Turkey Highlights Tour Package: 10 Days with Domestic Flights
Overview
Turkey Highlights Tour Package: 10 Days with Domestic Flights
This 10-day package brings together five of Turkey's best-known destinations in a single trip: Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. The domestic flights that link them are part of the price.
In Istanbul you explore the Byzantine and Ottoman old city, the Spice Bazaar and the Bosphorus. Antalya gives you the Mediterranean coast, with a free day or an optional boat trip, plus a day among the ruins of Perge, Aspendos and Side. In Cappadocia you walk through valleys of fairy chimneys and go down into an underground city, before heading west for Ephesus and the white travertines of Pamukkale.
The package covers 9 nights of accommodation, a professional guide, round-trip airport transfers and the domestic flights in the itinerary. Lunches, dinners and optional activities are at your own expense.
Your trip begins when you land at the airport and transfer to your hotel. On the final day you have breakfast, check out before 12:00 noon and are taken to Istanbul International Airport in line with your flight time.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul and Hotel Transfer
Our driver collects you at Istanbul airport and takes you to your hotel. Nothing else is planned for today, so you can rest after your journey.
Your guide will meet you at 09:30 AM tomorrow.
Day 2 – Classical Istanbul: Old City Walking Tour
Today is a full-day walking tour through the core of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul.
- 09:30 AM – Hotel pick-up: your guide meets you at the hotel to start the day.
- 10:00 AM – Topkapi Palace (optional): the former home of the Ottoman sultans, known for its history and fine architecture.
- 11:30 AM – Blue Mosque: Istanbul's famous mosque, admired for its detailed blue tiles and impressive structure.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch break (not included): time to eat at a local restaurant.
- 1:30 PM – Hippodrome: the old chariot-racing ground, where you see the Serpent Column, the Egyptian Obelisk and the German Fountain.
- 2:30 PM – Hagia Sophia (optional): step inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its grand Byzantine interior.
- 3:30 PM – Grand Bazaar: the oldest covered market in the world, busy with stalls selling souvenirs, spices and textiles.
- 5:00 PM – Hotel drop-off: transfer back to your Istanbul hotel for the night. Breakfast is included.
Day 3 – Spice Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise and Flight to Antalya
After checking out of your hotel, you see more of Istanbul before flying south to Antalya.
- 08:30 AM – Breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:30 AM – Egyptian Spice Bazaar: walk among stalls piled with exotic spices, Turkish delight and local products, and enjoy the scents and lively mood of the market.
- 11:00 AM – Bosphorus Cruise: sail the strait between Europe and Asia and see the mix of architecture along both shores.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch break (not included) at a local restaurant.
- 2:00 PM – The cruise continues: more views of the city as you pass Ottoman palaces such as Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace.
- 4:00 PM – Airport transfer: fly to Antalya, where you are taken to your hotel for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 4 – Antalya: Free Day or Optional Boat Trip
Spend the day as you like in Antalya, or join the optional boat trip with lunch along the Mediterranean coast. The boat trip runs as follows:
- 09:00 AM – Hotel pick-up and transfer to the boat dock.
- 09:30 AM – Departure: cruise the coast on a comfortable boat, past cliffs, coves and golden beaches.
- 10:30 AM – Swim and snorkel stop: cool off in clear water or snorkel to see the colourful marine life.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch on board (included): local dishes prepared by experienced chefs, served while you relax on the large deck.
- 1:30 PM – Free time on deck: sunbathe, rest and take photos of the coastline.
- 3:30 PM – Return: back to the dock, then a transfer to your hotel.
Day 5 – Perge, Aspendos, Side and Flight to Cappadocia
Check out of your hotel this morning. The day is spent among ancient cities and at a waterfall, and it ends with a flight to Cappadocia.
- 09:00 AM – Perge: walk through this ancient city, with its large theatre, colonnaded street and historic ruins.
- 11:00 AM – Aspendos Theater: one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Turkey, famous for its architecture and acoustics.
