8-Day Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Cappadocia Tour

8 Days
  • hotels in Istanbul
  • Istanbul
  • Airplane & Bus
  • English

Overview

Discover the cultural and natural treasures of Turkey on the 8-Day Wonders of Turkey: Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Cappadocia tour. This immersive journey takes you from historic battlefields and ancient ruins to surreal landscapes and coastal cities. Ideal for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, this tour blends mythology, archaeology, and scenic beauty in one unforgettable itinerary. Explore iconic sites while traveling comfortably across Turkey's diverse regions. Book your Turkey cultural tour today and experience the wonders of a land where history and nature converge!

Highlights:

  • Walk the battlefields of Gallipoli, steeped in WWI history
  • Explore the legendary ruins of Troy and Pergamon
  • Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities
  • Marvel at the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale
  • Discover the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings of Cappadocia

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Gallipoli Battlefields Tour

    You will be picked up early in the morning from your hotel. If you are staying in the Taksim area, pick-up will be between 06:00 – 06:15; for those in the Sultanahmet area, it will be between 06:30 – 07:00. After pick-up, you will depart for Eceabat in a comfortable, non-smoking, air-conditioned minibus.

    You will arrive in Eceabat around 11:20 AM and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. At 12:30 PM, you will begin a fully guided Gallipoli Tour, exploring the key sites of the Gallipoli Campaign. You will visit Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ari Burnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, Respect to Mehmetçik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly (with preserved Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), the 57th Infantry Regiment Turkish Cemetery, The Nek, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

    At the end of the tour around 4:30 PM, you will be transferred to your hotel in Çanakkale for check-in and overnight stay.

  • Day
    2

    Troy and Pergamon Tour – Selçuk / Kuşadası

    After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 08:30 AM for a fully guided Troy and Pergamon Tour.

    The day begins with a visit to the Trojan Horse, followed by 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 multiple settlement layers from Troy I through Troy IX will also be included in your visit.

    After concluding the Troy tour around 10:30 AM, you will depart for Bergama. Upon arrival at 1:30 PM, enjoy lunch before beginning the fully guided Pergamon Acropolis Tour.

    In Pergamon, you will visit the Acropolis, the Great Library which once held over 200,000 scrolls, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Trajan, and the renowned Altar of Zeus. You’ll also see the Gymnasium built on terraces, the Lower Agora, the Theater of Pergamon with a capacity of 10,000, and the Temple of Dionysus.

    After the tour ends around 5:30 PM, you will depart for Selçuk, arriving at 8:00 PM, and continue to Kuşadası, arriving by 8:30 PM. Upon arrival, you will check in to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Kuşadası.

  • Day
    3

    Ephesus Tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 08:30 AM and meet your tour guide to begin a full-day tour of Ephesus, one of the most important and well-preserved ancient cities from the Greek and Roman eras. During your visit, you will explore architectural highlights including the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Great Theater, and the elaborately decorated Trajan Fountain, dedicated to the Roman Emperor Trajan.

    Following a delicious lunch, your tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred Christian pilgrimage site believed to be the final home of Mary. You will also visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where only fragments of its former glory remain.

    The final stop of the day is the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of Seljuk architecture dating back to the 14th century.

    After the tour concludes around 4:30 PM, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kuşadası. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the town at your leisure. Overnight in Kuşadası.

  • Day
    4

    Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour – Intercity Coach Transfer to Antalya

    After breakfast around 7:30 AM, you will check out from your hotel in Kuşadası and be picked up for transfer to the meeting point in Selçuk, where the group will gather. From there, you will depart at approximately 8:30 AM for the scenic journey to Pamukkale, which takes about 3 hours. A short 10-minute restroom break will be made en route. You will arrive in Pamukkale around 11:45 AM, and lunch will be served upon arrival.

    At around 1:00 PM, you will begin your guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with a licensed professional guide. Highlights include the surreal Cotton Cliffs, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, and the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you will visit the Roman Baths and the impressive Pamukkale Theatre, showcasing fine examples of Roman architecture.

    After the tour, you will have some free time to explore independently. You may also opt to take a relaxing dip in the Pamukkale Antique Pools (entrance fee not included), believed to have therapeutic qualities.

