7-Day Classical Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy & Gallipoli

Arrival in Istanbul – Airport Transfer & Leisure Time

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our professional representative will greet you at the international arrivals area, holding a sign with our agency code for easy identification.

After a brief meet-and-greet, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to unwind after your journey or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

For a memorable first evening, you may opt to join an optional Night Cruise on the Bosphorus, featuring a delicious dinner and live entertainment aboard a scenic boat ride between two continents. (Additional cost applies.)

Istanbul Classics 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 Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Grand Mosque, a masterpiece that served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing centuries of Christian and Islamic heritage.

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

Continue with a stop at 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 Topkapi Palace Museum, 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.

Flight to Denizli - Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel around 4:00 AM for your transfer to the airport to catch your early morning flight from Istanbul to Denizli Airport. Flight times may vary depending on availability. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to Pamukkale, where you will meet your professional tour guide to begin your full-day tour.

Your first destination is Karahayit to see the Red Spring Waters. After Karahayit, we will drive to Pamukkale and begin the visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis. The highlights of Hierapolis include the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantine Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollo Temple, Plutonium, and Theater. You’ll also have opportunities to take photos from the best vantage points in Pamukkale.

Next, enjoy a lunch break at a local traditional Turkish restaurant.

After lunch, you will be given some free time to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale. As an option, you may choose to swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (at your own expense) during this free time.

Afterward, you’ll meet your guide and have a chance to walk in the middle of the Pamukkale Travertines (White Cliffs) from top to bottom without shoes and socks.

After the tour ends around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Kusadasi, with an estimated arrival time of 7:30 PM. Upon arrival, you will proceed to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel at approximately 8:30 AM and be picked up to join your group and tour guide. The day begins with a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the most extraordinary and well-preserved ancient cities of the classical world. As you walk through its awe-inspiring ruins, you'll visit the Temple of Hadrian, admire the grandeur of the Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, stroll along the historic Curetes Street, and view the intricately designed Trajan Fountain, built in honor of Emperor Trajan.

Following a traditional Turkish lunch, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. You’ll then explore the remnants of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and conclude with a visit to the Isabey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk-era architecture.

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 at your leisure. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Kuşadası – Pergamon Tour – Çanakkale (424 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel. At approximately 10:30 AM, you will be picked up for your transfer to Pergamon, with an additional pick-up in Selçuk at 11:00 AM. Upon arrival in Bergama around 1:00 PM, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your guided tour at 1:45 PM.

Your visit begins at the Pergamon Acropolis, the hilltop stronghold that once served as the cultural and political heart of this powerful ancient city. There, you will explore the Temple of Athena and the monumental Temple of Trajan, both showcasing the grandeur of Greco-Roman architecture.

You will continue to the iconic Altar of Zeus, often referred to as the “Throne of Satan,” whose remains are now preserved in the Berlin Museum. The tour proceeds to the breathtaking Theater of Pergamon, one of the steepest theaters in the ancient world, with a capacity of 10,000. You’ll also visit the Great Library, which once held over 200,000 scrolls and rivaled the famed Library of Alexandria.

Additional highlights include the Temple of Dionysus, the terraced Gymnasium, and the Lower Agora, an important commercial and civic space during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

At approximately 6:00 PM, depart for Çanakkale. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening. Overnight in Çanakkale.

Troy and Gallipoli Combination Tour – Transfer to Istanbul (307.2 km)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel in Çanakkale and be picked up around 8:30 AM. The day begins with the Troy Tour, where you’ll explore some of the most iconic archaeological sites of antiquity, including the 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 walk through the layers of history from Troy I to Troy IX, witnessing the evolution of a city that inspired legends.

After the tour ends around 11:30 AM, you’ll be transferred to Eceabat. Enjoy some free time before lunch at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, the Gallipoli Tour begins, covering significant World War I landmarks. You’ll visit Brighton Beach, the Beach Cemetery at ANZAC Cove, and the Respect to Mehmetçik Monument. The tour continues with the Lone Pine Monument, Johnston’s Jolly—where original Allied and Turkish trenches can be seen—The Nek, the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, and the Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery.

At around 4:30 PM, you will return to Eceabat. Departure for Istanbul is scheduled for approximately 6:00 PM, with arrival around 11:00 PM. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Istanbul.

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.