- 12:30 PM – Lunch break (not included): try regional food at a local restaurant.
- 2:00 PM – Side: stroll the old streets of this ancient city and see the amphitheatre and the well-known Temple of Apollo.
- 4:00 PM – Manavgat Waterfall: a green, scenic spot to relax and enjoy the views.
- 6:00 PM – Return to your hotel in central Antalya to rest after the day's sightseeing.
Afterwards you are transferred for your flight to Cappadocia, where you spend the night.
Day 6 – Optional Balloon Flight and Cappadocia Valleys Tour
- 05:00 AM – Hot air balloon ride (optional): drift over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and rock formations at sunrise.
- 07:00 AM – Champagne toast and hotel return: raise a glass after landing, then transfer back to your hotel.
- 09:00 AM – Pick-up for the Cappadocia tour: a guided day among the region's lesser-known sights.
The tour usually begins around 09:00 and ends by 16:00 at the latest. The day includes:
Meskendir Valley (4.4 km trek): The day opens with a 4.4 km walk through Meskendir Valley near Ortahisar. Inside the valley stands the historic Meskendir Church, decorated with bold red geometric patterns and a large cross carved into the chapel ceiling. You can go inside the church and enjoy the scenery around it.
Rose Valley: Tucked away behind Ürgüp, Rose Valley is one of the finest spots in Cappadocia, known for its unusual rock shapes and churches cut into the stone out of sight. Footpaths cross the valley and join small villages and towns through vineyards and gardens, and local people sometimes offer walkers fresh grapes, apples or apricots.
Red Valley: Like Rose Valley, Red Valley has striking rock formations and old cave churches. Its trails twist through the land like a spider's web, connecting remote villages and fields. It is a good place to see both the natural beauty and the history of Cappadocia.
Cavusin Valley: Next comes Çavuşin Village, among the oldest settlements in Cappadocia. Its houses are cut into the rock, forming a maze of old dwellings. The village also holds the Church of John the Baptist, the largest cave church in the region, which dates to the 5th century.
Underground City: There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia, dug by early Christians hiding from persecution. You visit the largest and best known of them. It has eight levels, and you can walk through parts of it to see old wineries, kitchens and living spaces.
Pigeon Valley: On the edge of Göreme, this valley takes its name from the dovecotes carved into its cliffs over the centuries. Farmers once collected the pigeon droppings to fertilise their fields. Today it is a fine place for wide views and photos.
Uchisar Castle Panorama: The last stop is Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. The town is built around Uçhisar Castle, a tall rock that once served as a fortress. From the top you can see across the whole region to Erciyes Mountain in the distance.
At the end of the day you return to your hotel.
Day 7 – Cappadocia Tour and Flight to Izmir
After checking out, you spend one more day in Cappadocia before flying to Izmir. Touring usually runs from about 09:00 until 16:00 at the latest. The stops are:
- Meskendir Valley (4.4 km trek): a walk of 4.4 km near Ortahisar to Meskendir Church, with its red geometric decoration and the big cross cut into the chapel ceiling. You can look around inside and take in the valley views.
- Rose Valley: a quiet valley behind Ürgüp with odd rock shapes and hidden churches carved from the rock. Its paths join villages and towns through vineyards and gardens, and friendly locals may hand you grapes, apples or apricots.
- Red Valley: similar rock formations and early cave churches, with trails that spread like a spider's web between remote villages and farmland. A rewarding stop for Cappadocia's nature and history.
- Cavusin Valley: Çavuşin Village is one of the region's oldest settlements, a maze of cave houses cut into the rock. It is home to the 5th-century Church of John the Baptist, the biggest cave church in Cappadocia.
- Underground City: the largest and most famous of Cappadocia's 36 underground cities, built by early Christians fleeing persecution. Of its eight levels, you explore sections with ancient wineries, kitchens and living rooms.
