Clarify Pergamon in writing
The checked title and day-eleven optional wording do not agree on automatic inclusion.
Turkey Itinerary Guide
13-Day Turkey Itinerary
Istanbul • Cappadocia • Konya • Antalya • Pamukkale • Ephesus • Troy • Gallipoli
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Route
8 Destinations
Pace
Active
Last reviewed
October 11, 2026
⚡ Quick Answer
Start in Istanbul on days 1–2, fly to Cappadocia for days 3–4, and travel through Konya to Antalya on day 5. Continue via Pamukkale and Ephesus to Canakkale, then visit Troy and Gallipoli before returning to Istanbul on day 12. Depart on day 13. This 12-night itinerary suits history-focused travelers comfortable with early starts, long road segments and a late Istanbul return.
Sample plan: This guide is an editorial route, not a list of booked or included services.
Confirm exact flight times, hotels, meals, transfers, attraction access and inclusions on the selected tour page or written quote.
Plan your travel days:
This sample counts arrival and departure within 13 days and 12 hotel nights. Confirm your actual flight times before booking the sightseeing sequence. Optional visits and transport choices are included in a purchased tour only when its written itinerary states them.
🗺 Route Overview
1
Istanbul
✈
2
Cappadocia
🚗
3
Konya
🚗
4
Antalya
🚌
5
Pamukkale
🚗
6
Ephesus & Kusadasi
🚗
7
Troy & Canakkale
🚗
8
Gallipoli
13 Days in Turkey at a Glance
| Day | Main plan | Overnight | Timing check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Istanbul and rest before the circuit | Istanbul | Arrival day: keep sightseeing flexible. |
| 2 | Spend your main Istanbul day in the Old City | Istanbul | Guided walking + local transfers |
| 3 | Fly early to Cappadocia and tour the northern valleys | Cappadocia | Early domestic flight + sightseeing vehicle |
| 4 | Walk Rose Valley and visit an underground settlement | Cappadocia | Sightseeing vehicle + valley walk |
| 5 | Travel through Konya to Antalya | Antalya | Long road journey + guided Konya stop |
| 6 | Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat from Antalya | Antalya | Guided road excursion + walking |
| 7 | Keep the Antalya free day simple | Antalya | Independent local walking or transport |
| 8 | Travel by coach to Pamukkale and stay overnight | Pamukkale | Intercity coach + terminal transfers |
| 9 | Tour Pamukkale and Hierapolis, then reach Kusadasi | Kusadasi | Walking tour + afternoon road transfer |
| 10 | Give Ephesus a full day from the Aegean base | Kusadasi | Guided road excursion + archaeological walking |
| 11 | Travel north to Canakkale; confirm any Pergamon visit | Canakkale | Full-day road transfer |
| 12 | Troy and Gallipoli, followed by a late Istanbul return | Istanbul | Guided touring + arranged crossing + long road return |
| 13 | Depart Istanbul after the late return night | None — departure | Check your airport transfer and departure buffer. |
📖 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day
1
Arrive in Istanbul and rest before the circuit
📍 IstanbulArrive in Istanbul and travel to the hotel without committing to a major attraction that day. This thirteen-day circuit covers a wide stretch of western and central Turkey, so a restful first evening is useful preparation. Confirm the transfer instructions for your actual airport and ask about room access if arriving early. A short neighborhood walk can introduce the city, but the Old City excursion is tomorrow. Keep luggage organized for the domestic departure on day three.
- Hotel arrival
- Flexible first evening
- Travel preparation
Day
2
Spend your main Istanbul day in the Old City
📍 IstanbulFocus the day on Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar when it is open. The checked thirteen-day route has one main Istanbul sightseeing day and no scheduled morning Bosphorus cruise. If a cruise matters to you, request a revised arrangement rather than assuming it can be added without affecting tomorrow’s early flight. Confirm access rules at each venue, and leave the evening light before the airport pickup.
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Hippodrome
- Topkapi Palace
- Grand Bazaar if open
Day
3
Fly early to Cappadocia and tour the northern valleys
📍 Istanbul / CappadociaThe verified route starts with an early Istanbul flight and continues directly into North Cappadocia sightseeing. Visit Devrent, Pasabag, Avanos and Zelve, with the exact sequence shaped by the confirmed arrival and local arrangements. This is an active flight-and-tour day, so carry a small bag with essentials and discuss breakfast before the early pickup. Check into the Cappadocia hotel after touring. A pottery demonstration is part of the visit, while purchases and evening activities remain optional expenses.
- Devrent
- Pasabag
- Avanos
- Zelve Open Air Museum
Day
4
Walk Rose Valley and visit an underground settlement
📍 CappadociaSpend the full day on the southern Cappadocia circuit, combining the Red and Rose Valley walk with Cavusin, Pigeon Valley and Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City. Ask about the approximately five-kilometer walk and the confined underground passages before booking. An optional sunrise balloon can be considered on a suitable morning, with extra cost and weather clearance. Two nights here provide limited retry flexibility, so avoid promising a second attempt that would delay tomorrow’s long onward journey through Konya.
