Day 1: Upon your arrival at Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen airport in Turkey, you will be greeted by your driver at the gate terminal exit for a private transfer to your pre-booked hotel located in the heart of Istanbul city.
Day 2: Your private guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to embark on a full-day walking tour of Istanbul’s ancient sites. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit the following locations:
Explore the old city of Istanbul, the historical and cultural heart of the city that served as the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Visit and enter the Blue Mosque, one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul with its distinctive blue tiles and six towering minarets. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and significance of this sacred site.
Visit and enter Topkapi Palace, the grand residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Marvel at the opulent decor and intricate details of the palace, and learn about the lives of the sultans and their families.
Enter the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a site with a complex and storied history. Originally built as a church in the 6th century by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it was later converted into a mosque during the Ottoman era. In 1935, it was transformed into a museum, and in 2020 it was converted back into a mosque. Admire the impressive architecture and explore the interior of this stunning structure.
Explore the street markets of the Grand Bazaar, an ancient covered market with over 4,000 shops selling everything from Turkish carpets to spices, jewelry, and souvenirs. Enjoy the freedom to shop along the way and soak up the bustling atmosphere of one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Your guide will accompany you back to the hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 3: On the third day of this itinerary, you will embark on a day trip from Istanbul to Troy. Your private driver and vehicle will be ready in the early morning at your hotel for a full-day tour of the following sites in Troy:
Visit and see the wooden Trojan horse, a symbol of the ancient Greek city of Troy and a key element in the story of the Trojan War.
See the remains of the nine ancient cities built one over another at the archaeological site of Troy. Learn about the city’s long and fascinating history and see the various layers of the city’s ruins that were built on top of one another over thousands of years.
Visit the battlefield, where the Trojan War is said to have taken place. Stand where the ancient armies once stood and imagine the epic battles that took place in this historic location.
Visit the Roman Theater, a well-preserved ancient theater that was once used for gladiator battles and other public performances. Admire the impressive architecture and learn about the history of this stunning site.
View the Greco-Roman Senate building, a structure that once served as the political center of the ancient city of Troy. Learn about the political system of the ancient world and how the city was governed.
At the end of the tour, you will check into your pre-booked hotel room for an overnight stay in Troy.
Day 4: On the morning of your fourth day, your adventure continues with a trip to the historic Gallipoli region. Your private guide and driver will be waiting for you at the hotel to take you on a full-day tour of the following sites:
Visit Anzac Cove, a beautiful and solemn site that serves as a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I.
Visit Brighton Beach, an idyllic stretch of sand that was the site of the first landing of Australian and New Zealand troops during the Gallipoli Campaign.
Visit Ariburnu Cemetery, a peaceful and moving place that pays tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives in battle.
Visit the Anzac commemorative site and more, where you can learn about the history of the Gallipoli Campaign and pay your respects to those who fought and died there.
At the end of your Gallipoli tour, you will travel to Pergamum for an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel.
Day 5: Get ready for an unforgettable day of ancient exploration as you embark on a full-day tour of two of Türkiye’s most fascinating historical sites: Pergamum and Ephesus. After being picked up from your hotel, your expert guide will accompany you to the ancient city of Pergamum, where you’ll be transported back in time to the era of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Pergamum was once one of the most important cities in the ancient world, and it’s easy to see why. From the impressive Acropolis, perched high on a hill overlooking the city, to the many temples, theaters, and libraries that dot the landscape, Pergamum is a place of incredible beauty and historical significance.
During your tour of Pergamum, you’ll have the chance to visit and explore some of the city’s most impressive sites, including:
The Acropolis: This impressive hilltop fortress was once the center of Pergamum’s political and cultural life. Today, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is home to a number of impressive ruins, including the Temple of Trajan, the Library of Pergamum, and the Altar of Zeus.
The Asclepion: This ancient healing center was once one of the most important medical institutions in the ancient world. Here, patients would come to receive treatment and healing from the many doctors and healers who worked in the city.
The Theater: One of the largest and most impressive theaters in the ancient world, the Pergamum Theater could seat up to 10,000 spectators and was the site of many important performances and events.
The Red Basilica: This impressive temple was once one of the most important religious sites in the ancient world, and today it offers a fascinating glimpse into the architecture and culture of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
After your tour of Pergamum is complete, you’ll continue on to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll have the chance to explore the ruins of one of the greatest ancient cities in the world. From the stunning Celsus Library to the magnificent Great Theater, Ephesus is a place of incredible beauty and historical significance. Your expert guide will accompany you to explore the following sites:
Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved and most impressive ancient cities in the world.
View the stunning Celsus Library, a two-story, marble-clad structure that was one of the largest and most impressive libraries of the ancient world.
Visit and see the Temple of Hadrian, a beautiful and intricately designed temple that honors the Roman emperor of the same name.
