Treasures of Ancient Turkey Tour 2025 - 14 Days | UNESCO World Heritage Journey

Overview

Our Treasures of Ancient Turkey tour is the ultimate journey through this fascinating country’s most spectacular historical sites. Over 14 unforgettable days, you’ll explore ancient civilizations, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures that span millennia of human history.

From the majestic domes and minarets of Istanbul to the otherworldly rock formations of Cappadocia, from the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the world’s oldest temple at Göbeklitepe, this carefully crafted itinerary showcases Turkey’s most precious treasures and hidden gems spanning over 12,000 years of human civilization.

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.

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.

Accommodation: 5 Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Explore the magnificent landmarks of Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.

Discover Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for 400 years with its priceless treasures and harem quarters. Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old architectural masterpiece that served as both a Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque. Visit the stunning Blue Mosque with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and six minarets. See the ancient Hippodrome where chariot races once thrilled crowds of 100,000. Explore the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops in one of the world’s oldest covered markets.

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

Day 3: Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale

Visit the Spice Market, Rustem Pasha Mosque, 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, cross the Dardanelles, and visit the city of Canakkale.

The Egyptian Spice Market has offered exotic spices, Turkish delight, and local delicacies since the 1660s. Rustem Pasha Mosque showcases the finest examples of 16th-century Iznik tiles. The Gallipoli Peninsula was the site of a devastating WWI campaign where over 100,000 soldiers perished, now a place of pilgrimage for many Australians, New Zealanders, and Turks. The Dardanelles Strait has been strategically vital since ancient times, connecting the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

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, see the replica of the Trojan horse, and explore the ancient hospital complex of Asklepion in Pergamon.

Troy was immortalized in Homer’s Iliad and considered mythical until its discovery in the 1870s. The archaeological site contains nine layers of settlements spanning 4,000 years (3000 BC to 500 AD). Pergamon was one of the ancient world’s most important cultural centers, known for its 200,000-volume library (second only to Alexandria). The Asklepion was an ancient medical center where the famous physician Galen practiced. Treatment included mud baths, herb remedies, dream interpretation, and theater therapy.

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, the Marble Road, the Celsus Library, the Temple of Diana, and the Basilica of St. John.

The House of Virgin Mary is believed to be where the mother of Jesus spent her final years, now a pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims alike. Ephesus was once the second-largest city in the Roman Empire with a population of 250,000. Its magnificent Library of Celsus once held 12,000 scrolls, while its Great Theatre could seat 24,000 spectators. 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 was built over the apostle’s tomb in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.

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, 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. Laodicea was a wealthy banking center and one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, features mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces, creating stunning natural formations that have attracted visitors for thousands of years. Hierapolis was an ancient spa city built around natural hot springs, with an exceptionally preserved necropolis (city of the dead) containing more than 1,200 tombs.

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. 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 even agriculture in some areas. This 9,000-year-old site provides unprecedented insights into early human communities with its 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 Karatay Madrasa was a 13th-century theological school now housing a magnificent collection of Seljuk ceramics and tiles.

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 and Selime village. Explore Kaymakli underground city, Uchisar and Ortahisar rock castles, and Sinasos (Mustafa Pasha) with its historical Greek and Ottoman houses.

The Ihlara Valley is a 16 km long canyon carved by the Melendiz River, dotted with rock-cut Byzantine churches decorated with colorful frescoes. Kaymakli is one of 36 underground cities in Cappadocia, featuring eight levels below ground that could shelter up to 5,000 people and their livestock during times of danger. The underground cities were built by early Christians to hide from religious persecution. Uchisar and Ortahisar feature natural rock formations that have been hollowed out and fortified to create “rock castles” offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Sinasos (now Mustafa Pasha) was a prosperous Greek town until the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, leaving behind beautiful stone mansions with ornate facades.

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

Day 9: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Discover Cappadocia’s unique landscape of volcanic rock formations, amazing underground churches, and cities carved into the rocks. Visit Magic Valley, Goreme and Zelve Open Air Museums, Pasabag Valley, and Cavusin Village. Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia early in the morning.

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. Pasabag (Monks Valley) features remarkable mushroom-shaped rock pinnacles. 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.

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

Day 10: Gaziantep

Visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum featuring the famous mosaic of a gypsy girl. Explore the Roman Castle, old markets, spice merchants, and experience traditional Turkish lifestyle.

Gaziantep (ancient Antiochia ad Taurum) has been continuously inhabited since 3650 BC. The remarkable Zeugma Mosaic Museum houses spectacular Roman mosaics rescued from the ancient city of Zeugma before it was flooded by dam construction, including the haunting “Gypsy Girl” mosaic that has become an icon of Turkish heritage. The city’s bazaar has been trading continuously since the Ottoman era, offering copper goods, spices, traditional foods, and the region’s famous pistachio baklava. The Roman castle dates to the 2nd-3rd century AD and was expanded by the Byzantines.

Distance: 280 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Sirehan Hotel in Gaziantep

Day 11: Mount Nemrut (World Heritage Site) - Adiyaman

Explore Mount Nemrut, the best preserved Roman bridge of Cendere, the open air sanctuary in Arsemia, and the mausoleum of King Antiochus.

Mount Nemrut is home to one of the most ambitious construction projects of the ancient world. At the 2,134-meter summit stands the 1st century BC funerary sanctuary of King Antiochus I of Commagene, featuring colossal statues of gods and the king himself, some reaching 9 meters tall. The massive heads now rest eerily on the mountainside after earthquakes toppled them from their bodies. The Cendere Bridge was built by the Roman Legion XVI in 200 AD during Emperor Septimius Severus’ reign and has been in continuous use for over 1,800 years. Arsameia was the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom with rock reliefs showing King Antiochus shaking hands with Hercules.

Distance: 480 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Elruha Hotel in Urfa

Day 12: Göbeklitepe (World Heritage Site) - Harran - Urfa

Visit Göbeklitepe, the oldest temple of the world, and Karahan Tepe. Explore Harran with its beehive houses where the Prophet Abraham lived, the Halepli Bahce Mosaic Museum, Urfa Archaeology Museum, and Balikli Gol with its Roman fortress.

Göbeklitepe has revolutionized our understanding of human history since its discovery in 1994. Dating to 9600-8200 BC, it’s the world’s oldest known temple complex, built 7,000 years before Stonehenge and 6,000 years before writing was invented. The site features massive T-shaped pillars carved with animal reliefs, proving that organized religion and monumental architecture existed before the development of agriculture. Nearby Karahan Tepe is a similar site currently being excavated. Harran, mentioned in the Book of Genesis, features distinctive beehive-shaped mud houses, a technique used for at least 3,000 years. Urfa (ancient Edessa) is associated with the prophet Abraham and features sacred pools filled with carp that Muslims consider holy.

Distance: 280 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Elruha Hotel in Urfa

Day 13: Urfa - Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Urfa airport for your flight to Istanbul, with free time in the afternoon to explore or shop in Istanbul’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5 Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 14: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Istanbul International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Small Group Tour Rates for 2025

• Per Person (Double Room): $3,990 USD
• Single Supplement: $990 USD (for solo travelers)

What’s Included

• Domestic flight from Gaziantep to Istanbul
• Accommodation as per itinerary (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: 13 breakfasts, 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 ($10 for driver and $10 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 Treasures of Ancient Turkey Tour?

• Historical Range: Experience 12,000 years of human civilization in just 14 days
• Expert Local Guides: Knowledgeable, English-speaking guides with deep historical expertise
• UNESCO Focus: Visit 11 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 Göbekli Tepe, 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.