Turkey · Archaeology

17-Day Private Turkey Tour with Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia

17 Days Round trip from İstanbul Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Istanbul's Old City, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, and the Grand Bazaar
  • 02 Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient ruins in Turkey, and continue to Şirince Village for Turkish winemaking
  • 03 See the white travertines of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis
  • 04 Enjoy scenic boat tours in Kusadası, Dalyan, and Fethiye, with time for swimming and coastal views
  • 05 Discover Bodrum's Castle of St. Peter, the Mausoleum, and the ancient theatre
  • 06 Experience Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, Red Valley, Özkonak Underground City, and Uçhisar Castle

Discover Turkey's magic in 17 days as you journey from Istanbul's imperial landmarks and Bosphorus beauty to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Dalyan, Fethiye, Antalya, and Cappadocia. This private luxury tour combines historic cities, archaeological treasures, scenic boat trips, coastal landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Explore Ottoman palaces, Roman theatres, old towns, waterfalls, underground cities, and fairy chimneys while immersing yourself in Turkey's rich heritage. With accommodation, transfers, guided sightseeing, and key entrance fees included, this itinerary offers a comprehensive way to experience Turkey's essence.

Discover Turkey's magic in 17 days as you journey from Istanbul's imperial landmarks and Bosphorus beauty to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Dalyan, Fethiye, Antalya, and Cappadocia.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Antalya, Kusadasi, Istanbul, Kayseri, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Bodrum, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Perge, Aspendos, Dalyan, Avanos
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Istanbul

  • Arrive at Istanbul Airport, where you will be met and assisted before your transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

2
Day 02

Istanbul Old City Tour

  • In the afternoon, enjoy an Istanbul Old City Tour.
  • Visit the Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, and see its three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
  • Explore Hagia Sophia Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture.
  • Head to the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans, which houses an exquisite collection of precious items.
  • Explore the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its beautiful blue Iznik tiles.
  • After lunch, head to the Grand Bazaar for shopping.
  • Please note: bring a scarf when visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque. The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
3
Day 03

Ottoman Relics and Two Continents

  • Explore the iconic residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
  • Pass by the Bosporus Bridge, crossing from Asia to Europe.
  • Visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Ottoman Sultans.
  • Proceed to Çamlıca Hill for a panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosporus.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Spice Bazaar and experience its exotic atmosphere.
  • Overnight in Istanbul.

OR

OPTIONAL (Per person, 45 euros)

  • Transfer to the port for a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise.
  • Enjoy delicious gourmet food while cruising along the Bosporus.
  • Witness historical places such as Dolmabahçe Palace and Rumeli Fortress.
  • Shows and entertainment are included.
  • Drop-off at the hotel at the end of the tour.
4
Day 04

Flight to Kusadasi

  • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir.
  • Meet at the airport and proceed to the hotel in Kusadasi.
  • Enjoy free time at leisure.
  • Overnight in Kusadasi.
5
Day 05

Kusadasi Boat Excursion

  • Enjoy a fantastic boat excursion to explore the gorgeous bays surrounding Kusadasi.
  • Swim in the azure waters of the Aegean Sea.
  • Visit the famous Butterfly Valley and its waterfall.
  • Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
6
Day 06

Ephesus and Şirince Village

  • Take a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient ruins in Turkey.
  • Visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre.
  • Proceed to Şirince Village and learn about Turkish winemaking.
  • Overnight in Kusadasi.
7
Day 07

Pamukkale and Hierapolis en Route to Bodrum

  • Drive to Pamukkale and visit the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and the natural hot springs.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant during the tour.
  • Continue to Bodrum for an overnight stay.
8
Day 08

Bodrum Ancient Wonders

  • Visit the Castle of St. Peter, the symbol of Bodrum, which houses a museum with historical artifacts.
  • Next, go to the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
  • Marvel at the ancient theatre, which offers a view over Bodrum.

Overnight in Bodrum.

9
Day 09

Dalyan River and Iztuzu Beach

  • Travel to Dalyan and take a boat excursion on the Dalyan river estuary.
  • Enjoy the famous mud baths and swim at Iztuzu Beach.
  • Drive back to Fethiye for an overnight stay.
10
Day 10

Oludeniz Boat Trip

  • Take an Oludeniz boat trip, visiting natural caves with turquoise and crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit the famous Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island.
  • Lunch will be served on the boat.

Overnight in Fethiye.

11
Day 11

Drive from Fethiye to Antalya

  • Check out from the hotel and drive to Antalya.

Overnight in Antalya.

12
Day 12

Perge, Aspendos, and Side Tour

  • Depart for Perge and Aspendos.
  • Visit the ancient ruins of Perge, once one of the richest towns in Pamphylia.
  • Continue to Aspendos and explore the best-preserved Roman theatre.

Overnight in Antalya.

13
Day 13

Antalya City Highlights

  • Visit Karpuz Kaldıran Waterfalls and Konyaaltı Beach.
  • Explore Kaleiçi, the old town, with its historical landmarks.
  • Admire the Düden Waterfalls.

Overnight in Antalya.

14
Day 14

Flight to Cappadocia

  • Transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight to Kayseri.
  • Meet on arrival and drive to the Cappadocia region.
  • Visit the Fairy Chimneys in Ürgüp and hike in Red Valley.
  • See Çavuşin and Özkonak Underground City.
  • Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Optional // per person EUR45.-)

  • Turkish Night Show with dinner and entertainment in real caves.
15
Day 15

Cappadocia Valleys and Open-Air Museum

  • Visit Devrent Valley, Paşabağ, Avanos, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum.
  • Continue to Esentepe for a panoramic view and visit Uçhisar Castle.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

16
Day 16

Optional Hot Air Balloon and Leisure Time

(Optional // per person EUR195.-)

  • Hot air ballooning at sunrise.
  • Enjoy a breathtaking flight over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
  • Return to the hotel at around 8:30 am.
  • Free time at leisure.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

17
Day 17

Departure from Cappadocia

  • According to your flight time, transfer to the airport.
Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Ephesus, Travertines of Pamukkale

Where this trip takes you

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Ephesus, Travertines of Pamukkale

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from İstanbul 13 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Airport transfer
  • 3 nights hotel in Istanbul on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 3 nights hotel in Kusadasi on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 2 nights hotel in Bodrum on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 2 nights hotel in Fethiye on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 3 nights hotel in Antalya on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 3 nights hotel in Cappadocia on a bed and breakfast basis
  • 16 breakfasts at the hotels
  • 3 lunches during the tour
  • 1 boat tour in Kusadası
  • 1 boat tour in Fethiye
  • All entrance fees mentioned in the programme
  • English-speaking guide
  • Private transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
  • All transfers between cities

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunches not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Extra services at the hotel, such as laundry and room service
  • All drinks during meals
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Insurance of all types
  • Visa expenses
  • Hot air balloon in Cappadocia
  • Bosphorus Dinner Cruise in Istanbul
  • Whirling Dervish Show in Istanbul
  • Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia

What to bring

  • Any kind of ID
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Clothes suitable for the weather conditions and season
  • Portable charger
  • Medicine if needed
  • Foreign currency in euros or US dollars

Know before you go

  • Please note: bring a scarf when visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Mosque.
  • The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
İstanbul, Turkey
Tour start
İstanbul, Türkiye
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 17 days finish where they began, in İstanbul.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 4,376 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total