Odyssey Turkey Tour 2025 - 16 Days | Complete Mediterranean Adventure

Overview

The Grand Odyssey Turkey Tour is our most comprehensive journey along the stunning Turkish coast and interior. This meticulously crafted 16-day adventure takes you through the full spectrum of Turkey’s historical and natural wonders, from the vibrant streets of Istanbul to the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia.

Experience the legacy of ancient civilizations at Troy, Ephesus, and Aphrodisias, discover hidden coastal treasures in Bodrum and Kas, and marvel at the otherworldly rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia. With expert guides and carefully selected accommodations, this tour offers the perfect balance of must-see highlights and off-the-beaten-path discoveries spanning over 9,000 years of human civilization.

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Arrival at Istanbul Airport and private transfer to your hotel in the historic old city.

Welcome to Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents—Europe and Asia. Once known as Constantinople, this magnificent city served as the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, leaving an extraordinary cultural heritage that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Distance: 45 km
Accommodation: 5-Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Explore Istanbul’s iconic landmarks including the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque with its beautiful blue tiles, Topkapi Palace and its Harem, Hagia Sophia with its magnificent Byzantine architecture and mosaics, and the Grand Bazaar with over 3,000 shops.

Discover the ancient Hippodrome where chariot races once thrilled crowds of 100,000 during Byzantine times. Marvel at the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque), famous for its 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles and unique six minarets. Explore Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for 400 years, with its opulent courtyards, priceless treasures, and mysterious harem quarters. Stand in awe beneath the 1,500-year-old dome of Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that served as both a Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque. Lose yourself in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets to jewelry.

Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5-Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 3: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Visit the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent with the best view of Golden Horn, enjoy a morning Bosphorus cruise, explore Taksim Square and walk along Istiklal Street. Enjoy local cuisine for lunch, see the Galata Tower, cross the Bridge, and visit the Spice Market and Rustem Pasha Mosque.

The Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by the great architect Sinan, offers panoramic views of the Golden Horn estuary that divides European Istanbul. The Bosphorus cruise reveals Istanbul’s magnificent skyline and waterfront palaces, connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Istiklal Street is a vibrant pedestrian avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, and cafes, stretching from Taksim Square to the medieval Galata Tower, which once served as a lookout for fires. The Egyptian Spice Market (Misir Carsisi) has offered exotic spices, Turkish delight, and local delicacies since the 1660s. Rustem Pasha Mosque boasts the most exquisite collection of Iznik tiles in Istanbul, a hidden gem of 16th-century Ottoman architecture.

Distance: 15 km
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5-Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 4: Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale

Travel to Gallipoli and visit World War I memorials including ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine Cemetery. Cross the Dardanelles and enjoy a brief visit to the city of Canakkale.

The Gallipoli Peninsula was the site of a devastating WWI campaign where over 100,000 soldiers perished in 1915, now a solemn place of pilgrimage particularly for visitors from Australia and New Zealand. ANZAC Cove is where Australian and New Zealand troops made their fateful landing on April 25, 1915. Chunuk Bair was briefly captured by New Zealand forces in August 1915 and offers panoramic views of the peninsula. Lone Pine Cemetery commemorates one of the bloodiest battles of the campaign. The strategic Dardanelles Strait has been fought over throughout history, connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and controlling access to the Black Sea.

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

Day 5: Troy (World Heritage Site) - Pergamon (World Heritage Site) - Kusadasi

Explore the legendary city of Troy with its replica of the Trojan horse and the ancient hospital complex of Asklepion in Pergamon.

Troy was immortalized in Homer’s Iliad and was considered mythical until its discovery in 1870 by Heinrich Schliemann. The archaeological site contains nine distinct layers of settlements spanning 4,000 years from 3000 BC to 500 AD. The wooden Trojan Horse replica commemorates the famous Greek stratagem that ended the Trojan War. Pergamon was one of the ancient world’s most important cultural centers, featuring a 200,000-volume library rivaled only by Alexandria. The Asklepion was an ancient medical center where the famous physician Galen practiced innovative treatments including music therapy, mud baths, and dream interpretation—essentially the world’s first health spa.

