9 Day Highlights of Turkey Tour

(Dinner included)
After breakfast, begin your journey with a visit to the colorful Spice Market, filled with aromatic herbs, teas, and local delicacies, followed by the beautifully tiled Rüstem Pasha Mosque, a hidden Ottoman gem. Depart Istanbul and drive towards the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of one of the most moving battles of World War I. Visit key memorials including ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, and the Lone Pine Cemetery, where soldiers from Australia and New Zealand are honored. Later in the afternoon, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to reach the historic city of Canakkale, gateway to ancient Troy. Dinner and hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Canakkale.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Canakkale and visit the legendary city of Troy (UNESCO World Heritage), immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. Explore the ruins of this ancient settlement, including its defensive walls and the symbolic wooden horse representing the epic Trojan War. Continue south to Pergamon, once a powerful Hellenistic kingdom. Visit the Asclepion, one of the ancient world’s most renowned healing centers, and the spectacular Theater, dramatically built into the hillside with panoramic views over the valley. In the evening, drive to the lively coastal town of Kusadası, a popular gateway to Ephesus. Dinner and hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Kusadası.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the serene House of the Virgin Mary, a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus. Continue to the magnificent Ephesus Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage), one of the best-preserved classical cities of the Mediterranean. Walk along Marble Street, admire the Library of Celsus, and stand in the Grand Theater, once hosting 25,000 spectators. Visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the impressive Basilica of St. John, built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Return to Kusadası for dinner and overnight stay. Overnight in Kusadası.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Kusadası and travel inland to Aphrodisias, the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Explore the impressive Temple of Aphrodite, the vast ancient stadium, and the famous sculpture workshops, which made the city a center of art in antiquity. Continue to Laodicea, an important Biblical site and one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Walk among its ruins, which include temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. Arrive in Pamukkale & Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage), where you will marvel at the dazzling white travertine terraces formed by thermal waters. Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, including the Roman Baths, necropolis, and theater. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Pamukkale and drive south towards the Mediterranean coast. En route, stop at Perge, one of the most impressive Greco-Roman cities in Anatolia, featuring a grand stadium, colonnaded streets, baths, and city gates. Continue to the spectacular Aspendos Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, still renowned for its remarkable acoustics. Arrive in Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, home to an outstanding collection of artifacts from the region’s ancient sites. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Kaleiçi (Old Town) with its narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman houses, charming shops, and picturesque marina. Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Antalya and travel across the Anatolian heartland towards Çatalhöyük, one of the most important Neolithic archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back over 9,000 years, it is considered the world’s first urban settlement, offering unique insights into early human society and community life.
Continue to Konya, the spiritual center of Turkiye and the home of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the great Sufi philosopher and poet Rumi, and explore the historic Theological School, showcasing fine examples of Seljuk architecture.
Dinner and overnight stay in Konya. Overnight in Konya

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Konya and drive through the heart of Central Anatolia towards Cappadocia, a region famous for its surreal landscapes and cave dwellings. On the way, stop at the scenic Ihlara Valley, where the Melendiz River flows through a dramatic gorge dotted with ancient rock-hewn churches. Continue to Selime Village, known for its rock-cut monastery complex and fairy chimneys. Arrive in Cappadocia and visit the fascinating Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the largest in the region, once used as a refuge by early Christians. Later, explore Uçhisar and Ortahisar Castles, natural rock fortresses offering panoramic views of the valleys. Conclude the day with a visit to the charming old Greek village of Sinasos (Mustafapaşa), known for its stone mansions and unique cultural blend. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia

(Breakfast & Dinner included)
Begin the day with an optional hot-air balloon ride at sunrise (extra cost), offering breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s unique valleys, fairy chimneys, and rock formations. After breakfast, set out to discover Cappadocia’s highlights. Start with Magic Valley (Devrent), known for its imaginative rock formations shaped like animals and figures. Continue to the Zelve Open Air Museum, once a monastic settlement with cave dwellings and churches carved into the soft volcanic rock. Next, visit Monk’s Valley (Paşabağ), famous for its striking fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage), home to centuries-old rock-hewn churches decorated with vivid frescoes. Conclude the day in Avanos, a pottery-making village on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, where you can watch traditional craftsmen at work. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, connect with your international departure flight or choose to extend your stay in Türkiye with additional nights in Istanbul. End of Tour Services
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