Grand Turkey Tour

Arrive at the airport in Istanbul’s magical city, where our representative will meet you and our driver will take you to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we can arrange a Turkish Bath (Hamam) session to help with the jetlag.

A wonderful sunset Bosphorus cruise is another option to make the most of your first day in Istanbul.

Overnight in Istanbul

Your tour will officially start with an exploration of the city spanning two continents, Istanbul. Start at the magnificent Hippodrome Square (UNESCO World Heritage 1985) and explore its top attractions. Proceed to the Iconic Blue Mosque famous for its blue tiles before visiting the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia museum, Topkapi Palace and finishing your day at the colorful Grand Bazaar.

Overnight in Istanbul | Meals: B, L

Depart early in the morning for Iznik, the site of the Councils of Nicaea. Visit the Iznik foundation tiles’ priceless collection before proceeding to Bursa to visit the historic Grand Mosque and the beautifully decorated Green Mausoleum. Conclude your day by exploring the masterpiece of Bursa, the Silk Market. While in Bursa, remember to sample the world-famous Iskender Kebab.

You will spend the night at Bursa hotel, where you will get the chance to cool off in an elegant Turkish Bath (Hamam).

Overnight in Bursa | Meals: B, L

Drive to Manyas Bird Paradise for a peaceful hike before heading to the 5000-year old ruins of Troy (UNESCO World Heritage 1998) for an exploration of one of the most mythical cities in the world. You can take pictures by the infamous Trojan horse’s wooden replica before driving to Canakkale for your overnight stay at the Dardanelles.

Overnight in Canakkale | Meals: B, L

Visit the historical town of Assos and explore the ancient remains of its original settlements. Next is Pergamon (UNESCO World Heritage 2014), where you will marvel at incredible Hellenistic architecture including an Acropolis, Amphitheatre, the splendid Zeus altar, and the second-largest ancient library in the world. Learn the rich history of the old town before proceeding to Kusadasi for a stay overnight.

Overnight in Kusadasi | Meals: B, L

Tour Ephesus; the ancient capital of Asia Minor and the home of the Temple of Artemis (a wonder of the ancient world). Explore the city’s ruins for a detailed glimpse of Greco-Roman architecture, including one of the largest remaining ancient theatres. We will tour Selcuk town for its main attractions, including Ephesus Museum, the House of Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St John.

Explore a breathtaking restored Greek village and relax in the town for wine tasting.

Overnight in Kusadasi | Meals: B, L

Tour the ruins of Aphrodisias, a beautiful ancient city dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite before proceeding to Hierapolis and Pamukkale (UNESCO World Heritage 1988) for a glimpse of well-preserved Greco-Roman architecture, including the largest necropolis in Anatolia. Spend the night in Pamukkale after enjoying its striking Pamukkale scenery and warm pools.

Overnight in Pamukkale | Meals: B, L, D

Visit the ancient harbor city of Patara, which was also the birthplace of St. Nicholas and an oracle center. Spend your free time relaxing at Patara beach before proceeding to Xanthos and Leeton (UNESCO World Heritage Sites- 1988), where the famous trilingual inscription in Aramaic, Lycian and Greek were discovered.

Overnight in Kas | Meals: B, L

Drive from Kas to Ucagiz for a boat ride to Kekova Island, where you will explore the ruins of a sunken city as you savor the beauty of the sea. Proceed to Myra’s ruins and marvel at stunning Lycian rock tombs and a Roman theatre before heading to Demre for a visit to the church of St Nicholas. Continue to Cirali to see the legendary eternal flames and a Chimera and enjoy a swim break at Olympos’ beach.

Overnight in Antalya | Meals: B, L

Visit the Antalya Archeological Museum to have a glimpse at human history before driving to Aspendos for a tour of well-preserved Roman ruins. Proceed to the ancient Greek city of Perge and stroll its stunning colonnaded street before capping off your day at the breathtaking Kursunlu Waterfall and the nearby Kaleici town with its charming narrow streets and Turkish style houses.

Overnight in Antalya | Meals: B, L

Travel to the ancient town of Sagalassos via a scenic road through the Taurus Mountains. Explore this popular attraction, which has been labeled “The First City of Pisidia,” before taking a tea break in the nearby town of Aglasun by the 1000-year old Monument Plane Tree.