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

Day 6: Ephesus (World Heritage Site) - Kusadasi

Visit the House of Virgin Mary, the incredible ancient city of Ephesus with its colossal Greek Theatre, the Marble Road, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Diana, and the basilica and tomb of St. John.

The House of Virgin Mary is believed to be where Mary spent her final years, based on visions of 19th-century German nun Anne Catherine Emmerich and now recognized as a pilgrimage site by the Catholic Church. Ephesus was once the second-largest city in the Roman Empire with a population of 250,000. Its remarkably preserved ruins include the magnificent Library of Celsus with its impressive two-story facade, the Great Theatre that could seat 25,000 spectators, and the marble-paved Sacred Way once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony. The Temple of Artemis (Diana) was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though only foundations remain today. The Basilica of St. John marks the burial site of the apostle who brought Mary to Ephesus.

Distance: 150 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Elite World Kusadasi in Kusadasi

Day 7: Priene - Miletus - Didyma - Bodrum

Drive to Priene, the first planned city in the ancient world, and visit the Theatre, the Temple of Athena, Agora, the Bouleterion, and the Zeus Altar. Continue to Miletus, the famous Ionian city visited by St. Paul during his missionary journey. End the day at Didyma with its well-preserved Apollo Temple.

Priene is considered the world’s first city built on a grid system, designed by the architect Hippodamus in the 4th century BC. Its dramatic setting on a cliff overlooking the Meander River Valley offers spectacular views. The Temple of Athena was dedicated by Alexander the Great himself. Miletus was once one of the greatest seafaring cities of the ancient world, the birthplace of philosophers Thales and Anaximander, and where St. Paul bade farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20). Didyma houses the Temple of Apollo, one of the largest and best-preserved temples of the ancient world, which once housed an oracle second only to Delphi in importance. The colossal columns standing today represent some of the finest examples of Ionic architecture.

Distance: 200 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: 4-Star Bodrum Holiday Resort in Bodrum

Day 8: Bodrum (Halicarnassus)

Visit the Bodrum Castle, which now houses the Underwater Archaeology Museum, and explore the site of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Bodrum Castle was built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century partly using stones from the Mausoleum. Today it houses one of the world’s finest museums of underwater archaeology, featuring artifacts from shipwrecks dating back to the Bronze Age, including the famous Uluburun shipwreck (14th century BC). The Mausoleum of Mausolus was built between 353-350 BC for Carian King Mausolus by his sister-wife Artemisia, and was so magnificent that it became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and gave us the word “mausoleum.” Though destroyed by earthquakes, its foundation and some sculptural elements remain, while others are displayed in the British Museum.

Distance: 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: 4-Star Bodrum Holiday Resort in Bodrum

Day 9: Kas - Xantos (World Heritage Site)

Visit Kaunos, an important historical port city, and take a small craft through the reed maze of the Dalyan Delta, a nature conservation area and refuge for sea turtles and blue crabs. Continue to Kas via Fethiye, Patara, and Xanthos.

Kaunos was an important ancient Carian city with a fascinating blend of Carian, Greek, and Roman influences. Its rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff face are spectacular examples of ancient funerary architecture. The Dalyan Delta is one of Turkey’s most important conservation areas, home to the endangered loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient city revealed remarkable tomb monuments including the Nereid Monument and the Harpy Tomb (now in the British Museum). Patara features Turkey’s longest beach (18 km) and was the birthplace of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). The city was a major naval and trading port of Lycia, with the world’s oldest known lighthouse and a massive Roman granary.

Distance: 330 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Kas

Day 10: Demre/Myra - Kekova (World Heritage Site)

Drive to Demre/Myra to visit the splendid Lycian Rock Tombs overlooking an amphitheater dating back to 600 B.C., and the Church of St. Nicholas. Sail to Kekova Islands to see the sunken city of Simena and the Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa.

