15 Days Discover Turkey and Bulgaria Tour

Grand Turkey & Bulgaria Heritage Tour

15 Days | First-Class Guided Experience | Two Countries | UNESCO Highlights

Tour Overview

Experience the ultimate cultural journey through Turkey and Bulgaria on this 15-day first-class escorted tour, combining legendary civilizations, breathtaking natural wonders, and centuries of shared history.

From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, from the Roman splendor of Ephesus and the thermal wonders of Pamukkale to Bulgaria’s medieval capitals, Thracian treasures, and UNESCO monasteries, this comprehensive itinerary offers an unforgettable exploration of two culturally rich nations.

Designed for travelers who value comfort, history, and depth, this tour blends guided sightseeing with scenic drives, domestic flights, and immersive local experiences.

Tour Highlights

• Discover Istanbul’s iconic landmarks and vibrant bazaars

• Scenic Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia

• Explore Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved Roman cities

• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary

• Walk on the white travertines of Pamukkale & Hierapolis

• Experience Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and underground cities

• Optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise

• Explore Sofia, Bulgaria’s historic capital

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery

• Discover medieval Veliko Tarnovo & Tsarevets Fortress

• Explore Plovdiv, one of Europe’s oldest cities

• Visit Koprivshtitsa, a jewel of Bulgarian National Revival architecture

• Thracian heritage at Kazanlak & Sveshtari Tombs

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, the city of empires. Arrival transfer to your hotel. Free time to relax or explore independently.

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

Full-day guided tour including:

• Hagia Sophia

• Blue Mosque

• Topkapı Palace

• Hippodrome

• Grand Bazaar

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to İzmir – Kuşadası

Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, then take a domestic flight to İzmir and transfer to Kuşadası.

Day 4: Ephesus & Şirince Village

Visit:

• Ephesus Ancient City

• Library of Celsus & Great Theatre

• House of the Virgin Mary

• Traditional Şirince Village

Day 5: Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Explore:

• White travertines of Pamukkale

• Ancient Hierapolis

• Thermal pools with mineral-rich waters

Day 6: Kuşadası – Cappadocia

Flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri, transfer to Cappadocia.

Day 7: Cappadocia Tour

Visit:

• Göreme Open-Air Museum

• Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı Underground City

• Fairy chimneys and panoramic viewpoints
  (Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride)

Day 8: Cappadocia – Istanbul – Sofia

Flight back to Istanbul and onward travel to Sofia, Bulgaria.

Day 9: Sofia City Tour

Discover:

• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

• Serdica Roman Ruins

• Historic city center and landmarks

Day 10: Rila Monastery & Virgin Church

Visit the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most sacred spiritual site.

Day 11: Veliko Tarnovo Tour

Explore:

• Tsarevets Fortress

• Medieval Old Town

• Former Bulgarian capital

Day 12: Plovdiv Tour

Discover:

• Roman Theatre

• Old Town architecture

• Cobblestone streets and colorful houses

Day 13: Plovdiv Sightseeing

Additional exploration of Plovdiv’s cultural and archaeological heritage.

Day 14: Koprivshtitsa Tour

Visit the historic town of Koprivshtitsa, famous for its preserved 19th-century houses and museums.

Day 15: Shopping Tour & Departure

Final shopping time and transfer to the airport. End of tour.

What’s Included

✔️ Accommodation in quality hotels
✔️ Professional English-speaking guides
✔️ Meals as specified
✔️ All ground transportation
✔️ Domestic flights within Turkey
✔️ Guided sightseeing tours
✔️ Entrance fees to included sites

Not Included

✖️ International flights
✖️ Travel insurance
✖️ Optional tours (e.g. hot air balloon)
✖️ Personal expenses

Why Choose This Tour?

• Comprehensive Turkey & Bulgaria experience

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Balanced pace with cultural depth

• First-class service & logistics

• Perfect for history lovers and mature travelers