From Istanbul to Cappadocia

Discovering authentic Turkey

Overview

From Istanbul to Cappadocia

An unforgettable 13-day tour across Turkey. In Istanbul, where East meets West, you will explore mosques, palaces, and vibrant markets. Visit Gallipoli and its historic memorials, then continue along the Mediterranean coast with stops in Troy, Assos, and Ephesus. In Pamukkale and Hierapolis, admire unique landscapes and natural thermal springs before immersing yourself in the spirituality of Konya’s Whirling Dervishes. Cappadocia will enchant you with its fairy chimneys, while Mount Nemrut offers an unforgettable sunset among ancient statues. Finally, Sanliurfa, Harran, and Gaziantep will reveal biblical history, millennia-old architecture, and local flavors before returning to Istanbul.
Price:
starting from

Euro 2.520

Days
13 days
Tour language
English
Countries
Turkey
Route
From Istanbul to Istanbul
Tour type
Small group
Group size
From 2 to 20 participants
Accomodation
3/4-star hotels
Meals
12 breakfasts, 9 dinners

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival, Istanbul
Upon arrival, the staff will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Istanbul to begin the journey. The rest of the day is free to explore this vibrant city. Meals: not included.
Day 2 Istanbul
A full day dedicated to exploring Istanbul. This unique city, spanning two continents, played a fundamental role in the development of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. You will visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace, concluding at the famous Hippodrome. Meals: breakfast included (lunch and dinner not included).
Day 3 Gallipoli
Depart Istanbul to reach Gallipoli for a guided tour of this historic World War I battlefield. The tour includes the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston’s Jolly, The Nek, and the Gallipoli Museum. You will also have the opportunity to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before reaching your hotel in Çanakkale. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 4 Troy and Assos
Short transfer to the ancient city of Troy, where you will visit the new and award-winning Troy Museum. Continue to Assos and enjoy the view from the Temple of Athena overlooking the Aegean Sea and the Greek island of Lesbos. At the old port, you will have free time to stroll through the village streets or enjoy a seafood meal by the sea. From Assos, continue to Kusadasi. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 5 Ephesus and Şirince
After breakfast, head to the Roman site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Visit the Temple of Artemis and explore the ancient marble streets. In the afternoon, reach the wine-producing village of Şirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 6 Pamukkale and Hierapolis
Travel east to Pamukkale, famous for its travertine terraces. “Pamukkale” means “cotton castles,” and the unique geology of the area has created cloud-like formations. Continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you can enjoy a bath in the thermal pools, nestled among ancient Roman columns that have long been prized for their therapeutic properties. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 7 Konya
Travel back in time along the ancient Silk Road toward Konya. Along the route, learn about this important trade route with a stop at the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, one of the best-preserved in the region. In Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum, once home to the original Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi order. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 8 Cappadocia
Explore the unique and surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. This unparalleled region offers fairy-tale scenery with rock formations and underground villages. Take a comprehensive tour to visit underground churches and fortresses used by early Christians to escape persecution more than a thousand years ago. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 9 Kahramanmaraş and Mount Nemrut
Depart early from Cappadocia, traveling through Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman to reach a breathtaking sunset at the famous Mount Nemrut. Visit this historic area, home to the royal tombs of the ancient Commagene Kingdom and the imposing statues of Greek and Persian deities. Climb to Antiochus’ Tumulus for a unique panorama as the sun sets. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 10 Harran and Şanlıurfa
After breakfast, travel to Şanlıurfa along a scenic route past the impressive Atatürk Dam, a modern engineering marvel. Continue to the ancient city of Harran, famous for its beehive-shaped houses and well-preserved walls. In Şanlıurfa, explore its rich religious history, including the Pools of Abraham, a site of great spiritual significance, and visit the cave traditionally considered Abraham’s birthplace. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 11 Göbekli Tepe and Şanlıurfa
Visit the magnificent Göbekli Tepe, the oldest known temple site, built between 11,000 and 13,000 years ago. Continue with a visit to the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, home to stunning Roman-era mosaics, the Kızılkoyun Necropolis with rock-cut tombs, and the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, which houses artifacts telling the region’s rich history. Meals: breakfast and dinner included (lunch not included).
Day 12 Gaziantep and Halfeti
Travel to Gaziantep and embark on a fascinating boat tour in Halfeti, a partially submerged village. Then visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, renowned for its extraordinary mosaic collection, famous for intricate beauty and vibrant colors, providing insight into the rich cultural heritage of a lost civilization. The day concludes with a flight back to Istanbul for your final night. Meals: breakfast included (lunch and dinner not included).
Day 13 Departure, Istanbul
The day is free for last-minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before transfer to the airport. Optional excursions are available to explore further corners of the city. Meals: breakfast included (lunch and dinner not included).

Includes

Guided tour with an English-speaking guide, accommodation in 3/4 star hotels, transfer to/from the airport, domestic flight from Gaziantep to Istanbul, meal plan, activities and transfers as per itinerary.

Does Not Include

Flights to/from Turkey, airport taxes, medical, cancellation and baggage insurance (mandatory), tips, personal expenses, and anything not expressly mentioned under “Includes.”

Important

Participation prices are updated at the time of publication. Please contact our Travel Designers to check for any changes and to find out whether special offers or promotions are currently available.

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