocia, then the Aegean coast for Ephesus and Pamukkale, and back to Istanbul. Three domestic flights link the regions.
Istanbul · 2 nights
Cappadocia · 1 night
Kusadasi · 3 nights
Istanbul · 1 night
Fly in to a landscape shaped by volcanoes. See Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Goreme Open-Air Museum and Uchisar Castle, then Red Valley, Pigeon Valley and the Ozkonak Underground City.
Fly to Izmir and base yourself in Kusadasi. Spend one day among the ruins of Ephesus and one at the white terraces of Pamukkale and the Roman city of Hierapolis.
8-Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale at a Glance
If you are planning an 8-day Turkey itinerary, the order of the stops matters as much as the sights. This 8 days Turkey tour is built around three domestic flights, so you skip the long overland drives and spend your hours inside Turkey's great historical sites instead. It is one of the most efficient ways to see Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale in a single week, and it works as a private Turkey tour or as a small group tour.
Istanbul: Days 1, 2, 7 and 8
You arrive in Istanbul on Day 1 and are met at the airport for a private transfer. Day 2 is a full guided day in the Old City: Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise. It is the core of any Istanbul tour and a perfect introduction to the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. You return to Istanbul on Day 7 for a free afternoon and a final night before departure.
Cappadocia: Days 3 and 4
On Day 3 you fly to Cappadocia for the North Cappadocia tour: Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Avanos, the Goreme Open-Air Museum and Uchisar Castle. Day 4 is the South Cappadocia tour, with Red Valley, Cavusin, Pigeon Valley and the Ozkonak Underground City. Many travelers add an optional Cappadocia hot air balloon ride at sunrise, which is best arranged before you travel.
Ephesus and Pamukkale: Days 5 and 6
After a flight to Izmir you stay in Kusadasi for three nights, the ideal base for the Aegean coast. Day 5 is devoted to the Ephesus tour: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary. Day 6 is a day trip to the white terraces of Pamukkale and the Roman city of Hierapolis, with lunch included.
Who is this itinerary for?
This Turkey express tour suits first-time visitors, couples and friends, and travelers with only one week of holiday. Every full day includes at least four stops, licensed English-speaking guides, entrance fees, air-conditioned transport and your choice of 3, 4 or 5-star, boutique or cave hotels. Read the day-by-day program below, then send an enquiry to adjust the hotels, dates or tour format.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight days, four regions and three domestic flights. Tap any day to see what you will visit, what is included and where you will sleep. Timings may be adjusted for flights, traffic and opening hours.
1
Welcome to Istanbul, the only city on earth to span two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the shimmering strait of the Bosphorus. Our driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transfer you smoothly to your hotel, so you can begin settling in without a moment's stress after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to join our optional evening Dinner Cruise, drifting along the Bosphorus past illuminated palaces and mosques — a genuinely memorable first night ahead of a week packed with Turkey's highlights.
Airport & hotel transfer
2
After breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive guided walking tour through Sultanahmet, beginning at Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, then Hagia Sophia (interior access not included), completed by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD, and the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. We wander the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets.
In the afternoon, we visit the Rustem Pasa Mosque and the fragrant Spice Bazaar, before enjoying a scenic Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia, passing landmarks like Beylerbeyi Palace and the wooden yali villas lining the shore.
Places you will visit today
Roman Hippodrome
Begin on the old chariot track of Constantinople, now Sultanahmet Square.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi was home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years.
Hagia Sophia
Emperor Justinian completed Hagia Sophia in 537 AD, and its vast dome still defines the Istanbul skyline.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is celebrated for its cascade of domes, six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles.
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of vaulted streets selling ceramics, textiles, lamps and jewellery.
Rustem Pasa Mosque and Spice Bazaar
Rustem Pasa Mosque is a small, tile-lined mosque tucked above the market streets.
Bosphorus Cruise
A scenic cruise runs between Europe and Asia, passing Beylerbeyi Palace and the wooden yali villas that line the shore.
