Istanbul

Turkey

In Turkey, you'll embark on a 14-day journey to explore the monuments of the Gallipoli Campaign, visit legendary Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus Ancient City, and discover the well-preserved Aspendos Theater. You'll also explore different valleys at Cappadocia, and visit the Antique Pool that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra had once swum at Pamukkale. Your guide will take you on this unforgettable journey.

Day 1

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival, our local representative will pick you up at Istanbul Airport, holding a board with your names on. Then you’ll be escorted to the hotel with our well-prepared private car. On the way, he or she will briefly introduce our itinerary to you. After check-in, the rest of the day will be left for your own arrangement. Your Turkey guided tour will officially start tomorrow.

Day 2

At the appointed time, our guide will pick you up and accompany you to explore the rich history and diverse culture of Istanbul old city. Our first destination is Hagia Sophia, where you can find many incredible yet harmonious religious elements. ★ Our Guest Privilege: Fast Entry to Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is crowded with a constant stream of visitors every day, but we have made reservations for you in advance so that you can avoid the crowd by our specially arranged tour routes.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Next, we’ll visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square). Pay special attention to the Serpent Column here, a turquoise spiral column once topped by three giant serpent heads and golden bowls. The partially restored component is now on display at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. 

Sultanahmet Square

Then you’ll be guided to the Blue Mosque, which is comparable to the Great Mosque of Mecca. As the sunlight permeates through its 260 stained glass windows, bringing enchanting glows within, you’ll find yourself immersed in an almost ethereal world. Also noteworthy are its six minarets and the blue-and-white Iznik tiles that adorn the interior walls.

Blue Mosque

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Topkapi Palace. It has been transformed into a museum, showcasing invaluable treasures from Ottoman Sultans. Among them, the China porcelains stand out to draw your attention. They were continuously imported into Istanbul through the ancient Silk Road and became highly sought after treasures by royal family and nobles. Have a close observation of them and feel the interplay of Eastern and Western civilizations in Istanbul. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday. 

TopkapI Palace

Afterwards, go to the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops to enjoy vibrant ambiance here. Try to customize your own handicrafts with unique design or sample Turkish cuisine at one of many restaurants here.

Grand Bazaar

Day 3

This morning, we will drive about 4.5 hours to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where bears tragic memory of the Gallipoli Campaign. Upon arrival, the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park is an important place for you to engage with this history.

Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park

 After the visit, we will drive for about 1 hour to Canakkale and check into a local hotel to stay overnight.

Canakkale

Day 4

After having breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive for about 1 hour to visit the Troy Ancient City. Explore nine sections here to find those historical artifacts from various eras. Another particular highlight is the iconic Trojan Horse, standing as a vivid reminder of the mythical Trojan War.

Ancient City of Troy

In the afternoon, about 3-hour drive will take us to the Pergamon Ancient City, tracing the ancient Greek civilization back 2,000 years. Our exploration will center on its acropolis, which is full of magnificent ruins of temples, palaces, theaters and more. 

Pergamon Ancient City

Then we will drive for 2.5 hours more to get to Kusadasi, and check in a local hotel. Kusadasi is a bustling seaside town built on a small hillside. Upon arrival, enjoy the stunning sea view at our carefully selected oceanfront hotel or visit the El Heykeli sculpture by the sea. 

Kusadasi

Day 5

Today, our local guide and driver will accompany you to visit the Ephesus Ancient City. Marvel at the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the ancient Romans for the urban infrastructure by visiting the Curetes Street, Celsus Library, Great Theater, Baths of Varius and Hercules Gate here. 

Ancient City of Ephesus

In the afternoon, we will head to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for its striking visuals, inestimable artistic value and profound representation of ancient Greek religious culture. 

The Temple of Artemis

Then we will go to the Ephesus Archeological Museum, displaying the world’s oldest and best preserved Artemis statue. Multiple egg-shaped objects or breasts adorn her body, showing closed connection between Artemis and fertility. 

Ephesus Archaeological Museum

Our final destination is the House of the Virgin Mary, a small yet sacred space evoking Virgin Mary’s life. Find inner peace and let your soul find rest here. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

House of Virgin Mary

Day 6

It will be a relaxing day today. Start with a lie-in and a hearty breakfast since there is no planned activity this morning. In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to Pamukkale. Upon arrival in a 2.5-hour drive, check-in at our hand-picked hotel with both indoor and outdoor pools. 

Pamukkale

Day 7

After breakfast, you’ll be guided to visit Pamukkale. Its cotton-like appearance was formed because spring water flew down from the top of the mountain. After thousands of years of calcification, layers of semi-circular white natural limestone stairs had occurred. And a pale pink part awaits you near the top area, which is very eye-catching.

★ Customized Experience: Relax in Warm Embrace of Travertine Pool

Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Then we will visit the Hierapolis Ancient City on top of Pamukkale. This ancient city is once flourished because of its hot springs, attracting lots of aristocracy and civilians. Among its many buildings, the Cleopatra Antique Pool deserves your special attention. Naturally carved by a series of earthquakes, this pool holds therapeutic thermal waters and relics from the ancient Roman era. It is believed that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra had once swum in this pool. No wonder this pool bears her name!

Hierapolis

In the afternoon, we are going to drive 3.5 hours to Antalya, the last destination of today. Antalya is a beautiful seaside city known as the pearl of the Mediterranean. Arriving by dusk and after checking into the hotel, walk through the narrow alleys in the old town and feel the sea breeze on your own. Get your first impression of Antalya in roadside shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and craft shops.

