Essence of Turkey Tour: 11 Days, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Gulet Cruise
Overview
Essence of Turkey Tour: 11 Days, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Gulet Cruise
The Essence of Turkey Tour brings together the country's best-known regions in 11 days and 10 nights. It starts in Istanbul with the Old City, the Spice Bazaar and a cruise on the Bosphorus, then flies you to Cappadocia for two days among fairy chimneys, valleys and cave churches, with nights in a cave hotel.
A flight to Izmir brings you to Kusadasi and the ruins of Ephesus. Next come Hierapolis and the white terraces of Pamukkale, and then the road leads to Fethiye. There you board a gulet for a calm 3-day, 2-night cruise past Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz, St. Nicholas Island, Kas and the Sunken City of Kekova, before flying back to Istanbul.
Breakfast, accommodation, a professional guide, transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, domestic flights and the entrance fees in the itinerary are all included. International flights, lunches, dinners, optional activities and the hot air balloon flight are not.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Hotel Transfer
Our representative is waiting for you on arrival at Istanbul Airport or S.Gokcen Airport and arranges your transfer to the hotel.
Once you have checked in, the day is free. You can recover from the trip or explore the neighbourhood in your own time.
Day 2 – Classical Istanbul Old City Tour
The tour usually begins at about 09:30 and finishes by 17:00 at the latest.
At 09:30 AM your guide picks you up from the hotel for a full day on foot through the centre of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul.
Today you will see:
- Topkapi Palace (optional) – walk through the former home of the Ottoman sultans and take in its long history and fine architecture.
- Blue Mosque – one of the best-known landmarks in the city, admired for its blue tiles and its sheer scale.
- Hippodrome – stand on the site of the old chariot-racing ground, now home to the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain.
- Hagia Sophia (optional) – step inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see its Byzantine architecture and its vast, richly decorated interior.
- Grand Bazaar – browse what is said to be the oldest covered market in the world, a lively place to buy souvenirs, spices and textiles.
Afterwards you are taken back to your Istanbul hotel for the night. Breakfast is included.
Day 3 – Spice Bazaar & Bosphorus Cruise, Flight to Cappadocia
Today you check out of the hotel, see more of Istanbul and then fly to Cappadocia.
The tour usually begins at about 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
Have breakfast at the hotel before setting off. The first stop is the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, a busy market full of rich smells, exotic spices, Turkish delight and other local goods.
Next comes a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia, with the city's varied architecture on both banks. You pass the grand Ottoman palaces of Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi.
After the cruise you are driven to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. On arrival we take you to your cave hotel, with breakfast included.
Day 4 – Cappadocia Valleys & Zelve Open-Air Museum
Early in the morning there is the option of a hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's unusual landscape.
The guided tour usually begins at about 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
Today you will see:
- Goreme Esentepe panoramic viewpoint – the day opens at Esentepe, a lookout between Uçhisar and Göreme with wide views over the fairy chimneys, the Cappadocian landscape and the town of Esentepe.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum – once a centre of monastic life and Christian learning, Zelve is full of old monasteries, churches and chapels whose frescoes have survived in good condition.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Paşabağ is known for its three-headed fairy chimneys. It is also called "Pasha's Vineyard", and its rock shapes are among the most striking in the region.
- Devrent Valley – a short drive away, this valley looks almost like the surface of the moon. Its small, pointed chimneys invite you to spot shapes of animals and mythical creatures.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop – Avanos has made pottery since 3000 BC, and local craftsmen still turn clay from the Red River into ceramics. You watch them at work in a traditional workshop.
- Love Valley – the last stop. Millions of years of erosion have carved rock towers here up to 40 metres tall, along with cones, pinnacles and fairy chimneys. It is a favourite with photographers and one of the strangest landscapes in Cappadocia.
You return to your cave hotel for the night. Breakfast is included.
Day 5 – Cappadocia Hiking & Underground City, Flight to Izmir
Today you check out of the hotel, explore another side of Cappadocia and then fly to Izmir.
Please note: on some days there is no direct flight between Cappadocia and Izmir, so the flight may include one stop.
The guided tour usually begins at about 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
Today you will see:
- Meskendir Valley (4.4 km Trek) – the day starts with a 4.4 km walk through this valley near Ortahisar. On the way you reach the old Meskendir Church, decorated with bold red geometric patterns and a large cross carved into the chapel ceiling. You can go inside, then enjoy the views across the valley.
- Rose Valley – tucked away behind Ürgüp, this quiet valley is famous for its rock formations and for rock-cut churches that are easy to miss. Paths lead through vineyards and gardens from one small village to the next, and friendly locals sometimes offer fresh grapes, apples or apricots.
- Red Valley – much like its neighbour, it has striking rock shapes and old cave churches. Its trails spread out like a spider's web, joining remote villages and farmland, and it shows Cappadocia's nature and history at their best.
- Cavusin Valley – Çavuşin Village is one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia, a maze of cave houses cut into the rock. It also holds the Church of John the Baptist, the largest cave church in the region, dating from the 5th century.