Breakfast Licensed guide Bosphorus cruise Hagia Sophia interior entry
3
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia, landing in a region shaped by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. We begin at Devrent Valley, its wind-carved fairy chimneys suggesting animals and figures, then continue to Pasabag (Monk's Valley) and the riverside pottery town of Avanos.
In the afternoon, we explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum's rock-cut churches, their interiors still bearing vivid Byzantine frescoes, finishing at Uchisar Castle for panoramic views across nearly all of Cappadocia.
Places you will visit today
Devrent Valley
Wind-carved fairy chimneys rise from the valley floor, and their shapes suggest animals and figures.
Pasabag (Monk's Valley)
Pasabag is known for its tall, multi-headed fairy chimneys and for the hermit cells carved into the rock.
Avanos
Avanos is a riverside pottery town, and its workshops still shape clay by hand.
Goreme Open-Air Museum
Rock-cut churches and chapels here still carry vivid Byzantine frescoes.
Uchisar Castle
This honeycombed rock outcrop is the highest natural viewpoint in the area.
Breakfast Domestic flight to Cappadocia North Cappadocia tour
4
Consider an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride today, best arranged in advance — widely regarded as one of the most spectacular experiences in all of Turkey.
We explore Red Valley's rock-cut churches with a 5 km hike through the Gulludere Valley, then Cavusin Village, continuing to Pigeon Valley. In the afternoon we descend into Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians lived in genuine fear and faith. We transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir, with a welcome and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi on arrival.
Places you will visit today
Red Valley
Red Valley has rock-cut churches and rose-coloured cliffs.
Cavusin Village
Cavusin is an old cave village on a cliff face, with abandoned dwellings and a Byzantine church.
Pigeon Valley
Thousands of small pigeon houses are cut into the valley walls.
Ozkonak Underground City
Ozkonak is a multi-level underground refuge used by early Christians.
Breakfast South Cappadocia tour Domestic flight to Izmir Balloon flight (optional)
5
Today is devoted to Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia and, at its peak, home to perhaps a quarter of a million people. Walking the marble-paved Curetes Street, past the two-story facade of the Library of Celsus and into the 25,000-seat Great Theatre, it's remarkably easy to picture the bustle of daily Roman life here two thousand years ago. We visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
We close the day at the serene House of the Virgin Mary, tucked into wooded hills above Ephesus and believed by tradition to be her final home, where the Apostle John is said to have brought her for safekeeping after the crucifixion (John 19:26-27).
Places you will visit today
Ephesus and Curetes Street
Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and, at its peak, home to perhaps a quarter of a million people.
Library of Celsus
The two-story facade of the Library of Celsus is the symbol of Ephesus.
Great Theatre
The Great Theatre held about 25,000 spectators, and it staged plays, gladiator shows and public meetings.
Temple of Artemis
The remains of the Temple of Artemis mark the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
House of the Virgin Mary
Tucked into wooded hills above Ephesus, this small stone house is believed by tradition to be Mary's final home.
Breakfast Guided Ephesus tour
6
Today we take a day trip to the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, also known as "Cotton Castle" — formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich thermal water cascades down the hillside, depositing layer upon layer of calcium carbonate into pools that shimmer brilliant white in the sun.
We explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, renowned in Roman times for its therapeutic hot springs, which drew the sick and infirm from across the ancient world. After lunch, you'll have free time to walk the terraces barefoot, and optionally swim in Cleopatra's Pool, scattered with fallen ancient marble columns. We transfer back to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Places you will visit today
Pamukkale Travertine Terraces
Known as the Cotton Castle, Pamukkale is a hillside of white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal water.
Hierapolis Ancient City
Hierapolis was a Roman spa city whose hot springs drew the sick and infirm from across the ancient world.
Hierapolis Theatre
The Roman theatre of Hierapolis sits high on the slope, with long views across the valley.
Hierapolis Necropolis
The necropolis is among the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, with thousands of tombs, sarcophagi and tumuli.
Cleopatra's Pool (optional)
You can swim among fallen ancient marble columns in warm, mineral-rich water.
