Turkey itinerary 12 days : A Journey Through History, Culture & Nature
Highlights
- ✓Istanbul – Discover the city where East meets West, visiting Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.
- ✓Safranbolu – Step into a living museum with its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and cobbled streets.
- ✓Ankara – Visit Turkey’s capital and Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
- ✓Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) – Marvel at one of Turkey’s largest salt lakes, famous for its shimmering white landscape.
- ✓Cappadocia – Witness surreal rock formations, underground cities, and enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride.
- ✓Konya – Explore the land of Rumi and visit the Mevlana Museum, a spiritual hub for Sufism.
- ✓Antalya – Enjoy the Mediterranean coast, historic Kaleiçi (Old Town), and stunning beaches.
- ✓Pamukkale – Walk on the cotton-like travertine terraces and relax in the thermal pools of Hierapolis.
- ✓Ephesus – Roam the grand ruins of one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Kuşadası – Unwind by the Aegean coast, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.
- ✓✔ Ayvalık – A charming seaside town with a mix of Greek and Turkish influences. ✔ Bergama – Explore the ancient city of Pergamon, home to one of the most famous libraries of antiquity. ✔ Troy – Discover the legendary city of the Trojan War, made famous by Homer’s Iliad. ✔ Çanakkale – A historical gem near the Gallipoli battlefields, blending ancient and modern history.
Overview
Turkey is a country where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. This 12-day itinerary takes you on a spectacular journey across Turkey’s most iconic destinations. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the ancient cities of Ephesus, Troy, and Bergama, this trip blends history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring UNESCO-listed sites, indulging in Turkish cuisine, or marveling at natural wonders, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Route
Itinerary
Upon your arrival to Istanbul,our representative will
meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a sign on which your name is
written.Today depending on your arrival time, if it is early , you can start to
discover Istanbul. We can offer for you optional tours like Bosphorus Dinner
Cruise,Half Day Istanbul Tour etc.
Please ask for optional Istanbul Tours. Transfer and
check in your hotel.Overnight Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
Today you can see most visited places of Istanbul.We start strolling to the
great square which was once the Byzantine Hippodrome. Now it is a great
parklike area surrounded by the Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and The Underground Cistern,
commonly called the Basilica Cistern.Lunch break,then we proceed for Topkapi
Palace. It was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the
administrative and educational center of the state.Grand Bazaar is the last
stop. It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.Overnight
in Istanbul.
If you
would like to visit with entrance below sites;
Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee.
You pay the door price.
Hagia Sophia Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.
The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.
Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.
(Breakfast included)
Following early breakfast, we proceed to Safranbolu.(6 hours bus
drive).Safranbolu is a historic Ottoman town which is a unspoiled historic gem
of Turkey.It was added to the list of Unesco World Heritage sites in 1994 due
to its well-preserved houses and architecture.Among its historical houses and
streets, you’ll feel as if you were travelling to the past and you’ll discover
not only its history but also its nature, and see how a city improves and
protects itself while living there.After visiting Safranbolu, check in the
hotel. Overnight Safranbolu.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Depart for Safranbolu.we
continue to the capital of Turkey (3 hours).Here we visit The Ataturk Mausoleum
–the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk- Father of modern Turkey.The
Architecture of the mausoleum is a mix of different styles that represent the
various Anatolian civilizations.After lunch ,have a visit to Anatolian
Civilizations Museum. It is one of the richest archeologic museums in the world
with many extensive collection of artifacts, coins, gold, silver, glass and
bronze works remaining from different periods. It represents a real cultural
and historical treasure and definitely a must-see place.En route . visit Salt
Lake, We drive to Cappadocia. Overnight
Cappadocia.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
If You would like before you start the tour, you can join Cappadocia is an
extraordinary national treasure in Turkey. First stop is the Esentepe Vista
point from where you can see clearly Goreme and its surrounding. It has a
spectacular view.Your guide will give you some information about geology of
rock formations and you can get some of the best pictures of Cappadocia.Next
step is Uchisar Castle.It is the summit where Cappadocia mingles with clouds;
it is the highest point and can be seen from any spot in the region.After
Uchisar Castle , have a visit to Goreme Open Air Museum.The Museum is listed as
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It contains the finest of the rock-cut
churches, with beautiful frescoes. From here, we proceed to Avanos for
lunch.
And then since Avanos is totally a pottery paradise,we watch live pottery
demonstration.
Pasabag (Monks Valley) will be next before Devrent Valley.Pasabag which is full
of peculiar fairy chimneys looks remarkable with best formations. Devrent
Valley is a small place on the outskirts of Goreme. Unlike other valleys in the
region, it doesn’t boast of the normal cave churches. Because all you have to
do is let your mind run wild and a variety of stone sculptures can be seen
.Drop off hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
If You Have a time and if you don't have any idea what to
do after this tour ; You can join our Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia (Extra) or Atv Tours in Cappadocia(Extra).
