Experience an unforgettable Turkish adventure starting in Istanbul, where echoes of Ottoman and Byzantine history resound in iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Explore the mesmerizing valleys of Cappadocia with surreal landscapes steeped in history and natural beauty. Along the captivating coastline, immerse yourself in Turkish hospitality and discover treasured icons that narrate the country’s rich past. From Istanbul’s cultural splendors to Cappadocia’s enchanting allure, this journey reveals the diverse facets of Turkey’s remarkable heritage
Contact us to inquire about this trip
You can request to book this tour privately, travelling only with people you know.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO ISTANBUL
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. A welcome briefing will be held.
Accommodation at the Wyndham Grand Levent, Istanbul, or similar
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Enjoy a full-day tour including a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453 and 1852 (excluding the harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th-century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.
Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Wyndham Grand Levent, Istanbul, or similar
DAY 3: GALLIPOLI > DARDANELLES > CANAKKALE
In the morning, drive to Tekirdağ city and visit Barbare Vineyard. We’ll be informed about winemaking, tour the vineyard, and taste some wines. Then depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, then overnight near Gallipoli. Meals: B
Accommodation at the Hotel Kolin, Canakkale, or similar
DAY 4: TROY > PERGAMUM > IZMIR
Cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale and visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving in Asclepion, enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village. Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to İzmir overnight. Meals: B, L
Accommodation at the Marriott, Izmir, or similar
DAY 5: EPHESUS & ST. MARY’S HOUSE > IZMIR
Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2,000-year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Marriott, Izmir, or similar
DAY 6: IZMIR > BODRUM
After breakfast drive to Bodrum to visit the castle of St.Peter and the renowned Underwater Museum that was awarded the best Underwater Museum in the World in the 2000s. Overnight in Bodrum. Meals: B
Accommodation at Ramada Resort, Bodrum, or similar
DAY 7: BODRUM
After breakfast, free time for personal activities. Optional tour to Kos Island. Overnight in Bodrum. Meals: B
Accommodation at Ramada Resort, Bodrum, or similar
DAY 8: BODRUM > PAMUKKALE
After breakfast, drive through lush valleys to Pamukkale, the Cotton Fortress, with white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in your hotel’s thermal pool. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Adempira, Pamukkale, or similar
DAY 9: PAMUKKALE > ANTALYA
After breakfast depart for Antalya, dinner, and overnight. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Double Tree, Antalya, or similar
DAY 10: PERGE > ASPENDOS > ANTALYA
This morning's visit to Perge and Aspendos afternoon is free for personal activities. Dinner at the hotel. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Double Tree, Antalya, or similar
DAY 11: ANTALYA > CAPPADOCIA
Early morning departure to Cappadocia on the way visit 13th-century Caravansaray and later visit the underground city of Saratli. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Utopia, Cappadocia, or similar
DAY 12: CAPPADOCIA
Early Morning Optional: Hot Air Balloon Tour. Experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise. After breakfast visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among the rock formations, which were first settled back in the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region.
Continue to the town of Avanos renowned for its high-quality earthenware. Also visit Pasabagi, Red Valley, and attend a brief regional pottery workshop. Dinner at a special local restaurant. Join an optional Whirling Dervishes performance. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Utopia, Cappadocia, or similar
DAY 13: CAPPADOCIA > ANKARA
Early morning departure to the capital city of Ankara through the Salt Lake area, Enjoy an afternoon tour Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai, holding artifacts from up to 7500 years old, including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world. Dinner and overnight. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Crowne Plaza, Ankara, or similar
DAY 14: ANKARA > ISTANBUL
After breakfast depart for Istanbul. In the afternoon, join an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise enjoying the strait that separates Asia and Europe. Its shores are lined with fine neighborhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas, hotels, parks and gardens, restaurants, and cafés. Finish your last-minute shopping at the Spice Market filled with the fragrance of the exotic East. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner. Meals: B, D
Accommodation at the Wyndham Grand Levent, Istanbul, or similar
DAY 15: ISTANBUL DEPARTURE
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Meals: B