Breakfast Lunch Cleopatra Pool entrance
7
After a relaxed breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul for your final night. Depending on your arrival time, you'll have free time to revisit a favorite corner of the city, pick up any last souvenirs from the Grand Bazaar, or simply relax before your departure tomorrow.
Breakfast Domestic flight to Istanbul
8
After a final relaxed breakfast, our tour comes to an end, with a transfer to the airport for your onward or international departure. From Istanbul's imperial grandeur, to Cappadocia's otherworldly valleys, the ancient streets of Ephesus and Pamukkale's shimmering terraces, we hope this efficient but genuinely rich journey has given you a real taste of what makes Turkey so remarkable.
Breakfast Airport transfer
Destination Guides
Four Regions, Twenty-Six Places, One Express Journey
Read ahead about what you will see: the history behind each stop and why it earns a place on the route. Jump to a region below.
Days 1–2 & 7–8 · Istanbul
Istanbul: Where Two Continents and Three Empires Meet
Istanbul has been the capital of Rome, Byzantium and the Ottomans, and it still feels like one: loud, layered and impossible to rush. On Day 2 your guide walks you through Sultanahmet, where Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace stand within a few minutes of each other.
Then the city opens up. A Bosphorus cruise slides past palaces and wooden waterfront villas, and the Grand and Spice bazaars add the oldest Istanbul habit of all: browsing, bargaining and tea. You return on Day 7 for free time and a last night in the city.
Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome
Topkapi Palace and its imperial courtyards
Grand Bazaar, Rustem Pasa Mosque and Spice Bazaar
Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia
3 NightsByzantine · Ottoman
Stay
3 nights
Days
Days 1–2, 7–8
Must-see
Hagia Sophia
Best for
History & first-timers
Insider tip: Visit the big mosques outside prayer times and dress modestly. Bring a scarf for the Blue Mosque and comfortable shoes for cobbled streets.
Istanbul places you will visit
Day 2
Roman Hippodrome
Begin on the old chariot track of Constantinople, now Sultanahmet Square. An Egyptian obelisk, the bronze Serpent Column and the German Fountain stand on the old track, so three eras share one short walk.
Why it matters
- Three civilisations on one stretch of ground.
Day 2
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi was home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Its courtyards, pavilions and imperial rooms show how the empire was ruled and how the court lived.
Why it matters
- The best single introduction to Ottoman history.
Day 2
Hagia Sophia
Emperor Justinian completed Hagia Sophia in 537 AD, and its vast dome still defines the Istanbul skyline. Interior access is not included in the tour price, so we visit the exterior and surroundings with your guide.
Why it matters
- Nearly 1,500 years of continuous history.
Day 2
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is celebrated for its cascade of domes, six minarets and more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles. It is a working mosque, so modest dress is expected and visits follow prayer times.
Why it matters
- The finest tilework of the classical Ottoman age.
Day 2
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar is a maze of vaulted streets selling ceramics, textiles, lamps and jewellery. It is the place to practise a little bargaining.
Why it matters
- A living market that still trades as it did centuries ago.
Day 2
Rustem Pasa Mosque and Spice Bazaar
Rustem Pasa Mosque is a small, tile-lined mosque tucked above the market streets. Next door, the fragrant Spice Bazaar fills the air with spices, dried fruit and Turkish delight.
Why it matters
- Quiet beauty beside the busiest market in the city.
Day 2
Bosphorus Cruise
A scenic cruise runs between Europe and Asia, passing Beylerbeyi Palace and the wooden yali villas that line the shore. It is the most relaxing way to see the city's waterfront.
Why it matters
- Two continents from one deck.
Days 3–4 · Cappadocia
Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys, Cave Churches and Underground Cities
Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions covered central Anatolia in soft ash. Wind and water then carved it into the pillars, cones and valleys of Cappadocia, and people carved homes, churches and entire cities into the rock.
Two guided days take you through the North and South routes: fairy-chimney valleys, the frescoed churches of Goreme, riverside Avanos, and the tunnels of Ozkonak. A sunrise balloon flight is an optional extra worth arranging in advance.
Goreme Open-Air Museum and its Byzantine frescoes
Devrent Valley and Pasabag fairy chimneys
Red Valley, Cavusin and Pigeon Valley
Ozkonak Underground City
1 NightVolcanic valleys
Stay
1 night
Days
Days 3–4
Must-see
Goreme
Best for
Photographers & hikers
Insider tip: Mornings and evenings can be cool even in summer. Keep a light jacket in your day bag, and wear shoes with good grip for the Red Valley walk.
Cappadocia places you will visit
Day 3
Devrent Valley
Wind-carved fairy chimneys rise from the valley floor, and their shapes suggest animals and figures. Cappadocia's volcanic past is easiest to read here.
Why it matters
- The classic fairy-chimney landscape.
Day 3
Pasabag (Monk's Valley)
Pasabag is known for its tall, multi-headed fairy chimneys and for the hermit cells carved into the rock. It is one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Why it matters
- Rock formations and early monastic life side by side.
Day 3
Avanos
Avanos is a riverside pottery town, and its workshops still shape clay by hand. A short stop here adds a craft tradition to the day.
Why it matters
- Hands-on Cappadocian craft.
Day 3
Goreme Open-Air Museum
Rock-cut churches and chapels here still carry vivid Byzantine frescoes. The museum is the best place to understand how early Christians lived and worshipped in the valleys.
Why it matters
- Byzantine frescoes inside the rock.
Day 3
Uchisar Castle
This honeycombed rock outcrop is the highest natural viewpoint in the area. From the top you look across nearly all of Cappadocia.
Why it matters
- Panoramic views to end the day.
Day 4
Red Valley
Red Valley has rock-cut churches and rose-coloured cliffs. A 5 km walk through the Gulludere Valley takes you among the formations on foot.
Why it matters
- Cappadocia at walking pace.
Day 4
Cavusin Village
Cavusin is an old cave village on a cliff face, with abandoned dwellings and a Byzantine church. It shows how ordinary people once lived inside the rock.
Why it matters
- A village carved into a hillside.
Day 4
Pigeon Valley
Thousands of small pigeon houses are cut into the valley walls. Farmers once collected the droppings to fertilise their fields.
Why it matters
- An unusual piece of local farming history.
Day 4
Ozkonak Underground City
Ozkonak is a multi-level underground refuge used by early Christians. Narrow tunnels, rolling stone doors and ventilation shafts show how families hid here in times of danger.
Why it matters
- Faith and survival underground.
Day 5 · Ephesus & Kusadasi
Ephesus: Walk the Streets of Roman Asia
Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, and it is one of the best-preserved classical cities anywhere. Walking down marble-paved Curetes Street, past the Library of Celsus and into the Great Theatre, it is easy to imagine a Roman day two thousand years ago.
The day closes at the House of the Virgin Mary, which is believed by tradition to be her last home. Kusadasi, a relaxed seaside town, is your base for Ephesus and for the Pamukkale day trip.
Curetes Street and the Library of Celsus
Great Theatre with 25,000 seats
Ruins of the Temple of Artemis
House of the Virgin Mary
3 NightsKusadasi base
Stay
3 nights
Days
Days 4–6
Must-see
Library of Celsus
Best for
History & archaeology
Insider tip: Ephesus has little shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen and water, and start early in summer to avoid the heat.
Ephesus places you will visit
Day 5
Ephesus and Curetes Street
Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and, at its peak, home to perhaps a quarter of a million people. The marble-paved Curetes Street leads past fountains, baths and temples.
Why it matters
- One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean.
Day 5
Library of Celsus
The two-story facade of the Library of Celsus is the symbol of Ephesus. It was built to hold thousands of scrolls and to honour the Roman governor buried beneath it.
Why it matters
- The most photographed building in Ephesus.
Day 5
Great Theatre
The Great Theatre held about 25,000 spectators, and it staged plays, gladiator shows and public meetings. Sitting in its upper rows, it is easy to picture daily Roman life.