Antalya

Day 8

In the morning, we will drive about 20 minutes to visit the Upper Duden Waterfall. It is located in a beautiful valley and offers a spectacular view as it cascades down the cliffs. Stop by the waterfall and capture the stunning moment with camera. Alternatively, continue your exploration along the boardwalk and enjoy the refreshing mist of water on your face. There is an artificial cave along the route, which provides another breathtaking viewpoint to take in the surrounding splendor.

Upper Duden Waterfalls

After that, drive 1 hour to the Aspendos Theater. Its symmetrical layout and steep stone stairs showcase the essence of ancient Roman architecture. Furthermore, its distinctive acoustic design is especially noteworthy. Legend has it that if a coin is dropped in the middle of stage, the subtle sound can reverberate every corner of the theater. Prepare a coin and listen to the echo the same as more than 2,000 years ago.

Aspendos Theatre

Day 9

This morning, we’ll drive about 4 hours to the next destination, Konya, one of Turkey’s oldest cities and the ancient religious and cultural center of Turkey. 

Konya

 After a short break, you’ll then be guided to visit the Mevlana Museum, where Mevlana, the founder of Turkish Whirling Dervishes, was buried. Explore the ascetic life and spirit of whirling dervishes through the intricate wax figures in the museum.

Mevlana Museum

Next, we’ll visit Karatay Medresesi (Tile Works Museum) nestled in a 13th-century academy. 

Karatay Medresesi Museum

Today’s last stop will be the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai. At its heart, a small mosque stands as a sanctuary for traveling merchants to worship. Wine shops, bathrooms, medical rooms, and other rooms in different functions can be found here, providing a full range of services for merchants. This might be a five-star hotel on the ancient Silk Road at that time! In the end, you’ll be escorted to a local hotel and stay overnight.

Sultanhanı Caravanserai

Day 10

In the morning, drive for about 4 hours to reach Cappadocia, which features strange landscapes like the surface of the moon, long history and splendid culture. On arrival, we will directly explore Northern Cappadocia. 

Cappadocia

The first stop is the Goreme Open Air Museum, a dual gem of world’s cultural and natural heritage. Beyond its unique karst landscape, more than 30 cave churches scattering across the valley are another highlight. Explore these mysterious caves one by one with our guide as he explains how the monks dug them out of rock centuries ago. ★ Enhanced Privilege: Special Access to the Dark Church

Goreme Open-Air Museum

Then head to Avanos, a small town making pottery with red clay. Follow our guide to see how common dirt is turned into beautiful pieces of art. The town center is crossed by the Kizilirmak River. Its distinctive red clays have made it an invaluable resource to the region’s pottery industry. 

Avanos

Next, we’ll visit the Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley). Prepare to be astounded by the remarkable artistry of nature as you see fairy chimneys in various sizes, heights and shapes. 

Paşabağ Vadisi

We’ll visit the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) after that. The rocks here take on the shapes of various animals. Why not discuss with guide about which one resembles a horse while which one resembles a sheep?

Devrent Valley

Our last destination is the Love Valley, where you can have a bird’s eye view of the magnificent sunset views of Cappadocia. Afterwards, you’ll be escorted to a local cave hotel.

Tatildokya Balloon Cappadocia Tour & Travel Agency

Day 11

After breakfast, drive to the Southern Cappadocia to have a day trip. The first stop will be Cavusin Village, mainly exploring its noted church Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel).

St. John the Baptist Chapel

 Then we will have a 2-hour hike in the Red Valley, where you can appreciate spectacular columns of red volcanic rocks. The surrounding vineyards and orchards against the red rocks create a striking contrast, producing great materials to enrich your photo gallery. 

Red Valley

 Next, we’ll visit Uchisar Castle, carved out from a 60-meter-high giant rock. It had been a defensive fort in ancient time. On its top, you can overlook the moon-like landscape around, so make sure you have enough memory on your camera or cell phone.

Uchisar Castle

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the Pigeon Valley, named after the many pigeon nests carved into the rocks and cliffs. The iconic clay-pot tree is also here, inviting you to capture its beauty and whisper your wishes.

Pigeon Valley

Our last destination is the Kaymakli Underground City. Ladders connected all floors inside, and numerous vertical shafts and covert escape routes had been excavated. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

Kaymakli Underground City

Day 12

After breakfast, we will leave Cappadocia for Ankara about 4.5 hours’ drive away. On the way, stop to see Lake Tuz. The shallow water level begs you to enter and capture the surreal “mirror of the sky.” Moreover, slippers are required to participate in the Lake Tuz welcoming ceremony, which is a subtle tingling sensation brought by small salt crystals.

Lake Tuz

When we arrive at Anakra, you’ll be guided to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It was named the first “European Museum of the Year” as early as 1997. As the intersection of multiple civilizations, the exhibits here cover the Paleolithic period (about 3 million years ago) to the Urartian period (9th-6th century BC). 

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Afterwards, we’ll also visit the Anitkabir (Ataturk’s Mausoleum) built in honor of Kemal, the founder of modern Turkey. It provides a solemn atmosphere. Also serving as a museum, it displays the artifacts that Kemal used, from dignitaries, and paintings depicting his life.

Anıtkabir

Day 13

After traveling around Turkey, we will drive back to Istanbul today, taking 5 hours on the way. After check-in, the afternoon will be left for your own plan.

Day 14

This will be your last day in Turkey. Depending on your flight time, our driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport.

Private 14 Days Turkey Trip from Istanbul

Private 14 Days Turkey Trip from Istanbul

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