12-Day “Grand Turkey In-Depth Tour”
Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia + more)
Overview:
An unforgettable journey through the heart of Turkey. This 12-day immersive itinerary covers ancient cities, coastal towns, thermal springs, epic battlefields, and fairy chimneys. Visit all the UNESCO icons like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus, plus lesser-known gems like Pergamon, Ankara, Troy, and Aphrodisias.
You’ll travel in comfort with a licensed guide and a small group, staying in boutique accommodations—including a cave hotel and thermal spa—and exploring at a pace that balances depth and discovery.
“Anıtkabir, Modern Turkey’s Founding Spirit”
✅ What’s Included :
-
11 nights in 4★ hotels & boutique stays (cave & thermal)
-
Daily breakfast + 6 additional meals (lunches & dinners)
-
All entrance fees, museum tickets & taxes
-
English-speaking licensed guide throughout
-
Private van or minibus transportation
-
1 domestic flight (if used to reduce drive time)
-
Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
-
Cultural stops (artisan demos, local family visits, ferry rides)
❌ What’s Not Included
-
International flights to/from Turkey
-
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
-
Personal expenses (souvenirs, minibar, laundry, etc.)
-
Optional activities (e.g. hot air balloon in Cappadocia)
-
Tips for guide & driver (suggested: $5–10/day per person)
-
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
-
Visa fees (if applicable)
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! After airport transfer and hotel check-in, enjoy free time to explore or relax.
🛏️ Overnight in Istanbul | 🍴Dinner included
Day 2: Istanbul Full-Day Tour
Explore Istanbul’s most iconic sites including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
🛏️ Overnight in Istanbul | 🍴Breakfast & Lunch included
Day 3: Dolmabahçe Palace & Ankara
Morning visit to Dolmabahçe Palace, then travel to Ankara (by high-speed train or coach). Visit Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
🛏️ Overnight in Ankara | 🍴Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 4: Salt Lake & Cappadocia
Drive through Central Anatolia, stopping at Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) and a Seljuk caravanserai before arriving in Cappadocia.
🛏️ Overnight in Cappadocia | 🍴Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 5: Cappadocia Wonders
Optional sunrise hot air balloon ride. Visit Göreme Open Air Museum, underground city, and enjoy artisan visits or local tea with a family.
🛏️ Overnight in Cappadocia | 🍴Breakfast & Lunch included
Day 6: Konya & Pamukkale
Depart Cappadocia and visit the Mevlâna Museum in Konya. Continue to Pamukkale and enjoy thermal pools at your hotel.
🛏️ Overnight in Pamukkale | 🍴Breakfast & Dinner included
“Step into Homer’s Troy”
“Stay in Cappadocia’s Cave Comfort”
“Europe & Asia in One Frame
Day 7: Pamukkale & Aphrodisias
Explore the travertines and ancient Hierapolis. Visit Aphrodisias, then continue to the Aegean coast.
🛏️ Overnight in Kuşadası | 🍴Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 8: Ephesus & İzmir
Tour ancient Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, and the Archaeological Museum. Continue to İzmir in the evening.
🛏️ Overnight in İzmir | 🍴Breakfast included
Day 9: Pergamon & Troy
Ride the cable car to Pergamon’s Acropolis. Continue to the ancient city of Troy.
🛏️ Overnight in Çanakkale | 🍴Breakfast & Dinner included
Day 10: Gallipoli Battlefields & Return to Istanbul
Visit the ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Turkish memorials. Drive back to Istanbul in the afternoon.
🛏️ Overnight in Istanbul | 🍴Breakfast & Farewell Dinner included
“Discover the Cliffside Ruins of Pergamon”
Walk Through the Forgotten City of Aphrodisias”
Day 11: Free Day in Istanbul
Enjoy a full day to relax, shop at the bazaars, cruise the Bosphorus, or visit remaining landmarks.
🛏️ Overnight in Istanbul | 🍴Breakfast included
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your international flight.
🍴Breakfast included
Optional Extensions Before or After Your Main Tour
BODRUM
Unwind on the Aegean coast with a boutique BB stay in Bodrum’s charming harbor area. Stroll its historic castle, explore vibrant markets, or relax by turquoise waters.
Bodrum also offers a wide range of luxury resorts for those seeking an upgraded beach escape.
Flexible Dates Before or After Main Tour