Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour with Fethiye Gulet: 7 Days
Overview
Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour with Fethiye Gulet: 7 Days
This package takes you to four very different sides of Turkey: the rock landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the mineral terraces of Pamukkale and a relaxing gulet cruise of 3 days and 2 nights along the coast near Fethiye.
The flights in the itinerary, professional licensed guides, air-conditioned transport, all airport transfers, admission fees on the itinerary and accommodation with breakfast are all part of the price, so the logistics are taken care of.
On domestic flights the free baggage allowance is 1 x 15 kg checked bag and 1 x 8 kg cabin bag; extra weight costs $2 per kg. International flights to Istanbul, lunch and dinner, optional additional tours and the hot air balloon flight are not included.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia & Fairy Chimneys
Early morning: We collect you from your Istanbul hotel at 04:00 AM and take you to the airport for your 06:55 AM flight to Cappadocia.
Prefer a later flight? We chose this early flight so you can see Cappadocia properly. If you are happy to miss some of the stops on the itinerary, we can book a later flight instead, for example at 10:00 AM, 11:30 AM or even in the afternoon. Just tell us in the booking form and we will arrange it.
The day's touring usually begins at about 09:00 and is over by 16:00 at the latest.
Highlights of the day:
Göreme Esentepe panoramic viewpoint: The day opens at Esentepe, a lookout between Uçhisar and Göreme. Fairy chimneys spread out below you, together with the small town of Esentepe.
Zelve Open-Air Museum: This valley was once a centre of monastic life and Christian learning. You walk among old monasteries, churches and chapels whose frescoes have survived in good condition.
Paşabağ (Monks Valley): Famous for its three-headed fairy chimneys, Paşabağ is also called "Pasha's Vineyard". Some of the most striking rock shapes in Cappadocia stand here.
Devrent Valley: A short drive away, Devrent looks almost like the surface of the moon. Its small, pointed fairy chimneys invite you to spot shapes, and some really do look like animals or mythical creatures.
Avanos Pottery Workshop: Potters have worked in Avanos since 3000 BC, shaping clay taken from the Red River. At a traditional workshop you watch the craft up close.
Love Valley: The last stop. Millions of years of erosion have carved rock pillars here up to 40 metres tall, along with cones, pinnacles and fairy chimneys. Few places in Cappadocia are as strange, or as photogenic.
Afterwards you return to your cave hotel for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 2 – Cappadocia Valleys, Flight to Izmir & Kusadasi
Today you check out of the hotel, see more of Cappadocia and then fly to Izmir.
Important note: on some days there is no direct flight between Cappadocia and Izmir, so the journey may be a connecting flight with one stop. When a direct flight runs, we have seats available.
If you wish, you can start the day early with an optional hot air balloon flight over the Cappadocian landscape.
The day's touring usually begins at about 09:00 and is over by 16:00 at the latest.
Meskendir Valley (4.4 km trek): The day starts on foot with a 4.4 km walk through Meskendir Valley near Ortahisar. Along the way you step inside Meskendir Church, decorated with bold red geometric patterns and a large cross engraved on the chapel ceiling, and enjoy the valley scenery around it.
Rose Valley: Tucked away behind Ürgüp, this quiet valley is known for its rock formations and the churches cut into its stone. Footpaths cross it, linking small villages through vineyards and gardens, and local people sometimes offer walkers fresh grapes, apples or apricots.
Red Valley: Next door to Rose Valley, it has similar rock formations and old cave churches. Its trails twist and branch like a spider's web, connecting remote villages and farmland. It is a good place to see both the nature and the history of Cappadocia.
Çavuşin Village: One of the oldest settlements in the region, Çavuşin is a maze of cave houses carved into the rock. It is also home to the 5th-century Church of John the Baptist, the largest cave church in Cappadocia.
Underground City: Early Christians dug 36 underground cities in Cappadocia to hide from persecution. You visit the largest and best known of them. It goes down eight levels, and you can walk through parts of it, including old wineries, kitchens and living rooms.
Pigeon Valley: On the edge of Göreme, the cliffs are dotted with pigeon houses carved over the centuries. Farmers once collected the droppings to fertilise their fields. Today the valley is a fine viewpoint and a favourite with photographers.
Uçhisar Castle panorama: The final stop is Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. Its tall rock castle once served as a fortress, and from the top you can see across the whole region to Erciyes Mountain on the horizon.
After the tour you go to the airport for your flight to Izmir. On arrival you are driven to Kusadasi for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 3 – Ancient City of Ephesus
After breakfast you are collected from your hotel at 10:00 AM. A drive of about 20 minutes brings you to the Magnesia Gate of the ancient city of Ephesus.
From there a full guided walk takes in the main sites of the city, including:
- Library of Celsus: its grand facade is one of the best-known sights of Ephesus.
- Temple of Hadrian: built for the Roman emperor Hadrian, with well-preserved columns and finely carved reliefs.
- Terrace Houses (optional): the luxurious homes where the wealthy families of Ephesus lived.
