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

Upon landing at Istanbul International Airport, you will be greeted by your representative and transferred to your hotel. Istanbul, the historic bridge between Europe and Asia, offers a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Enjoy your first evening in this bustling city of minarets and bazaars.

Explore the Hippodrome, the site of ancient chariot races, followed by the Blue Mosque, renowned for its blue Iznik tiles. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture featuring 6th-century golden mosaics. The afternoon includes a visit to Asil Efendi for local spices, Turkish delight, and traditional handicrafts.

Depart early for the Gallipoli peninsula to visit significant WWI battlefields. Explore the Gabatepe Museum, Ariburnu Cemetery, Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, and Chunuck Bair. Following the visit reflecting on this historic site, continue your journey to Canakkale for an overnight stay.

Visit the legendary site of Troy, famous for its association with the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. Continue to the ancient city of Pergamon to explore its magnificent acropolis, temples, and library. After a brief stop at a local jewelry center, proceed to the coastal town of Kusadasi.

Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, including the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman baths, the Celsus Library, and the Great Theatre. Later, visit a traditional carpet-weaving center before heading to the picturesque village of Sirince, known for its Greek-style architecture and fruit wines.

Travel to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess of love, where you will see the exceptionally preserved stadium, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the theatre and the site museum. Continue your journey to the natural wonder of Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

Explore the white calcium travertines of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Take a relaxing dip among ancient columns in the thermal springs before traveling to Salda Lake, often referred to as the Turkish Maldives, then continue to Fethiye.

Enjoy a full day of leisure in the coastal town of Fethiye. You may wander the town independently or join in optional excursions such as a boat trip to the 12 islands or a visit to the Saklikent Gorge.

Visit the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy, perfect for photography in the morning light. Afterward, drive to the resort city of Antalya. Upon arrival, visit the Antalya Museum to view its extensive collection of artifacts from the surrounding ancient provinces.

Walk through Kaleici, the historic Old City, passing the Clock Tower, Hadrian's Gate, the Broken Minaret, and Hıdırlık Tower. In the afternoon, visit the stunning Duden Waterfalls, where regional streams cascade down the Taurus slopes into the Mediterranean Sea.

Travel to Konya to visit the mausoleum and museum of the philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. On the way, traverse the ancient Silk Road and stop at the former Greek village of Sille, which offers a glimpse into the region's diverse cultural past.

Head toward Cappadocia, stopping at the Sultanhani Caravansary, a historic Silk Road merchant lodge. Explore the depths of an ancient underground city before checking into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner in a local home, where you can participate in a cooking session.

Visit Uchisar Castle for panoramic views, followed by the Goreme Open Air Museum to see 10th-century frescoes. Explore the abandoned cave houses of Cavusin, visit a pottery workshop in Avanos, see the rock formations of Devrent Valley, and enjoy wine tasting in Urgup before viewing the Three Beauties fairy chimneys.

Descend into the Ozkonak Underground City, then hike through the Ihlara Valley, a 16km canyon filled with rock-carved churches. Lunch is served in Belisirma village. Continue to the Selime Monastery, carved by monks in the 13th century, and make a final stop at Pigeon Valley.

Depart for Ankara, stopping at the natural Salt Lake along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, visit the Ataturk Museum at the Ataturk Mausoleum. After the tour, conclude your journey with a drive back to Istanbul for your final overnight stay.

Enjoy your final breakfast in Turkey before checking out of your hotel. You will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight, bringing your memorable 16-day tour to a close.