Istanbul to Ephesus - 8 days

Istanbul to Ephesus - 8 days

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8 Days From

$2155

$1724

Istanbul to Ephesus - 8 days

8 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Izmir, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2791/ITEP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 28

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2155 $1724 Operator discount: -$431 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey from Istanbul to Ephesus, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Turkey. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll visit iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Travel to Ankara to see the Mausoleum of Ataturk, then continue to the enchanting region of Cappadocia, with an optional balloon ride over its unique terrain. Discover the ancient wonders of Pamukkale and the well-preserved Roman city of Ephesus. Enjoy guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and authentic Turkish cuisine throughout your adventure. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation, with expert guides and modern transportation ensuring a seamless experience.

Highlights

  • Istanbul – Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace

  • Ankara - Explore the Mausoleum of Ataturk and museum

  • Cappadocia - Take a balloon ride and explore the Underground City and Uchisar Castle

  • Pamukkale - Visit the ancient Hierapolis and the lime cascade

  • Ephesus - Explore the well-preserved Roman city

  • Selcuk - Visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

  • Sirince - Experience the picturesque village and taste local wines

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Avantgarde Levent Hotel

Friday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.







Day 2: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Avantgarde Levent Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Day 3: Istanbul

Location: Ankara

Accommodation Name: MDC Cave Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia. Today our journey takes us to Ankara, where we'll pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum. This sacred site serves as the final resting place of the esteemed national hero who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey.





From Ankara, our voyage continues towards Cappadocia. As we admire the picturesque landscapes, you'll be captivated by the beauty of the Salt Lake. Your day concludes with our arrival in Cappadocia, where you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: MDC Cave Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, you have the option to embark on an early morning adventure with an iconic Balloon tour, offering a view of Cappadocia's breathtaking landscapes from the skies.





Afterward, a full day of exploration in Cappadocia awaits, beginning with visits to an underground city, the Open Air Museum in Goreme, and the natural fortress in Uchisar.





Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take the opportunity to discover the rich history behind local handicrafts, such as hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and potteries.





Tonight, you can opt to join our optional night tour featuring a mesmerizing Turkish show and dinner.

Day 5: Cappadocia

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale. Your day begins with an early departure as we make our way to the stunning Pamukkale. En route, we'll explore the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai.





Our journey then takes us to the historic city of Konya, where we'll visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, an iconic spiritual site dedicated to the renowned Sufi mystic and poet, Rumi.





Continuing the journey, we'll arrive in Pamukkale, renowned for its unique terraces of white mineral-rich water. Here, you'll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 6: Pamukkale

Location: Izmir

Accommodation Name: Kaya Prestige Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Pamukkale - Izmir. Today we'll visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Necropolis and the intriguing lime cascade. The Necropolis has remarkable tomb structures, and cascading terraces of white water.





From Hierapolis, we head to Selcuk, where you'll visit the Temple of Artemis, once celebrated as one of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."





The day ends with our arrival in Izmir, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay and dinner.

Day 7: Izmir

Location: Izmir

Accommodation Name: Kaya Prestige Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Izmir. Enjoy a scenic drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the privilege of visiting its renowned library, grand theater, and captivating temples.





For lunch, we'll provide a unique experience in a nomadic tent in Selcuk, where you'll have the opportunity to try Turkish Gozleme, a traditional dish.





Our journey then continues to the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Here, you enjoy the village's picturesque ambiance, do some shopping, and taste the delicious local wines that the village is famous for.





As the day draws to a close, we return to Izmir for the night.

Day 8: Izmir

Location: Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast

Friday. Today marks the end of your Turkish adventure. Departure transfer is included to either the Kusadasi port for the ferry to Samos, an enchanting Greek island, or to Izmir airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-5 star

  • Daily breakfasts, 2 lunches & 4 dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfasts, two lunches, and four dinners during your tour.

  • 7 nights 4-5 star hotels

    Stay in 4-5 star hotels for seven nights throughout the tour.

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 8

    Receive airport transfers upon arrival on day 1 and departure on day 8.

  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Izmir & Ephesus

    Participate in guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Izmir, and Ephesus.

  • English-speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing

    Benefit from the expertise of an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide for all included sightseeing.

  • Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach

    Travel in comfort with transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle or coach.

  • Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

    All entrance fees for included sightseeing activities are covered.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.

Accommodation

Experience a blend of luxury and comfort at the Avantgarde Levent Hotel in Istanbul, MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi, Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel near Pamukkale, and Kaya Prestige Hotel in Izmir. Each offers unique amenities, from spa facilities to stunning views, ensuring a memorable stay.

Age Policy

16 years with an accompanying adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with modern air-conditioned touring vehicles, including airport transfers on arrival and departure days. Enjoy guided sightseeing tours across Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Izmir, and Ephesus, ensuring a comfortable and seamless journey throughout Turkey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays at 4-5 star hotels such as the Avantgarde Levent Hotel in Istanbul, MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi in Urgup, Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel near Pamukkale, and Kaya Prestige Hotel in Izmir.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 8.

  • Is there an option for a hot-air balloon ride during the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional hot-air balloon ride available in Cappadocia, offering stunning views of the landscape.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes daily breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the sightseeing activities?

    Yes, an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide will accompany you for all included sightseeing activities.

  • What kind of transportation is used for sightseeing during the tour?

    Sightseeing transportation is provided in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle or coach.

  • Are entrance fees for attractions included in the tour price?

    Yes, entrance fees for all included sightseeing activities are covered in the tour price.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Friday - Friday

Jan 10, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$2155 $1724

Operator discount: -$431

Friday - Friday

Feb 07, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
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Operator discount: -$431

Friday - Friday

Mar 07, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
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Operator discount: -$431

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Operator discount: -$431

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Operator discount: -$473

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Operator discount: -$473

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Operator discount: -$473

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Operator discount: -$473

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Operator discount: -$473

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$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

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May 30, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
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Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Jun 20, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
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Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Oct 17, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Oct 31, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$2365 $1892

Operator discount: -$473

Friday - Friday

Dec 19, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$2155 $1724

Operator discount: -$431

Prices last published on 22-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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