15-Day Highlights of Turkey Tour: Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya & Cappadocia

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you will be met by our representative holding a sign with our agency code. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in.

The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

For those who would like to experience Istanbul by night, there is an optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. This memorable evening excursion includes a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet, with dinner served onboard. During the cruise, you will enjoy live entertainment, including Turkish folk dances, and belly dancing performances. (Optional, at extra cost).

• Overnight: Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): None
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 2: Istanbul Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel by your professional, licensed guide to begin a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s most important historical monuments.

Your first stop will be the Hagia Sophia, the crowning glory of Byzantine architecture, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Once the largest church in Christendom, later an imperial mosque, and now a museum-mosque, it stands as a masterpiece blending Christian and Islamic art.

Next, visit the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is famous for its six elegant minarets and interior walls adorned with over 20,000 blue İznik tiles, making it one of the most visited landmarks in Istanbul.

Continue with a walk through the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social and political life. This vast public arena was used for chariot races and imperial ceremonies, and today you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, brought from Egypt in the 4th century, the Serpent Column, originally from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and the German Fountain, a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II to the Ottoman Sultan.

Around midday, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Turkish restaurant, where you will sample traditional dishes.

In the afternoon, proceed to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Within its vast courtyards, you will see imperial collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, Ottoman miniatures, and one of the most celebrated treasures of the world: the Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond. You may also choose to visit the Harem section (optional, extra fee).

The final stop of the day will be the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With more than 4,000 shops, it offers everything from carpets, kilims, and jewelry to ceramics, leather goods, and spices.

At the end of the tour, around 5:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free at leisure.

• Overnight: Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 3: Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Market Tour

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin a half-day guided tour exploring Istanbul’s vibrant markets and the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait.

Your first visit will be to the lively Spice Market, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in the 17th century, it remains one of Istanbul’s most colorful and fragrant shopping destinations. Here you will find a wide array of aromatic spices, herbs, teas, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional Turkish delights. The atmosphere of this bustling bazaar offers a true taste of local culture.

From the Spice Market, you will continue to the Eminönü Pier to board a shared boat for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, the natural strait dividing Europe and Asia.

During the cruise, you will enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s skyline and famous landmarks from the water. You will clearly see the grand Dolmabahce Palace, the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge as you pass by. Please note that these monuments are not visited inside during this tour, they can only be admired from the boat. Along the way, you will also see centuries-old Ottoman mansions, charming wooden yalıs, and impressive fortresses that decorate the shoreline.

The cruise concludes around 12:00 noon. You will disembark and be transferred back to your hotel, arriving around 12:15 pm. The remainder of the day is free at leisure to rest, shop, or explore more of Istanbul on your own.

• Overnight: Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 4: Istanbul to Gallipoli – Guided ANZAC Battlefields Tour

After an early breakfast at your hotel, around 6:30 am, you will be picked up for your journey to Gallipoli. The drive takes approximately 5 hours with comfort stops along the way. On arrival in Eceabat, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your guided tour of the Gallipoli battlefields.

At 1:00 pm, your professional guide will lead you through the historic sites of the Gallipoli Peninsula, where one of the most significant campaigns of World War I took place. During the tour, you will visit:

The famous ANZAC Cove, where the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on 25 April 1915, and the Beach Cemetery, which contains the grave of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, known as “the man with the donkey.”

The Ari Burnu Cemetery and the ANZAC Commemorative Site, where dawn services are held each year.

The Lone Pine Australian Memorial, dedicated to the Australian soldiers who lost their lives during the campaign, and Johnston’s Jolly, where you can walk through preserved trenches used by both the Turks and the Allied forces.

The 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, honoring the heroic Turkish regiment, and The Nek, a narrow ridge that witnessed some of the fiercest fighting of the campaign.

Finally, visit the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, the most significant site for New Zealanders, commemorating their sacrifice in this historic battle.

The tour ends around 4:30 pm. After the visit, you will be transferred to your hotel in Çanakkale for check-in and overnight stay.

