13 Days Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Cappadocia Tour

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: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites 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: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise

After breakfast at around 8:30 am, you will embark on a half-day morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a drive to Eminönü for a short visit to the historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), where you can explore the vibrant stalls filled with spices, dried fruits, and local delicacies.

Following your visit, you will board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. During the cruise, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the iconic Bosphorus Bridge, and other notable landmarks, including centuries-old mansions, citadels, and the picturesque European and Asian shorelines.

After the cruise, you will be transferred back to your hotel around 12:30 pm, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore Istanbul at your leisure.

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

Day 4: 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 Canakkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Grand Anzac Hotel OR Kervansaray Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: 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: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin your full-day tour of Ephesus, the ancient Greek city that was once a thriving cultural and commercial hub. During your visit, you’ll explore key landmarks, including the Temple of Hadrian (Open link in a new tab), known for its ornate decorations; the Great Theater (Open link in a new tab), a magnificent amphitheater that could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators; and the Trajan Fountain (Open link in a new tab), an elegant monument dedicated to Emperor Trajan.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary (Open link in a new tab), a sacred site where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her final years. This peaceful sanctuary is a revered pilgrimage destination for both Christians and Muslims.

Next, you will pass by the remnants of the Temple of Artemis (Open link in a new tab), once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although little of the temple remains today, it is a fascinating stop to imagine its former grandeur.

Finally, you’ll visit the Isa Bey Mosque (Open link in a new tab), a stunning example of Seljuk architecture, characterized by its intricate stone carvings and elegant design.

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

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• 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 Kusadasi hotel and taken to the meeting point in Selcuk, where the full group will gather. Your Pamukkale tour will begin with an 8:30 am departure from Selcuk, and the drive to Pamukkale will take approximately 3 hours. Along the way, there will be a 10-minute stop for a restroom break after 1.5 hours.

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. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax or explore at your leisure. Dinner will be included and served at the hotel this evening.

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

Day 8: From Pamukkale to Antalya by Intercity Bus (238 km)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will check out and be transferred to Denizli’s main bus station. There, you’ll board an intercity day coach to Antalya, a scenic journey of approximately 5 hours. Upon arrival at the Antalya bus station, a representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the beautiful city of 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 Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall

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 10: Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Antalya

After breakfast check out of the hotel in Antalya. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Antalya airport to take your flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. Check into your hotel in Cappadocia and the rest of the day is free.

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

Day 11: 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 Holiday Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 12: South Cappadocia Tour – Fly back to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities. The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km 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 taken to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your late evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay overnight.

• 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 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 in the Tour Price:

• Arrival and departure airport transfers, as well as ground transportation throughout the tour.
• Domestic flight tickets as per the itinerary.
• 4 nights in Istanbul at special class or 4-star hotels, including breakfast.
• 1 night in Canakkale at a 3-star hotel, including breakfast.
• 2 nights in Kusadasi 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.
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel, including breakfast.
• English-speaking guide to accompany you during the tours.
• Meals as per the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch D = Dinner).
• Entrance fees for all sites and attractions 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.
• 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.
• 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.

WHEN TO BOOK?

• Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
• You can book up to 2 days before (Istanbul local time) if there are still places available. If less than 2 days before start of your requested tour date, please contact us by email or phone as it would be a last-minute booking that will need to be checked for availability before your tour reservation is confirmed.