Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- 7 nights at 5-star hotel in Istanbul (including breakfast)
- Istanbul: Bosphorus Cruise, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Spice Market, Ortaköy, Nişantaşı, Süleymaniye Mosque, Eyüp Sultan Mosque, Pierre Loti Hill
- 1 night at 4-star hotel in Bursa (including breakfast & dinner)
- Bursa: Green Mosque & Mausoleum, Grand Mosque, Silk Bazaar
- 1 night at 4-star hotel in Kusadası (including breakfast & dinner)
- Ephesus: Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain, Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Archaeological Museum
- 1 night at 5-star hotel in Pamukkale (including breakfast & dinner)
- Pamukkale: Travertine terraces, Hierapolis ancient city & Necropolis
- 3 nights at 4-star hotel in Cappadocia (including breakfast & dinner)
- Cappadocia: Göreme Open-Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, Pasabag Valley, Avanos, Özkonak Underground City, local craft workshops (carpet weaving, ceramics, and onyx)
- 1 night at 4-star hotel in Ankara (including breakfast & dinner)
- Entrance fees to all included sites and attractions
- English-speaking tour guide for all excursions
- Comfortable air-conditioned coach for all intercity travel
- All airport transfers in a private vehicle
You'll Love
- Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul: Sail between Europe and Asia while enjoying stunning views of palaces and mansions.
- Historical Wonders: Discover UNESCO-listed sites like Ephesus, Hierapolis, and Göreme Open-Air Museum.
- Grand Bazaar & Spice Market: Experience the vibrant markets of Istanbul, famous for spices, jewelry, and souvenirs.
- Magnificent Mosques: Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, and more.
- Cappadocia's Unique Landscapes: Explore fairy chimneys, underground cities, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Pamukkale’s Thermal Pools: Walk barefoot on the white travertine terraces and soak in mineral-rich waters.
- Ottoman Heritage in Bursa: Visit the Green Mosque, Grand Mosque, and Silk Bazaar.
- Ankara’s Rich History: Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Atatürk's Mausoleum.
- Turkish Cuisine Delights: Savor authentic Turkish dishes, from kebabs to baklava.
Overview
This 15-day Turkey tour offers an immersive journey through the country’s most iconic destinations, blending rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Beginning in Istanbul, you’ll explore both its historic and modern sides, cruising the Bosphorus, visiting the Grand Bazaar, and admiring architectural marvels like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. From there, the journey takes you to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, before heading to Kuşadası, where you’ll walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus. In Pamukkale, witness the breathtaking travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis before continuing to Cappadocia, where surreal rock formations, underground cities, and an optional hot air balloon ride await. A stop in Ankara, Turkey’s capital, allows you to explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Atatürk’s Mausoleum, before returning to Istanbul for free time to soak in the city’s charm. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and seamless transfers, this tour offers a perfect mix of adventure, history, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable experience.
When/Date
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted by an English-speaking assistant at the airport. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, you can check in and relax. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore nearby areas at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Istanbul with a visit to the Spice Market, a vibrant bazaar filled with aromatic spices and Turkish delights. Next, enjoy a 1.5-hour Bosphorus Cruise, admiring the stunning views of Istanbul's palaces, forests, and historic wooden houses on both the European and Asian shores. Afterward, explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest covered markets. In the afternoon, visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque), Hippodrome, and the iconic Hagia Sophia. The day concludes with a Leather Show, and then you return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Ortaköy, a charming waterfront district known for its lively atmosphere, street food, and the iconic Ortaköy Mosque. Continue to Nişantaşı, an upscale area with high-end boutiques and trendy cafes. Explore Galataport, a newly developed waterfront destination, and then visit the magnificent Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece of the Ottoman Empire. The journey continues to Şehzade Mosque, another beautiful structure designed by Mimar Sinan. In the afternoon, explore Balat, a historic district with colorful houses and unique charm, before heading to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most sacred sites. End the day with a cable car ride to Pierre Loti Hill for panoramic views before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast, depart for Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your tour begins with a visit to the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum, both excellent examples of early Ottoman architecture. Then, explore the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), a remarkable structure with 20 domes and an impressive interior. Enjoy free time at the Silk Bazaar, where you can shop for high-quality silk products and souvenirs. After a day of sightseeing, check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Bursa.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk through the ancient streets and marvel at landmarks such as the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, and Trajan Fountain. Visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from excavations and then proceed to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the evening, drive to Kuşadası, a beautiful coastal town, where you will have dinner and stay overnight.
After breakfast, depart for Pamukkale, famous for its stunning white travertine terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, an important Roman spa town, and visit its Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey. You will have the opportunity to walk barefoot on the thermal travertine terraces and, optionally, take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool, a hot spring with submerged Roman ruins. After a fulfilling day, enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most magical regions. Along the way, there will be several stops for photography, allowing you to capture the stunning landscapes. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, check in to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest for the next day’s adventure.
Start your morning with an optional hot air balloon ride, an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and valleys at sunrise. After breakfast, begin your full-day tour with a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, which houses rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes. Continue to Uçhisar Castle, a natural rock fortress with panoramic views. Discover traditional Turkish craftsmanship at a local handicraft workshop, followed by a visit to Paşabağ Valley, famous for its fairy chimney formations. In Avanos, witness the art of pottery making, a tradition that dates back thousands of years. The last stop is Özkonak Underground City, a fascinating network of tunnels and chambers used by early Christians for protection. End the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
After breakfast, enjoy a free day in Cappadocia to explore at your own pace. You can opt for additional tours, go hiking, or visit local markets. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Following breakfast, drive to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, home to artifacts from prehistoric to Ottoman times. Then, explore Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Enjoy a panoramic city tour before checking in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Ankara.
After breakfast, depart for Istanbul. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast explore Istanbul at your own Pace.
After breakfast explore Istanbul at your own Pace.
After breakfast explore Istanbul at your own Pace.
After breakfast, depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. This marks the end of your incredible 15-day journey through Turkey, filled with history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Safe travels!