• Overnight: Canakkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Grand Anzac Hotel OR Helen Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 5: Troy and Pergamon Tour – Transfer to Kusadasi

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 am to begin a full-day guided tour of Troy and Pergamon.

The morning starts with a visit to the legendary Ancient City of Troy. Here you will see the symbolic Trojan Horse, the Sacrificial Altars, and the 3,700-year-old city walls. You will also explore the remains of Troy I (3000–2500 B.C.), the Bouleuterion (Senate House), and the Odeon (Concert Hall). As you walk through the site, your guide will explain the many layers of civilization uncovered here, from Troy I through to Troy IX, representing over 4,000 years of history and mythology.

After finishing the Troy tour around 10:30 am, you will depart for Bergama, the site of ancient Pergamon. Upon arrival around 1:30 pm, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with a fully guided visit to the Acropolis of Pergamon.

In Pergamon, you will explore the spectacular Acropolis, which was once a center of culture and politics in the Hellenistic world. Highlights include the renowned Library of Pergamon, which once held over 200,000 scrolls, the Temple of Athena, and the Temple of Trajan. You will also see the remains of the famous Altar of Zeus (its original structure is preserved in Berlin’s Pergamon Museum), the terraced Gymnasium, the Lower Agora, the Hellenistic Theater with seating for 10,000 spectators, and the Temple of Dionysus.

The tour ends around 5:30 pm. Afterward, you will depart for Selçuk, arriving at approximately 8:00 pm, and continue to Kuşadası, reaching around 8:30 pm. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.

• Overnight: Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 6: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:30 am, you will be picked up by your professional guide to begin a full-day tour of the magnificent ancient city of Ephesus and its surrounding landmarks.

Your day starts with a visit to the well-preserved Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, one of the best archaeological sites in the world. As you walk along its marble streets, you will explore the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater which once seated 25,000 spectators, the Temple of Hadrian, the Trajan Fountain, and other highlights such as the Odeon, the Scholastica Baths, and the Agora. Your guide will bring the ancient city to life with stories of daily Roman life, commerce, and culture.

Next, you will visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. This peaceful spot in the hills is visited by both Christians and Muslims, and it is recognized by the Vatican as a holy site.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the remains of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a single column remains standing today, the site is steeped in history and significance.

Your final stop will be the Isabey Mosque, built in 1375, one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture in the region. With its elegant courtyard and unique decorative features, it reflects the cultural diversity of the area.

The tour ends around 5:00 pm, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel in Kuşadası. The evening is free to rest or explore the lively seafront promenade.

• Overnight: Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Efe Boutique Hotel OR Neopol Hotel Deluxe OR Derici Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 7: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Ancient City Tour

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Kusadasi, around 7:30 am, you will be picked up and driven towards Pamukkale. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, with a short refreshment stop along the way. Upon arrival around 11:00 am, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your guided tour of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Your tour begins with the breathtaking Pamukkale Travertines, also known as the “Cotton Cliffs.” These striking white terraces, formed by natural hot springs rich in calcium carbonate, have created cascading pools that resemble frozen waterfalls. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a natural wonder and one of the most photographed places in Turkey.

Next, you will explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman spa city founded in the 2nd century B.C. Highlights include the grand Theater of Hierapolis, which once seated 12,000 people and still stands remarkably well-preserved, the vast Necropolis with its hundreds of sarcophagi, the Roman Baths, the Domitian Gate, and Frontinus Street, the city’s ancient colonnaded main road.

You will also have free time to experience the famous Antique Pools of Pamukkale (optional, extra charge), also known as Cleopatra’s Pool. Here, you can swim among ancient marble columns that collapsed into the water centuries ago during an earthquake.

The tour ends around 4:30 pm. Afterward, you will be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale for check-in and overnight stay.

• Overnight: Pamukkale
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Adempira Thermal & Spa Hotel OR Colossae Thermal Hotel OR Hierapark Thermal & Spa Hotel Deluxe or similar (Standard quality)

Day 8: Pamukkale to Antalya by Local Bus – Free Afternoon

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Pamukkale, you will be transferred to the local bus station to board an intercity coach to Antalya. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through scenic landscapes of southwestern Turkey.