Visit and enter the Great Theater, a massive outdoor amphitheater that could seat over 25,000 spectators and was used for a variety of performances and events.
View the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a breathtaking example of ancient Greek architecture.
Visit and enter the House of the Virgin Mary, a humble and beautiful stone house that is believed to have been the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
After an unforgettable day of exploration, you’ll be driven back to your hotel for a well-deserved overnight stay.
Day 6: On this day, you will depart for Pamukkale from Ephesus, where you will be transported in comfort and style by your private driver. Once you arrive at the site, you will be amazed by the stunning natural beauty and historical significance of the area. Your tour will include the following sites:
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was once a thriving Greco-Roman city and a center of healing with its thermal springs.
Relax and take a swim in the world-famous Pamukkale terraces, also known as the “cotton castle”, which is a beautiful natural site formed by the cascading mineral-rich waters.
Rent a private bathing room on site to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the warm and soothing mineral waters.
Visit the Cleopatra Swimming Pool, named after the legendary Egyptian queen who is said to have bathed in its warm, rejuvenating waters.
Explore the Necropolis, which houses the remains of the ancient residents of Hierapolis, including sarcophagi and the Sarcophagus of Marcus Aurelius.
At the end of your tour, you will be transported to your hotel for an overnight stay in Pamukkale. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique and fascinating part of Türkiye‘s cultural heritage!
Day 7: On this day, your private vehicle and driver will take you on a scenic drive from Pamukkale to Cappadocia, with a delightful stop at Salda Lake for a refreshing break. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and stunning mountain backdrop, Salda Lake is often referred to as “Türkiye’s Maldives.” You’ll have plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery and snap some amazing photos before continuing on to Cappadocia. The drive is approximately 6 hours, but the breathtaking landscapes and picturesque views along the way are sure to make the time fly by.
Once you arrive in Cappadocia, you’ll check in to your pre-booked hotel room for the first of two overnight stays in this magical region.
Day 8: Your first day in Cappadocia will be a full day tour in the north region. Your private guide and driver will meet you in the morning at the hotel and take you to explore the following sites:
First, you will take a leisurely walk around the stunning Uchisar Castle, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the region. You will feel like you are on top of the world!
Next, you will visit the Pasabag Museum, where you can see the unique mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, rock formations that are unique to Cappadocia.
Then, you will explore the picturesque Dervent Valley, with its stunning natural rock formations that look like animals. You can let your imagination run wild as you spot shapes like camels, seals, and even a giant rock-formed Madonna and Child.
In the charming town of Avanos, you will have the opportunity to observe local experts creating handmade pottery. You will see how the locals skillfully use the red clay from the Kizilirmak River, which runs through the town, to create beautiful ceramics.
You will also have the chance to shop for rare and valuable handmade products that are unique to the region.
Your Northern Cappadocia tour will end between 4-5 pm. After a full day of exploration and adventure, you will be driven back to your hotel for a second overnight stay in Cappadocia. Don’t forget to rest up for the second day of your Cappadocia tour!
Day 9: The final day in Cappadocia will be a full day tour to explore the southern region. Your private driver and guide will pick you up in the morning at your hotel to visit the following sites:
Admire the panoramic view of Goreme
Explore the underground city and learn about its history
Visit the charming Ortahisar Historical Greek village
Take in the stunning views of Pigeon Valley
Visit Kaledibi Monastery and discover its fascinating story
After the tour ends, you’ll be transferred to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul. Your private driver will be waiting to take you to your pre-booked hotel in Istanbul where you can rest and reflect on your amazing journey through the heart of Türkiye.
This trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come.
Day 10: On your penultimate day in Türkiye, you will embark on a private tour of Istanbul’s European and Asian sides. Your driver will arrive at your hotel between 9-10 am to begin the tour, which will include a visit to the following places:
Drive up Camlica Hill on the Asian side of Istanbul for breathtaking views of the city
Explore the Beylerbeyi Palace, a former imperial Ottoman summer residence, also located on the Asian side
Enjoy a leisurely one-hour boat tour on the beautiful waters of the Bosphorus, the strait that separates the European and Asian continents
Enter the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, which served as the main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century
Take a break and soak in the stunning views of the Golden Horn from the famous Pierre Loti Hill on the European side of the city
Stroll through the bustling streets of the Spice Bazaar, where you can find a wide variety of spices, sweets, and other local products.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Istanbul for an overnight stay. Make the most of your last night by savoring the local cuisine, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, and reflecting on the amazing memories you have made on this unforgettable journey.
Day 11: On your last day in Türkiye, you have the day free to relax and prepare for your journey back home. Take some time to explore the city on your own or simply unwind and reflect on your trip. Your private transfer to the airport will be arranged according to the time of your flight. Take one last look at the beautiful city of Istanbul, bid farewell to the hospitable people of Türkiye, and board your flight home with unforgettable memories of your amazing trip.