Why it matters
- A Roman stage that is still intact.
Day 5
Temple of Artemis
The remains of the Temple of Artemis mark the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Little is left standing, but the scale of the foundations tells the story.
Why it matters
- A lost wonder of the ancient world.
Day 5
House of the Virgin Mary
Tucked into wooded hills above Ephesus, this small stone house is believed by tradition to be Mary's final home. Christians and Muslims both visit it as a place of quiet pilgrimage.
Why it matters
- A peaceful end to a busy day.
Day 6 · Pamukkale
Pamukkale and Hierapolis: The Cotton Castle
Pamukkale means "Cotton Castle", and the name fits. For thousands of years, mineral-rich thermal water has run down the hillside, depositing calcium carbonate that forms brilliant white terraces and shallow pools.
At the top stands Hierapolis, a Roman spa city whose hot springs drew visitors from across the ancient world. You explore its theatre and necropolis with your guide, enjoy lunch, then have free time to walk the terraces barefoot before returning to Kusadasi.
White travertine terraces and thermal pools
Hierapolis ancient city and theatre
Hierapolis Necropolis
Optional swim in Cleopatra's Pool
Day tripTravertine · Thermal
Stay
Day trip
Days
Day 6
Must-see
Travertine terraces
Best for
Families & nature lovers
Insider tip: You walk the terraces barefoot, so a swimsuit and a towel are useful. The Cleopatra's Pool entrance fee is not included in the tour price.
Pamukkale places you will visit
Day 6
Pamukkale Travertine Terraces
Known as the Cotton Castle, Pamukkale is a hillside of white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal water. You can walk the terraces barefoot and see the shallow turquoise pools.
Why it matters
- Turkey's most striking natural landscape.
Day 6
Hierapolis Ancient City
Hierapolis was a Roman spa city whose hot springs drew the sick and infirm from across the ancient world. Colonnaded streets, baths and ruined churches cover the hilltop above the terraces.
Why it matters
- A Roman healing city above the terraces.
Day 6
Hierapolis Theatre
The Roman theatre of Hierapolis sits high on the slope, with long views across the valley. Its stage building still carries carved reliefs.
Why it matters
- Roman architecture with a valley view.
Day 6
Hierapolis Necropolis
The necropolis is among the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, with thousands of tombs, sarcophagi and tumuli. It adds a quieter, more human side to the ruins.
Why it matters
- Thousands of tombs along the old road.
Day 6
Cleopatra's Pool (optional)
You can swim among fallen ancient marble columns in warm, mineral-rich water. The entrance fee is not included, so it is an optional extra on your free time after lunch.
Why it matters
- A swim among Roman columns.
Topic Highlights
What Makes This Express Tour Special
Istanbul's Old City
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and a Bosphorus cruise.
Cappadocia
Devrent Valley, Pasabag, Goreme Open-Air Museum and Ozkonak Underground City.
Ephesus
The Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the House of the Virgin Mary.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Dazzling white travertine terraces and a Roman-era healing city.
Temple of Artemis
The remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Ozkonak Underground City
A fascinating subterranean refuge used by early Christians.
Best for:
First-time visitors Travelers with limited time History lovers Couples Photographers Small groups Private travelers
Photo Gallery
A Glimpse of the Journey
Ephesus
Cappadocia
Pamukkale
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation: 7 Nights, Breakfast Included
Your route runs Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi (for Ephesus and Pamukkale), then back to Istanbul for your final night.
Istanbul — 3 Nights Total
2 nights at the start, 1 night at the end, breakfast included.
Cappadocia — 1 Night
Between the North and South Cappadocia tours, breakfast included.
Kusadasi — 3 Nights
For Ephesus and your Pamukkale day trip, breakfast included.
Choose from 3, 4 or 5-star hotels, boutique hotels, or cave hotels — tell us your preference when you enquire or reserve.
