Western Turkey Tour 2025 - 12 Days | Ancient Wonders & Turquoise Coast

Overview

The Western Turkey Tour is a perfectly balanced 12-day journey through Turkey’s most stunning coastal regions and inland treasures. This expertly crafted itinerary combines the historical wonders of Istanbul, the ancient cities of the Aegean coast, the natural beauty of Pamukkale, the turquoise shores of Antalya, and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia.

Experience the best of Western Turkey’s archaeological sites, natural wonders, and cultural heritage as you travel through diverse landscapes and discover the legacy of civilizations that have shaped this fascinating country for millennia.

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. This magnificent metropolis has been the capital of three empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman, creating 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 opulent treasury and fascinating harem quarters. Marvel at Hagia Sophia, a 1,500-year-old architectural masterpiece that has served as both a Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque. Visit the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles and unique six minarets. See the ancient Hippodrome where chariot races once entertained 100,000 spectators during Byzantine times. Experience 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: 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 (Misir Carsisi) has been offering exotic spices, Turkish delight, and local delicacies since the 1660s. Rustem Pasha Mosque boasts the most exquisite collection of Iznik tiles in Istanbul, a masterpiece of 16th-century Ottoman architecture. 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. The strategic Dardanelles Strait has been fought over throughout history, 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 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 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 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: 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. 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: 280 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Hierapark Hotel in Pamukkale

Day 7: 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: 290 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Hotel in Antalya

Day 8: 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 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: 290 km
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: 5 Star Bayir Diamond Hotel in Konya

Day 9: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Visit the spectacular Ihlara Valley and Selime village with its ancient Christian monasteries. 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, 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. Kaymakli is one 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 and Ortahisar feature natural rock formations that have been hollowed out and fortified to create “rock castles” offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

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

Day 10: Cappadocia (World Heritage Site)

Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia early in the morning. Discover Cappadocia’s unique landscape, visit Magic Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Monk’s Valley, and Goreme Open Air Museum. Enjoy local cuisine and visit potter’s workshops in Avanos.

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

Day 11: Cappadocia - Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Cappadocia airport for your flight to Istanbul. Free afternoon in Istanbul to explore the Spice Market, take a Bosphorus cruise, or experience a traditional Turkish bath.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 5 Star Holiday Inn in Istanbul

Day 12: Istanbul (World Heritage Site)

Transfer to Istanbul International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Small Group Tour Rates for 2025

• Per Person (Double Room): $2,990 USD
• Single Supplement: $890 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: 11 breakfasts, 8 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 Western Turkey Tour?

• Perfect Introduction: Ideal first-time tour covering Turkey’s most iconic destinations
• Coastal Beauty: Explore both the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts with their stunning landscapes
• Historical Range: Experience 5,000 years of history from Troy to Ottoman Istanbul
• UNESCO Focus: Visit 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites with in-depth cultural insights
• Authentic Experiences: Stay in a genuine cave hotel, taste local cuisine, and interact with local artisans
• Balanced Itinerary: Perfect mix of ancient ruins, natural wonders, and cultural experiences
• Small Groups: Maximum 8 travelers ensures personalized attention and better access to sites
• 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 1-2 miles per day and climb stairs. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Q: What is the best time to visit Western Turkey?
A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be quite hot at archaeological sites, while winter is cooler but still pleasant along the Mediterranean coast.

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

Q: How is the food in Western Turkey?
A: Western Turkey offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine featuring fresh seafood, olive oil-based dishes, and regional specialties. Kusadasi is known for its seafood, Antalya for its fresh fruits, and Cappadocia for its pottery kebabs. Vegetarian options are readily available.