Turkey Budget Tour 2 by Bus 15 Days

Turkey Golden Tours

Duration 15 Days
Departure Daily / Year-round
Starting Point Istanbul Airport or Istanbul hotel
Ending Point Istanbul bus station after overnight return journey
Tour Type Budget Turkey tour by bus with gulet cruise
Live Guide English-speaking professional guide during scheduled tours
Pick-up Service Pick-up from Istanbul Airport or confirmed Istanbul location
Main Destinations Istanbul, Cappadocia, Olympos, Demre, Kekova, Kaş, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Ephesus
Accommodation Budget hotels, Olympos tree house, and 3 nights boat accommodation
Transportation Intercity buses, local tour vehicles, gulet cruise, transfers
Meals Meals as listed in the itinerary

Tour Highlights

  • Travel across Turkey by budget-friendly intercity bus
  • Start in Istanbul with arrival transfer included
  • Explore Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys, cave churches, and underground city
  • Visit Devrent Valley, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Paşabağ, Avanos, Göreme, Uçhisar, Red Valley, Çavuşin, Kaymaklı, Ortahisar, and Mustafapaşa
  • Enjoy free time in Olympos near the beach
  • Join a 3-night gulet cruise from Demre/Kekova region toward Fethiye
  • See Kekova Sunken City, Simena, Kaş, Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz, and St. Nicholas Island from the boat route
  • Relax in Fethiye with a free day for optional activities
  • Visit Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis
  • Explore Selçuk independently during a free day
  • Discover Ephesus Ancient City, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis
  • Follow a well-organized budget route with transfers, guided tours, and selected meals included

Tour Overview

This Turkey Budget Tour 2 by Bus 15 Days package is ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Turkey’s major highlights with an affordable and adventurous travel style. Starting in Istanbul, the route continues by overnight bus to Cappadocia, then to Olympos, the Mediterranean coast, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Ephesus, and finally back to Istanbul.

The tour combines guided cultural sightseeing, natural landscapes, ancient ruins, beach time, and a 3-night gulet cruise along the Mediterranean coast. You will explore Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, visit underground cities and valleys, relax in Olympos, sail past Kekova and Kaş, see the Blue Lagoon area near Ölüdeniz, discover Pamukkale’s white travertines, and walk through the ancient city of Ephesus.

With bus transportation, budget accommodation, guided tours, selected meals, entrance fees, and local transfers organized in advance, this itinerary offers a cost-conscious but rich way to explore Turkey.

Why Choose This Turkey Budget Tour 2 by Bus 15 Days?

This tour is a strong option for travelers who want to see more of Turkey without paying for luxury hotels or multiple domestic flights. By using intercity buses, budget accommodation, and a shared gulet cruise, the package keeps the experience affordable while still covering some of Turkey’s most iconic destinations.

The itinerary offers more variety than a standard cultural tour. It combines Cappadocia’s volcanic valleys, Olympos’ natural setting, a Mediterranean blue cruise, Fethiye’s coastal atmosphere, Pamukkale’s thermal terraces, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

It is especially suitable for independent-minded travelers who enjoy organized support but still appreciate free time, nature, sea, history, and local experiences.

Included

  • Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport or confirmed Istanbul arrival point
  • Transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles during local tours
  • Intercity bus tickets according to the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking guide during scheduled guided tours
  • 9 nights budget accommodation, including budget hotels and Olympos tree house style accommodation
  • 3 nights boat accommodation during the gulet cruise
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing tours mentioned in the program
  • Entrance fees to visited sites during included guided tours
  • Required local transfers during the tour
  • Taxes, handling services, and local organization

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Turkey
  • Domestic flights
  • Turkish visa fee, if required
  • Airport taxes
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks during meals
  • Optional Istanbul city tour
  • Optional activities in Olympos, Fethiye, and coastal areas
  • Optional paragliding in Ölüdeniz
  • Medical services
  • Travel insurance unless confirmed separately
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, boat crew, and hotel staff
  • Transfer from Istanbul bus station to hotel after the final return bus, unless arranged separately

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure depending on your flight arrival time.

You may relax after your journey, enjoy your first evening in Istanbul, or take a short independent walk near your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul at a budget hotel.

