Best Highlights of Turkey Tour :
This is a Private Tour and Available on Daily Basis
This comprehensive 12-day tour takes you on a captivating journey through the enchanting cities and historic sites of Turkey. Starting in Istanbul, you will immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this vibrant city, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. From there, you will venture to Ankara and Cappadocia, where you’ll explore ancient civilizations, remarkable rock formations, and underground cities. The tour continues to Pamukkale, known for its striking “Cotton Castle” terraces and the fascinating ruins of Hierapolis. Ephesus, with its well-preserved ancient ruins and the House of Virgin Mary, is another highlight of the journey. Pergamon and Troy offer a glimpse into the intriguing history of these legendary sites. The tour culminates with a visit to Gallipoli, a place of great historical significance. Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides will provide valuable insights, making this an unforgettable adventure through the wonders of Turkey.
Cost:
From USD 3050 per person based on double occupancy
Included :
Excluded :
Itinerary
Day 1 – ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, we will transfer you to your hotel where you will spend the night.
Day 2 – ISTANBUL
Let's begin exploring Istanbul. Our first visit is the Hippodrome, which served as the center of sports activities in Constantinople. It is famous for its four monuments: the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Hagia Sophia, one of Turkey's most famous museums and a magnificent architectural marvel, is next on our itinerary. Originally built as a church in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, it was later converted into a mosque by Ottoman Emperor Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1453. In 1935, it was transformed into a museum and has since welcomed visitors from both local and foreign origins. (Closed on Mondays) The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is a breathtaking structure and one of Turkey's most majestic Ottoman mosques. It is particularly notable for its unique six minarets. (Closed on Fridays) We will then visit Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence of the Ottoman dynasty for many years. It was also used for educational administration and served as the art center of the state. Here, you will learn about the imperial treasury's sacred Islamic relics, explore the palace kitchens, and view various weapons. (Closed on Tuesdays) Our next stop is the Grand Bazaar, the largest market and most attractive shopping center in Istanbul. It offers numerous shopping opportunities, including carpets, leather goods, jewelry, Turkish delight, gold, antique tiles, and more. (Closed on Sundays) At the end of the tour, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 – ANKARA
Early in the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Ankara. In Ankara, we will visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk. Afterward, we will depart for Cappadocia, making a stop at Salt Lake along the way. You will spend the night in Cappadocia.
Day 4 – CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast, we will embark on a full-day tour of Cappadocia. Our first destination is the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of five Byzantine Orthodox churches. We will then visit Uchisar Castle, a unique rock-hewn castle interconnected by stairs, tunnels, and passages. After a lunch break, we will explore Pasabagi (Monks Valley), known for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys with twin and triple rock caps, which are highly distinctive even for Cappadocia. We will also visit Avanos, famous for its pottery. Our final stop is Devrent Valley, renowned for its exceptional landscape. At the end of the tour, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5 – CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast, our guide will pick you up from your hotel. Our first visit of the day is Cavusin Village (Rose Valley), where fairy chimneys resembling mushrooms can be found. This area is also home to remarkable churches and remnants of Christian history. We will then proceed to Ortahisar Castle, similar in style to Uchisar Castle and featuring storage caves. After a lunch break, we will explore Kaymakli Underground City, once inhabited by early Christians who lived in fear and faith. On our way back, we will visit the Panoramic Pigeon Valley, where pigeons played a significant role in fertilizing the vineyards. At the end of the tour, we will return to the hotel for another overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 6 – KONYA
In the morning, we will drive to Konya, known as the City of Whirling Dervishes. En route, we will visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai and the Mausoleum of Mevlana. Afterward, we will continue our journey to Pamukkale, where you will spend the night.
Day 7 – PAMUKKALE
After breakfast, we will depart for Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle" due to its white, calcium-rich mineral bath spas. Pamukkale has been a popular spa town since Roman times, attracting tourists who seek relaxation in its warm and therapeutic waters. Hierapolis, or the "Holy City," was evangelized by Paul and Epaphras. It is unique in that it is not built on land or water but rather on limestone deposits above the mineral springs. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases various ruins, including the necropolis containing the sarcophagi of important ancient figures like Marcus Aurelius. After the tour, we will proceed to Kusadasi, where you will spend the night.
Day 8 – EPHESUS
After breakfast, we will visit Ephesus, once the second-largest city in the Roman Empire with a population of over 250,000 in the 1st century BC. It was the second-largest city in the world, second only to Rome itself. Ephesus was also a prominent harbor city and was constructed entirely out of marble. Did you know that Ephesus boasted the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, seating over 25,000 people? During our visit, we will see notable landmarks such as the Temple of Artemis, which is located near Ephesus and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will also visit the House of Virgin Mary, situated atop Ephesus and located 9 km away. This tranquil place is believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final days, and the shrine exudes a wonderful atmosphere amidst the greenery. At the end of the tour, we will return to Kusadasi for another overnight stay.
Day 9 – PERGAMON-TROY
In the morning, we will depart from Kusadasi and continue our journey to Pergamon. The most memorable experience awaits us here, as we explore the Acropolis, the Great Theatre, the Altar of Zeus, and the Red Basilica (formerly a pagan temple converted into a Christian church). We will then visit the Asclepion, a renowned medical center from antiquity. Afterward, we will drive to Troy, where we will see the famous Trojan Horse, the Troy Ancient Ruins, the Odeon, the City Walls, the Scaean Gate, the Sanctuary, and the Roman Bath. Our knowledgeable tour guide will provide you with information about the history, myths, and the Trojan Wars. At the end of the tour, we will spend the night in Canakkale.
Day 10 – GALLIPOLI
In the morning, we will drive to Gallipoli. Our visit will include Brighton Beach, the Beach Cemetery, Anzac Cove, Ari Burnu (the first Anzac landing place), the Australian Memorial, the View of Shrapnel Valley, the Turkish Memorial, The Nek, Walker's Bridge, and Chunuk Bair (the main New Zealand Memorial). After the tour, we will return to Istanbul, where you will spend the night at your hotel.
Day 11 – ISTANBUL
In the afternoon, we will embark on a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, allowing you to experience the mesmerizing journey between two continents: Europe and Asia. We will pass by Dolmabahce Palace and Beylerbeyi Palace. Pierre Loti Hill, named after a French author who had a fondness for Ottoman women (one of whom was named Aziyade), offers a panoramic view of the city. The name of the hill was given by the author in support of the Ottoman Empire. We will also take a cable car ride from the top of the hill down to the Golden Horn. The Golden Horn played a significant role in Istanbul's development, as it separates the European shore into two. At the end of the tour, we will return to your hotel for another overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 12 – ISTANBUL
You will have free time until your departure flight. We will then transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your journey back home.
Durations: Multi-day
Languages: English