- Hercules Gate: a monumental gateway decorated with carvings of the legendary hero.
- Grand Theatre: it once held up to 25,000 spectators and still stages performances today.
- The Snake Cult of Asklepios: hear about the ancient cult of Asklepios, god of healing, and see what is left of his temple.
- Herm (Marker) of Hermes: ancient markers that guided travellers and showed boundaries within the city.
- Artemission: the site where the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, used to stand.
- Stone-carving of the goddess Nike: a detailed relief of Nike, the winged goddess of victory.
- Fountain of Trajan: well-kept remains of a monumental fountain raised in honour of Emperor Trajan.
- House of Virgin Mary (optional): the tour ends at the house that tradition holds to be the Virgin Mary's final resting place.
Once the tour is over you are taken back to your hotel in Kusadasi for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 4 – Pamukkale & Transfer to Fethiye
Today you check out of the hotel, explore Pamukkale and then travel on to Fethiye.
Today the tour usually begins at about 07:30.
The main sights are:
Hierapolis: Walk through the Necropolis and the Theatre, and see the Cleopatra Pool (swimming in the pool costs an extra admission fee).
Pamukkale travertines: The main event of the day. Bright white terraces of mineral-rich water step down the hillside, and you can walk across their soft, cotton-like surface while taking in the wide views.
Pamukkale Naturel Lake and Park: There is also time for the lake and its park, a pleasant extra in this beautiful area.
Day 5 – Fethiye, Butterfly Valley & St. Nicholas Island
Please be at Fethiye Harbor by 10:00 AM.
Once you have checked in, you board the gulet and get a short briefing. The boat then leaves Fethiye Harbor for Butterfly Valley, where there is time to swim, have lunch and, if you like, hike up to the waterfall. More than 136 species of moths and butterflies live in the valley, though on hot days they are harder to see.
Optional activity: paragliding over the Blue Lagoon. Next comes Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon), counted among the most photographed beaches in the world. Guests who want to can paraglide here, taking off from Babadag Mountain at 2000 metres and gliding high above the lagoon. Book in advance for special rates, or tell the captain during the cruise if you decide to join.
In the evening the gulet anchors at St. Nicholas Island. Climb up through the ancient ruins and watch the sun go down from the top. (L, D)
Day 6 – St. Nicholas Island to Kas
Start the morning with a swim in the clear water of Aquarium Bay near Kalkan, then have breakfast on board.
The gulet continues to Kas, a small fishing town full of lively cafes, beer gardens and independent shops. It is a good place to browse for handmade jewellery, and its ancient theatre is well preserved.
Optional activity: diving. Kas ranks among the top diving spots in southern Turkey. Beginners and certified divers alike can explore caves and wrecks below the surface. Book ahead for discounted rates.
You spend the night anchored in a quiet bay between Kas and Kekova. (B, L, D)
Day 7 – Kekova, Demre, Antalya & Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast the gulet sails to the Sunken City, a Lycian town that slipped under the sea in an earthquake in the second century. The boat moves slowly over the ruins of this protected World Heritage site. Swimming, diving and snorkeling are not allowed here.
Next you anchor near Kekova and walk up to Simena Castle, where the view over the bay is lovely.
The cruise ends at Demre Harbor in the afternoon. From there you are picked up and taken to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Important Notes
Optional extras
- Cappadocia Balloon (GOREME): $310
- +1 Night Istanbul Hotel (Post or Pre): $65
- Private Tour Upgrade: $300
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Professional licensed guide
- ✓Air-conditioned transportation
- ✓All flight fares in the itinerary (Free baggage limits for domestic flights are 1x15 kgs for check in and 1x8 kgs per cabin (Extra allowance +2$ per kg))
- ✓All airport transfers
- ✓Admission fees in the itinerary
- ✓Accommodations with breakfast
- ✓With Gulet: 3 Days 2 Nights
- ✕International flights to Istanbul
- ✕Lunch, dinner
- ✕Optional additional tours or activities.
- ✕Hot air balloon tour
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Travel guides
- Cappadocia Tours from Kayseri Airport: 1, 2 or 3 Days, Prices 2027
- Cappadocia in January 2027: Weather, Snow, Balloons and Tours
- Erciyes Ski Resort from Cappadocia: Season, Lift Prices, Day Trip 2027
- Cappadocia in December: Snow Odds, Weather, Balloons and Tours
- Cappadocia Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rain, Snow and Balloons
- Cappadocia Mistakes to Avoid on a First Visit: 14 Errors and Fixes
- Why Cappadocia Balloon Flights Get Cancelled, and What Happens Next
- 3-Day Cappadocia Itinerary: Balloon, Valleys, Ihlara and Göreme
- Cappadocia Green Tour: Derinkuyu, Ihlara Valley and Selime Monastery
- Salt Lake Day Trip from Cappadocia: Pink Season, Sunset, Sultanhanı
Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale with a Fethiye gulet in 7 days: the key facts
This 7-day, 6-night group tour combines three inland sights with two nights on a traditional wooden boat. You fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia very early on Day 1, tour the valleys on Days 1 and 2, then fly to Izmir and stay two nights in Kuşadası for Ephesus. Day 4 is Pamukkale and the road to Fethiye. On Day 5 you board a gulet in Fethiye Harbour, sail past Butterfly Valley, Kaş and Kekova, and leave the boat at Demre on Day 7 for the flight back to Istanbul.