Upon arrival at Antalya bus station, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center for check-in. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure.

You may choose to relax at your hotel, stroll through the charming narrow streets of Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town), enjoy Turkish coffee in a traditional café, or visit the picturesque Antalya Marina. For those who prefer relaxation, you can spend time on the beautiful Konyaaltı Beach, just outside the city center.

• Overnight: Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel OR Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 9: Perge, Aspendos, Side and Manavgat Waterfall Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:00 am, you will be picked up for a full-day guided excursion exploring some of the most important archaeological and natural highlights around Antalya.

The first stop is the ancient city of Perge, once a thriving Roman settlement. Here you will walk along its impressive colonnaded streets and see the ancient stadium, Roman baths, monumental gates, and the agora. Your guide will explain how Perge became an important center of art and culture in the Pamphylia region.

Continue to Aspendos, famous for its magnificent Roman theater, considered one of the best-preserved in the world. With a seating capacity of 15,000, the theater is still in use today for concerts and festivals, showcasing the brilliance of Roman engineering and acoustics.

After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the seaside town of Side. Once a major port city in antiquity, Side is home to remarkable ruins, including the Ancient Theater with a capacity of 20,000, the Roman Baths, and the beautifully located Temple of Apollo, standing dramatically by the sea.

The final stop of the day is the picturesque Manavgat Waterfall. Surrounded by lush greenery, the falls cascade into the Manavgat River, offering a peaceful and scenic end to the day.

After the tour ends around 5:30 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Antalya.

• Overnight: Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel OR Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 10: Free Day in Antalya

After breakfast at your hotel, the entire day is free for you to enjoy Antalya at your own pace.

You may choose to relax on the beautiful Konyaaltı Beach or Lara Beach, both known for their crystal-clear waters and long stretches of sand. For those who prefer exploring, you can wander through the charming streets of Kaleiçi (Old Town), where narrow cobblestone alleys are lined with Ottoman-era houses, boutique shops, and quaint cafés.

Another option is to visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of Turkey’s most important museums, showcasing artifacts from the region’s ancient civilizations, including statues from Perge and treasures from surrounding archaeological sites.

If you enjoy nature, you might take an optional trip to the nearby Düden Waterfalls, located just outside the city, where cascading waters plunge dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea.

The day is yours to design — whether you prefer relaxation, culture, shopping, or sightseeing, Antalya offers something for everyone.

• Overnight: Antalya
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: 1207 Boutique Hotel OR Kosa Boutique Hotel OR Alp Pasa Boutique Hotel OR Aspen Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 11: Flight from Antalya to Kayseri/Nevsehir – Free Day in Cappadocia

After breakfast, check out of your hotel in Antalya. You will be picked up from the hotel lobby and transferred to Antalya Airport to board your domestic flight to either Kayseri or Nevsehir via Istanbul.

Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free at leisure.

You may choose to relax at your cave-style hotel, take a short walk in the surrounding valleys, or simply enjoy the unique scenery of Cappadocia as you prepare for the exciting tours ahead.

• Overnight: Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Zula Cave Hotel OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 12: North Cappadocia (Red Tour)

After breakfast at your hotel, around 9:30 am, you will be picked up to begin a full-day guided tour of the northern region of Cappadocia, known as the Red Tour.

The first stop is Devrent Valley, also called “Imagination Valley.” The unique rock formations here resemble various animal shapes, such as camels and seals, and offer a magical start to the day.

Next, visit Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), famous for its striking fairy chimneys with twin and even triple rock caps. These natural formations were once home to hermit monks, and your guide will explain their fascinating history.

Continue to the pottery town of Avanos, situated along the Kızılırmak River. Here you will see traditional pottery workshops that have been in operation since Hittite times. You may even try your hand at making pottery on the wheel.

After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the Zelve Open Air Museum. This remarkable site is one of the earliest settled and last-abandoned monastic valleys in Cappadocia. You will explore its cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and tunnels, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s unique monastic life and history.

The final stop of the day is Uçhisar Castle, the highest natural rock formation in Cappadocia. From its summit, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the valleys and fairy chimneys that define the region’s landscape.