- Underground City – early Christians dug 36 underground cities across Cappadocia to hide from persecution, and we visit the largest and best known of them. It has eight levels, and you walk through parts of it to see old wineries, kitchens and living quarters.
- 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 droppings to fertilise their fields. Today it is a wide viewpoint and a great place for photos.
- Uchisar Castle Panorama – the tour ends in Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. Its rock castle once served as a fortress, and from the top you look out over the whole region, with Erciyes Mountain on the horizon.
After the tour you are taken to the airport for your flight to Izmir. On arrival we drive you to Kusadasi for the night, with breakfast included.
Day 6 – Ephesus Ancient City Tour
The tour usually begins at about 10:00 and finishes by 17:00 at the latest.
After breakfast you are collected from your hotel at 10:00 AM. The drive to the Magnesia Gate of Ephesus Ancient City takes about 20 minutes.
Inside the ancient city a full guided tour takes you to its key sites:
- Library of Celsus – its grand facade is one of the best-known sights in Ephesus.
- Temple of Hadrian – built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian, it still has well-kept columns and finely carved reliefs.
- Terrace Houses (optional) – the luxurious homes where the wealthy families of Ephesus once lived.
- Hercules Gate – a monumental gateway decorated with carvings of the legendary hero.
- Grand Theatre – it once held up to 25,000 spectators and is still used for performances today.
- Herm (Marker) of Hermes – ancient markers that showed the way and marked boundaries in the city.
- Artemission – the site of the Temple of Artemis, counted among the ancient world's Seven Wonders.
- Stone-carving of the goddess Nike – a detailed relief of Nike, the winged goddess of victory.
- Fountain of Trajan – the well-preserved remains of a monumental fountain built for Emperor Trajan.
- House of Virgin Mary (optional) – the tour ends at the house which many believe was the Virgin Mary's final resting place.
Afterwards you return to your hotel in Kusadasi for the night. Breakfast is included.
Day 7 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis, Drive to Fethiye
Today you check out of the hotel, explore Pamukkale and then continue to Fethiye.
The day usually starts at around 07:30.
Today you will see:
- Hierapolis – see the Necropolis, the Theatre and the Cleopatra Pool. A swim in the pool costs an extra entrance fee.
- Pamukkale – the high point of the day is the famous travertines, a natural wonder of bright white terraces filled with mineral-rich water. Take in the views and walk across the soft, cotton-white rock.
- Pamukkale Naturel Lake – you also visit Pamukkale Naturel Lake and its park, which round off the scenery of the area.
Day 8 – Gulet Cruise: Fethiye to St. Nicholas Island
Please be at Fethiye Harbor by 10:00 AM.
Once you have checked in, you board the gulet for a short briefing. The boat leaves Fethiye Harbor for Butterfly Valley, the first stop, with time for a swim, lunch and an optional walk to the waterfall. More than 136 species of moths and butterflies live in the valley, although they are harder to see on hot days.
Optional activity: paragliding over the Blue Lagoon. Next the gulet heads for Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon), whose beach is among the most photographed in the world. Here you can choose to go paragliding, taking off from Babadag Mountain at 2000 metres and gliding over the lagoon with superb views. Booking ahead is recommended to get special rates. If you decide during the cruise, just tell the captain.
In the evening the gulet anchors at St. Nicholas Island. Explore its ancient ruins and watch the sun set from the top.
Meals: lunch, dinner
Day 9 – Gulet Cruise: 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 then sails to Kas, a small fishing village full of lively cafes, beer gardens and unusual shops. It is a fine place to wander, shop for handmade jewellery and see its well-preserved ancient theatre.
Optional activity: diving. Kas is one of the top diving spots in southern Turkey. Beginners and certified divers alike can explore caves and wrecks under the water. Book ahead for discounted rates.
You spend the night anchored in a quiet bay between Kas and Kekova.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10 – Kekova Sunken City & Demre, Flight from Antalya to Istanbul
After breakfast we sail to the Sunken City, an ancient Lycian town that sank beneath the sea in an earthquake in the second century. The gulet glides slowly over the ruins of this protected World Heritage site. Swimming, diving and snorkelling are not allowed here.
We then anchor near Kekova for a visit to Simena Castle. A walk up to the top rewards you with lovely views across the bay.
In the afternoon the gulet reaches Demre Harbor, where the cruise ends. You are met and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
Day 11 – Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast you check out of your hotel. Our representative will help with your transfer to the airport, which is where our services end.
Would you like more time in Istanbul? You can add extra days to your package through the booking form.
Important Notes
Optional extras
- Hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia (Goreme): $310
- One extra hotel night in Istanbul, before or after the tour: $65
- Upgrade to a private tour: $550
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Breakfast
- ✓Accommodations
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓Transfers
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicle
- ✓Domestic Flight Fares in the itinerary
- ✓Admission Fees in the itinerary
- ✓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
The Essence of Turkey Tour, 11 days with a gulet cruise: the key facts
This group tour covers the classic land route and ends with three days at sea. You spend two days in Istanbul, including the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise, and fly to Cappadocia for two days in the valleys with nights in a cave hotel. A flight to Izmir takes you to Kusadasi for Ephesus. You then drive through Pamukkale to Fethiye and board a gulet for 3 days and 2 nights to St. Nicholas Island, Kas and Kekova. At the end you fly back to Istanbul.
