12 Days Turkey Grand Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus & Mediterranean Coast Private Tour

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, our representative will meet you at the airport to facilitate your transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to begin exploring the vibrant streets of the city independently. Overnight in Istanbul.

Today is dedicated to the timeless landmarks of Istanbul. We begin at the Byzantine Hippodrome before visiting the Blue Mosque, the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, and the subterranean Basilica Cistern. After a break for lunch, we explore the Topkapi Palace, the former administrative residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We conclude our day in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Overnight in Istanbul.

Following breakfast, we depart for the historic town of Safranbolu, a journey of approximately six hours. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Safranbolu is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Ottoman-era houses and narrow, winding streets. This living museum offers a unique glimpse into traditional Turkish architecture and local life. You will have the afternoon to wander through the town's charming lanes and experience its authentic atmosphere. Overnight in Safranbolu.

We travel to Ankara to visit Anıtkabir, the monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, which features architecture inspired by various Anatolian civilizations. Following lunch, we explore the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, home to an extensive collection of artifacts spanning millennia. On our way to Cappadocia, we stop at the spectacular Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) to admire its vast, shimmering white landscape. We arrive in Cappadocia in the evening. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Our exploration of Cappadocia begins at the Esentepe viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the region's unique geology. We visit the towering Uchisar Castle and the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, famous for its rock-cut churches and intricate frescoes. After lunch in Avanos, we observe a traditional pottery demonstration. The afternoon includes visits to the fairy chimneys of Pasabag (Monks Valley) and the surreal rock formations of Devrent Valley. Overnight in Cappadocia.

We descend into the Kaymakli Underground City to explore its ancient multi-level dwellings. We then visit the town of Guzelyurt, known for its rich history and connection to St. Gregory of Nazianzus. After a lunch break in Ihlara Village, we enjoy a refreshing walk through the Ihlara Gorge, a lush canyon carved by the Melendiz River. Our day concludes at the 13th-century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture. Overnight in Cappadocia.

We depart for Konya, the historic center of the Seljuk Empire and the home of the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the philosopher Rumi. After exploring this spiritual hub, we continue our journey toward the Mediterranean coast. En route to Antalya, we stop to visit the ancient city of Aspendos, renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. We arrive in Antalya, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, in the evening. Overnight in Antalya.

We begin the day with a tour of Kaleiçi, the historic Old Town of Antalya, followed by a two-hour boat trip on the Mediterranean Sea to admire the coastline. After lunch, we drive to Pamukkale. We explore the stunning white travertine terraces and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The thermal pools offer a unique opportunity to relax in a historic setting. Overnight in Pamukkale.

We depart for the ancient site of Aphrodisias, where you can marvel at the well-preserved stadium, theatre, and the impressive Tetrapylon. This site provides a vivid picture of life during the city’s golden age. Following lunch, we continue our journey to the Ephesus region. We spend the afternoon exploring the grand ruins of Ephesus, one of the most significant Roman cities in the ancient world, before settling in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Today we visit the ancient city of Pergamon, exploring the ruins of the Temple of Trajan, the Library, and the remarkably steep theatre. We also visit the Asclepion, an ancient medical center and one of the world's first psychiatric hospitals. After lunch in Bergama, we travel to the Ayvalik region. In the evening, you have the opportunity to explore the charming streets and local culture of Cunda Island. Overnight in Ayvalik.

After breakfast, we head to the legendary site of Troy to see the remains of the ancient city walls, the site of the Trojan Wars, and the iconic Trojan Horse. We then proceed toward Istanbul, stopping for lunch along the way. We cross the Dardanelles via ferryboat at Gallipoli, enjoying the scenic views of the countryside during the long drive back to Istanbul. We arrive in Istanbul in the evening. Overnight in Istanbul.

On our final day, we visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, famous for its grand architecture and extensive use of gold and crystal. Afterward, we embark on a Bosphorus cruise, providing a unique perspective of the palaces, wooden villas, and modern skyline that line the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Following the cruise, we provide a transfer to the Istanbul airport for your departure, marking the end of your Turkish journey.