14-Day Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy & Gallipoli

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Arrive at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), our team will be waiting for you at the exit of the international arrivals area, holding a sign with your name on it. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This experience offers a memorable evening on the Bosphorus, complete with entertainment and a delicious dinner.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): No meals are included on this day
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman treasures.

First, you will visit the Grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that originally served as a cathedral, later functioned as a mosque, and now stands as a museum. It showcases centuries of history, blending elements of both Christian and Islamic cultures.

Next, visit the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and six towering minarets. This impressive building remains an active place of worship and a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

From there, you’ll explore the Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine public life and the venue for chariot races and other social events. Here, you’ll see important monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain.

After visiting these key historical sites, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish cuisine and take a moment to relax.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the stunning Topkapi Palace, the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. You’ll explore the palace’s vast courtyards, jewel-filled treasuries, and, optionally, the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan’s family.

The final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the bazaar offers a wide range of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics, providing an exciting experience for both shoppers and culture enthusiasts.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, whether you choose to explore more of Istanbul on your own or simply relax.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market Tour

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will join the Half-day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to the pier in Eminönü, where you will have a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Following this, you’ll board a shared boat and cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge, along with centuries-old mansions, citadels, and the stunning European and Asian shorelines.

At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at your hotel around 12:30 pm. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Muyan Suites OR Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Istanbul – North Cappadocia Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, departing between 6:00 – 7:30 am. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to Cappadocia, where you’ll meet your guide and begin your full-day North Cappadocia tour.

Today’s first stop will be Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations. Next, you’ll explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to stunning mushroom-shaped pinnacles. After enjoying these natural wonders, you’ll head to Avanos, a town renowned for its traditional pottery making.

After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, where you will explore ancient rock-cut churches and caves, providing a glimpse into the monastic history of the region. Towards the end of the day, you will stop at Uchisar Castle for panoramic photos. While entry into the castle itself is not permitted, the surrounding area offers beautiful views of the landscape.

After the tour, at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

For extra activities, you can choose one from the following options: a traditional Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through the valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show. Please note that all activities are available at an additional cost, and you can join only one due to time constraints.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Romantic Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: South Cappadocia Tour

For an optional extra, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the valleys. Please note that this activity comes at an additional cost.

After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. The guide will provide a briefing on the day’s activities before starting with a visit to the Red Valley, where you’ll explore renowned rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its historic houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking landscapes. In the afternoon, you will explore either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your own pace.

• Overnight in Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Romantic Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Fly to Antalya

After breakfast, check out of the hotel in Cappadocia. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Kayseri Airport to take your flight to Antalya via Istanbul. Upon arrival in Antalya, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel in Antalya, and the rest of the day is free.

• Overnight in Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 8:00 AM to begin your tour. The first stop is Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC and one of the largest ancient cities in the Pamphylia region. From there, you will depart for the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, an exceptionally well-preserved structure built in the 2nd century A.D. With a capacity of 15,000, the theater is still used for festivals and concerts today.

Afterwards, there will be a lunch break at a restaurant by a nearby river before heading to Side (pronounced “Seeday”). Side is one of Turkey’s best-preserved classical ancient cities, known as a port city that once hosted the largest slave market in the region. During Roman times, significant construction occurred here, including the large theater, Roman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo.

You will have 1 hour of free time in Side to explore the city and enjoy the sea. On the return trip to Antalya, there will be a stop at the Manavgat Waterfall. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Antalya, where you will be transferred to your hotel.

• Overnight in Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Free Day in Antalya

After breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure; no services provided, you can pre-book an optional tour. We recommend an optional tour of the Jeep Safari Adventure from Antalya*

• Overnight in Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Transfer by Local Bus from Antalya to Pamukkale

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Antalya’s main bus station, where you will board the intercity coach to Denizli (duration: approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival at Denizli bus station, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Pamukkale. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel OR Hierapark Thermal & Spa Hotel Deluxe or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Pamukkale and Hierapolis ancient city Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be picked up around 10:30 am to begin your tour. The first stop is the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you’ll explore key landmarks such as the Temple of Apollo, the Theater, the Necropolis, and the Roman Baths, where St. Philip was martyred.

After exploring these historical sites, you will enjoy a lunch break. In the afternoon, travel to Karahayit, known for its red water and healing thermal springs.

