11-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy & Gallipoli Tour

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

Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen 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. Overnight in Istanbul.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your leisure. Alternatively, you may join the optional Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show (available at an additional cost). This unforgettable experience offers a magical evening on the Bosphorus, featuring a delicious dinner, live entertainment, and breathtaking views of Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks.

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

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks.

First, visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.

Next, head to the stunning Blue Mosque, celebrated for its exquisite blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets, a hallmark of Ottoman architecture.

Continue with a stop at the historic Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life. Here, admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain, each steeped in historical significance.

After these explorations, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant and savor traditional Turkish cuisine.

In the afternoon, discover the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. Walk through its grand courtyards and treasuries, and optionally visit the Harem, the private quarters of the sultan and his family.

Conclude your day at the vibrant Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Explore its lively atmosphere and browse through an array of goods, from spices and carpets to jewelry and ceramics.

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

• 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 3: Bosphorus Cruise – Flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, join the Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. Start with a drive to the pier in Eminönü, where you’ll visit the historical Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). This vibrant market offers a rich array of spices, herbs, and other Turkish delights.

Next, board a shared boat and cruise along the stunning Bosphorus, the narrow strait dividing Europe and Asia. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the lavish Dolmabahce Palace, the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, and the impressive Bosphorus Bridge. Admire the centuries-old waterfront mansions, ancient citadels, and the scenic European and Asian shorelines.

The cruise concludes around 12:15 pm. You will be dropped back at your hotel to collect your luggage before transferring to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri (or Nevsehir), approximately 1.5 hours in duration. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, enjoy a free evening to relax. Overnight in Cappadocia.

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

Day 4: Cappadocia North Tour

For an unforgettable experience, consider starting your day with an early morning hot air balloon ride. Soar above Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys to enjoy breathtaking aerial views. Please note this optional activity is available at an additional cost.

After breakfast, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the full-day North Cappadocia Tour.

The tour starts with a visit to Devrent Valley, known for its unique fairy chimneys and rock formations resembling animals. Next, you will explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), home to stunning mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Following this, you will continue to the charming town of Avanos, famous for its pottery and ceramics, where you will enjoy a lunch break and have time to admire the town’s artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a visit to the Zelve Open Air Museum, which offers insight into the region’s monastic history, showcasing rock-carved caves, ancient churches, and traces of early Christian life. The final stop is a panoramic viewpoint near Uchisar Castle. You will have time to take stunning photos of this iconic rock fortress before returning to your hotel.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

For the evening, you may choose to join additional activities such as a 2-hour ATV tour through Cappadocia’s valleys, a 2-hour horseback riding tour to experience the stunning landscape up close, or attend a Whirling Dervish show to witness the mesmerizing Sufi tradition. Alternatively, you can opt for a Turkish Night Show with Dinner, featuring live music, folk dances, and a delicious meal. These activities are available at an extra cost.

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

Day 5: Cappadocia South Tour

After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 am, your tour guide will pick you up for a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia. After a briefing on the day’s activities, the tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Red Valley, where you’ll explore its famous rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), known for its stunning natural beauty.

Next, head to the historic Cavusin Village, a fascinating settlement featuring ancient houses and churches that once served as homes for Christian clergymen. Around noon, take a break to enjoy a local lunch.

After lunch, continue to the scenic Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), famous for its breathtaking landscapes and pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Later in the afternoon, explore an underground city, either the Kaymakli Underground City or the Ozkonak Underground City, which provided shelter for early Christians during times of persecution.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

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

Day 6: Fly from Cappadocia to Izmir (via Istanbul)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your flight to Izmir via Istanbul. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, a beautiful coastal town and popular base for exploring Ephesus and surrounding attractions. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities, or explore the local area at your leisure.

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

Day 7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

After breakfast 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 Selçuk, the journey to Pamukkale begins at approximately 8:30 am, with a drive of about 3 hours, including a brief 10-minute stop for a restroom break along the way.

Upon arrival in Pamukkale around 11:45 am, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, at approximately 1:00 pm, your guided tour will begin with a professional licensed guide. You will explore the stunning Cotton Cliffs, a remarkable natural wonder created by deposits of calcareous salts. You’ll also visit the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city. Highlights include the Theatre and the Roman Baths.

After the guided tour, you’ll have about 1 hour of free time to explore the area at your own pace. If desired, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (optional and at your own expense). Your guide will provide the exact meeting point and time before your free time begins.

