Experience the best of Turkey on this immersive 11-day tour combining vibrant cities, ancient wonders, and stunning natural landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where you’ll cruise the iconic Bosphorus, explore the Spice Bazaar, and visit the opulent Topkapi Palace. Continue to Ankara to see the Ataturk Mausoleum, then journey to magical Cappadocia, with its underground cities and surreal rock formations. Discover the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, followed by a deep dive into the classical world at Ephesus, home to the Temple of Hadrian and Celsus Library. Visit the historic healing center of Pergamon before returning to Istanbul to wrap up this unforgettable adventure through Turkey’s rich past and vibrant present.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Istanbul: a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was the site of chariot races for centuries, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Ankara: the capital city of Turkey, is known for its rich blend of ancient history and modern culture, and is home to landmarks like the Atatürk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
Cappadocia: The ancient region in central Anatolia, situated on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains, in the centre of present-day Turkey, boasts a lunar landscape and early Christian churches carved out of volcanic rock.
Pamukkale: famous for its stunning white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you can relax in the thermal waters that have drawn visitors for millennia.
Ephesus: an ancient city in Turkey, is renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the grand Library of Celsus and the impressive Great Theatre.
Pergamon: the city had great strategic value, since it overlooked the Caicus River Valley (Bakırçay) which provided access from Pergamon to the Aegean coast. Pergamon reached the height of its influence during the Hellenistic period, becoming the capital of the Attalid kings. During the Roman period the city was the first capital of the Asian province, but it eventually lost this status to its local rival, Ephesus. Pergamon is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL (45km – 50 min)
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market). We then head to the port for a beautiful Bosphorus cruise, offering stunning panoramic views of charming villages, opulent palaces, and fascinating waterfront mansions. Lunch included. In the afternoon, we visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans, renowned for its exceptional collection of jewels and porcelain.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: ISTANBUL – ANKARA (450km – 5.5hrs)
Morning departure after breakfast by road to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of the Turkish Republic.
Overnight in Ankara.
Day 4: ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA (300km – 3.5hrs)
After breakfast, depart for Cappadocia. Upon arrival, visit one of the region’s fascinating underground cities, built by early Christians as safe havens and featuring living quarters, kitchens, and ventilation shafts.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5: CAPPADOCIA
Today is dedicated to exploring the magical landscapes and cultural treasures of Cappadocia. Discover the awe-inspiring Goreme Valley, where ancient Byzantine churches carved into the rock are decorated with remarkable frescoes. Continue through Pasabag, home to the region’s iconic fairy chimneys, and admire the striking natural rock fortresses of Uchisar and Ortahisar. The journey continues through the valleys dotted with stone "mushroom" formations in Urgup and the charming town of Avanos, known for its centuries-old pottery and carpet weaving traditions. End the day with a visit to a local carpet workshop to see master artisans at work, preserving techniques passed down through generations.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6: CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (615km – 8hrs)
After breakfast, travel to Pamukkale (Cotton Castle). Along the way, visit a 13th-century Caravanserai, once used by Silk Road traders.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7: PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS – IZMIR or KUSADASI (280km – 3hrs)
Begin the day by exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis and Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of gigantic white waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools formed over centuries by the gliding of water laden with limestone salts from hot springs. Continue to Ephesus, one of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient cities in Asia Minor. Wander through its grand avenues and see remarkable landmarks such as the Temple of Hadrian, the Roman Baths, the Library of Celsus, the Odeon and the Grand Theater. The tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary and a glimpse of the remaining column from the legendary Temple of Artemis. En route to Izmir or Kusadasi, stop by a leather workshop showcasing local craftsmanship.
Overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi.
Day 8: IZMIR or KUSADASI
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax, explore the local area, or simply unwind by the Aegean coast. Whether you choose to stroll through lively markets, visit nearby historical sites, or savor regional cuisine, this free day offers a perfect opportunity to experience the pace and charm of the Turkish Riviera at your own rhythm.
Overnight in Izmir or Kusadasi.
Day 9: IZMIR or KUSADASI – PERGAMON – ISTANBUL (500km – 6hrs)
After breakfast, depart for the ancient city of Pergamon, once one of the most prominent cultural, commercial, and medical centers of the classical world. Here, you'll visit the famed Asclepion, an ancient healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. This site was home to the renowned physician Galen, whose work shaped the foundations of modern medicine. Explore the sleeping tunnels, a small theater used for patient therapy, healing pools, an ancient colonnaded avenue, and a courtyard framed by elegant Ionic columns—all impressive remnants of a once-thriving center of knowledge and care. After the visit, continue the journey back to Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10: ISTANBUL
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Istanbul at your own pace. Optional city tours available on request.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11: ISTANBUL DEPARTURE (45km – 50 min)
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight.
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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