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15-Day Grand Turkey Tour

15 Days
  • 1

Overview

From the silent battlefields of Gallipoli to the marble streets where Roman crowds once gathered, this 15-day grand tour traces the full sweep of Turkey across two continents and four thousand years. You begin in Istanbul, where a representative meets your flight and your first guided day moves between the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome, and the courtyards of Topkapi Palace. From there the route unfolds westward to the 3,700-year-old walls of Troy and the hilltop library of Pergamon, then south to Ephesus, where the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre still command the skyline near the quiet House of the Virgin Mary.

Your journey carries you to the mineral-white terraces of Pamukkale and the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, then along the Mediterranean to Antalya for the theatres of Aspendos, Perge, and the harbour town of Side. A short domestic flight lifts you onto the Anatolian plateau and into Cappadocia, a landscape of fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and underground cities, with an optional sunrise balloon flight on offer. Comfortable intercity coaches and a final flight via Ankara — home to Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations — return you to Istanbul for a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia. With guided sightseeing, transfers, flights, and hotels handled throughout, this is a deep, well-paced introduction to the country for travelers who want the whole picture.

Trip Highlights

  • Stand on the ANZAC battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli
  • Walk Ephesus' marble streets past the Library of Celsus
  • Explore Troy's ancient walls and the Trojan Horse Replica
  • Climb to the hilltop Pergamon Acropolis and its theatre
  • Stand barefoot on Pamukkale's mineral-white travertine terraces
  • Drift over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys at sunrise by balloon
  • Descend into the carved tunnels of Derinkuyu Underground City
  • Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
  • Tour the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace
  • See Aspendos' remarkably preserved Roman theatre near Antalya

Day-by-day itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

    Welcome to Turkey! On arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our representative will be waiting at the international arrivals exit, holding a sign with our agency code for easy identification. After a brief meet-and-greet, you will join your shared transfer to the hotel for check-in.

    The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may prefer to rest after your flight or head out to explore Istanbul independently at your own pace.

    If you would like an early taste of the city, you can opt to join the Night Cruise on the Bosphorus with Dinner & Show at an additional cost. This relaxed evening on the water combines live entertainment with a delicious dinner, a pleasant way to settle into the trip alongside fellow travelers.

    Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    2

    Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

    After breakfast, your guide will pick the group up from the hotel around 8:30 am to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks. The first stop is the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, which began as a cathedral, served as a mosque, and reflects layers of both Christian and Islamic history.

    Next, join your fellow travelers at the The Blue Mosque Istanbul, known for its blue tilework and six minarets. From there you'll walk to the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine public life, where the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, and German Fountain still stand.

    A lunch break at a local restaurant follows, with traditional Turkish dishes to sample. The afternoon continues at Topkapi Palace Museum, with its courtyards, treasuries, and optional Harem. The final stop is the Grand Bazaar Istanbul and its thousands of shops. You'll be transferred back to your hotel around 5:00 pm, with the rest of the day free.

    Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    3

    Gallipoli Tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, the group will be picked up around 6:30 am for the drive to Eceabat on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The journey takes roughly five hours, and on arrival lunch will be served before the tour begins.

    At around 13:00, your fully guided Gallipoli Peninsula tour starts, taking the group through the key sites of the 1915 campaign. Your guide will lead the group to Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, and the Respect to Mehmetçik Statue. You will continue to the Lone Pine Monument and Johnston's Jolly, where Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels can be explored, followed by the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

    The tour ends around 4:30 pm, after which you will be transferred to your hotel in Çanakkale for check-in.

    Overnight in Çanakkale.

  • Day
    4

    Troy and Pergamon Tour – Selçuk/Kuşadası

    After breakfast, your guide will collect the group from your hotel around 8:30 am for a fully guided tour of Troy and Pergamon. The day starts at the famous Trojan Horse Replica, followed by the Sacrificial Altars and the 3,700-year-old city walls. You will explore the Houses of Troy I, the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), and the Odeon, along with remains spanning Troy I through Troy IX.

    Concluding around 10:30 am, the group departs for Bergama, arriving at 1:30 pm for lunch before the guided Pergamon Acropolis tour. Here you will see the ancient Acropolis, the Library that once held 200,000 books, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Trajan, and the site of the Altar of Zeus. The Gymnasium terraces, Lower Agora, Hellenistic Theater seating 10,000, and the Temple of Dionysus complete the visit.

    The tour ends around 5:30 pm, when you depart for Selçuk, arriving at 8:00 pm, then continue to Kuşadası by 8:30 pm to check in.

    Overnight in Kusadasi.

