Cappadocia, Konya & Pamukkale Tour: 3 Days with Flights from Istanbul

Cappadocia, Konya and Pamukkale in 3 days: the key facts

This 3-day, 2-night group tour joins three inland highlights in one loop from Istanbul. You fly to Cappadocia on Day 1 for a day among the fairy chimneys, then take a bus of about 4 hours to Konya. Day 2 covers the Mevlana Museum, the Karatay Medrese and Alaeddin Hill, followed by a drive of about 4.5 hours to Pamukkale. On Day 3 you walk the white travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis before flying back to Istanbul.

It suits travellers who prefer landscapes and history to beaches and are happy to spend two evenings on the road. The price is from $1,110 per person.

How does the route work, and how long are the drives?

On Day 1 we collect you very early for the 09:20 flight to Cappadocia, or you can meet the guide at the airport. The Cappadocia tour starts after a short drive from Nevşehir, and when it ends you take a bus of about 4 hours to Konya. On Day 2, after the Konya visits, the drive to Pamukkale takes about 4.5 hours. Day 3 starts with an early pick-up at your Pamukkale hotel and ends with a flight back to Istanbul. Expect two long evenings on the road.

What do we see in Cappadocia?

You get one guided day on the northern route: the Esentepe viewpoint, the Zelve Open-Air Museum with its frescoed churches, Paşabağ with its three-headed fairy chimneys, Devrent Valley, a pottery workshop in Avanos and Love Valley. You do not sleep in Cappadocia, so there is no sunrise balloon on this plan and the page lists no balloon option. If a balloon flight matters to you, ask us about using the one-day extension for a night in Cappadocia, and read our balloon price guide first.

What does the Konya day include?

After breakfast you check out and visit the Mevlana Museum, the resting place of the mystic Rumi, where you learn about the Whirling Dervishes. Next is the Karatay Medrese, a Seljuk school known for its tilework, and then a walk up Alaeddin Hill for a view across the city. After the visits you leave for Pamukkale. Our Konya guide covers the city in more detail if you want to read up before you go.

What happens at Pamukkale and Hierapolis?

Day 3 begins early. In Hierapolis you see the Necropolis and the Theatre, and you can visit the Cleopatra Pool, where swimming costs an extra admission fee. Then you walk across the white travertine terraces and their mineral pools. There is also time for Pamukkale Naturel Lake and Park. After the tour you go to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul. Our Pamukkale guide has more on the site.

What should we wear?

At the travertines you walk barefoot, so wear shoes that are easy to take off and bring a bag to carry them. Shoes are fine on the paths and in the ruins of Hierapolis. If you plan to swim in the Cleopatra Pool, bring swimwear and a small towel. For the Mevlana Museum, a tomb as well as a museum, dress as you would for a mosque: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, and a scarf for women. Comfortable walking shoes help in Cappadocia and Hierapolis.

What is included, and what should we budget for?

The price covers two hotel nights with breakfast, a professional guide, all flights in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles and admission fees, except for optional sights. Not included are international flights to Istanbul, lunches and dinners, the Cleopatra Pool swim and optional activities in free time. The page does not name the hotels or give their category, so ask us which hotels are planned for your dates if this matters to you.

Can we add nights or continue to Antalya?

Yes. You can extend the tour by one day for $115, and the page says extra nights can be added if you want to stay longer. Instead of flying back to Istanbul, you can take a transfer from Pamukkale to Antalya for $195. If you would like Antalya inside the tour, our Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Antalya tour costs the same, from $1,110 per person, and our Cappadocia, Konya and Antalya tour swaps Pamukkale for the coast.

How do we book this tour?

Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page, and tell us whether you want hotel pick-up or to meet the guide at Istanbul airport. You can also message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. We confirm the flights, hotels and any extra day or Antalya transfer, then send you the full plan in writing before you make any payment. Get Turkey Tours is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency (A-15751).