12-Day Grand Turkey Tour

Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale & Ephesus

Tour Overview

Discover the very best of Turkey on this expertly designed 12-day Turkey tour, blending world-famous landmarks, ancient civilizations, breathtaking natural wonders, and deep cultural experiences. From the imperial capital of Istanbul to the spiritual heart of Konya, from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the turquoise coast of Antalya, and from the white terraces of Pamukkale to the legendary ruins of Ephesus, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of Turkey.

With professional licensed guides, carefully selected hotels, seamless domestic transportation, and optional experiences such as hot air ballooning, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and enriching Turkey travel experience.

Why Choose This Tour?

✔ Comprehensive itinerary covering Turkey’s top destinations
✔ Mix of history, culture, nature & leisure
✔ Boutique, 4-star & cave hotel accommodation
✔ Domestic flights & intercity transport included
✔ Small-group guided experience
✔ Excellent value & flexible optional activities

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Istanbul – Airport Transfer & Free Time

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or explore Istanbul independently.

Optional Evening Experience:
Join a Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with live entertainment and panoramic night views of Istanbul’s illuminated skyline.

Overnight: Istanbul
Hotel: Boutique or 4-Star
Meals: —

Day 2 | Full-Day Istanbul Byzantine & Ottoman Heritage Tour

After breakfast, embark on a full-day guided exploration of Istanbul’s Old City.

Highlights include:

• Hagia Sophia – a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture

• Blue Mosque – famous for its Iznik tiles and elegant minarets

• Hippodrome – center of Byzantine social life

• Topkapi Palace – former residence of Ottoman sultans

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before concluding the day at the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 3 | Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Konya

Begin the day with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar, followed by a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia. Admire iconic landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and elegant waterfront mansions.

In the evening, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Konya. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Konya
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 | Konya City Tour – Transfer to Cappadocia

Explore Konya, one of Turkey’s most spiritual cities and the home of Rumi.

Visits include:

• Mevlana Museum & Rumi’s Tomb

• Sultan Selim Mosque

• Alaaddin Hill & Alaaddin Mosque

• Karatay Medrese

• Shams-i Tabrizi Tomb

After the tour, travel by comfortable intercity bus to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to your unique cave hotel.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 5 | North Cappadocia Tour

Optional early morning Hot Air Balloon Ride for unforgettable panoramic views.

After breakfast, explore:

• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

• Pasabag (Monks Valley) fairy chimneys

• Avanos pottery town

• Zelve Open-Air Museum

• Uchisar Castle panoramic viewpoint

Optional evening activities include ATV tours, horseback riding, Whirling Dervish Ceremony, or Turkish Night Show.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 6 | South Cappadocia Tour

Discover the hidden valleys and underground wonders of Cappadocia:

• Red Valley & Rose Valley hike

• Cavusin Village

• Pigeon Valley

• Kaymakli or Ozkonak Underground City

Return to the hotel in the afternoon with free time to relax.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7 | Flight to Antalya – Mediterranean Coast

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Antalya. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore Kaleiçi Old Town, relax on the beach, or enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere.

Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 | Perge, Aspendos, Side & Manavgat Waterfall Tour

Full-day excursion to explore:

• Perge Ancient City

• Aspendos Roman Theatre

• Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo

• Manavgat Waterfall

Lunch by a scenic riverside restaurant.

Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 9 | Bus Transfer from Antalya to Pamukkale

Travel by comfortable coach to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, check in and enjoy free time to relax in thermal waters.

Dinner included at your hotel.

Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 | Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Transfer to Kusadasi

Visit:

• Pamukkale Travertines

• Hierapolis Ancient City

• Optional swim in the Antique Thermal Pool

After the tour, drive to Kusadasi.

Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 11 | Ephesus Tour – Flight to Istanbul

Explore one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities:

• Library of Celsus

• Great Theatre

• Temple of Hadrian

• House of the Virgin Mary

• Temple of Artemis

• Isa Bey Mosque

Evening flight back to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 | Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

End of Tour Services

What’s Included

✔ All airport & hotel transfers
✔ Domestic flights & intercity transportation
✔ Professional English-speaking licensed guides
✔ Accommodation as per itinerary
✔ Entrance fees to all listed sites
✔ Meals as mentioned
✔ Local taxes & service charges

Not Included

✖ International flights
✖ Turkey visa fees
✖ Optional tours & activities
✖ Drinks & dinners not specified
✖ Travel insurance