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
We
start the day with Kaymakli Underground City. It was opened to visitors in 1964
In the village of Kaymakli. Even though the whole city has not been completely
opened, and since only 4 floors have been uncovered, it is certain that
Kaymakli is one of the largest underground settlements in the region. Then
proceed to Guzelyurt (The ancient name of the town was Gelveri ). The town is a
harmony of cultures, history, architecture, and religions.At the same time, It
is the most famous as the home of St. Gregory of Nazianzus,one of the so-called
Cappadocian Fathers whose writings and teachings helped establish some of the
fundamental tenets of Christianity. Lunch
in Ihlara Village.
Ihlara Gorge, a 14-kilometer-long canyon carved out of the rocky landscape
by the Melendiz Cayi, a river that still ripples along its bottom providing a
wonderfully refreshing backdrop for the walk which is 3 km. After Ihlara Gorge
, we drive to Agzikarahan Caravanserai .It is a fine example of Turkish Seljuk
art,built early 13th century.It was on legendary Silk Road. Overnight in Cappadocia.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Following an early
breakfast,we will drive through Konya (3 hours).Konya was the center of the
Seljuk Empire as well as the city of Mevlana and his Whirling Dervishes. Have a
luch, then we will continue to Antalya.En route,visit Aspendos.It is renowned throughout
the world for its magnificent ancient amphitheatre.Ancient city is located 48
km away from Antalya city center. Overnight
Antalya .
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Today we start the day
early in the morning for Antalya .With it’s nature made up of dark blue seas,
spectacular Taurus mountains, fervent waterfalls, boulevards lined with palm
trees, award winning marina and world known holiday villages is what makes
Antalya the capital of Tourism.Visit Kaleici(Old Town ).Then boat trip for two
hours through Mediterranean which will make your trip excellent in Antalya.Have
a lunch, then our route is Pamukkale.(3 hours )
Pamukkale and adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are listed as site of
World Heritage by UNESCO. Together they are one of the most popular
destinations in the world. Pamukkale is ,with its superb appearance,beyond your
imaginations.After enjoy ourselves walking on the travertines of Pamukkale,we
proceed to hotel. Overnight
Pamukkale.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
If You would like before
you start the tour, you can join; Paragliding in Pamukkale(Extra)
After check out , we are going to visit Aphrodisias Ancient Site. Turkey has
hundreds of ancient city.But this site can be one of your favourite place
because of its great condition.The sheer size of Aphrodisias is astonishing.
Many of the structures at Aphrodisias have now been excavated and are in a
perfect condition, which helps create a full picture of what the city looked
like in its golden ages.You can see Tetrapylon, the most impressive structure
of Aphrodisias The Stadium,Ancient Theatre ,Sebastion and its museum.Lunch
time, Then proceed to Ephesus (2,5 Hours)
It had been a residential area starting from the pre-historic era and through
the Hellenistic ,Roman,Eastern Roman periods. Overnight Kusadasi.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
Check out from hotel ,
Drive to Pergamun.Before start the tour, we have lunch. Pergamon was one of the
most beautiful cities of the ancient times .It”s architects and sculptors were
among the finest in the Hellenistic world. You can see ruin of The
Gymnasium,The Temple of Athena,The Library of Pergamon, The Temple of Trajan,
Zeus Altar and The Theatre which is one of the steepest theatres in the
world.Lunch in Bergama .Next is Asclepion.It was the important health treatment
and curing center in ancient Greece and Rome.At the same time,ıt was the worlds
first psychiatric hospital providing cures for psychosomatic illnesses.In the
evening time ıf you would like to discover, Cunda Island is a good
opportunity.Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island is must-see spot near Ayvalık
province. One of the most beautiful islands in Turkey, Overnight Ayvalık
(Breakfast included)
Today have a breakfast
and check out hotel. First to see is Troy including: The Trojan Horse, Helen of
Troy, The Trojan Wars, The battle between Achilles & Paris, Sacrificial
Altars, The 3700 year old city walls, Houses of Troy I, The Bouleterium, The
Odeon, Current excavations in progress; and Remains of the various cities from
Troy I through to Troy IX.After we finish our visit to Troy, en route Istanbul,
have a lunch. Then embark on a ferryboat to Gallipoli enjoying the countryside.
After 5,5 hours drive , Reach to Istanbul.
Overnight Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
We check out after
breakfast and proceed to Dolmabahce Palace.Out of all the sites to see in
Istanbul , Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most impressive and intriguing one.
The palace has survived intact with its original decorations, furniture, and
the silk carpets and curtains. Overlooking the Bosphorus ,its beauty is
incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for interior decoration.
Time for Bosphorus Cruise. During the excursion you will see the
magnificent sights from your boat. Through the waterway separating the two
continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble
palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern
residential and luxurious apartments
Transfer to Istanbul Airport to board and say goodbye to our dear guests. End of the tour.
If you
would like to visit with entrance below sites;
Dolmabahce Museum Entrance Fee.
You pay the door price.
What's included
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓Guide
- ✓Meals
- ✓Transport
- ✓Other included
- ✓Hygiene protocol
Not included
- ✕Flights
- ✕Insurance
- ✕Other not included
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