My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
7 Days Turkey Cultural Journey: Istanbul, Bursa, Ephesus & Pamukkale Private Tour
Highlights of the Turkish Heritage Trail
Embark on an immersive 7-day exploration of Turkeyβs most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Your journey begins in Istanbul, a transcontinental metropolis where you will witness the architectural grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, the historic Sultanahmet Square, and the intricate tilework of the Blue Mosque. You will walk across the ancient Hippodrome with its obelisks and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, followed by a scenic Bosphorus cruise that offers unique perspectives of Ottoman-era palaces and fortresses lining the waterway.
Beyond Istanbul, the tour ventures to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here, you will visit the historic Green Mosque and Green Tomb, and wander through the traditional Silk Bazaar. The journey continues south to the coastal region of Kusadasi, serving as your base for exploring the archaeological marvels of Ephesus. You will walk the ancient streets of this Greco-Roman city, visiting the Celsus Library, the Grand Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, before enjoying the charming, wine-producing village of Sirince.
The final leg of your adventure brings you to the natural wonder of Pamukkale. You will marvel at the cascading white travertine terraces and explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its well-preserved Roman baths and temples. This meticulously planned itinerary balances historical discovery with natural beauty, providing a deep dive into the legacy of Anatolia through expert-led guided tours and comfortable travel across these iconic destinations.
Quick facts
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 Days 6 Nights |
| Price | From β¬2,040 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | Licensed guide in your language |
| Stops | 7 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Day 1 Arrival - Istanbul βΎ
Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Istanbul, a city bridging Europe and Asia, holds a storied past as Byzantium and Constantinople. Spend the remainder of the day settling in and preparing for your upcoming exploration of this historic city.
Day 2 Istanbul π½ Breakfast Β· Dinner βΎ
Discover the heart of Istanbul starting at Sultanahmet Square. Admire the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tile interior, and the iconic Hagia Sophia. Explore the Hippodrome, home to the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column. After lunch, visit the Grand Bazaar to browse traditional spices, Turkish Delight, and handcrafted souvenirs. The day ends with dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 Istanbul - Bursa, Kusadasi π½ Breakfast βΎ
Board a boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating two continents. View the marble facades of Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, and the military architecture of Rumeli Fortress from the water. In the afternoon, ascend Camlica Hill to enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus from gardens designed in the traditional Ottoman style. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 4 Bursa, Kusadasi - Ephesus, Sirince π½ Breakfast Β· Dinner βΎ
Depart for Bursa, the former Ottoman capital. Explore the historic Covered Bazaar, the Grand Mosque (Ulucami), and the Silk Bazaar. Visit the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum, followed by a stop at a traditional Turkish Delight factory. After lunch, continue your journey to Kusadasi, arriving in the evening for check-in and dinner.
Day 5 Ephesus, Sirince - Pamukkale, Hierapolis π½ Breakfast Β· Dinner βΎ
Travel to the ancient city of Ephesus to walk through history. Highlights include the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman Baths, the grand Celsus Library, and the massive Grand Theatre. After lunch, visit the picturesque village of Sirince, known for its local fruit wine production. On the return to Kusadasi, stop at a traditional carpet weaving center to witness local craftsmanship.
Day 6 Pamukkale, Hierapolis - Istanbul π½ Breakfast βΎ
Journey to Pamukkale to witness the "Cotton Castle," a natural phenomenon of white travertine terraces and mineral-rich thermal waters. Explore the adjacent ancient site of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring remains of Greek temples and baths. Spend your free time discovering local handicrafts such as leather and textiles before returning to Kusadasi for the night.
Day 7 Departure - Departure π½ Breakfast βΎ
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before departing for Izmir Airport. From here, you will take a domestic flight back to Istanbul to connect with your onward journey home, concluding your seven-day Turkish adventure.
What's Included
β Included
- 6 nights hotel accommodation
- 6 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
- All entrance fees for sites mentioned in the itinerary
- All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Hotel room taxes
- Transportation in air-conditioned non-smoking coaches
- Guided tours of Istanbul, Bursa, Ephesus, Sirince, and Pamukkale
β Not Included
- International flights
- Domestic flight from Izmir to Istanbul
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, laundry, and beverages
- Lunch
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Turkey entry visa
Where You'll Stay β Recommended Hotels
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
π Istanbul
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Your Route Across Turkey
Istanbul β Bursa, Kusadasi β Ephesus, Sirince β Pamukkale, Hierapolis β Istanbul
Our Tour Vehicles
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Add Daily Excursions
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Bursa, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Sirince, Pamukkale, Hierapolis.
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Book This Tour
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the 7 Days Turkey Cultural Journey: Istanbul, Bursa, Ephesus & Pamukkale Private Tour?βΎ
How many days is this tour and which cities does it cover?βΎ
Is this a private tour?βΎ
Which hotel categories are available?βΎ
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What Our Travellers Say
Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!