Services
What Is Included and Not Included
Included in the price
- 7 nights accommodation B&B at your choice of 3-4-5★ hotels
- All sightseeing tours in the program
- 7 hotel breakfasts, local restaurant lunches per person
- 3 domestic flight tickets (15kg baggage allowance)
- English-speaking guides licensed by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
- Transport in new, air-conditioned vehicles
- All airport transfers throughout the trip
- All parking fees, ferry tolls and petrol
- All entrance fees and taxes
Not included
- International airfare to Turkey
- Travel insurance
- Hagia Sophia interior entry
- Cleopatra Pool entrance fee at Pamukkale
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Optional extras: the Cappadocia sunrise balloon flight and the Istanbul Dinner Cruise are not part of the standard program. Ask us when you enquire and we will arrange them in advance.
Price & Booking
Tour Price and Booking Terms
One clear price per person, with three domestic flights, seven hotel nights, guides and entrance fees already inside it.
8 Days Express Tour
$1,835
per person
- 7 nights, bed & breakfast
- 3 domestic flights, 15 kg baggage each
- Licensed English-speaking guides
- All entrance fees, taxes and transfers
Optional Extras
On request
balloon flight, dinner cruise
- Cappadocia sunrise balloon flight
- Bosphorus dinner cruise on Day 1
- Best arranged before you travel
Your Way
On request
hotels, private tour, dates
- 3, 4 or 5-star, boutique or cave hotels
- Small group or private tour
- Reply within a few hours
Payment
Reservation
A 40% deposit confirms your booking.
Balance
The remaining balance is payable on arrival.
The History Travel Tips
Make the Most of Your 8 Days
Practical suggestions based on the route and the pace of this itinerary.
First time in Turkey?
Four regions in eight days is a true sampler: imperial Istanbul, volcanic Cappadocia and the ancient Aegean in one trip.
Photography lovers
Plan for Uchisar Castle views in Cappadocia, the Library of Celsus at Ephesus and the white terraces of Pamukkale. Bring a spare battery.
History lovers
The route moves from Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul to Cappadocia's cave churches, then the Roman cities of Ephesus and Hierapolis.
Pack light
Each domestic flight allows 15 kg per person, so a soft bag and a small day pack work best.
Choose the right shoes
Cobbles in Istanbul, uneven stone at Ephesus and a 5 km valley hike in Cappadocia: wear broken-in walking shoes.
Travel season
Spring and autumn bring mild days and thinner crowds. Summer is hot at Ephesus and Pamukkale, so start early.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable clothes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Sun hat
Swimsuit for Pamukkale
Camera or smartphone
Reusable water bottle
Passport and booking confirmation
Best time to go
Spring (Apr–May)
Green valleys and mild days. Ideal for walking and photography.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot inland and on the coast. Start sightseeing early.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm days, thinner crowds and soft light.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool, quiet Istanbul and snow-dusted Cappadocia.
Local tip: a balloon flight starts before dawn and depends on the weather, so book it early and keep a light jacket in your day bag.
Why Travel With Us
Why Choose The History Travel
Personal Service
Every itinerary is a starting point we're happy to adjust to you.
WhatsApp Assistance
Reach a real person before, during and after your trip.
Licensed Guides
Every guided day is led by a professional, licensed English-speaking guide.
Instant Confirmation
Book with confidence — your voucher and itinerary arrive by email right away.
Guest Reviews
5 Stars Excellent Service · The History Travel Agency
5.0
★★★★★
33 reviews on TripAdvisor
These are guest reviews of The History Travel on TripAdvisor, reproduced as written. They describe the agency's tours in Istanbul and across Turkey, including family trips. Read all reviews on TripAdvisor.
Travelers who book with The History Travel Agency often mention the same things: an itinerary planned around their own interests, quick replies on WhatsApp before and during the trip, and guides who explain what they are seeing instead of just pointing. Many reviewers booked multi-day packages in Turkey that combine Istanbul, Cappadocia and the coast, much like this 8-day Express tour.
Guests also praise the practical side of the trip: domestic flights, airport transfers, hotels and day trips arranged in advance, and help with special requests such as vegetarian meals or a slower day. Read the nine reviews below, or open the full list on TripAdvisor to see more.