- Pigeon Valley: near Göreme, named after the pigeon houses carved into its cliffs over centuries. Farmers used the droppings as a natural fertiliser. Today it offers wide panoramic views and good photo spots.
- Uchisar Castle Panorama: the final stop, at Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. The rock castle was once a fortress, and its summit looks out over the region as far as Erciyes Mountain.
After the tour you transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. On arrival you are driven to Kusadasi for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 8 – Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Today you explore the ancient site of Ephesus. Highlights of the visit:
- Library of Celsus: famous for its imposing facade and fine architectural detail.
- Temple of Hadrian: a well-preserved temple built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian.
- Hercules Gate: a monumental entrance decorated with reliefs and sculptures.
- Grand Theatre: a huge theatre that once seated thousands of spectators.
- The Snake Cult of Asklepios: hear about the ancient snake cult linked to healing and see the ruins of the Asklepion, an ancient medical centre.
- Herm (Marker) of Hermes: a stone marker dedicated to the Greek god Hermes, a symbol of travellers and boundaries.
- Stone-carving of the goddess Nike: a detailed relief of Nike, the symbol of victory.
- Fountain of Trajan: an ancient fountain with ornate sculptures, dedicated to the Roman emperor Trajan.
- Ruins of Artemis Temple: the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- St. Mary's House (optional): if you wish, visit the sacred site believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her last years.
03:30 PM – Return to hotel: after the tour you are driven back to your hotel for the night.
Day 9 – Pamukkale and Hierapolis, Flight Back to Istanbul
- 05:00 AM – Hotel pick-up: an early start for Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
- 09:00 AM – Hierapolis: see the Necropolis, the Theatre and the famous Cleopatra Pool. There is an admission charge if you want to swim in the pool.
- 11:30 AM – Pamukkale Travertines: walk on the white, cotton-like terraces of mineral-rich pools and enjoy the views.
- 01:00 PM – Lunch (not included) at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM – Pamukkale Naturel Lake and Park: a scenic lake and park to round off the visit.
- 04:30 PM – Transfer to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
- Evening – Arrival in Istanbul: transfer to your hotel for the last night, with breakfast included.
Day 10 – Departure from Istanbul
Have breakfast and check out of your hotel. Our representative arranges your transfer to the airport, which completes our services.
Want more time in Istanbul? Extra nights can be added to your stay.
Important Notes
Optional extras
- Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (Goreme): $310
- One extra night in an Istanbul hotel, before or after the tour: $65
- Upgrade to a private tour: $500
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓9 nights accommodation
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Round-trip airport transfers
- ✓Domestic Flight Fares in the itinerary
- ✕Optional Activities
- ✕Dinner & Lunch Self Paid
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Turkey Highlights in 10 days with domestic flights: the key facts
This group package fits five of Turkey's best-known places into 10 days and 9 nights: Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale. It uses four domestic flights, so the long distances between them are covered in the air. The order is unusual. After Istanbul you go south to the Antalya coast first, then fly to Cappadocia, then fly to Izmir for Ephesus. You finish with Pamukkale and an evening flight back to Istanbul.
It suits first-time visitors who want every major name on one trip and are fine with several early starts and evening flights. The price is from $2,950 per person. A private upgrade is listed at $500.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 days / 9 nights |
| Route | Istanbul – Antalya – Cappadocia – Kusadasi (Ephesus) – Pamukkale – Istanbul |
| Style | Group tour (private upgrade $500) |
| Start / end | Istanbul airport arrival / transfer to Istanbul Airport, check-out before 12:00 |
| Included | 9 nights accommodation, professional guide, round-trip airport transfers, domestic flights in the itinerary |
| Extra | International flights, lunches and dinners, optional activities, balloon flight ($310), extra Istanbul night ($65), Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, St. Mary's House, Cleopatra Pool swim |
How do the four domestic flights fit together?