- Red and Rose Valley
- Cavusin
- Pigeon Valley
- Kaymakli or Ozkonak
Day
5
Travel through Konya to Antalya
📍 Cappadocia / Konya / AntalyaReserve the full day for the road journey from Cappadocia through Konya to Antalya. The checked product specifies a private vehicle for this segment and a local guided Konya visit, including Mevlana Museum and listed religious sites; that does not make every day of the package private. Konya is a visit rather than an overnight. Agree the stop length and lunch arrangements in advance, then continue to Antalya for an evening arrival. Avoid adding more detours to this already substantial travel day.
- Mevlana Museum
- Selected Konya mosques
- Onward Antalya transfer
Day
6
Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat from Antalya
📍 AntalyaTake a full excursion from Antalya to Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfall. These are the specific stops in the checked thirteen-day daily program; Side is not listed on this day, even though other Antalya packages visit it. Carry water and comfortable shoes for exposed ruins, and leave time for a proper lunch break. Return to the same hotel tonight. Tomorrow is free, which provides a useful pause after the early Cappadocia departure and the long Konya road segment.
- Perge
- Aspendos Theater
- Manavgat Waterfall
Day
7
Keep the Antalya free day simple
📍 AntalyaUse Antalya’s unscheduled day to rest or explore a small area at your own pace. Kaleici lanes and the harbor make an easy outing, while a beach visit may suit the weather better. Optional excursions, a hammam and boat trips require separate arrangements and costs. Avoid treating the free day as a guarantee of a guided city tour or hotel leisure facilities. The road journey resumes tomorrow, so leaving time to repack and recharge is part of a successful circuit.
- Kaleici
- Beach time if conditions suit
- Rest between travel days
Day
8
Travel by coach to Pamukkale and stay overnight
📍 Antalya / PamukkaleTravel from Antalya to the Pamukkale area by intercity coach with the terminal transfers agreed in advance. The source gives this journey its own day and leaves sightseeing for tomorrow, making the schedule more manageable than a tour immediately after arrival. Confirm which station you will use and how the local representative meets you. After hotel check-in, relax or take a short local walk. Thermal facilities depend on the confirmed hotel and booking; an overnight alone does not promise access.
- Antalya bus-station departure
- Pamukkale hotel arrival
- Separate touring day tomorrow
Day
9
Tour Pamukkale and Hierapolis, then reach Kusadasi
📍 Pamukkale / KusadasiVisit Pamukkale’s designated travertine areas and the Hierapolis ruins before traveling to Kusadasi or the confirmed Selcuk-area base. Follow site rules on the walking surfaces and allow time for the archaeological section rather than focusing only on terrace photographs. Antique Pool swimming is optional, separately charged and subject to current access. Confirm the onward collection point and luggage arrangements before beginning the tour. The Aegean arrival is in the evening; Ephesus has its own full touring day tomorrow.
- Travertines
- Hierapolis
- Optional Antique Pool access
- Aegean hotel arrival
Day
10
Give Ephesus a full day from the Aegean base
📍 Ephesus / KusadasiExplore Ephesus from your Kusadasi or Selcuk-area base, with time for its monumental streets, Library of Celsus and theater. The checked route also visits the Temple of Artemis remains and House of the Virgin Mary. Verify Terrace Houses admission separately if you want that additional section. Archaeological walking can be tiring in exposed conditions, so take breaks and carry water. You stay in the same Aegean base tonight rather than continuing directly to Canakkale after the excursion.
- Ephesus
- Library of Celsus
- Temple of Artemis remains
- House of the Virgin Mary
Day
11
Travel north to Canakkale; confirm any Pergamon visit
📍 Kusadasi / CanakkaleUse today for the journey north from the Aegean base to Canakkale. The product title mentions Pergamon, but the checked day-by-day program describes its visit as optional. Request a clear written answer on whether it is included in your chosen booking, with the ticket, guide and added time specified. Without that confirmation, treat Pergamon as a possible extra rather than a guaranteed stop. Keep the evening quiet in Canakkale before tomorrow’s combined Troy, Gallipoli and Istanbul return.
- Northbound journey
- Pergamon only if separately confirmed
- Canakkale hotel check-in
Day
12
Troy and Gallipoli, followed by a late Istanbul return
📍 Troy / Gallipoli / IstanbulTour Troy in the morning and continue to Gallipoli for the scheduled memorial circuit, with the Dardanelles connection coordinated by the operator. The checked route includes sites such as ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair before returning to Istanbul late in the evening. This is one of the trip’s longest days. The Troy Museum needs separate time if desired, and should not be silently added. Stay in Istanbul tonight; an international flight immediately after this road return would be impractical.
- Troy archaeological layers
- ANZAC Cove
- Selected memorials
- Late Istanbul arrival
Day
13
Depart Istanbul after the late return night
📍 IstanbulPlan the final transfer with yesterday’s late Istanbul arrival in mind. An early international departure leaves little rest, so consider a later flight or request an additional hotel night if recovery time matters. Confirm the departure airport and airport collection before the circuit begins, then recheck the details on your final evening. Use spare time for breakfast or a nearby walk, within the hotel checkout arrangements. International airfare and the airline’s check-in requirements are independent of this sample itinerary.