After the tour ends at approximately 4:00 pm, you will begin the drive back to your hotel in Kuşadası, with an expected arrival around 7:30 pm. Overnight in Kuşadası.

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

Day 8: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 am for a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities and a former Greek port and cultural hub.

Start with a walk along Curetes Street, Ephesus’s main avenue, which leads to its most remarkable sites. The first stop is the Temple of Hadrian, a beautifully preserved structure adorned with intricate reliefs that depict the city’s founding myths. Next, visit the Great Theater, a magnificent amphitheater that seated up to 25,000 people. Known for its exceptional acoustics, the theater hosted dramas, gatherings, and gladiatorial contests.

Continue to the elegant Trajan Fountain, a decorative monument showcasing the city’s advanced water supply system.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the serene House of the Virgin Mary. Nestled on a hillside, this modest stone house is believed to have been Mary’s final residence. It remains a pilgrimage site and a peaceful place for reflection.

Next, stop at the historic Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While only a few columns stand today, the site reflects the grandeur and historical significance of ancient Ephesus.

End the tour with a visit to the exquisite Isa Bey Mosque, a 14th-century Seljuk structure featuring a tranquil courtyard and intricate tile work.

At the end of the tour, around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Kuşadası.

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

Day 9: Pergamon Tour – Depart by Bus to Çanakkale (424 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kuşadası. At around 8:30 am, you will be picked up for a full-day tour of Pergamon. Following a scenic 3.5-hour drive, arrive at this historic ancient city, once a major cultural and political center.

Begin with a visit to the Pergamon Acropolis, located high above the plain with breathtaking panoramic views. Explore the ruins of the iconic Altar of Zeus, a structure of great historical and cultural significance. Continue to the steeply inclined Theater of Pergamon, which could seat up to 10,000 spectators and is notable for its dramatic setting. Pergamon is also recognized as the birthplace of parchment, and during the visit, you’ll see the remnants of the Great Library, the Temple of Trajan, and the palaces of the kings.

After exploring the Acropolis, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Turkish dishes while taking time to relax.

Following lunch, visit the fascinating Asclepion, one of the ancient world’s earliest and most renowned centers of medical science. This healing sanctuary gained fame for its innovative treatments, with Galen, one of antiquity’s greatest physicians, practicing here and enhancing its reputation as a hub for health and healing.

At the end of the tour, you’ll depart by bus for Çanakkale, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure, resting and preparing for the next day’s adventures.

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

Day 10: Troy and Gallipoli Tour and Return to Istanbul (307.2 km)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Çanakkale. At around 8:30 am, you will be picked up to begin the day with a guided Troy Tour, exploring one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Highlights include the iconic Trojan Horse, the Sacrificial Altars, 3700-year-old city walls, the Houses of Troy I, the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), and the Odeon (Concert Hall). You’ll also see ruins spanning from Troy I through Troy IX, representing the city’s extensive and complex history.

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

In the afternoon, the Gallipoli Tour begins, focusing on key World War I sites. Visit Brighton Beach, the Beach Cemetery at ANZAC Cove, the Respect to Mehmetçik Statue, and the Lone Pine Australian Memorial. Continue to Johnston’s Jolly, where you’ll see original Allied and Turkish trenches, and then on to The Nek, the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, and the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery.

At the end of the tour around 4:30 pm, you’ll return to Eceabat and depart for Istanbul by bus at approximately 6:00 pm. Arrive in Istanbul around 11:00 pm, where you’ll check into your hotel for 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 11: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Istanbul (hotel check-out time is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) according to your flight schedule. This marks the end of your memorable journey with us. Thank you for choosing One Nation Travel!

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Included in the Tour Price:

• Arrival and departure airport transfers, as well as all ground transportation.
• Domestic flight tickets: Istanbul to Cappadocia and Cappadocia to Izmir.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at a special-class or 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• 3 nights in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Çanakkale at a 3-star hotel, including breakfast.
• Professional, licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
• Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• Service charges and local taxes.

Not Included:

• International flight tickets.
• Turkey Tourist Visa Fees.
• Escorting tour guide throughout the entire itinerary.
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
• Optional tours mentioned in the program (available at an additional cost).
• Services not explicitly mentioned in the program.
• Dinner and drinks.
• Travel insurance (recommended).

Important information:

• 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.
• For 1 traveler: 1 Single Room Accommodation
• For 2 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room Accommodation
• For 3 travelers: 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• For 4 travelers: 2 Double/Twin Rooms Accommodation
• For 5 travelers: 1 Double/Twin Room and 1 Triple Room Accommodation
• 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.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.