It suits first-time visitors who want the main names plus a slow finish on the water, and who are happy to travel in a group. The price is from $4,035 per person. A private upgrade is listed at $550.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 11 days / 10 nights |
| Route | Istanbul – Cappadocia – Kusadasi (Ephesus) – Pamukkale – Fethiye – gulet to St. Nicholas Island, Kas and Kekova – Demre – Istanbul |
| Style | Group tour (private upgrade $550) |
| Start / end | Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen pickup / departure transfer on Day 11 |
| Included | Breakfast, accommodation, professional guide, transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, domestic flights, admission fees in the itinerary, gulet cruise 3 days / 2 nights |
| Extra | International flights, lunches and dinners, optional tours and activities, balloon flight ($310), extra Istanbul night ($65) |
How are the three flights arranged?
All three domestic fares are included. On Day 3, after the Spice Bazaar and the Bosphorus cruise, you are driven to Istanbul Airport for the flight to Cappadocia. On Day 5, after the hiking day, you fly from Cappadocia to Izmir and are driven to Kusadasi. The page warns that on some days this route has no direct flight, so it may stop once. On Day 10 the gulet reaches Demre Harbor in the afternoon, and you are transferred to the airport for the flight from Antalya to Istanbul. Ask us for all three flight times.
Are meals on the gulet included?
Please check this in writing, because the page says two things. The exclusions list lunch and dinner for the whole trip. But the cruise days show "Meals: lunch, dinner" on Day 8 and "breakfast, lunch, dinner" on Day 9, and Day 10 starts with breakfast on board. Ask us to confirm which meals on the boat are in the price and whether drinks are extra. On land, only breakfast is included, so budget for lunch and dinner on the other days.
What do the two Cappadocia days cover?
Day 4 is the northern route: Esentepe viewpoint, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Paşabağ, Devrent, an Avanos pottery workshop and Love Valley, from about 09:00 to 16:00. Day 5 is the walking day. It starts with a 4.4 km trek in Meskendir Valley, then Rose and Red Valley, Çavuşin, the underground city, Pigeon Valley and Uçhisar Castle, before the evening flight. Both nights are in a cave hotel. Our Cappadocia cave hotels guide explains what to expect.
Is the balloon included?
No. The balloon costs $310 per person and is listed under exclusions. You land in Cappadocia on the evening of Day 3 and leave after the tour on Day 5, so you have two dawns. The page offers the flight early on Day 4. Balloons do not fly in strong wind. If Day 4 is cancelled, ask your guide whether you can try again on Day 5 before the walking tour. Our balloon price guide compares the flight types.
Which entrance fees are covered?
The inclusions say "Admission Fees in the itinerary". The day plan still marks four stops as optional: Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia on Day 2, and the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary at Ephesus on Day 6. The page does not say whether those tickets are in the price. Swimming in the Cleopatra Pool at Hierapolis on Day 7 costs an extra fee. Ask us for a list of covered tickets before you pay.
What is the gulet route?
On Day 8 you need to be at Fethiye Harbor by 10:00. The gulet goes to Butterfly Valley for a swim, lunch and an optional walk to the waterfall, and passes Oludeniz, where paragliding from Babadağ is an optional extra. You anchor at St. Nicholas Island for the sunset. Day 9 starts with a swim at Aquarium Bay near Kalkan, then time in Kas, where diving is optional, and a night in a bay between Kas and Kekova. Day 10 passes over the Sunken City, where swimming is not allowed, and stops for Simena Castle. See our blue cruise tours for other boat options.
How hard are the days, and what should we wear?
Day 2 is a full walking day in Istanbul from 09:30 to about 17:00. Day 5 has the valley trek, and Ephesus on Day 6 is a long walk on stone streets from the Magnesia Gate, from about 10:00 to 17:00. Day 7 starts at about 07:30. At the Blue Mosque you take off your shoes. Everyone covers shoulders and knees, and women also cover their hair. Mosques close to visitors at prayer times. At Pamukkale you walk barefoot on the white terraces, so bring a bag for your shoes.
How is this different from the private version?
The Private Turkey Tour with Gulet Cruise follows almost the same 11 days, from $4,705 per person. On paper, the private version lists 5-star or boutique hotels and VIP entrance fees. This group tour does not name a hotel category. If you want a shorter trip with a gulet, compare the Express Turkey Tour with Gulet Cruise, 8 days from $3,005. You can add Istanbul nights to this tour at $65 each.
How do I book the Essence of Turkey Tour?
Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page and send it, or message us on WhatsApp. First we check the gulet and the three flights for your dates. Then we send the full plan in writing, with the hotel names, flight times, the gulet meals and the tickets that are covered. You pay only after you have read the plan and confirmed it. The tour is run by Get Turkey Tours, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.
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