EspanolDiscover Turkey’s Natural Wonders: 4-Day Istanbul to Cappadocia and Pamukkale Bus Tour
Embark on a 4-day journey from Istanbul to the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale. This tour offers a unique exploration of Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, combining nature and history into an unforgettable Turkish adventure. Perfect for travelers looking to dive into the cultural and natural beauty Turkey has to offer.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Night Bus Journey from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Your journey to Cappadocia begins with a comfortable overnight bus ride from Istanbul. You’ll receive your e-ticket and all relevant bus information by email before departure. The bus leaves Istanbul’s Esenler Bus Terminal at 21:00. Please plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early to allow for a smooth check-in process. Get ready for an exciting adventure exploring the magical landscapes of Cappadocia!
Day 2: Full-Day Exploration of Cappadocia - Overnight Stay in Cappadocia
Upon your arrival at the Cappadocia bus station, our friendly team will welcome you and provide a comfortable transfer to our office, where you’ll meet your dedicated tour guide. From here, your captivating exploration of Cappadocia begins.
- Devrent Valley: Begin the tour with the mesmerizing Devrent Valley, home to stunning fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. This dreamlike landscape will instantly captivate you.
- Monks Valley: Head to Monks Valley for some of the best views of Cappadocia's iconic three-headed fairy chimneys. Known locally as Pasabag or Pasha’s Vineyard, this spot offers an unforgettable sight of nature's artistry.
- Avanos: Next, we visit Avanos, famous for its pottery heritage, which dates back to 3000 BC. Witness traditional pottery-making in local workshops, preserving an art form passed down through generations.
- Goreme Open-Air Museum: Explore the remarkable Open-Air Museum in Goreme, a significant early Christian site. Discover the ancient churches, monasteries, and frescoed chapels, each telling stories of Cappadocia’s rich past.
- Uchisar: Conclude the day with Uchisar, a charming village centered around a massive rock formation once used as a fortress. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view over Cappadocia and Mt. Erciyes.
Your guide will return you to your hotel around 5:00 PM, where you can relax and look forward to another unforgettable day in Cappadocia.
Day 3: Full-Day Exploration of North Cappadocia - Transfer to Pamukkale
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, readying yourself for an exciting journey through North Cappadocia’s captivating landscapes. We’ll pick you up from your hotel at 09:30 AM to embark on a day full of unique sites and history.
- Kizilcukur (Red Valley): Start with Kizilcukur, a secluded valley near Urgup renowned for its vivid rock formations and hidden, rock-carved churches. Wander along the historic tracks that link small villages, capturing glimpses of traditional village life.
- Cavusin Village: Journey to one of Cappadocia's oldest villages, Cavusin. Located 2 KM from Goreme, this village boasts the Church of St. John the Baptist, dating back to the 5th century, with stunning views over the village and beyond.
- Hospital Monastery: Discover the historic Hospital Monastery, one of Cappadocia's earliest monasteries, offering fascinating insights into ancient spiritual and monastic life.
- Underground City: Dive into history with a visit to Cappadocia’s Underground City, an intricate marvel of engineering and architecture. Walk through this labyrinth of passageways and rooms, discovering its remarkable history.
- Pigeon Houses and Rock Formations: Complete the day with a visit to Cappadocia's charming pigeon houses and distinctive rock formations, which add an enchanting touch to the unique landscape.
After an enriching day, we will arrange your transfer to the bus station for your overnight bus to Pamukkale, departing at 9:00 PM.
Optional: If you’re interested in a hot air balloon experience, we can arrange this unforgettable aerial tour on the early morning of Day 2 for breathtaking views of Cappadocia.
Day 4: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour - Overnight Bus to Istanbul
Upon arrival at Pamukkale bus station, our team will transfer you to a hotel for a few hours of rest before your tour begins. After freshening up, you’ll set off to explore the incredible ancient city of Hierapolis.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Discover the fascinating history of Hierapolis, starting with the Temple of Apollo and its beautifully preserved theater. Stroll through the Necropolis, a remarkable ancient cemetery, and view the legendary Great Baths, where St. Philip is believed to have been martyred, marking a significant chapter in early Christian history.
- Calcium Terraces and Pools: End your exploration with a visit to the famous white calcium terraces and natural pools, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a surreal landscape unique to Pamukkale.
After an unforgettable day, we will transfer you to Denizli bus station for your overnight bus back to Istanbul, bringing your tour to a close.
Note: Admission to Cleopatra’s Pool is not included. Guests who wish to swim in this ancient thermal pool can do so by paying the entrance fee.
What's Included in the Tour
- Bus Tickets: All intercity transfers via comfortable bus services, including routes from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Pamukkale, and Pamukkale to Istanbul.
- Accommodation: 1 Night in Cappadocia including breakfast
- Accommodation: Fresh-up stay in Pamukkale upon arrival for rest before the tour
- Two Full-Day Cappadocia Tours: Includes all transportation, guidance, lunch, and entrance fees to museums.
- One Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: Includes transportation, guidance, lunch, and museum entrance fees.
What's Not Included in the Tour
- International Flights: Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Turkey.
- Personal Travel Insurance: We recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover unexpected issues like cancellations, medical needs, or lost items.
- Visa for Turkey: Visitors are required to arrange for the necessary visa to enter Turkey. Please check the visa requirements with the Turkish embassy or consulate in your country well in advance.
- Personal Expenses: Additional costs for souvenirs, optional meals, or activities not covered in the itinerary should be budgeted separately.
Pick-up and Drop-off Points
- Pick-up: Cappadocia Bus Station upon arrival
- Drop-off: Denizli Bus Station after the Pamukkale tour