Meals: Not included

Day 2 – Free Day in Istanbul or Optional City Tour / Overnight Bus to Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day in Istanbul. You can explore the city independently, visit local neighborhoods, enjoy Turkish food, or relax before the evening journey.

If you prefer a guided experience, an optional full-day Istanbul city tour can be arranged. This optional tour may include major Old City highlights such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, or other historical landmarks depending on the selected program.

In the evening, transfer to the bus station for the overnight intercity bus to Cappadocia. The bus usually departs around 21:00, depending on the confirmed schedule.

Overnight on the bus to Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast
Optional Tour: Full-day Istanbul city tour with guide, entrance fees, transfers, and lunch can be arranged upon request.

Day 3 – Cappadocia First Day Tour: Devrent Valley, Zelve, Paşabağ, Avanos, Göreme and Uçhisar

Arrive in Cappadocia in the morning and transfer to your hotel or local meeting point. After a short preparation period, begin your first guided Cappadocia tour.

Visit Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where unusual rock formations create shapes that resemble animals and figures. Continue to Zelve Open-Air Museum, a historic cave settlement where old churches, living spaces, and valleys reflect Cappadocia’s unique past.

Next, explore Paşabağ Valley, also called Monks Valley, famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. Continue to Avanos, a town known for pottery traditions connected to the Kızılırmak River. Lunch is included during the tour.

In the afternoon, visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, one of Cappadocia’s most important historical sites, with rock-cut churches, chapels, and frescoes. End the day at Uçhisar Castle, a natural rock fortress and one of the region’s best panoramic viewpoints.

Return to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Lunch

Day 4 – Cappadocia Second Day Tour and Overnight Bus to Olympos via Antalya

After breakfast, continue your Cappadocia discovery with another full-day guided tour. Start with Red Valley, known for its colorful rock formations, cave churches, and scenic walking paths. The route may include a moderate hike through the valley.

Continue to Çavuşin Village, an old settlement famous for rock-cut houses and historic cave structures. After lunch, visit Pigeon Valley, known for ancient dovecotes carved into the rocks.

In the afternoon, explore Kaymaklı Underground City, where ancient communities created multi-level underground spaces for shelter, storage, and protection. On the way back, visit or view Ortahisar and Mustafapaşa, both known for their stone houses and local character.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the bus station for the overnight bus to Olympos via Antalya. The bus usually departs around 20:00, depending on the confirmed schedule.

Overnight on the bus.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 – Arrival in Olympos and Free Day

Arrive in Olympos early in the morning and transfer to your tree house style accommodation. Olympos is known for its natural setting, relaxed atmosphere, ancient ruins, and beach access.

The rest of the day is free. You may rest after the overnight bus journey, enjoy the beach, walk through the natural surroundings, or explore the area independently.

Dinner and overnight in Olympos.

Meals: Dinner

Day 6 – Free Day in Olympos

After breakfast at your accommodation, enjoy a full free day in Olympos. This is a good opportunity to relax, spend time near the beach, enjoy the natural environment, or join optional local activities depending on availability.

Olympos is a popular stop for travelers who enjoy a casual atmosphere, coastal scenery, and nature-based stays.

Dinner and overnight in Olympos.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – Olympos to Demre / Check-in for Gulet Cruise, Kekova and Simena

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Olympos, usually between 10:00 and 10:30, depending on the confirmed schedule.

Travel by bus toward Demre. Depending on the daily operation, the route may include time near the archaeological site of Myra, optional visit arrangements for St. Nicholas Church, shopping, banking, or lunch before boarding the boat.

The gulet cruise usually departs from Demre harbor between 13:00 and 14:00. The first part of the cruise may include Pirates Cave, subject to sea conditions, and views of the Sunken City of Kekova, a protected Lycian-Roman archaeological area visible from the boat.

Continue toward Simena, a traditional coastal village without car access, known for its castle, sea views, and peaceful setting. Later, cruise to Gökkaya Bay, where optional water sports may be available depending on the season and operator.

Dinner and overnight on board the boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Gulet Cruise: Kaş, Aquarium Bay or Fırnaz Bay

After breakfast on board, cruise toward Kaş, a charming coastal town known for its harbor, local shops, relaxed atmosphere, and ancient Lycian remains.

