Overview

Our Best of Turkey Tour offers the perfect balance of Turkey’s most captivating destinations in a compact 11-day itinerary. This carefully designed journey takes you through the country’s most significant historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures.

From the magnificent mosques and palaces of Istanbul to the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, this tour showcases the incredible diversity that makes Turkey such a fascinating destination.

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

The only city in the world spanning two continents—Europe and Asia—across the Bosphorus Strait. With a history dating back nearly 3,000 years, Istanbul has been the capital of three great empires.

Accommodation: : 5 Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Explore the magnificent landmarks of Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace (primary residence of Ottoman sultans for 400 years), Hagia Sophia (6th-century architectural wonder), the Blue Mosque (famous for its blue Iznik tiles), Hippodrome (center of Byzantine civic life), and the Grand Bazaar (one of the world’s oldest markets with over 4,000 shops).

Distance: 5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5 Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 3: Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale

Visit the Spice Market, Rustem Pasha Mosque (featuring the finest Iznik tiles), and stroll in Eminonu, seeing Galata Tower and Bridge. Explore Gallipoli including World War I memorials at ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine Cemetery, where over 100,000 soldiers perished in 1915. Cross the Dardanelles, and visit the city of Canakkale.

The Gallipoli Campaign was one of the most poignant battles of WWI, now a place of pilgrimage for many Australians, New Zealanders, and Turks.

Distance: 320 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4 Star Iris Hotel in Canakkale

Day 4: Troy (World Heritage Site) - Pergamon (World Heritage Site) - Kusadasi

Discover the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s “Iliad.” Walk through 9 layers of ancient settlements dating from 3000 BC to 500 AD and see the replica of the Trojan horse. Explore the ancient hospital complex of Asklepion in Pergamon, where Galen, the father of modern medicine, once practiced.

Troy was considered mythical until its discovery in the 1870s. The archaeological site contains multiple layers of ruins spanning 4,000 years of civilization.

Distance: 390 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Elite World Kusadası in Kusadasi

Day 5: Ephesus (World Heritage Site) - Kusadasi

Visit the House of Virgin Mary, the incredible ancient city of Ephesus with its colossal Greek Theatre that seated 25,000 spectators, the Marble Road once trod by Anthony and Cleopatra, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Diana (once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), and the Basilica of St. John.

Ephesus was once the second-largest city in the Roman Empire with a population of 250,000, offering an unparalleled glimpse into daily life during the Roman era.

Distance: 30 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Elite World Kusadası in Kusadasi

Day 6: Aphrodisias (World Heritage Site) - Laodiceia - Pamukkale (World Heritage Site)

Explore Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite, featuring one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums that could seat 30,000 spectators. Visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Marvel at Pamukkale’s white calcium travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis with its remarkably preserved necropolis containing more than 1,200 tombs.

Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, named for its white calcium deposits that have created natural terraced pools over thousands of years.

Distance: 280 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Hierapark Hotel in Pamukkale

Day 7: Catalhoyuk (World Heritage Site) - Konya

Visit Catalhoyuk, featuring Neolithic occupation between 7400 BC and 6200 BC—one of the world’s oldest towns that has revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric human civilization. In Konya, explore the Whirling Dervish Museum dedicated to the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi, and the 13th century Karatay Madrasa with its beautiful turquoise tile work.

Catalhoyuk is considered the oldest permanently occupied human settlement ever discovered, predating pottery and even agriculture in some areas.

Distance: 390 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Bayir Diamond Hotel in Konya

Day 8: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Visit the spectacular Ihlara Valley, a 16 km long canyon with the Melendiz River flowing through it, dotted with rock-cut Byzantine churches. Explore Kaymakli underground city, a multi-level subterranean settlement that could shelter thousands of people. Marvel at Uchisar and Ortahisar rock castles, and Sinasos (Mustafa Pasha) with its historical Greek and Ottoman houses.

Cappadocia’s underground cities were built by early Christians to hide from religious persecution. Some could shelter up to 20,000 people along with their livestock.

Distance: 240 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia

Day 9: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia early in the morning. Discover Cappadocia’s unique landscape, visit Magic Valley with its fairy chimneys, Zelve Open Air Museum showcasing a rock-cut Byzantine monastery complex, Monk’s Valley (Pasabag) with its remarkable mushroom-shaped pinnacles, and Goreme Open Air Museum containing some of the finest rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes. Visit potter’s workshops in Avanos, famous for its distinctive red clay ceramics.

Cappadocia’s landscape was formed when ancient volcanic eruptions blanketed the region in ash, which solidified into soft rock. Wind and water erosion sculpted the terrain into the fantastical “fairy chimneys” seen today.

Distance: 40 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia

Day 10: Cappadocia - Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Cappadocia airport for your flight to Istanbul. Free afternoon in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5 Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 11: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Istanbul International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Small Group Tour Rates for 2025

• Per Person (Double Room): $2,490 USD
• Single Supplement: $790 USD (for solo travelers)

What’s Included

• Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Private licensed tour guide
• Private touring car
• Entrance fees per itinerary
• Meals: 10 breakfasts, 8 dinners
• Private airport transfers
• Local taxes, fees and handling charges
• No hidden costs

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Beverages
• Gratuities ($10 for driver and $10 for guide per day per person)
• Hot air balloon in Cappadocia (optional)

Optional Activities

Make your tour even more memorable with these optional experiences:

Upcoming Departure Dates

Join our next small group tours:

Booking Information

• Minimum Participants: 4 travelers
• Maximum Group Size: 8 travelers
• Deposit Required: 25% of total tour cost

Cancellation Policy

• 60+ days before departure: Full refund
• 30-60 days before departure: 50% refund
• Less than 30 days before departure: No refund, only credit

We recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Why Choose Our Treasures of Ancient Turkey Tour?

• Historical Range: Experience 9,000 years of human civilization in just 11 days
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides with deep historical expertise
• UNESCO Focus: Visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with in-depth cultural insights
• Small Groups: Maximum 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and better access to sites
• Archaeological Significance: Visit Catalhoyuk, which has revolutionized our understanding of human history
• Authentic Experiences: Stay in a genuine cave hotel, taste local cuisine, and interact with local artisans
• Comfortable Pace: Carefully planned route minimizes travel time and maximizes experiences
• No Hidden Costs: All entrance fees, transfers, and most meals included

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How strenuous is this tour?
A: This tour involves moderate walking on uneven terrain at archaeological sites. Participants should be able to walk 2-3 miles per day and climb stairs. Mount Nemrut includes a moderately steep 800m walk to reach the summit.

Q: What is the best time to visit Turkey?
A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is warmer but still enjoyable, while winter tours offer the advantage of no crowds at major sites.

Q: Do I need a visa for Turkey?
A: Many nationalities require an e-visa, which can be obtained online before travel. Please check the current requirements for your country.

Q: What should I pack for this tour?
A: Comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for mosque visits (head coverings for women), lightweight clothing in summer, layers in spring/fall, and a good camera for capturing the incredible historical sites.

Q: Are meals accommodating for dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, Turkish cuisine offers many vegetarian options, and we can accommodate most dietary requirements with advance notice.