Best of Turkey Tour – 12 Days

Istanbul • Antalya • Cappadocia • Trabzon • Ephesus

Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Tour Type: Daily Guided Group Tour
Group Size: Max. 17 Travelers
Start / End: Istanbul
Accommodation: 4★ & Boutique Cave Hotels
Flights: Domestic flights included

Tour Overview

Discover the very best of Turkey on this unforgettable 12-day journey across iconic regions, blending history, nature, culture, and local life. From the imperial treasures of Istanbul to the turquoise coast of Antalya, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the lush mountains of Trabzon, and the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this itinerary is carefully designed for travelers who want to see it all—comfortably and efficiently.

Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike, this tour combines UNESCO World Heritage Sites, scenic flights, expert-guided experiences, and handpicked hotels for a seamless and enriching travel experience.

DAY 1 – Arrival in Istanbul | Airport Transfer

Welcome to Turkey!

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred comfortably to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to relax after your flight or explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Overnight in Istanbul

Hotel: Ottoman Hotel Imperial
A premium boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City, surrounded by Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

DAY 2 – Classical Old City of Istanbul Tour

09:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up

Step into the heart of Byzantine and Ottoman history on a full-day guided walking tour.

Highlights:

• Topkapi Palace (Optional): The former residence of Ottoman sultans, rich with imperial treasures

• Blue Mosque: Famous for its elegant blue Iznik tiles

• Hippodrome: Ancient chariot-racing arena with historic monuments

• Hagia Sophia (Optional): A UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece

• Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets

Lunch: Free time (not included)
Return to Hotel: Around 5:00 PM

Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 3 – Istanbul Highlights & Bosphorus Area

Tour Starts: 09:00 – 09:30 AM

Explore Istanbul beyond the Old City, discovering palaces, markets, and panoramic viewpoints.

Highlights:

• Dolmabahçe Palace (Entrance fee required) – Ottoman elegance by the Bosphorus

• Çiçek Passage – Historic arcade filled with local life

• Galata Tower (Panoramic View) – Stunning skyline views

• Spice Market – Aromatic bazaar filled with colors and flavors

Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 4 – Flight to Antalya | Ancient Cities of Pamphylia

Early Morning Transfer to Airport
Flight to Antalya

Upon arrival, begin a full-day exploration of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Highlights:

• Perge Ancient City – Roman streets, stadium, and theater

• Aspendos Theatre – One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world

• Side Ancient City – Temple of Apollo and seaside ruins

• Manavgat Waterfall – Refreshing natural beauty

Overnight in Antalya

Hotel: Holiday Inn Antalya – Lara

DAY 5 – Antalya Free Day or Optional Boat Trip

Enjoy a free day in Antalya or join an optional Mediterranean boat tour.

Optional Boat Trip Includes:

• Coastal cruising along turquoise waters

• Swimming & snorkeling stops

• Lunch onboard included

Overnight in Antalya

DAY 6 – Flight to Cappadocia

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

Upon arrival, transfer to your cave hotel.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore nearby villages.

Overnight in Cappadocia

Hotel: Evanthia Cave Hotel
A beautifully restored historic Greek mansion carved into volcanic rock.

DAY 7 – Cappadocia Valleys & Underground Cities

Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride

Early Morning:

• Hot Air Balloon Flight (Optional) – Sunrise views over fairy chimneys

• Champagne celebration after landing

Day Tour Highlights:

• Meskendir Valley Trek

• Rose & Red Valleys

• Çavuşin Village & Cave Churches

• Underground City – Ancient refuge of early Christians

• Pigeon Valley

• Uchisar Castle Panorama

Overnight in Cappadocia

DAY 8 – Northern Cappadocia Tour

Tour Time: 09:00 – 16:00

Highlights:

• Göreme Esentepe Panoramic View

• Zelve Open-Air Museum

• Paşabağ (Monks Valley)

• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)

• Avanos Pottery Workshop

• Love Valley

Overnight in Cappadocia

DAY 9 – Flight to Trabzon | Black Sea Region

After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Trabzon.

Arrival, hotel transfer, and free time to relax.

Overnight in Trabzon

Hotel: Cebeci Grand Hotel

DAY 10 – Trabzon, Uzungöl & Sümela Monastery

Discover the lush landscapes of Turkey’s Black Sea coast.

Highlights:

• Hagia Sophia of Trabzon

• Atatürk Mansion

• Trabzon Castle

• Uzungöl Lake – Scenic mountain lake

• Sümela Monastery – Dramatically built into cliffside rock

Dinner Included

Overnight in Trabzon

DAY 11 – Flight to Izmir | Ephesus Tour | Flight to Istanbul

Early Morning Flight to Izmir

Explore the legendary ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.

Highlights:

• Library of Celsus

• Grand Theatre

• Temple of Hadrian

• Fountain of Trajan

• Hercules Gate

• Ruins of the Temple of Artemis

• House of Virgin Mary (Optional)

Evening flight back to Istanbul.

Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 12 – Departure from Istanbul

After breakfast, check out from the hotel.
Private transfer to the airport for your international departure.

End of Services

Optional extra nights in Istanbul available upon request.

Why Choose This Tour?

✔ Covers Turkey’s top 5 regions
✔ Domestic flights included for comfort
✔ Small group size (max. 17 people)
✔ Expert licensed guides
✔ UNESCO World Heritage Sites
✔ Ideal balance of history, nature & culture