Day 01
Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival, meet your tour guide and transfer to the hotel.
Turkey · Archaeology
12-Day Turkey Cities Tour with Cappadocia, Ephesus and Gallipoli
The journey
Trip highlights
- 01 See the best of Istanbul
- 02 Enjoy entertaining belly and folk dance of the natives
- 03 Taste the world-famous Turkish wines
- 04 Witness the rock-cut architecture of Cappadocia
- 05 Head to the famous ruins of Ephesus
- 06 Visit the ancient churches of Turkey
- 07 See the ancient Lycian Tombs
Discover Turkey at its best on this 12-day excursion through mesmerizing cities rich in cultural and natural heritage. Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks, Gallipoli's historic battlefields, the ancient ruins of Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus, and the remarkable landscapes of Cappadocia with its underground cities, cave churches, tombs, and houses carved into ancient volcanic rock formations. Continue through Antalya, Myra, Kalkan, and Fethiye to experience more of Turkey's archaeological and spiritual treasures.
Consider an optional early morning hot air balloon tour and experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Duration
12 Days
Tour type
Private
Activity level
Easy
Accommodation
Included · Premium
Transport
Included
Wheelchair access
Not applicable
Cities
Ankara, Antalya, Canakkale, Istanbul, Izmir, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Gallipoli (Battlefield), Ephesus, Troy, Pergamon, Kalkan, Perge, Aspendos
Languages
English, Turkish
Day by day
The itinerary
Day 02
Topkapı Palace, Hippodrome and Optional Bosphorus Cruise
Enjoy your half-day sightseeing tour of Topkapı Palace and the Hippodrome.
In the afternoon, join an optional Bosphorus cruise and Spice Market tour.
Meals: Only breakfast is provided.
Day 03
St. Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar
In the morning, visit St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
In the evening, join an optional Turkish dinner and enjoy entertaining belly and folk dance.
Meals: Only breakfast is provided.
Day 04
Gallipoli, Troy and Assos
In the morning, depart for Gallipoli to visit Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair.
Before crossing the Dardanelles, visit Suvla Vineyard and wine cellar to taste the world-famous Turkish wines.
Drive to Çanakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy.
Stop at Yeşilyurt for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are provided.
Day 05
Izmir via Pergamum
In the morning, drive through the olive forests and stop at the olive museum.
Then, visit Tahtakuşlar Ethnography Museum. Enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional village.
Stop at the ancient medical center, Asclepion, in Pergamum.
Overnight stay in Izmir.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 06
Ephesus and St. Mary's House
Visit the famous ruins of Ephesus. Explore the 2,000-year-old marble streets, theatre, Library of Celsius, gymnasium, and Hadrian's Temple.
Take a short drive and visit St. Mary's stone cottage. It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last years here, accompanied by St. John.
Join an optional afternoon tour to Sirince.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 07
Izmir to Cappadocia via Ankara
Depart by flight to Ankara. Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Anatolian Civilization Museum.
Continue driving to Cappadocia.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 08
Cappadocia and Göreme
Consider an optional early morning hot air balloon tour and experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise. Enjoy breakfast at a village house.
After breakfast, visit Göreme, a historical region of Turkey located among the rock formations, which was first settled back in the Roman period.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 09
Cappadocia to Antalya via Saratli, Aspendos and Perge
After breakfast, visit the underground city of Saratli.
Proceed to Antalya through the Taurus Mountains and visit Aspendos, the Roman city at the base of the mountains.
Continue to visit Perge. Enjoy lunch in a casual, traditional village restaurant.
Overnight stay in Antalya.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 10
Antalya at Leisure or Optional Museum and Cruise
Relax on the Mediterranean Coast or join an optional tour to the Archaeological Museum of Antalya, combined with a cruise from the old Roman yacht harbour.
Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 11
Myra and St. Nicholas Church to Kalkan
Depart in the morning for Myra.
Visit the home church of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) and the ancient city of Myra.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kalkan.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 12
Fethiye, Lycian Tombs and Flight to Istanbul
In the morning, drive to Fethiye and visit the Lycian Tombs.
Later, transfer to Dalaman Airport for an afternoon flight to Istanbul.
Meals: Only breakfast is included.
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
Boutique class hotels
Meals as indicated on the itinerary
Licensed guides throughout the whole trip
Private air-conditioned transportation
Flight ticket from Izmir to Kayseri
All taxes and service charges
Arrival and departure transfers
What's Not Included
Optional tours
Pre- or post-tour transfers
Any other personal expenses
Customary tips for guides and drivers
Flight ticket from Dalaman to Istanbul
Logistics
Meeting & route
Meeting point
İstanbul, Turkey
Tour start
İstanbul, Turkey
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey
Your 12 days finish where they began, in İstanbul.
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Starting from
USD
1,895
/person
Book This Tour
Starting from
Estimated room rates
Single Room
$1,895.00 — $1,995.00
Double Sharing
$1,895.00 — $1,995.00
When
Travellers
Rooms
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Total
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