- Hotel check-out
- Agreed departure collection
- International departure
A history circuit with Konya and a direction that matters
This plan reaches Cappadocia early, then moves toward the Mediterranean and the Aegean before finishing at Troy and Gallipoli. Konya is a meaningful stop within a long travel day, while the Pamukkale overnight separates the coach journey from the walking tour.
It suits travelers who want the route’s particular historical stops and can manage early flights, several hotel changes and a late final road return. For fewer regions and more time at each base, compare the 11-day route.
Resolve the optional Pergamon stop before paying
The checked thirteen-day product contains a practical ambiguity: Pergamon is named in the title, while the day-eleven visit is described as optional. Ask for the final itinerary to state whether your booking visits the Acropolis and which tickets, guide services and transport are included.
Also confirm the Konya segment’s vehicle and local guiding, the Antalya–Pamukkale coach arrangements and the Dardanelles connection on the Troy–Gallipoli day. A precise segment-by-segment quote is more useful than a general promise that the tour is fully inclusive.
Protect time after the Troy–Gallipoli return
Day 12 combines two touring areas with the return drive to Istanbul. The source anticipates a late arrival, so keep the hotel night and consider your sleep needs before choosing day 13’s international flight. An extra Istanbul night may be worthwhile even when the nominal tour length fits your dates.
If you particularly want extended memorial time or the Troy Museum, request a revised circuit rather than adding them to the published day. The 14-day route places Gallipoli and Troy near the beginning and separates their main touring days.
🎒 What to Pack
Walking shoes
Uneven archaeological paths and Cappadocia valley trails.
Mosque-appropriate clothing
Follow the dress rules and sightseeing access at each religious site.
Layers and sun protection
Central Anatolia mornings and exposed coastal ruins can require different clothing.
Small travel-day bag
Keep documents, medication and water accessible during flights and longer road segments.
💡 Practical Planning Tips
Keep day 5 clear
Konya is a guided stop within a long Cappadocia–Antalya transfer.
Check the actual Antalya stops
This source lists Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat, rather than adding Side by assumption.
Allow rest after day 12
A late Istanbul road arrival makes a very early flight the next morning tiring.
🎫 Recommended Turkey Tours for This Route
The two 13-day options follow different orders: Turkey Highlights travels via Konya before Antalya, while Best of Turkey starts with the western historical sites and omits Konya. The 14-Day Best of Turkey Tour is a one-day-longer alternative that adds Ankara. Compare the visible duration badges and each full written itinerary.
13 Days / 12 Nights
13-Day Turkey Highlights Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy & Gallipol
From $2,580 USD /person
View Tour Details
13 Days / 12 Nights
13-Day Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Cappadocia
From $1,748 USD /person
View Tour Details
14 Days / 13 Nights
14-Day Best of Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia & Ankara
From $2,180 USD /person
View Tour Details❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this 13-day Turkey route different?
It travels from Istanbul to Cappadocia first, visits Konya en route to Antalya, then continues west and north through Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy and Gallipoli. Konya and the final combined Troy–Gallipoli day distinguish it from the Aegean-first 14- and 15-day plans.
Is Pergamon included in the 13-day highlights tour?
The checked product title names Pergamon, but day eleven calls the visit optional. Obtain explicit written confirmation of the visit, admission, guide service and added time. This guide treats it as optional until that is confirmed.
Do I stay overnight in Konya?
No. The selected route visits Konya while traveling from Cappadocia to Antalya on day five. Keep the whole day available for the road journey and guided stop; the overnight is in Antalya.
Does the Antalya excursion visit Side?
The checked thirteen-day daily program lists Perge, Aspendos and Manavgat Waterfall. Side appears in other Antalya packages, but it should not be assumed here. Request a specific itinerary revision if Side is essential.
How many nights does this itinerary have?
It has twelve hotel nights: three in Istanbul, split between the start and finish, two in Cappadocia, three in Antalya, one in Pamukkale, two in Kusadasi and one in Canakkale. Konya, Troy and Gallipoli are visits rather than additional hotel bases.
Can I fly home after the Troy and Gallipoli day?
The checked route expects a late Istanbul hotel arrival on day twelve. Keep the international departure on day thirteen or add a night. Do not build an international connection around an approximate road-arrival time.
Is the whole 13-day trip a private tour?
No such conclusion follows from the private vehicle specified for the Konya road segment. Check the service type separately for each guided excursion, transfer and optional activity on the selected product and written confirmation.
Ready to Book Your 13-Day Turkey Tour?
Ask One Nation Travel to plan, book and coordinate a Turkey itinerary. The selected tour page and written quote state every included transfer, hotel and guided service.
✓ Transfers itemized in writing
✓ Licensed local guide options
✓ Hotels & flights listed when included
✓ Written price and terms