Myra features some of the most impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs in Anatolia, carved into the cliff face and resembling house facades. The large Roman theater is remarkably well-preserved. The Church of St. Nicholas was built over the tomb of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), who was the bishop of Myra in the 4th century AD. Kekova Island shelters the partially sunken ruins of an ancient city, submerged by earthquakes in the 2nd century AD. Portions of houses and stairs descending into the water can be seen from boats. The picturesque village of Simena (modern Kaleköy) is crowned by a medieval castle built by the Knights of St. John, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean.

Distance: 200 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Kas

Day 11: Antalya (World Heritage Site)

Visit Perge, where many statues now in the Antalya Museum were discovered, and Aspendos with one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Anatolia. Explore the Antalya Archaeology Museum and the charming old city.

Perge was one of the most prosperous cities of ancient Pamphylia, with impressive colonnaded streets, a massive stadium, elegant baths, and a nymphaeum (monumental fountain). The site has yielded extraordinary sculptures now housed in the Antalya Museum. Aspendos boasts the best-preserved ancient theater in the Mediterranean, built in 155 AD during the reign of Marcus Aurelius and still used for performances today due to its remarkable acoustics—a whisper from the stage can be heard in the top row. The Antalya Museum houses one of Turkey’s richest archaeological collections, including artifacts spanning 2,500 years. Kaleiçi, Antalya’s charming old quarter, features narrow winding streets, Ottoman-era houses, ancient Roman walls, and Hadrian’s Gate, built to commemorate the emperor’s visit in 130 AD.

Distance: 60 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Hotel in Antalya

Day 12: Aphrodisias (World Heritage Site) - Laodiceia - Pamukkale (World Heritage Site)

Explore Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite, visit Laodicea, one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, and marvel at Pamukkale’s white calcium travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Aphrodisias was a center for sculpture during the Roman period, with a remarkable stadium that could seat 30,000 spectators—one of the best preserved in the ancient world. The temple of Aphrodite and the sculptor’s workshop have yielded thousands of intricate marble statues now displayed in the on-site museum. Laodicea was a wealthy banking center and one of the Seven Churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, features a stunning cascade of white calcium-rich terraces formed over millennia by mineral-laden hot springs. Ancient Hierapolis was built as a thermal spa city by the Pergamon kings in 190 BC, with an exceptionally preserved necropolis containing more than 1,200 tombs and a large Roman theater with seating for 12,000 people.

Distance: 290 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 5-Star Hierapark Hotel in Pamukkale

Day 13: Konya - Catalhoyuk (World Heritage Site)

Visit Catalhöyük, the largest Neolithic and Chalcolithic proto-city settlement. In Konya, explore the Whirling Dervish Museum and the 13th-century Karatay Madrasa.

Catalhoyuk is one of the world’s oldest towns and best-preserved Neolithic settlements, predating pottery and agriculture in some regions. This 9,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site provides unprecedented insights into early human communities, with densely packed mud-brick houses entered through roof hatches rather than doors. Excavations have revealed sophisticated wall paintings, sculptures, and evidence of complex religious practices, revolutionizing our understanding of early human society. Konya was the home of the 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic Rumi (Mevlana), founder of the Mevlevi Order known for their Whirling Dervish ceremony. The Mevlana Museum, housed in the former dervish lodge, contains Rumi’s tomb and personal artifacts. The Karatay Madrasa was once a theological school and now showcases a magnificent collection of Seljuk tiles and ceramics.

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

Day 14: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Hike through the spectacular Ihlara Valley and visit the well-preserved Selime Monastery. Explore Derinkuyu or Kaymakli underground city, see Uchisar rock castle, Pigeon Valley, and visit Red Valley and Love Valley.