  • Day
    5

    Ephesus Tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, your group will be picked up around 8:30 AM to meet your guide and begin a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the most important ancient cities of the Greek and Roman periods. Walking the marble streets alongside fellow travelers, you'll see the Temple of Hadrian, the commanding Great Theatre of Ephesus, and the elegant Trajan Fountain, dedicated to Emperor Trajan.

    After a relaxed lunch, your guide will lead the group to the House of the Virgin Mary, the peaceful site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. You'll then pass the scattered remains of the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

    The day continues at the graceful Isa Bey Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk architecture. Around 4:30 PM, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Kusadasi.

    Overnight in Kusadasi.

  • Day
    6

    Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel at around 7:30 AM. You will travel from Kuşadası to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the full group gathers before setting off. At approximately 8:30 AM, the drive to Pamukkale begins, covering roughly 3 hours with a brief 10-minute restroom stop along the way.

    Arriving in Pamukkale at around 11:45 AM, the group enjoys lunch before the guided tour starts at approximately 1:00 PM, led by a professional licensed guide. You will see the Pamukkale Travertines, the famous Cotton Cliffs formed by mineral-rich calcareous deposits over thousands of years.

    The tour continues through the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including its basilica, theatre, and Roman Baths. Afterward, you will have free time to explore on your own. As an optional activity, you may swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools at your own expense; your guide will confirm the meeting point and time. Around 4:00 PM, the group transfers to the hotel in Pamukkale for check-in, followed by dinner.

    Overnight in Pamukkale.

  • Day
    7

    Bus to Antalya

    After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the main bus station in Denizli to begin the journey south. Here you will join your fellow travelers and board an intercity day coach bound for Antalya, a comfortable drive of roughly 5 hours through changing countryside.

    On arrival at the main bus station in Antalya, a representative will meet the group and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Antalya at your own pace, whether you settle in by the coast or wander toward the old town.

    Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    8

    Full Day Tour to Perge, Aspendos, Side and Waterfall

    After breakfast, your group will be picked up around 8:00 am to begin the day. 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 continue to the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, an exceptionally well-preserved 2nd-century structure with a capacity of 15,000 that still hosts festivals and concerts today.

    Afterwards, the group enjoys a relaxed lunch at a restaurant beside a nearby river before heading to Side (pronounced "Seeday"), one of Turkey's best-preserved classical ports. Once home to the region's largest slave market, it saw major Roman construction, including the large theater, Roman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo. You will have 1 hour of free time here to wander the ancient streets and enjoy the sea.

    On the return trip, the group stops at the Manavgat Waterfall before being driven back and transferred to your hotel.

    Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    9

    Fly to Kayseri/Nevsehir from Antalya

    After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Antalya. Depending on flight availability, you will be picked up from your hotel in the morning or afternoon and transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir. The flight takes roughly 1.5 hours over the Anatolian plateau.

    On arrival, our representative will meet your group and transfer everyone to the hotel in Cappadocia, about an hour's drive away. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to rest or settle in at your own pace before the days of sightseeing ahead.

    Overnight in Kayseri.

  • Day
    10

    North Cappadocia Tour

    For an optional add-on, you can book an early morning hot air balloon ride and watch the sun rise over Cappadocia's valleys from the air. This activity is available at an extra cost and should be pre-booked.

    After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel around 9:30 am to begin a full day exploring North Cappadocia with your group. The day starts at Devrent Valley, recognized for its unusual fairy chimney formations. From there, the group continues to Pasabag Monks Valley, where mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles rise dramatically from the ground.

    Next, you drive to the town of Avanos, long known for its pottery and ceramics, where the group pauses for lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, a former monastic settlement filled with carved caves and ancient rock-cut churches. Before heading back, you have about 15 minutes for panoramic photographs of Uchisar Castle from the outside.

    The tour wraps up around 4:00 pm with a transfer back to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or join optional activities such as a Turkish Night show with dinner, an ATV tour, horseback riding, or a Whirling Dervish performance, all available at extra cost. Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    11

    South Cappadocia Tour

    After breakfast, at approximately 9:30 am, your guide will collect the group to begin a full day exploring South Cappadocia. Following a short briefing on the day ahead, you'll set off for the Red Valley, home to remarkable rock-cut churches, before enjoying a scenic 5 km hike through the Rose Valley (Gulludere Vadisi) alongside fellow travelers.

    The tour continues to Cavusin Village, known for its historic stone houses and old churches once inhabited by Christian clergy. Around noon, the group pauses for a relaxed lunch.

    In the afternoon, your guide leads the way to Pigeon Valley (Guvercinlik Vadisi), where layered cliffs and dovecotes shape the landscape. From there, you'll descend into the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, a multi-level refuge carved by early Christians.