    Around 4:00 PM, you will be transferred to Denizli bus station, where you will board an intercity coach to Antalya (approx. 5-hour journey). Upon arrival in Antalya, a representative will meet you at the bus terminal and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    5

    Perge, Aspendos, Side & Manavgat Waterfall Tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up around 08:00 AM to begin a full-day guided tour exploring Antalya’s most iconic ancient ruins and scenic natural spots.

    The first stop is Perge, once a major city of ancient Pamphylia, known for its well-preserved Roman baths, agora, and stadium. Then, you’ll continue to the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, with a capacity of 15,000 and still used for live performances today.

    Following your visit, enjoy a lunch break by a peaceful riverside restaurant. Afterward, you’ll visit Side, a historic coastal town featuring a spectacular blend of ancient architecture and seaside charm. Highlights here include the Roman theater, ancient baths, and the Temple of Apollo overlooking the sea.

    You will then enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore Side at your own pace or take in the views along the coast. On the way back to Antalya, the tour includes a stop at the beautiful Manavgat Waterfall, famous for its wide cascade and tranquil surroundings.

    At the end of the day, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.

  • Day
    6

    Flight from Antalya to Cappadocia via Istanbul – Arrival & Free Time

    After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel in Antalya and be transferred to Antalya Airport for your domestic flight to either Kayseri or Nevşehir, via Istanbul. Depending on flight availability, this may be a morning or early afternoon departure.

    Upon arrival at the airport in Cappadocia, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the area at your own pace. Overnight in Cappadocia.

  • Day
    7

    North Cappadocia Tour – Valleys, Villages & Local Experiences

    For an unforgettable start to the day, you may choose to book a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the early morning to enjoy panoramic views over Cappadocia’s surreal landscape. Please note this activity is optional and available at an additional cost.

    After breakfast around 09:30 AM, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a full-day North Cappadocia Tour. The tour begins with a visit to Devrent Valley, known for its imaginative rock formations and fairy chimneys shaped like animals and objects. Next, you’ll explore Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where striking mushroom-shaped pinnacles stand tall among the scenery.

    You will then drive to the pottery town of Avanos, located along the Kızılırmak River, and stop for a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Zelve Open Air Museum, a former monastic complex showcasing cave dwellings, churches, and early Christian life in Cappadocia.

    Before the tour concludes, you will pause for a photo stop to admire panoramic views of Uchisar Castle, the highest point in the region, offering a stunning backdrop for photography (interior access is not included).

    The tour ends around 4:00 PM, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia.

    Optional Activities (available at an additional cost):
    – 2-hour ATV tour through the valleys
    – 2-hour horseback riding tour
    – 1-hour Whirling Dervish show
    – 3-hour Turkish Night Show with Dinner, featuring folk dances and traditional cuisine

  • Day
    08

    South Cappadocia Tour & Return Flight to Istanbul

    After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, you will be picked up around 09:30 AM to begin your full-day South Cappadocia Tour.

    Your first stop is the spectacular Red Valley, where you'll visit rock-cut churches and enjoy a scenic 5 km hike through the neighboring Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi), famous for its pink-toned rock formations and peaceful trails.

    Next, you'll visit Çavuşin Village, home to abandoned stone houses and cave churches once inhabited by Christian monks. Around midday, you'll pause for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine.

    After lunch, continue to Pigeon Valley, named for the thousands of dovecotes carved into the cliffs by local farmers. The final stop of the tour will be a visit to one of Cappadocia’s incredible underground cities — either the Kaymakli Underground City or Ozkonak Underground City, both used as shelters by early Christians.

    The tour concludes around 4:00 PM, after which you’ll be transferred to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Flight departure times typically range between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM, with a flight duration of approximately 1.5 hours. End of Our Services.

    Please note: Transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price. However, you may select an optional airport transfer service during booking for an additional cost.

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

  • Pick-up from city center hotels & transfer to Istanbul Airport (only for hotels on the European side).
  • Domestic flight tickets (Antalya to Kayseri & Kayseri to Istanbul) as per the itinerary.
  • Intercity bus ticket from Pamukkale to Antalya.
  • 1 night in Çanakkale at a 3-star hotel, including breakfast.
  • 2 nights in Kusadasi 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 during the tours.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch).
  • All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Local taxes & service charges.

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Drop-off transportation service from Istanbul New Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel upon returning to Istanbul.
  • International flight tickets.
  • Visa to enter Turkey.
  • Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride.
  • Optional tours mentioned in the itinerary (available at an additional cost).
  • Services not specified in the itinerary.
  • Dinners and all drinks.
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

Additional Information

  • 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.
  • Vegetarian lunch option available upon request.
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I make an online reservation?

