5-Day Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon & Ephesus Tour

5 Days

Group Size

1

Overview

Minarets catch the morning light, sea air drifts through ancient squares, and Turkey’s layered past begins to feel close enough to touch. Starting with a warm arrival in Istanbul, this guided group journey draws you into the imperial heart of the old city, where Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Ottoman palaces, and lively bazaars reveal centuries of faith, power, and artistry. The story then deepens on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where your guide will lead the group through poignant ANZAC memorials and battlefield landscapes shaped by courage and sacrifice. From there, myth and archaeology meet at Troy, before the route turns south to the hilltop splendor of Pergamon, once a brilliant center of Hellenistic learning. The journey reaches its grand finale at Ephesus, where marble streets, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis bring the Roman world vividly to life. With shared sightseeing, expert guiding, and comfortable coach travel arranged, you simply follow the thread of history across western Turkey and leave with stories that linger long after the ruins fade from view.

Trip Highlights

Wander Istanbul’s historic squares with your expert guide
Marvel at Hagia Sophia’s soaring Byzantine-Ottoman beauty
Trace ANZAC stories across Gallipoli’s solemn memorials
Stand beside the replica Trojan Horse at Troy
Explore Pergamon Acropolis above the modern town
Admire Pergamon Theatre’s dramatic hillside setting
Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary
Wander Ephesus’ marble streets and Celsus Library
Witness the Temple of Artemis’ ancient legacy

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day
1

Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, the starting point of your 5-day guided group journey through Turkey’s most important historical regions. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax after your flight or explore the surrounding area at your own pace. If time allows, you may enjoy a walk around Sultanahmet, take in the atmosphere of the old city, or dine at a local restaurant. Your guide will share the details for the next day’s tour. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
2

Classical Istanbul City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, around 8:30 AM your guide will lead the group on a full-day Classical Istanbul tour. Begin at Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, one of the city’s defining monuments, before continuing to The Blue Mosque Istanbul, noted for its elegant domes and İznik tiles. Walk through the Hippodrome, Istanbul, where your guide will explain the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. If Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, the visit is replaced with the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. Finish the day at Grand Bazaar Istanbul, with time to browse carpets, ceramics, jewelry, and leather goods. When the bazaar is closed on Sunday, the group visits the Spice Market or Arasta Bazaar instead. Return to your hotel by approximately 5:00 PM. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
3

Gallipoli Battlefields Tour

After an early breakfast, depart Istanbul around 6:30 AM and travel by air-conditioned coach toward the Gallipoli Peninsula. The drive takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, with a comfort stop en route. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning the guided Gallipoli battlefields tour. Your guide will lead the group through the key ANZAC sites, starting with Brighton Beach and Beach Cemetery, then continuing to Anzac Cove and Ari Burnu Cemetery. Visit the Anzac Commemorative Site and the Respect to Mehmetçik Monument, where the campaign’s human stories are explained with care. In the afternoon, continue to Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. By around 5:00 PM, transfer to your hotel in Eceabat or Çanakkale. Overnight in Çanakkale.
Day
4

Troy and Pergamon Tour - Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast, check out around 8:00 AM and depart for the legendary ruins of Troy. Your guide will take the group through the archaeological layers of this ancient settlement, including the replica Trojan Horse, city walls dating back thousands of years, the Houses of Troy I, the Bouleuterion, and the Odeon. Around late morning, continue south toward Bergama, the modern town near ancient Pergamon. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Pergamon Acropolis, one of the great cultural centers of the Hellenistic world. See the remains of the Library of Pergamon, once famous for its vast collection of manuscripts, along with the Temple of Athena, Temple of Trajan, Pergamon Theatre, and Altar of Zeus. After the tour, drive to Kusadasi or Selçuk, arriving around 7:00 PM depending on traffic and ferry schedules. Check in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day
5

Ephesus Ancient City Tour – Tour Ends in Kusadasi or Izmir

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Kusadasi and meet your guide for the final day of the group tour. Around 9:00 AM, join fellow travelers for a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a respected pilgrimage site set on Mount Koressos. Continue to Ephesus, where your guide will lead the group along the ancient marble streets and explain the city’s role as one of the great centers of the Greco-Roman world. Key highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the agora, and other well-preserved ruins that reveal the scale of daily life in ancient Ephesus.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. By mid-afternoon, the tour concludes in Kusadasi, or you may continue with a transfer to Izmir Airport. Please note that this program does not return to Istanbul; you may choose to stay in Kusadasi, continue independently to another destination, or take a domestic or international flight from Izmir. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

Arrival airport transfer in Istanbul with meet and greet assistance
All transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles
2 nights in Istanbul (boutique hotel or 4-star hotel)
1 night in Çanakkale or Eceabat (3-star hotel)
1 night in Kusadasi or Selçuk (4-star hotel)
Daily breakfast at the hotels
4 lunches at local restaurants during guided touring days
* Professional English-speaking tour guides on scheduled sightseeing days
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
Ferry fees between Gallipoli and the Çanakkale region (when required)
Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

Transportation after Day 5 (Ephesus tour) is not included. Bus or flight tickets are available upon request.
International flights
Turkey e-Visa fee, if applicable
Travel insurance
Dinners and any meals not listed in the itinerary
Drinks during meals unless specifically stated
Personal expenses, souvenirs, laundry, and hotel extras
Optional activities and additional accommodation before or after the tour
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Turkey?

Yes. The route covers Istanbul’s main historical landmarks and several of western Turkey’s most important ancient sites. It is a well-structured option for travelers who want guided sightseeing and organized transport.

Does the tour return to Istanbul at the end?

No, this tour does not return to Istanbul at the end. After the Ephesus visit on Day 5, the program concludes in the Kusadasi/Selcuk area or with a transfer to Izmir Airport, depending on your onward travel plans. If you need to continue to Istanbul, our team can assist with arranging a domestic flight or additional travel services upon request.

How large is the group?

Group size may vary by departure date and season. Sightseeing is operated as a guided group experience with fellow travelers, and transportation is arranged according to the confirmed number of participants.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance fees to the museums and archaeological sites listed in the itinerary are included. Optional visits or sites not mentioned in the program are not included.

What should I wear for the Gallipoli and Ephesus tours?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing. In summer, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are strongly recommended, while spring and autumn departures may require a light jacket.

Can I add extra nights before or after the tour?

Yes. Pre-tour accommodation in Istanbul and post-tour accommodation after your return flight can be arranged. We recommend requesting extra nights at the time of booking for better availability.

Are lunches included every touring day?

Yes. Lunch is included on Days 2, 3, 4, and 5 at local restaurants. Dinners are not included, giving you flexibility to choose where to eat in the evenings.

Will I travel with the same group and guide throughout the tour?

Our multi-day Turkey packages are regular group/shared tour arrangements, not fully escorted tours with one tour leader and the same guests from arrival to departure. Sightseeing tours are shared and usually operate with about 15-20 guests, but group size and participants may change by city or day as travelers join or leave different scheduled tours. Licensed English-speaking guides lead scheduled sightseeing visits only. Guides do not travel with guests on domestic flights, intercity buses, airport transfers, hotel transfers, or free-time periods unless this is specifically stated in the itinerary. For flights, buses, and transfers, guests are met by our driver or local representative at airports, bus terminals, or hotels and assisted with the planned transfer. One Nation Travel coordinates the full itinerary, hotels, domestic tickets, transfers, local guides, and support throughout the trip.