    Around 4:00 pm, you'll be transferred back to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free to relax or wander at your own pace.

    Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    12

    From Cappadocia to Ankara by Intercity Bus (299 km)

    After breakfast at your hotel, check out and join your group for a transfer to Nevşehir Bus Terminal. From there, you will board a comfortable intercity day coach to Ankara, with the journey covering roughly 299 km in around 5 hours. Settle in and enjoy the changing Anatolian scenery as the group travels north.

    On arrival at Ankara's main bus station, our representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your leisure to relax or unwind after the journey.

    Overnight in Ankara.

  • Day
    13

    Ankara Tour - Flight Back to Istanbul

    After breakfast at your hotel, join your guide and fellow travelers for a guided tour of Ankara, taking in the capital's most important landmarks. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk (Anıtkabir), the monumental resting place dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic, before continuing to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Here, the group will explore exhibitions spanning the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, Phrygian, and Urartian periods of Central Anatolia. A lunch is included during the day.

    At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Ankara Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. On arrival, our airport representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your hotel, where the remainder of the evening is yours to relax.

    Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    14

    Bosphorus Cruise

    After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, you will join the group for the Half-Day Morning Bosphorus Cruise. The tour begins with a short drive to the pier in Eminönü, with a visit to the Spice Bazaar Istanbul (Egyptian Bazaar), a lively marketplace filled with aromatic spices, Turkish delights, and souvenirs.

    Next, board a shared boat for the Bosphorus Cruise along the strait that separates Europe and Asia while connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. As you cruise, your guide points out Ottoman palaces, the Bosphorus Bridge, ancient citadels, centuries-old waterfront mansions, and the scenic shorelines of both continents.

    At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, arriving at around 12:30 pm. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Istanbul at your own pace.

    Overnight in Istanbul.

  • Day
    15

    Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

    After breakfast at your hotel, the morning is yours to relax before check-out, which must be completed before 12:00 noon. According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred from your hotel to Istanbul International Airport in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. This marks the conclusion of your 15-day Grand Turkey Tour and the end of our services. We wish you a pleasant flight home and hope to welcome you back to Turkey in the future.

Inclusions:

  • 14 nights’ accommodation in selected 4-star or equivalent hotels, 3-star hotels, boutique hotels, and cave hotels in Cappadocia
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunches at local restaurants as per itinerary
  • Arrival and departure airport transfers between the airport and hotel.
  • All intercity transfers in air-conditioned tour bus
  • Domestic flights for multi-city travel as per itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking guide during the scheduled sightseeing tours
  • All entrance fees to sites and monuments as per itinerary
  • Guided tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Antalya and Ankara
  • Air-conditioned touring vehicle for all group sightseeing
  • Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Turkey e-Visa fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Drinks during meals (except water)
  • Optional activities (Bosphorus Night Cruise with Dinner & Show, hot air balloon, Turkish bath)
  • Topkapi Palace Harem entrance (optional)
  • Gratuities for guide and driver
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Important Information

  • Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia (Day 10) are an optional add-on at extra cost and are entirely weather-dependent; flights may be canceled by the aviation authority at short notice, with refunds arranged if cancellation occurs. We recommend pre-booking for your earliest available morning to allow for a backup attempt.
  • Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (Day 2) are active mosques and close to visitors during the five daily prayer times, particularly Friday prayers (approximately 12:00-14:00). Your guide will plan timings accordingly, but minor itinerary adjustments may be necessary.
  • A modest dress code is required for mosque visits: women should cover their head, shoulders, and knees, and all visitors must remove their shoes. Carrying a lightweight scarf is recommended, though head coverings are usually available at mosque entrances.
  • This tour involves two domestic flights (Antalya–Cappadocia on Day 9 and Ankara–Istanbul on Day 13). Checked luggage is typically limited to 15 kg per person, with excess baggage fees payable directly at the airport; soft-sided bags are recommended.
  • Several days involve long intercity coach journeys, including roughly 5 hours to Gallipoli (Day 3), Denizli to Antalya (Day 7), and Cappadocia to Ankara (Day 12). Early morning pickups are common, so prepare for early starts and bring water and snacks for the road.
  • This is an active guided group tour with extensive walking on uneven terrain, marble streets, and ancient ruins at Ephesus, Troy, Pergamon, Aspendos, and Hierapolis, plus a 5 km hike through the Rose Valley in Cappadocia (Day 11). A good level of fitness and sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential.
  • At Pamukkale (Day 6), visitors must remove their shoes to walk on the travertine terraces, which can be slippery. Bring a towel and consider swimwear if you wish to bathe in the thermal waters.
  • Room assignments are based on twin/double sharing as standard. Triple rooms may be limited at some 4-star hotels, and single travelers are subject to a single supplement charge.
  • As you arrive into Istanbul by flight on Day 1, our representative will be waiting at the international arrivals exit holding a sign with our agency code. Please share your flight details in advance and look out for this sign on exiting customs.
  • Most travelers require an e-Visa to enter Turkey, easily obtained online before departure; please confirm requirements for your nationality. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
  • The Turkish Lira is the local currency; while cards are widely accepted in cities, carry some cash for bazaars, small restaurants, tipping, and rural sites. Tipping for your guide and driver is customary and appreciated but not included in the tour price.
  • Turkey uses Type C and F electrical outlets (European standard, 220V). Travelers from the US/UK should bring a suitable plug adapter for charging devices during the tour.