It suits travellers who want sightseeing and some time at sea in one week, and who are comfortable with early starts and a few nights in small cabins. The price is from $2,865 per person.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 7 days / 6 nights (gulet: 3 days / 2 nights) |
| Route | Istanbul - Cappadocia - Izmir/Kuşadası (Ephesus) - Pamukkale - Fethiye - Kaş - Kekova - Demre - Istanbul |
| Style | Group tour, with a private upgrade for $300 |
| Start / end | 04:00 pick-up from your Istanbul hotel on Day 1 / afternoon transfer from Demre to the airport on Day 7 |
| Included | Licensed guide, air-conditioned transport, all domestic flights, all airport transfers, entrance fees in the itinerary, accommodation with breakfast, 2 nights on the gulet |
| Extra | Balloon ($310), lunches and dinners, Cleopatra Pool swim, paragliding, diving, extra Istanbul night ($65), international flights |
How early is Day 1, and can we take a later flight?
We collect you from your Istanbul hotel at 04:00 for a 06:55 flight to Cappadocia, so the touring day can run from about 09:00 to 16:00. If that is too early, the page offers later flights at 10:00, 11:30 or in the afternoon, but you will miss some of the Day 1 stops. Say which you prefer in the booking form. No Istanbul night is included, so book the night before Day 1 yourself or add one for $65.
What do we see in Cappadocia, and is the balloon included?
Day 1 covers the Esentepe viewpoint, Zelve, Paşabağ, Devrent Valley, Avanos and Love Valley, with one night in a cave hotel. Day 2 includes a 4.4 km walk through Meskendir Valley, the Rose and Red valleys, Çavuşin, an underground city, Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle. The balloon is not included; it costs $310 and is offered early on Day 2, your only morning there. Wind can ground all balloons for days. See our balloon price guide.
How do Ephesus and Pamukkale fit in?
After Day 2 you fly to Izmir; on some days there is no direct flight and you connect with one stop. Day 3 starts with a 10:00 pick-up and a 20-minute drive to the Magnesia Gate of Ephesus, with the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary as options. Day 4 starts at about 07:30 for Hierapolis and the travertines, where visitors walk barefoot, so bring a bag for your shoes. See Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
Where do we sleep on the night of Day 4?
The page does not say. Day 4 ends after Pamukkale with the transfer towards Fethiye, and Day 5 asks you to be at Fethiye Harbour by 10:00, so the night is presumably near Fethiye. The transfer time is not given either. Since this is the one night the itinerary leaves blank, ask us to confirm the hotel and the drive time in writing before you pay. Our Fethiye guide describes the area.
What happens on the gulet?
On Day 5 you board in Fethiye Harbour, sail to Butterfly Valley for a swim and an optional waterfall hike, pass Ölüdeniz, where paragliding from Babadağ is an optional extra, and anchor at St. Nicholas Island. Day 6 starts with a swim at Aquarium Bay near Kalkan, then Kaş, where diving is optional, and a night in a bay towards Kekova. On Day 7 the boat passes over the Sunken City, where swimming is not allowed, stops near Simena Castle and ends at Demre in the afternoon. The page does not describe the cabins, so ask. See blue cruise tours.
Which meals are included?
This is a point to confirm in writing. The inclusions list only breakfast, and lunch and dinner are listed as excluded. Yet the gulet days are marked "(L, D)" for Day 5 and "(B, L, D)" for Day 6, which usually means meals served on board. Drinks on board are not mentioned at all. Ask us exactly which meals on the boat are in the price, and what drinks cost, before you book.
How much luggage can we bring?
On the domestic flights the free allowance is one 15 kg checked bag and one 8 kg cabin bag per person, and extra weight costs $2 per kg. On a gulet, cabin storage is usually limited, so a soft bag is easier to stow than a hard suitcase. Pack swimwear, sun protection and water shoes, plus walking shoes for the Cappadocia valleys and Ephesus.
When is the best time for this route?
The gulet part sets the season. Most Fethiye operators run cabin cruises from about May to the end of October, with some starting in late April, and July and August are the busiest months. Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale can be visited outside that window, but the cruise days may not run. Ask us to confirm that a gulet departs on your dates. Our best time to visit Turkey page covers the weather.
Where does the tour end, and how do we book?
The Day 7 heading mentions Antalya, while the text says the cruise ends at Demre Harbour and you are taken to the airport; the airport and flight time are not stated. Ask for both in writing before you book an onward flight from Istanbul, or add an Istanbul night for $65. Choose your date and guests in the booking form on this page, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We send the full plan in writing before you make any payment. For a longer version, see our 9-day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Fethiye gulet tour, from $3,145. Get Turkey Tours is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency (A-15751).
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