There will be time for a swim stop in a quiet bay before or near Kaş, depending on sea conditions. After lunch, enjoy free time to visit the town. Ancient Antiphellos, as Kaş was once known, still has visible traces such as Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi, and a Roman theater.

Later in the day, the boat continues toward Aquarium Bay or Fırnaz Bay near Kalkan, depending on sea and weather conditions.

Dinner and overnight on board the boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Gulet Cruise: Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz and St. Nicholas Island

Around sunrise, the boat may depart toward Butterfly Valley, subject to sea conditions. This dramatic natural valley is known for its cliffs, beach, and seasonal butterfly species. Depending on conditions, there may be time for breakfast, swimming, and a short visit.

Continue toward Ölüdeniz, famous for its Blue Lagoon and turquoise coastal scenery. This stop is also known for optional paragliding activities, which can be arranged locally depending on weather, availability, and guest preference.

After lunch, continue to St. Nicholas Island, where you can swim and see Byzantine ruins. This is one of the memorable coastal stops of the blue cruise route.

Dinner and overnight on board the boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Gulet Cruise to Fethiye / Check-out and Transfer to Hotel

After breakfast, cruise toward Samanlık Bay or a similar nearby bay for a final swim stop and lunch, depending on sea conditions and timing.

The boat then continues to Fethiye Harbor, usually arriving between 15:00 and 16:00. After check-out from the boat, transfer to your hotel in Fethiye.

The rest of the evening is free. You may walk along the harbor, enjoy the town center, or relax after the cruise.

Overnight in Fethiye at a budget hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 – Free Day in Fethiye

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a free day in Fethiye. You may explore the town independently, relax by the coast, visit local markets, or request an optional day trip.

Popular optional activities in the region may include boat trips, Saklıkent Gorge, Kayaköy, Ölüdeniz, paragliding, or other seasonal excursions depending on availability.

Overnight in Fethiye at a budget hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 – Fethiye to Pamukkale

After breakfast, depart from Fethiye and travel to Pamukkale by road. Arrive in the afternoon and check in at your hotel.

The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may rest at the hotel, take a short walk in the town, or prepare for the next day’s guided visit to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Overnight in Pamukkale at a budget hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 – Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis and Transfer to Selçuk

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your guided Pamukkale tour. First, visit the famous Pamukkale travertines, also known as the “Cotton Castle.” These white calcium terraces were created by mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside over thousands of years.

Continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a historic spa city built above the terraces. During the guided visit, you can see ruins such as the theater, Roman baths, basilica remains, and the necropolis.

After the tour, depart for Selçuk. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Overnight in Selçuk at a budget hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 – Free Day in Selçuk

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a free day in Selçuk. This relaxed day allows you to rest, explore the town independently, visit local cafés, or walk through the center at your own pace.

Depending on your interests, optional local visits may be arranged. Selçuk is close to Ephesus, traditional village areas, local museums, and historical sites.

Overnight in Selçuk at a budget hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15 – Ephesus Ancient City, House of the Virgin Mary and Overnight Bus to Istanbul

After breakfast, depart from your hotel for a full-day guided Ephesus tour.

Begin with the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only limited remains survive today, the site still reflects the ancient importance of Ephesus.

Continue to Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. Walk along ancient streets and see impressive remains of theaters, fountains, temples, public buildings, marble roads, and Roman-era structures.

After lunch, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a peaceful hillside near Ephesus. This sacred site is visited by people from different faith backgrounds and is believed by many to be where Mary spent her final years.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the bus station for the overnight bus back to Istanbul.

Overnight on the bus to Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Important Information

  • This is a 15-day budget Turkey tour by bus with a 3-night gulet cruise.
  • The itinerary includes exactly Day 1 to Day 15.
  • The final overnight bus departs on Day 15 and usually arrives in Istanbul early the following morning. This return arrival is an operational note and not counted as an additional itinerary day.
  • The route includes Istanbul, Cappadocia, Olympos, Demre, Kekova, Kaş, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Selçuk, Ephesus, and Istanbul return.
  • Accommodation includes 9 nights in budget hotels or simple-style accommodation, 3 nights on the boat, and 3 overnight bus journeys.
  • Guests should be comfortable with overnight intercity bus travel.
  • Gulet cruise routes depend on sea and weather conditions. Stops may be changed by the captain for safety and operational reasons.
  • The Sunken City of Kekova is a protected archaeological area and is viewed from the boat; swimming directly over protected sections may not be allowed.
  • Optional water sports and paragliding are not included and depend on weather, availability, and local operators.
  • A moderate amount of walking is required in Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and coastal stops.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.
  • For Cappadocia, bring comfortable clothing, sunglasses, camera, and water.
  • For the boat cruise, bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, light clothing, and personal essentials.
  • The order of visits may change due to bus schedules, weather, sea conditions, museum hours, traffic, or local operational needs.
  • Drinks, personal expenses, optional tours, and tips are not included.