FAQs

How can I make an online reservation?

You can easily book this 15-Day Grand Turkey Tour directly through the online booking form on the tour page — simply select your preferred start date and number of travelers to proceed. You'll receive instant confirmation upon completing your booking, or you may contact us via email or phone if you'd like to arrange a custom departure or have special requests.

How can we make payment?

We accept all major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express through our secure payment gateway. Bank transfer is also available, and for advance bookings you may choose to pay a deposit to reserve your place, with the balance settled closer to your tour start date.

When will I receive confirmation after making a reservation?

You'll receive an instant email confirmation with your booking details as soon as your reservation is processed. A final travel voucher containing all hotel information, pickup arrangements, and your airport meet-and-greet details will be sent 24-48 hours before the tour begins.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel your tour or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour start date. Please note that flight and bus tickets are non-refundable. Therefore, the cost of these tickets will be deducted from the amount you have paid, and the remaining balance will be refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the tour start date, no refund will be issued, and the booking will be treated under our no-show policy.

Is the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia included in this tour?

The sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's valleys is an optional add-on available on Day 10 at an additional cost, as balloon operations depend on weather and capacity. We highly recommend pre-booking this unforgettable experience, and our team can arrange it for you so you're ready to float over the fairy chimneys at dawn before your North Cappadocia guided tour.

What should I wear when visiting mosques and religious sites on this tour?

When visiting sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the House of the Virgin Mary, modest dress is required — shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should bring a scarf to cover their heads. Comfortable shoes are also essential throughout the tour, as you'll be walking across marble streets in Ephesus, ruins in Troy and Pergamon, and valley hikes in Cappadocia.

How long are the drives and journeys between cities on this tour?

This is a well-paced loop that balances long travel days with rich sightseeing — for example, the Gallipoli drive is around 5 hours, Denizli to Antalya about 5 hours, and Cappadocia to Ankara roughly 5 hours. To save time, two domestic flights are included: Antalya to Cappadocia (about 1.5 hours) and Ankara back to Istanbul, all in air-conditioned coaches or comfortable intercity buses with rest stops along the way.

What is the luggage allowance for the domestic flights included in this tour?

The included domestic flights from Antalya to Kayseri/Nevşehir and from Ankara to Istanbul typically allow one checked bag of 15 kg plus a small carry-on, depending on the airline. We recommend packing light and keeping essentials in your hand luggage, and our representatives will assist your group with check-in at each airport transfer.

Can I walk on the Pamukkale travertine terraces, and what type of hotels are included?

Yes — on Day 6 you'll walk barefoot across Pamukkale's famous white Cotton Cliffs, as shoes are not permitted on the travertines to protect the natural formations, so bring a small bag to carry them. Throughout the 15 days you'll stay in comfortable 4-star or equivalent hotels with daily breakfast included, conveniently located for each day's sightseeing.

Is Turkey safe for tourists?

Turkey is a welcoming and popular destination that hosts millions of visitors each year, and the cities and sites on this tour — from Istanbul to Cappadocia — are well-equipped for tourism. Traveling as part of a guided group adds an extra layer of comfort, as your English-speaking guide and local representatives accompany you throughout, handling logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

What is the best time to visit Turkey for this tour?

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are the ideal seasons for this tour, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring outdoor sites like Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia's valleys. These months also provide excellent conditions for the optional Cappadocia balloon flight and comfortable weather along the Mediterranean coast in Antalya.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey, and what currency is used?

Many nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free or with a quick online e-Visa, though requirements vary by country, so we recommend checking your eligibility before travel. The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY); while card payments are widely accepted in cities, it's handy to carry some cash for the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and the pottery workshops of Avanos.

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