Overnight in Konya | Meals: B, L

At Konya, visit the pilgrimage destination for Sufi mystics, the Mausoleum of Mevlana. Proceed to 13th-century Seljuk masterpieces, including the Seljuk Ince Minaret Medrese and the Sultanhan Caravanserai on your way to Cappadocia. Here, explore a surreal mazy underground city before proceeding to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Cappadocia | Meals: B, L

In Cappadocia, there is an optional early morning hot air balloon flight. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage 1985) to tour rock-cut churches filled with stunning frescoes. Explore the region’s unique breathtaking landscape and enjoy a spectacular Panoramic view at Uchisar rock castle before proceeding to Avanos for a pottery art demonstration session at a local workshop. Return to your hotel after wine tasting at a local wine factory.

Overnight in Cappadocia | Meals: B, L

Take a morning drive to Tarsus’s ancient city for visits to the 16th century Grand mosque, 15th century Eski Mosque, St Paul’s Well and Church, and the Gate of Cleopatra. On your way to Antioch, travel through the Plain of Issus, the site of Alexander the Great’s victory over King Darius III. Antioch is rich in Christian heritage, and here, you will visit the Grotto of St. Peter, a granted Christian pilgrimage destination.

Overnight in Antakya | Meals: B, L

Explore Gaziantep, known for its tasty kebabs and beautiful mosaics, before Zeugma, the biggest mosaic museum. Enjoy dazzling mosaics at the museum and head to the Bald-Ibis Biogenetic Reserve at Birecik.

Drive to Urfa and visit the Cave of Abraham and the Pond of Holy fish. Finish your day at the coppersmith bazaar, known for its rich colors and the strong Mirra coffee. Mingle with the locals and spend the night here.

Overnight in Sanliurfa | Meals: B, L

Start your day with a visit to Gobeklitepe, the oldest and most intriguing pre-stone age human-made religious center. Proceed to Harran and explore the ruins of the first Islamic University before continuing to Mardin and visiting the 5th-century Deyrulzafaran Monastery built on the ruins of a 3000-year old sun temple. Take breathtaking pictures before heading to Midyat for the night.

Overnight in Midyat | Meals: B, L, D

Explore Midyat’s historic narrow streets with unique architecture (Tur- ‘Abdin) and tour the 4th century Mor Gabriel Monastery. On your way to Kahta, drive through Diyarbakir, where you will see the Tigris river and impressive black basalt city walls.

Overnight in Kahta | Meals: B, L, D

Start the day with an early breathtaking view of the sunrise at Mt. Nemrut (UNESCO World Heritage Site 1987) before a sweet Turkish Tea breakfast by the river Euphrates. Proceed to Divrigi for a visit to the Great Mosque and Hospital (UNESCO World Heritage Site 1985) to taste exquisite medieval Turkish architecture with its impressive stone art.

Overnight in Sivas | Meals: B, L, D

Explore Sivas, a city important to the Turkish freedom movement. Visit the Ataturk Congress and Ethnography Museum, Sifaiye Medresesi, Cifte Minareli Medrese, and the 13th century Gok (Sky blue) Medrese for a look at its turquoise sky-blue tiles.

Next up is the city of Amasya, also important in Turkey’s freedom movement, where you will explore the towns restored Ottoman houses, Yesil Irmak, rock-cut tombs, apple orchards, and the Ferhat aqueduct.

Overnight in Bogazkale | Meals: B, L, D

Kick-off your day with the exploration of Hattusa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. Marvel at the Lion and Royal gates, Tunnel, majestic great temple and Yazilikaya. Continue to the well-preserved Ottoman town of Safranbolu, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy magnificent pieces of historical and architectural artifacts. Enjoy a tasty local recipe and Turkish design before spending the night here.

Overnight in Safranbolu | Meals: B, L, D

Finish your grand tour of Turkey by exploring its capital city, Ankara. Visit the city’s top attractions, including the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and learn Turkey’s complex history. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and stroll the city’s old neighborhood for a glimpse of beautiful Ottoman architecture, which offers an opportunity to take great photos.

Overnight in Ankara | Meals: B, L, D

After 10 days of historical sites and breathtaking sights, transfer from your hotel in Ankara to the airport for your return flight home or next destination(s) if you would like to continue exploring Turkey.

Meals: B