After reviewing the detailed tour itinerary, you can make an online reservation by following these steps:

  1. Select Your Tour Details:
    • Go to the tour itinerary page.
    • On the right side of the page, find the online booking form.
    • Select the number of travelers and your desired tour start date.
  2. Choose Extra Options (Add-Ons):
    • Proceed to the next step to view available add-ons.
    • Choose any extra options you wish to include in your tour package.
  3. Provide Your Information & Passenger Details:
    • Continue to the checkout page.
    • Fill in the required personal details (name, email, phone number, etc.).
    • Enter the passenger information using valid passport details.
    • Click “Place Order” to submit the form and complete your reservation request.
  4. Enter Your Visa or MasterCard Credit Card Information
    • Please enter a valid Visa or MasterCard to complete your booking.
    • The credit card used for payment must belong to one of the travelers who will be participating in the tour. This is required for verification and security purposes.
    • Once the required 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your tour reservation will be confirmed via email within 24 hours.
    • The remaining 70% balance must be paid in cash to our representative on the day you arrive in Istanbul. You will receive a receipt upon payment. If you prefer to pay the remaining balance by credit card, a 5% bank processing fee will be added to cover transaction costs.

How can we make payment?

The deposit or full-payment requirement, currency, balance due date and any disclosed payment-processing charge vary by booking and are stated on the current booking page and in the written confirmation before payment. Flight and bus tickets are issued only under the confirmed booking terms and, once issued, are non-refundable. If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

When will I receive confirmation after making a reservation?

Once your online reservation is received and the specified 30% deposit is charged to your credit card, your domestic flight tickets will be confirmed. You will receive an email confirmation, including all the details, within 2-3 days.

Can I customize the tour itinerary?

Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your preferences. Please contact us in advance if you have specific requests or changes you’d like to make to the itinerary. Some changes may be subject to an additional fee.

What extra activities are popular in Cappadocia?

Cappadocia offers a variety of extra activities to enhance your experience, all available at an additional cost:

  • Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: Start your day with a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. This unforgettable experience provides panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and valleys.
  • ATV Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden trails on an exciting ATV (quad bike) tour. It’s a thrilling way to discover the area’s natural beauty off the beaten path.
  • Horseback Riding: Enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the valleys and hills of Cappadocia. Known as the “Land of Beautiful Horses,” this activity offers a unique perspective of the region.
  • Whirling Dervish Show: In the evening, immerse yourself in Turkish culture by attending a traditional Whirling Dervish Show. Witness the mesmerizing Sema ceremony, a spiritual dance that has been performed for centuries.
  • Turkish Night Show with Dinner: Experience an authentic Turkish Night Show featuring traditional music, folk dances, and belly dancing performances. Enjoy a delicious dinner while immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Turkey.
  • Turkish Bath (Hamam) Experience: Relax and rejuvenate with a traditional Turkish bath, a unique experience that combines steam, massage, and cleansing rituals.

These activities can be arranged upon request and are not included in the standard tour package. We recommend booking in advance to ensure availability.

Can you swim in Pamukkale?

Yes, you can swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during your free time. This activity is optional and comes at an additional cost. The tour guide will provide you with the exact meeting point and time for rejoining the group afterward.

What is the luggage allowance for domestic flights during the tour?

On domestic flights in Turkey, the luggage allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person for checked baggage. For carry-on luggage, you are allowed one piece weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) per person. If your total luggage weight per person is within these limits, you should be fine.

Please note that any excess luggage weight over 15 kg for checked baggage will incur additional charges by the airlines. These extra charges are not included in the tour price and are your responsibility to pay directly to the airline at the time of check-in. We recommend packing accordingly to avoid any unexpected fees.

Your luggage is your own responsibility throughout the tour. Please ensure that you handle any issues related to overweight or excess baggage directly with the airlines.

What is the cancellation policy?

If you need to cancel or change your travel dates, notify One Nation Travel at least 5 days before the tour starts. For requests received at least 5 days before the tour starts, the cost of all non-refundable flight and bus tickets will be deducted from your paid balance. For requests received less than 5 days before the tour starts, and for no-shows, the full amount paid is non-refundable.

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.