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

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

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) at your scheduled time, you will be met by our representative at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with our agency code for identification. Following a brief meet-and-greet, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may choose to rest after your journey or explore the city independently.

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: Gallipoli Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up around 6:30 am for your departure to Eceabat. The drive takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival, lunch will be served before starting the tour.

At around 13:00, your fully guided Gallipoli Tour begins, visiting key sites that played significant roles during the Gallipoli campaign. These include Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, and the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue. You will also visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, where you can explore Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels, the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

After the tour ends around 4:30 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Çanakkale for check-in and overnight.

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

Day 4: Troy and Pergamon Tour – Selçuk/Kuşadası

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 am for a fully guided Troy and Pergamon Tour.

The tour begins with a visit to the Trojan Horse, followed by stops at the Sacrificial Altars and the 3,700-year-old city walls. You will explore the Houses of Troy I (3000 B.C. – 2500 B.C.), the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), and the Odeon (Concert Hall). The remains of various cities from Troy I through to Troy IX will also be part of the visit.

After concluding the Troy tour around 10:30 am, you will depart for Bergama. Upon arrival at 1:30 pm, lunch will be served before starting the fully guided Pergamon Acropolis tour.

In Pergamon, you will visit the ancient Acropolis, Library, which once held 200,000 books, Temple of Athena, Temple of Trajan, and the famous Altar of Zeus, now located in Berlin. You will also see the Gymnasium situated on terraces, Lower Agora, Hellenistic Theater with a seating capacity of 10,000, and Temple of Dionysus.

After the tour ends around 5:30 pm, you will depart for Selçuk, arriving at 8:00 pm, and then continue to Kuşadası, arriving by 8:30 pm. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel in Kuşadası

• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Derici Hotel OR Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel OR Efe Boutique Hotel OR Marina Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 5: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 8:30 AM and meet your tour guide to begin a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the most significant ancient cities of the Greek and Roman periods. As you explore the ruins, you’ll visit key landmarks such as the Temple of Hadrian, the grand Great Theater, and the impressive Trajan Fountain, dedicated to Emperor Trajan.

After a delightful lunch, you will head to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. Next, you will pass by the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where only remnants of its former grandeur can be seen today.

The tour continues with a visit to the stunning Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi around 4:30 PM.

• Overnight in Kusadasi.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch.
• Accommodation: Derici Hotel OR Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel OR Efe Boutique Hotel OR Marina Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 6: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast, check out from your hotel at around 7:30 AM. You will be picked up from your hotel in Kuşadası and transferred to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group will gather. From there, the journey to Pamukkale will begin at approximately 8:30 AM, with a drive of about 3 hours. A brief 10-minute restroom break will be taken halfway through the trip.

Upon arriving in Pamukkale at around 11:45 am, you will first enjoy lunch. After lunch, at approximately 1:00 pm, your guided tour of Pamukkale and the Hierapolis area will commence, led by a professional licensed tour guide. In Pamukkale, you will witness the breathtaking Cotton Cliffs, a natural wonder formed by calcareous salt deposits.

You will also explore the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. At the end of the guided tour, you will have some free time to explore on your own. As an optional activity, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time. Your tour guide will provide details about the exact meeting point and time. At the end of the tour around approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in.

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

Day 7: Bus to Antalya

After breakfast in the morning, you will be transferred to the main bus station in Denizli. From there, you will board an intercity day coach to Antalya, a journey that takes approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival at the main bus station in Antalya, you will be met and then transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Antalya at your leisure.

• 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 8: Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall

After breakfast, you will be picked up at 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 9: Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Antalya

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Antalya. You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning or afternoon, depending on flight availability, and transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir.

Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

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

Day 10: North Cappadocia Tour

For an additional option, 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 extra cost.

After breakfast around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day tour of North Cappadocia. Your tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, famous for its unique fairy chimneys. Next, you will visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley) to see the mushroom-shaped pinnacles.

Afterward, you will drive to the town of Avanos, known for its pottery and ceramics, where you will stop for lunch. After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This museum offers an insightful look into the region’s monastic history, featuring carved caves and ancient churches.

Finally, before returning to your hotel, you will have about 15 minutes to take panoramic pictures of Uchisar Castle from the outside, as entry to the interior of the castle is not permitted.

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

For additional activities, you can choose a Turkish Night show with dinner, a 2-hour ATV tour, a 2-hour horseback riding tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, or attend a 1-hour Whirling Dervish show, where you can witness the enchanting Sufi tradition. All these activities are available at an extra cost.

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

Day 11: South Cappadocia Tour

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: Holiday Cave Hotel OR Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality).

Day 12: From Cappadocia to Ankara by Intercity Bus (299 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel, and you will be transferred to Nevşehir Bus Terminal. From there, board an intercity day coach to Ankara (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival at Ankara’s main bus station, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.

• Overnight in Ankara.
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast.
• Accommodation: Best Western Plus Center Hotel OR Holiday Inn Ankara OR The Wings Hotels Neva Palas or similar (Standard quality).

Day 13: Ankara Tour – Flight Back to Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a city tour of Ankara, visiting its most significant landmarks. Explore the Mausoleum of Ataturk, dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which showcases exhibitions from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian periods of Central Anatolia.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Ankara Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met by our airport representative and transferred to your hotel.

• 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 14: Bosphorus Cruise

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 for a short visit to the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), a vibrant marketplace filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs.

Following this, embark on a shared boat tour along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that separates Europe and Asia while connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. As you cruise, admire stunning views of Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, ancient citadels, centuries-old mansions, and the scenic shorelines of both continents.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, arriving at around 12:30 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace.

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

Day 15: 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:

• All airport transfer services mentioned in the itinerary.
• All transfers by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Domestic flight tickets from Antalya to Kayseri and from Ankara to Istanbul only.
• English-speaking guide during the tours.
• 4 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star or special-class hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Çanakkale at a 3-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Antalya at a boutique hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Ankara at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
• Local taxes and service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Flight Tickets.
• Visa to enter Turkey.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program, they will be provided at an additional cost.
• Escorting tour guide.
• 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 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.