13-Day Turkey Highlights Tour

Experience Turkey’s History, Culture & Natural Wonders in One Epic Journey

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey across Turkey, where history, culture, and natural beauty come alive. Begin in vibrant Istanbul, exploring Byzantine and Ottoman marvels such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Fly to Cappadocia to wander among fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and underground cities. Visit the spiritual heart of Konya, then relax on the Mediterranean coast in Antalya, admiring ancient theaters and waterfalls. Discover the surreal white terraces of Pamukkale, the grandeur of Ephesus, and the legendary ruins of Pergamon and Troy. Finally, pay tribute at the historic Gallipoli battlefields before returning to Istanbul.

This comprehensive tour blends guided excursions with free time, offering the perfect balance of discovery and relaxation. Ideal for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and first-time visitors—secure your spot today for a life-changing Turkish adventure.

Trip Highlights

• Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar

• Cappadocia – Fairy chimneys, Devrent & Pasabag Valleys, Underground City

• Konya – Mevlana Museum and spiritual landmarks

• Antalya – Aspendos Ancient Theater, Perge, and Manavgat Waterfall

• Pamukkale – Travertines & Hierapolis Ancient City, optional Cleopatra’s Pool

• Ephesus – Library of Celsus, Temple of Artemis, House of Virgin Mary

• Pergamon – Acropolis ruins and Hellenistic sites

• Troy – Legendary city of Homer’s epic, Trojan Horse, ancient layers

• Gallipoli – ANZAC memorials and World War I battlefields

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul | Transfer & Leisure

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), meet your driver at the arrivals gate. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy free time to explore or rest.

Overnight in Istanbul – 4★ Hotel

Day 2 – Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour

After breakfast, depart at 08:30 AM for a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic highlights:

• Hagia Sophia – Architectural marvel blending Byzantine and Islamic heritage

• Blue Mosque – Six minarets and mesmerizing İznik tiles

• Hippodrome – Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column, German Fountain

• Topkapi Palace – Ottoman sultans’ residence with imperial treasures

• Grand Bazaar – Explore one of the world’s largest covered markets

Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Return to your hotel around 4:30 PM.

Overnight in Istanbul – 4★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 3 – Flight to Cappadocia | Northern Cappadocia Tour

Early morning pickup from your hotel (~04:00 AM) for your flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir. Upon arrival, meet your guide and start the Northern Cappadocia tour:

• Devrent Valley – Moon-like landscapes

• Pasabag Valley – Iconic fairy chimneys

• Avanos – Pottery demonstration by local artisans

• Zelve Open Air Museum – Cave dwellings and rock formations

• Panoramic views of Göreme

Optional activities include ATV tours, horseback rides, a Whirling Dervish show, or a traditional Turkish Night with dinner.

Overnight in Cappadocia – Cave Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 4 – Southern Cappadocia Tour

Optional early morning hot air balloon flight (additional cost).

Depart ~09:30 AM for Southern Cappadocia tour:

• Red & Rose Valleys – Scenic hike among rock formations and cave churches

• Çavuşin Village – Historic Christian village with stone houses

• Pigeon Valley – Panoramic views & dovecotes

• Underground City – Kaymakli or Özkonak, refuge for early Christians

Return to hotel around 4:00 PM. Free evening.

Overnight in Cappadocia – Cave Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 5 – Cappadocia to Antalya via Konya

Private transfer from Cappadocia to Konya. Guided city tour (~2.5 hours) visiting:

• Mevlana Museum – Spiritual home of Rumi

• Sultan Selim Mosque & Alaaddin Mosque

• Tomb of Shams-i Tabrizi

Lunch on your own, then continue to Antalya. Arrival in the evening.

Overnight in Antalya – Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 6 – Aspendos, Perge & Manavgat Waterfall

Morning tour includes:

• Aspendos Theater – Best-preserved Roman theater in Turkey

• Perge Ancient City – Ruins of Roman & Hellenistic architecture

• Manavgat Waterfall – Picturesque nature spot

Return to hotel ~5:00 PM.

Overnight in Antalya – Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 7 – Free Day in Antalya

Relax or explore at leisure. Optional activities: boat trip, Turkish bath, or beach day.

Overnight in Antalya – Boutique Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Antalya to Pamukkale

Transfer to Pamukkale by bus (~5 hours). Check-in at hotel and enjoy free time.

Overnight in Pamukkale – 4★ Thermal Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Dinner

Day 9 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour | Transfer to Kuşadası

Full-day guided tour:

• Pamukkale Travertines – Natural white terraces

• Hierapolis Ancient City – Necropolis, Roman Baths, Frontinus Street

• Optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool (additional fee)

Afternoon transfer to Kuşadası / Selçuk (~3–4 hours).

Overnight in Kuşadası – 4★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 10 – Ephesus Tour

Full-day guided tour:

• Temple of Artemis

• Ephesus Ancient City – Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Great Theater, Roman Baths

• House of Virgin Mary

Return to hotel around 4:00 PM.

Overnight in Kuşadası – 4★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 11 – Kuşadası to Çanakkale via Pergamon

Morning departure with optional visit to Pergamon Acropolis. Continue to Çanakkale, arriving in the evening.

Overnight in Çanakkale – 3★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 12 – Troy & Gallipoli Tour | Return to Istanbul

Morning guided tour of Troy:

• Trojan Horse, 3700-year-old city walls, Bouleuterion, Odeon

• Explore nine archaeological layers (Troy I–IX)

Transfer to Eceabat for lunch. Afternoon guided tour of Gallipoli WWI Sites:

• ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, The Nek, Chunuk Bair Memorial, Turkish 57th Regiment Cemetery

Evening transfer back to Istanbul (~11:00 PM).

Overnight in Istanbul – 4★ Hotel
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch

Day 13 – Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, check out before 12:00 PM and transfer to Istanbul Airport according to your flight schedule.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

• Airport, hotel, and intercity transfers

• Domestic flight: Istanbul → Cappadocia

• 13 nights’ accommodation (4★, boutique, or cave hotels)

• Daily breakfast + selected lunches/dinners

• Professional English-speaking guides

• Entrance fees to all sites in itinerary

• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation

• Local taxes and service charges

Not Included

• International flights

• Optional activities (hot air balloon, Turkish Night, ATV/horseback rides)

• Drinks and dinners unless specified

• Entrance to optional sites (Cleopatra’s Pool)

• Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance