banner

Ancient Turkey Tour

Discover the heart of Turkey on our captivating 9-day “Turkey Classics” tour! Begin in Istanbul, exploring its iconic Old City gems like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, plus a scenic Bosphorus cruise between continents. Marvel at Cappadocia’s unique lunar landscape, fairy chimneys, and ancient underground cities, with an optional folklore evening. Journey along the Silk Road to Konya and its Mevlana Museum, then witness Pamukkale’s dazzling white travertines and the ruins of Hierapolis. Your adventure culminates in Ephesus, exploring its grand Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis site, and enjoying a wine tasting in Şirince. This expertly guided tour is perfect for experiencing Turkey’s most celebrated historical and natural wonders.

Tour Highlights

  • Istanbul – Old City – UNESCO Heritage site
  • Istanbul – St. Sophia Museum
  • Istanbul – Blue Mosque
  • Istanbul – Topkapi Palace (Hagia Irene and Harem)
  • Istanbul – Hippodrome
  • Göreme – UNESCO Heritage site
  • Göreme – Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia – Kaymakli – Underground City
  • Sultanhani Caravansary
  • Catalhoyuk Museum
  • Konya – Mevlana Museum
  • Pamukkale – Calcium Travertines – UNESCO Heritage site
  • Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Tour
  • Laodicea – Ancient Site
  • Site of the Temple of Artemis
  • Ephesus – UNESCO Heritage site
  • Ephesus Archaeology Museum
  • Ephesus Experience Museum
  • Sirince – Wine Tasting
Price from

$4,439.00

Enquire Now

Tour Information

Inclusions:

  • Professional English-speaking tour guide ensuring expert guidance and support throughout your entire journey.
  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
  • Wine Tasting
  • Bosphorus Cruise
  • Domestic flight between Istanbul and Cappadocia and transfers
  • Tips except Driver and Guide
  • Entrance fees
  • 8 nights accommodation
  • 8 breakfasts, 6 dinners

Departures:

Every Friday

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul.

Day 2

Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) , Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome.

Day 3

After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transfrred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.

Day 4

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don’t miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers… a night you won’t forget!

Day 5

We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.

Day 6

Today we head for Pamukkale and it’s calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.

Day 7

Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis (“the City of Zeus”). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.

Day 8

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus, once a bustling trade hub and religious center. Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from the site of the Temple of Artemis to the grand facade of the Library of Celsus and the impressive amphitheater. We will also visit the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, where artifacts from the ancient city bring its history to life. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we will learn how carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Afterward, we head to Sirince for a wine tasting experience.

Day 9

After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends before being transferred to Izmir airport for your onward flight.