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

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.

The tour will start with a visit to the grand Hagia Sophia, a majestic structure that began as a cathedral, later served as a mosque, and is now a museum, showcasing centuries of history from 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 – Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri

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 12:15 pm to collect your luggage. You will then be transferred to Istanbul’s domestic airport for your evening flight to Kayseri, which is approximately 1.5 hours in duration. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the rest of the evening is free to relax.

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

Day 4: 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: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Romantic Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: 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: Heaven Cave House OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel OR Romantic Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Cappadocia to Konya – Short City Tour in Konya en route to Antalya (573 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Cappadocia. Around 7:00 am, you will depart for Konya, known as Turkey’s holiest city and a significant center of Islamic culture.

Your tour in Konya begins with a visit to the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the Whirling Dervishes. This museum is dedicated to the life and teachings of Rumi, the great Sufi mystic and poet. Inside, you will see Rumi’s ornately decorated tomb and various artifacts related to Sufi traditions and the Whirling Dervish order.

Next, explore the Sultan Selim Mosque, an elegant Ottoman-era mosque located near the Mevlana Museum. Its impressive design and serene interior offer a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural heritage of the Ottoman period.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Alaaddin Mosque, one of Konya’s oldest and most significant mosques. Built during the Seljuk era, this mosque is located atop Alaaddin Hill and features stunning columns, intricate tilework, and a peaceful courtyard. The tombs of several Seljuk sultans are also situated within its grounds, making it a site of historical and cultural importance.

After completing your tour, you will travel to Antalya, a city often referred to as the gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast. Upon arriving in Antalya, you will explore the historic old town of Kaleiçi, famous for its cobblestone streets, Roman and Byzantine structures, and vibrant harbor area filled with cafes and shops.

Note: Transfer from Cappadocia to Antalya through Konya will be in a private air-conditioned car with a driver. The professional English-speaking guide will join you upon your arrival in Konya and will leave you at the end of the tour in Konya. For meals or personal needs, you can request the driver to make a stop on the way to Konya and Antalya.

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

Day 7: Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side & Waterfall (73.5 km)

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 Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Travel by intercity bus from Antalya to Pamukkale (240 km)

After breakfast in the morning, you’ll be transferred to Antalya’s main bus station. From here you will board the intercity day coach to Pamukkale (duration 5 hours). On your arrival at the Pamukkale bus station, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in Pamukkale. The rest of the day is on your own to explore Pamukkale.

• Overnight in Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
• Accommodation: Colossae Thermal Hotel OR Pam Thermal Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour, then Transfer to Kusadasi (188.5 km)

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: Derici Hotel OR Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel OR Efe Boutique Hotel OR Marina Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Ephesus Tour (20 km)

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel around 8:30 am and be picked up to meet your group and tour guide. You’ll then begin a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the most remarkable ancient cities of the Greek world. As you walk through its fascinating ruins, you’ll discover key landmarks, including the elegant Temple of Hadrian, the grand Great Theatre, the beautifully preserved Curetes Street, and the magnificent Trajan Fountain, a monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan.

Following a delicious lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be where she spent her final days. From there, you’ll stop by the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where traces of its former magnificence still remain. The final stop of the day will be the striking Isa Bey Mosque, a stunning example of Seljuk architecture, blending history and beauty.

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

• 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 11: Kuşadası – Pergamon – Çanakkale (424 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Around 10:30 am, you will be picked up for the transfer to Pergamon. At 11:00 am, an additional pick-up will be made in Selçuk, and you will proceed to Bergama. Upon arrival at 1:00 pm, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before starting your guided tour at 1:45 pm.

The tour begins with a visit to the Acropolis of Pergamon, an ancient city that once stood as a major power in the classical world. The Acropolis boasts breathtaking ruins and incredible views of the surrounding area. You will explore the Temple of Athena and the Temple of Trajan, both showcasing remarkable Greco-Roman architecture.

You will then visit the Altar of Zeus, famously referred to as the “Throne of Satan,” with its original structure now housed in the Berlin Museum. The tour continues to the Hellenistic Theater, a steeply constructed marvel with a seating capacity of 10,000 that offers stunning views. You will also see the Great Library, which once rivaled the Library of Alexandria and housed over 200,000 volumes.

Other notable stops include the Temple of Dionysus, dedicated to the god of wine and festivity, the Gymnasium situated on terraces, and the Lower Agora, an important commercial center in ancient Pergamon where trade and social interactions thrived.

After the tour, at approximately 6:00 pm, you will depart for Çanakkale. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.

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

Day 12: Troy and Gallipoli Combination Tour – Evening 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.

The tour ends at approximately 4:30 pm. You will depart for Istanbul at around 6:00 pm. Upon arrival at approximately 11:00 pm, check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.

• 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 13: 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, departure airport transfers, and ground transportation.
• Domestic flights and intercity bus tickets.
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tours.
• 3 nights in Istanbul at a 4-star or special-class hotel with breakfast.
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel with breakfast.
• 2 nights in Antalya at a 4-star or special-class hotel with breakfast.
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
• 2 nights in Kuşadası at a 4-star hotel with breakfast.
• 1 night in Çanakkale at a 3-star hotel with breakfast.
• Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner).
• Visits and entrance fees as indicated 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.
• Drinks with meals.
• Escorting tour guide.
• Services not mentioned in the program.
• 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.
• 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.