Flight one leaves Istanbul for Antalya on Day 3. You are taken to the airport at 16:00, after the Spice Bazaar and the Bosphorus cruise. Flight two goes from Antalya to Cappadocia on the evening of Day 5, after a full day at the ancient sites. Flight three leaves Cappadocia for Izmir on Day 7 after the valley tour, and you are then driven to Kusadasi. Flight four leaves Denizli for Istanbul on the evening of Day 9. The page gives no exact flight times for flights two and three, so ask for them in your written plan. All four fares are included.
What does Day 7 in Cappadocia actually cover?
Check this in writing. As the page stands, Day 7 lists the same seven stops as Day 6: Meskendir Valley with its 4.4 km walk, Rose Valley, Red Valley, Çavuşin, the underground city, Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle. The page does not say whether one of the two days is meant to be the north Cappadocia route, with Zelve, Paşabağ, Devrent and Avanos. Ask which stops are on which day, so you don't pay for the same valleys twice. Our Cappadocia destination guide lists the main sites.
Is the balloon flight included, and how many chances do we get?
The balloon is not included. It costs $310 per person and is booked as an extra. You arrive in Cappadocia on the evening of Day 5 and leave on the evening of Day 7. That gives you two dawns, Day 6 and Day 7. The page schedules the balloon for 05:00 on Day 6, with a champagne toast and a return to the hotel at about 07:00. Flights are cancelled on windy mornings. If that happens on Day 6, ask your guide whether it can move to Day 7. See our balloon price guide.
Is the Antalya boat trip included?
Probably not, but the page sends mixed signals. Day 4 is "a free day or optional boat trip", and the exclusions say lunches and dinners are self-paid. Yet the boat timetable says "lunch on board (included)". The trip runs from a 09:00 pickup to about 15:30, with a swim and snorkel stop. Ask us to confirm the boat price and the lunch in writing. If you skip it, the day is yours for Kaleiçi old town or the beach.
Which hotels do we use?
The page does not name the hotels or give a star rating. It covers 9 nights: two in Istanbul, two in central Antalya, two in Cappadocia, two in Kusadasi for Ephesus and one final night in Istanbul. Breakfast is mentioned on most nights in the day plan but is not on the inclusions list, so confirm it too. Hotels depend on your dates. Ask for the names before you pay. Read Kusadasi hotels for Ephesus for what to expect from that base.
How demanding are the days?
Day 5 and Day 9 are the longest. Day 5 runs from Perge at 09:00 through Aspendos, Side and the Manavgat Waterfall until about 18:00, and then you fly to Cappadocia. Day 9 starts with a 05:00 pickup in Kusadasi for Pamukkale and ends with the evening flight to Istanbul. The walking is on stone streets at Ephesus and Perge and on valley paths in Cappadocia. On the white terraces at Pamukkale you walk barefoot, so carry a bag for your shoes. At the Blue Mosque, cover shoulders and knees, and women also cover their hair.
Can we change the order or add days?
The order is fixed in this group format because it follows the flight plan. You can add Istanbul nights at $65 each, before or after the tour. If you want the classic Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale loop without Antalya, compare the Grand Turkey 10-day package from $2,800. For a lower budget, there is the Turkey Highlights Economically 10-day package from $2,025. For a different order, ask about a tailor-made Turkey tour.
What will we spend on top of the price?
The exclusions say lunches, dinners and optional activities are self-paid, so budget for two meals a day. In Istanbul, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are marked optional on Day 2, and the page does not say whether their tickets are covered. At Ephesus, St. Mary's House is optional. At Hierapolis, a swim in the Cleopatra Pool has its own entrance charge. Add the $310 balloon and the Day 4 boat trip if you want them. Ask us for a written list of which entrance tickets the price covers and which you pay on the spot, so the total cost is clear before you book.
How do I book this 10-day tour?
Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page and send it, or message us on WhatsApp. We check flights and hotels for your dates and send you the full plan in writing. It includes hotel names, all four flight times, the stops for each Cappadocia day, and the boat trip and balloon status. You pay only after you have read and confirmed it. The tour is run by Get Turkey Tours, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.
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