Perfect For

  • Budget-conscious travelers visiting Turkey for the first time
  • Backpackers and independent travelers who want organized support
  • Guests who want to combine culture, nature, beach time, and a blue cruise
  • Travelers comfortable with intercity buses and simple accommodation
  • Visitors who want to see Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and the Mediterranean coast
  • History, archaeology, nature, and photography lovers
  • Travelers who enjoy free days and optional activities
  • Guests looking for an affordable Turkey tour with guided highlights and coastal cruising

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Turkey Budget Tour 2 by Bus 15 Days suitable for first-time visitors?

Yes. This itinerary is a good choice for first-time visitors who want to experience Turkey’s major cultural, natural, and coastal highlights in one budget-friendly route.

Does the tour really last 15 days?

Yes. The itinerary includes exactly 15 tour days. The final overnight bus departs on Day 15 and usually arrives in Istanbul early the next morning, but that arrival is not counted as a separate tour day.

Are hotels included?

Yes. The package includes budget accommodation according to the itinerary, including simple hotels and Olympos-style accommodation.

Is the gulet cruise included?

Yes. The itinerary includes a 3-night gulet cruise along the Mediterranean coast between the Demre/Kekova region and Fethiye.

Are meals included on the boat?

Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included during the gulet cruise days as listed in the itinerary.

How many overnight bus journeys are included?

There are 3 overnight bus journeys: Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Olympos via Antalya, and Selçuk to Istanbul.

Are guided tours included?

Yes. Guided tours are included in Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus according to the itinerary.

Is the Istanbul city tour included?

No. Day 2 is a free day in Istanbul. A full-day Istanbul city tour can be arranged as an optional extra.

Is paragliding in Ölüdeniz included?

No. Paragliding is optional and can be arranged locally depending on weather, availability, and guest preference.

Can the boat route change?

Yes. The gulet cruise route may change due to sea conditions, weather, port regulations, or captain’s decision for safety.

Are entrance fees included?

Entrance fees to sites visited during included guided tours are included, according to the confirmed itinerary.

Is this tour physically difficult?

The tour includes moderate walking, valley visits, ancient sites, boat boarding, and coastal stops. It is suitable for most travelers with normal mobility, but guests should be comfortable with active travel.

What should I bring for the cruise section?

Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, light clothing, comfortable shoes, personal toiletries, and any medication you may need.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends with the overnight bus from Selçuk to Istanbul. Standard service finishes at Istanbul bus station after arrival, unless an additional hotel transfer is arranged separately.

Book Your Turkey Budget Tour 2 by Bus 15 Days

Travel across Turkey’s highlights without overspending on this adventurous Turkey Budget Tour 2 by Bus 15 Days package. From Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys to Olympos, Kekova, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Selçuk, and Ephesus, this itinerary combines guided sightseeing, budget accommodation, intercity buses, and a 3-night Mediterranean gulet cruise.

To check availability, please send us your preferred travel dates, number of guests, arrival details in Istanbul, room preference, and any special requests. We will be happy to help you arrange a smooth, affordable, and memorable Turkey budget tour by bus.

Why you should choose us?

Impressions for a Life Time

An experience that gives a charge of emotions and enjoyment of amazing views.

Bright VIP Vehicle & Balloons

Comfortable vehicles, quality tour operation and carefully selected travel experiences.

Insurance

Travel services are arranged with attention to guest safety and operational care.

Experience

Years of local experience helping travelers discover Turkey with confidence.

Safety

Professional planning, reliable partners and carefully organized tour services.

Quality

Modern, comfortable and well-managed travel experiences at every stage of your journey.

Tourism licensed company

Your tours are handled by a professional travel agency structure.

Moneyback guarantee

Flexible cancellation conditions can be applied according to the selected tour policy.