Personalised itineraries Fast WhatsApp replies Knowledgeable guides Smooth domestic bookings Quality hotels and transport
B
★★★★★
“We had a wonderful family trip to Turkey. Mr Sebahettin of The History Tours planned and organised it. He knows Turkey well, provided detailed itinerary unlike other travel agents. All domestic bookings, transfers, guides, day trios were organised by him. He kept in touch throughout the trip for updates. Highly recommend him for any travel to Turkey”
S
★★★★★
“We had heard about the beauties of Turkey from friends who had visited, and then we booked a 10-day family package tour with Mr. Sebahattin, owner of History Travel, which was recommended by friends. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable. All the service was very well organized. We liked our tour very much. I recommend Mr. Sebahattin and The History Travel Agency to everybody.”
H
★★★★★
“We bought a 7-day Cappadocia vacation package from The History Travel Istanbul as a thank you gift for my girlfriend and her family. Our tour was incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, and Mr. Sebahattin and his staff delivered an absolutely amazing service. I want to sincerely thank Sebahattin and the entire staff of The History Travel for their fantastic service. I would adore returning to Turkey and using this company's services. I advise everyone to use The History Travel Agency.”
N
★★★★★
“Our visit to turkey was filled with incredible experiences and long lasting memories. Mr Sebahattin was very helpful throughout out planning stages and in the process created a personalised itinerary that fit our needs. Even while in Turkey he was extremely prompt and professional in all his dealings. And enabled us to navigate through the trip effortlessly. The English speaking guides organised by him were very knowledgeable and friendly. The transport and the hotels provided were also of top quality and we were very pleased with the service. Overall a great visit curated by a gem of a person.”
I
★★★★★
“Sebahattin meticulously planned our customised itinerary at Istanbul perfectly. The arrangement from the first to the last attraction just simply made sense the way he planned it. In addition, when one of our family members was unwell and he found out about it, he immediately sprang into action and made changes to our itinerary to allow for more rest, yet we were able to cover all the attractions after he had made changes to the plan. Finally, we always enjoyed having our wonderful conversations at his office over his delicious Turkish tea. Thank you, Sebahattin, for making our first visit to Turkey such a memorable one. We loved it so much that we are planning to contact you again for an encore!”
D
★★★★★
“Our tour organizer Mr. Sebahattin was very professional in his services. He came down to our Airbnb to meet us in day 1. Organised our superb cappadocia tour. Our tour guide in Cappadocia Mr. Mustafa was very friendly and professional. Since our hot air balloon was cancelled due to bad weather Mr. Sebahattin came back to our airbnb to return the money. He kept in constant touch through what's app through the tour until we boarded the flight out of Istanbul . We are going back with fond memories of Turkish food, Turkish culture and turkish heritage. Over all I would rate it 5/5 starts. Thank you Mr. Sebahittin got organising a perfect trip for us.”
D
★★★★★
“The History Travel Agency is a professional one with exemplary tour itinerary. Mr Sebahattin Selam from the Agency remained in constant touch with us starting our departure from India till we landed back home. He took care of minute details. Like we are vegetarians and were worried about the food. History Travel had organised exceptional vegetarian continental lunch for us. Our guide Mr Mehmet Nehir is an exceptional person with a very calm composure. City tour involves plenty of walking. So, do wear a comfortable sport shoes. Keep a bottle of water with you and carry small change. Overall it is an exceptional experience touring Istanbul through The History Travel Agency.”
C
★★★★★
“Mehmet and Sebahattin were more than tour guides, they were hosts showing the beauty of their country. My wife and I had a full day tour of Istanbul. We had a great lunch and toured all of the main mosques and Topkapi. It was a truly memorable day. The price was fair and I recommend them wholeheartedly.”
S
★★★★★
“We had a wonderful time in Turkey . We booked through Sebahattin and he made sure we have an experience of lifetime. Our trip was customised to our ask and Sebahattin extended all the hospitality one could. I would strongly recommend to book through him and you won't regret.”
FAQ