After the tour ends around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

• Overnight: Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Zula Cave Hotel OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 13: South Cappadocia Tour

After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel. At approximately 9:30 am, you will be picked up and met by your tour guide to begin your full-day tour of South Cappadocia. Your guide will brief you on the day’s activities.

The tour starts with a visit to the Red Valley, where you can explore the famous rock-cut churches and hike approximately 5 km through the stunning Rose Valley (Güllüdere Vadisi).

Next, you will visit Çavuşin Village, renowned for its historic cave houses and churches once home to Christian clergymen. Afterward, you’ll take a break for lunch around noon at a local restaurant.

Following lunch, the tour continues with a visit to the beautiful Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik Vadisi), known for its breathtaking scenery and dovecotes carved into the cliffs.

In the afternoon, you will explore either the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City or the Ozkonak Underground City, where early Christians sought refuge from Roman and Byzantine persecution. These multi-level subterranean cities include tunnels, living quarters, kitchens, stables, and chapels carved deep into the earth.

The tour ends around 4:00 pm, after which you will be transferred back to your hotel.

• Overnight: Cappadocia
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Heaven Cave House OR Zula Cave Hotel OR Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 14: Derinkuyu Underground City & Ihlara Valley Tour – Flight to Istanbul

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel, and around 9:30 am, you will be picked up to begin your full-day South Cappadocia tour.

The first stop is the fascinating Derinkuyu Underground City, a vast subterranean settlement carved by early Christians to escape persecution. With its multi-level tunnels, living spaces, kitchens, storage rooms, stables, and chapels, this underground city gives you a vivid picture of how ancient communities lived in safety beneath the earth.

After exploring Derinkuyu, continue to the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Here, you will enjoy a scenic hike of about 4 km along the Melendiz River, passing by rock-cut churches adorned with centuries-old frescoes while surrounded by the valley’s lush greenery and dramatic cliffs.

On the way back, stop at Selime Monastery in Selime Village (Güzelyurt). This impressive rock-cut monastery complex includes a cathedral-sized church, monks’ quarters, and kitchens, offering yet another fascinating example of Cappadocia’s cave architecture.

The tour ends around 4:00 pm. You will then be transferred to either Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.

• Overnight: Istanbul
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
• Accommodation: Antea Hotel Oldcity OR Muyan Suites OR Deluxe Golden Horn Hotel or similar (Standard quality)

Day 15: Departure from Istanbul – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Istanbul (check-out is before 12:00 noon). You will then be transferred to Istanbul International Airport according to your flight details. This marks the end of our tour and services.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast

INCLUDED in the Tour Price:

• Arrival and departure airport transfers, ground transportation as per itinerary
• Domestic flight tickets as per the itinerary
• Intercity bus ticket from Pamukkale to Antalya
• 4 nights in Istanbul at 4-star or Boutique Hotels including breakfast
• 1 night in Canakkale at a 3-star or Boutique Hotel including breakfast
• 2 nights in Kusadasi at a 4-star hotel including breakfast
• 1 night in Pamukkale at a Thermal Hotel including breakfast
• 3 nights in Antalya at Boutique Hotels including breakfast
• 3 nights in Cappadocia at a cave hotel including breakfast
• English-speaking licensed guide during the tours
• Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the program
• Local taxes and service charges

NOT INCLUDED:

• International flight tickets
• Visa to enter Turkey
• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional, at additional cost)
• Optional tours mentioned in the program (provided at an additional cost)
• Services not mentioned in the program
• Drinks and dinners
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

IMPORTANT INFO:

• 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.
• 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
• Please note that the Blue Mosque is not open for visitation on Fridays as it is closed for religious prayer services. You will only be able to visit the outside of the Blue Mosque area on tours operated on Fridays. No visitation will be allowed inside the Blue Mosque for tourists on Fridays.
• Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday, it will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici).
• Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.
• During religious holidays, the spice market and Grand Bazaar are closed.
• On flights luggage allowance is 15 kg per person for checked in luggage. For carry-on, you can take up to 8 kg per person. One carry-on is allowed per person.