4-Day Istanbul → Şanlıurfa → Ephesus → Cappadocia → Istanbul Tour Plan

This plan maximizes your time and ensures smooth connections between destinations.

🛫 Day 1: Istanbul → Şanlıurfa → Cappadocia

Transfer from Hotel in Istanbul and transfer to Istanbul airport.

✈️ 07:30 - Flight from Istanbul to Şanlıurfa

•Take an early morning flight from Istanbul (IST or SAW) to Şanlıurfa GAP Airport (GNY).

•Arrive in Şanlıurfa around 09:00 and meet your guide.

📍 09:15 - Meet at Şanlıurfa Airport & Transfer to Göbeklitepe

•Your driver/guide will meet you at the airport.

•Depart for Göbeklitepe, located 30 minutes from Şanlıurfa city center.

⏳ 10:00 - Visit Göbeklitepe (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

•Explore the world’s oldest temple complex (12,000 years old), built even before Stonehenge.

•Walk around the massive T-shaped stone pillars with carvings of animals and symbols.

•Learn about the Neolithic era and the mysteries behind Göbeklitepe.

•Take breathtaking photos of the site and surrounding hills.

⏳ 12:00 - Return to Şanlıurfa City Center

•Drive back to Urfa (30 min journey).

🏛️ 12:30 - Visit Urfa Archeology & Mosaic Museum

•Explore one of Turkey’s largest archaeology museums featuring relics from Göbeklitepe, Harran, and ancient Mesopotamian civilizations.

•Visit the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, home to stunning Roman-era mosaics, including the “Amazon Warrior Women” mosaics.

🍽️ 14:00 - Lunch at Çulcuoğlu Restaurant

•Enjoy a traditional Urfa lunch, famous for its grilled kebabs and local flavors.

•Recommended dishes: Urfa Kebab, Lahmacun, Çiğ Köfte, and Ayran.

🕌 15:00 - Visit Balıklıgöl & Prophet Abraham’s Cave

•Discover Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), where it is believed that Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire by King Nimrod.

•Feed the sacred carp fish, which locals consider holy.

•Visit Abraham’s Cave, where the prophet is believed to have been born.

🏘️ 16:00 - Old City Walking Tour & Bazaar Exploration

•Explore the narrow streets of Şanlıurfa’s Old City, filled with historic stone houses and courtyards.

•Visit the Şanlıurfa Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) to shop for spices, copperware, traditional fabrics, and handmade carpets.

•Enjoy a traditional Turkish tea or coffee in the bazaar area.

•Evening transfer to Şanlıurfa Airport.

•Flight from Şanlıurfa to Izmir (ADB Airport) (Evening flight).
Tranfer From İzmir (ABD Airport) to hotel in İzmir.
•Overnight stay in Izmir/Selçuk or Kusadasi.

🏛️ Day 2: Ephesus Tour → Flight to Cappadocia

•Breakfast at the hotel.

•Full-day Ephesus Tour:

Embark on a fascinating journey through history and culture on this full-day guided tour of Ephesus and its surroundings.

Your adventure begins with pickup from your hotel or designated location in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy the scenic drive to your first stop, the House of Mother Mary, a serene and spiritual site believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary. Take in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Next, explore the awe-inspiring Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved classical cities of the ancient world. Wander through its marble streets and marvel at landmarks such as the Celsus Library, Great Theater, and Temple of Hadrian. Your knowledgeable guide will bring the city’s rich history to life, sharing stories of its Roman and Greek heritage.

Afterward, visit the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning 14th-century structure showcasing exquisite Seljuk architecture. Learn about its cultural and historical significance as you admire its unique design.

Your journey continues to the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only remnants remain, the site still holds great historical importance and offers a glimpse into its majestic past.

A delicious lunch at a local restaurant will give you the chance to relax and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

At the end of the day, you’ll be comfortably dropped off at your hotel or designated location, completing an unforgettable exploration of Ephesus and its surrounding treasures.

 •Evening flight from Izmir to Kayseri (ASR) or Nevşehir (NAV).

•Transfer From Airport To hotel in Cappadocia (Göreme or Uçhisar area).

•Overnight stay in Cappadocia (Cave Hotel recommended).

🎈 Day 3: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon & City Tour

•Early morning hot air balloon ride over fairy chimneys.

•Breakfast at the hotel after the balloon tour.

•Full-day Cappadocia Tour:

•Evening flight from Kayseri or Nevşehir to Istanbul.

•Arrival in Istanbul – End of Tour.

•Flights:

•✈️ Istanbul → Şanlıurfa (Early morning, direct)

•✈️ Şanlıurfa → Izmir (Evening, may require a stopover in Istanbul)

•✈️ Izmir → Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir, direct evening flight)

•✈️ Cappadocia → Istanbul (Late evening flight)