Embark on an immersive 8-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic destinations. From Istanbul’s historic heart to the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus, the healing springs of Pamukkale, and the coastal beauty of Antalya—this comprehensive itinerary offers a seamless blend of cultural, historical, and natural exploration.
What’s Included
- 2 nights accommodation in Istanbul
- 1 night accommodation in Canakkale
- 2 nights accommodation in Kusadasi
- 2 nights accommodation in Antalya
- Domestic flight ticket from Antalya to Istanbul
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Air-conditioned, non-smoking transportation
- Professional English-speaking guide during tours
- Daily lunch on full-day tours
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites
- Beverages during meals
- Optional activities (e.g., Cleopatra Pool swim)
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities for guide and driver
Highlights
- Explore Istanbul’s historical core, from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar
- Visit the WWI memorials of Gallipoli and learn about the ANZAC legacy
- Walk through the legendary ruins of Troy and the medical center of Pergamum
- Experience the grandeur of Ephesus and the spiritual calm of the Virgin Mary’s house
- Witness Pamukkale’s dazzling travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis
- Enjoy a scenic cable car ride and historical exploration in coastal Antalya
- Benefit from expert local guides and seamless travel arrangements throughout
Travel Advice and Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to uneven surfaces at ancient sites.
- Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and reusable water bottles are recommended.
- Modest dress is required when visiting mosques and religious shrines.
- All domestic transportation is carefully arranged to ensure time-efficient travel.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), you’ll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After check-in, enjoy some free time to rest or explore your surroundings. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Walking Tour of Istanbul’s Historic Landmarks
Visits: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Begin your day with a walking tour through the heart of old Istanbul. Your first stop is Hagia Sophia, a monument that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, showcasing architectural elements from both Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
Continue to the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and interior decorated with Iznik tiles. Visit the Hippodrome, once a Roman arena for chariot races and public events. Historic monuments such as the Serpent Column and Obelisk of Theodosius remain on display.
Next, explore the Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman sultans. Discover royal chambers, sacred relics, and a treasury filled with imperial artifacts.
End your tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, where you can browse over 4,000 shops selling everything from textiles to jewelry.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: Gallipoli Battlefield Tour and Transfer to Canakkale
Visits: ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial, Chunuk Bair, Brighton Beach, Johnston’s Jolly
Depart early from Istanbul and drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a significant site in modern history. Begin your tour at Brighton Beach and ANZAC Cove, where Allied forces landed during World War I.
Visit key memorials such as Lone Pine (Australia), Chunuk Bair (New Zealand), and Johnston’s Jolly, which features preserved trenches and tunnels used by both sides during the conflict.
Reflect on the sacrifices and legacy of those who fought during the Gallipoli Campaign. After the tour, take a short drive across the Dardanelles Strait and check into your hotel in Canakkale. Overnight stay in Canakkale.
Day 4: Exploration of Troy and Pergamum
Visits: Troy Ruins, Pergamum Acropolis, Asklepion
Begin the day with a guided tour of the ancient city of Troy, recognized by UNESCO for its historical layers spanning thousands of years. See the remnants of city walls, altars, and learn about the legends of Helen, Paris, and the Trojan Horse.
Continue to Pergamum, an important Hellenistic city. Explore the Asklepion, an ancient healing center dedicated to the god of medicine. Discover ruins of treatment rooms, sacred springs, and the theater used for healing rituals.
Enjoy scenic views of the Aegean Sea and olive-dotted hills as you make your way to Kusadasi for check-in and overnight stay.
Day 5: Full-Day Ephesus and Virgin Mary Tour
Visits: House of Virgin Mary, Ancient Ephesus, Temple of Artemis
Start with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site nestled on Mount Koressos. It is believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Then, step into the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Stroll along marble streets and discover iconic structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, Roman baths, and public latrines.
Conclude the day with a stop at the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a few columns remain today, the site reflects the city’s former importance in the ancient world.
Return to your hotel in Kusadasi for overnight accommodation.
Day 6: Pamukkale Tour and Transfer to Antalya
Visits: Travertine Terraces, Hierapolis Ancient City, Cleopatra Pool, Temple of Apollo
After breakfast, depart for Pamukkale, known for its white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. The natural pools cascading down the hillside are among the most photographed sites in Turkey.
Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, a Roman spa town built on the terrace. Highlights include the Hierapolis Theater, the Necropolis, the Temple of Apollo, and the Sacred Pool, where ancient columns lie submerged in warm spring water. Optional swimming is available in the Cleopatra Pool.
After the tour, continue to Antalya, a coastal city along the Mediterranean. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 7: Antalya City Tour and Scenic Views
Visits: Tunektepe Cable Car, Duden Waterfalls, Kaleici Old Town
Start your day with a cable car ride to Tunektepe Hill, offering panoramic views of Antalya’s coastline, the Taurus Mountains, and the surrounding pine forests.
Next, visit the Duden Waterfalls, where water flows over cliffs into the sea. Enjoy the relaxing environment of the park and take scenic photographs.
After lunch, explore the historic old town of Kaleici, a maze of cobbled streets lined with Ottoman-era houses, boutique shops, and art galleries. Discover the Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, and the Kesik Minaret, all remnants of Antalya’s rich past.
Return to your hotel for your final overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 8: Departure From Antalya to Istanbul
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to Antalya Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may connect directly or extend your time in Istanbul.
Our team will ensure a smooth transition to your next destination. Thank you for traveling with us and exploring the cultural gems of Turkey.