Next, you’ll visit the famous Cotton Cliffs, also known as Cotton Castle, in Pamukkale. You will have 1 hour of free time to explore the terraces and enjoy the breathtaking views. Additionally, you will have the option to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pools for an extra fee.

At around 4:00 pm, you will depart for Kusadasi (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 11: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast at the hotel around 8:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus.

Your tour begins with a walk along the Curetes Street, the main avenue of Ephesus, leading you to some of its most remarkable sites. One of the first stops is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure with intricate reliefs depicting the city’s founding myths. Continuing on, you’ll reach the impressive Great Theater, which could seat up to 25,000 people and is still known for its acoustics. Here, your guide will share stories about the theater’s role in hosting gatherings, dramas, and even gladiatorial contests.

Next, you’ll see the Trajan Fountain, where you can admire its detailed carvings and learn about its significance in the city’s water supply system.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site nestled on a hillside. This modest stone house is believed to be the place where Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. It remains a pilgrimage site and a place for quiet reflection.

The journey then takes you to the Temple of Artemis. Although only a few columns remain, this once-grand temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a powerful symbol of the city’s importance in ancient times.

Your final stop will be the Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture from the 14th century, with beautiful courtyards and intricate tile work that reflect the blend of cultures in the region.

At the end of your Ephesus tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi, arriving around 4:00 pm.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 12: Pergamon Tour – Transfer to Çanakkale

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kuşadası and depart for a tour of Pergamon. After a scenic drive, arrive at this historic ancient city.

Your first stop will be the Pergamon Acropolis, perched high above the plain with breathtaking panoramic views. Here, you’ll explore the ruins of the world-renowned Altar of Zeus, whose remains bear witness to the site’s ancient significance. You’ll also visit the steeply inclined Theater of Pergamon, which once seated up to 10,000 spectators. Pergamon is notable as the birthplace of parchment paper, and during your visit, you’ll see the remnants of the Great Library, as well as the Temple of Trajan and the palaces of the kings.

Next, you’ll enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, where you can sample traditional Turkish dishes and relax before continuing the tour.

After lunch, the tour proceeds to the Asclepion, one of the ancient world’s earliest centers of medical science. This renowned healing sanctuary was famous for its treatments, and Galen, one of antiquity’s greatest physicians, practiced here, contributing to its reputation as a center for health and healing.

At the end of the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale for check-in, where you can relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

• Overnight in Canakkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Anzac Hotel OR Grand Anzac Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 13: Troy & Gallipoli Tour – Bus to Istanbul (307 km)

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Canakkale and be picked up around 8:30 am. The day begins with the Troy Tour, where you’ll visit key historical sites including the iconic Trojan Horse, the Sacrificial Altars, 3700-year-old city walls, Houses of Troy I, the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), and the Odeon (Concert Hall). You will also explore the ruins from Troy I through Troy IX.

After concluding the Troy Tour around 11:30 am, you will be transferred to Eceabat, where you’ll have some free time before lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, the Gallipoli Tour will begin. This portion of the day includes visits to important World War I sites such as Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery at ANZAC Cove, the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly (featuring original Allied and Turkish trenches), The Nek, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, and the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery.

At the end of the tour around 4:30 pm, you’ll be driven to Eceabat, where you’ll depart for Istanbul at approximately 6:00 pm. Expect to arrive at your hotel in Istanbul around 11:00 pm for check-in and a well-deserved rest.

• Overnight in Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 14: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out is before 12:00 noon) and will then be transferred to the Istanbul International airport according to your flight details. This will be the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Arrival and departure airport transfers and all ground transportation.
• Domestic flight tickets as per the itinerary.
• 5 nights in Istanbul at a Special Class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Antalya at a 4-star or boutique hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Canakkale at a 3-star hotel, including breakfast.
• Professional, licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals as per the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D=Dinner).
• Entrance fees for all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International airfare & airport taxes
• Visa to enter Turkey
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• Drinks with meals.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

IMPORTANT INFO:

• The order of the itinerary is indicative and subject to change, but all visits described will take place.
• This is a regular group tour, but if requested at cost can be provided as a private tour.
• The regular group tour has shopping stops included in the tour.
• Please advise your arrival details at time of booking.
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.