The Ihlara Valley is a 16 km long canyon carved by the Melendiz River, with walls rising 150 meters high and dotted with over 100 rock-cut Byzantine churches decorated with colorful frescoes. Selime Monastery is the largest religious structure in Cappadocia, carved entirely from the soft volcanic tuff. Derinkuyu and Kaymakli are two of 36 underground cities in Cappadocia, featuring eight levels below ground that could shelter up to 5,000 people during times of danger. These subterranean complexes were built by early Christians to hide from religious persecution, with ingenious ventilation systems, water wells, communal kitchens, and rolling stone doors. Uchisar Castle is the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding fairy chimneys and valleys. Pigeon Valley gets its name from the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the soft tufa, as pigeons were once used for communication, fertilizer, and food.

Distance: 280 km
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia

Day 15: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia early in the morning. Discover Cappadocia’s unique landscape of volcanic rock formations and cave dwellings. Visit Magic Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Monk’s Valley, and Goreme Open Air Museum. Enjoy local cuisine in Avanos, known for its pottery tradition, and visit local craft workshops.

Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape was formed when ancient volcanic eruptions blanketed the region in thick ash, which solidified into soft rock called “tuff.” Wind and water erosion sculpted this terrain into the fantastical “fairy chimneys” and unique formations seen today. The Goreme Open Air Museum contains over 30 rock-cut Byzantine churches and chapels from the 10th-12th centuries, many decorated with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible. Pasabag (Monks Valley) features remarkable mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles where monks once lived in seclusion. The Zelve Open Air Museum was a monastic valley settlement continuously inhabited from the 9th to 20th centuries. Avanos has been a center for pottery making since Hittite times, using distinctive red clay from the Kizilirmak River—Turkey’s longest river.

Distance: 60 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Cave Hotel in Cappadocia

Day 16: Cappadocia - Istanbul

Morning transfer to Cappadocia airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Distance: 45 km
Meals: Breakfast

Small Group Tour Rates for 2025

• Per Person (Double Room): $5,990 USD
• Single Supplement: $1,490 USD (for solo travelers)

What’s Included

• Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
• Accommodation as per itinerary (4-5 star hotels and authentic cave hotel)
• Expert licensed tour guide throughout the journey
• Private comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 10 dinners
• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Local taxes, fees and handling charges
• No hidden costs

What’s Excluded

• International flights
• Beverages during meals
• Gratuities ($7 for driver and $7 for guide per day per person)
• Optional activities (hot air balloon ride, Turkish bath, etc.)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Optional Activities

Make your tour even more memorable with these optional experiences:

2025 Departure Dates

Join our small group tours on these guaranteed departure dates:

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 Grand Odyssey Turkey Tour?

• Ultimate Experience: Our most comprehensive tour covering both coastal gems and inland wonders
• Exclusive Coastal Access: Explore hidden bays and ancient harbor cities along the Turquoise Coast
• Historical Range: Experience 9,000 years of history from Neolithic Catalhoyuk to Ottoman Istanbul
• UNESCO Focus: Visit 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with in-depth cultural insights
• Small Groups: Maximum 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and better access to sites
• Authentic Experiences: Stay in a genuine cave hotel, taste local cuisine, and interact with local artisans
• Perfect Balance: Careful mix of archaeological sites, natural wonders, and leisure time
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides with deep historical expertise

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. The Ihlara Valley hike is approximately 3.5 km on a well-maintained path.

Q: What is the best time to visit Turkey?
A: Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is warmer but still enjoyable along the coast where sea breezes provide relief. This tour is designed to showcase Turkey at its most comfortable seasons.

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, swimwear for coastal stays and thermal pools at Pamukkale, and a good camera for capturing the incredible historical sites and landscapes.

Q: Are there opportunities for swimming during the coastal portion?
A: Yes, there will be opportunities for swimming in Bodrum and Kas. Both hotels are near beaches, and some free time is allocated for enjoying the Mediterranean Sea.

Q: How is the food on this tour?
A: Turkish cuisine is diverse and delicious. The tour includes meals at carefully selected restaurants serving authentic dishes. You’ll experience regional specialties including Aegean olive oil dishes, fresh Mediterranean seafood, Central Anatolian kebabs, and traditional Turkish desserts. Vegetarian options are readily available.