Embark on an immersive eight-day expedition across Turkey, designed to showcase the country's most iconic historical landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. Your journey begins in the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul, where you will explore the opulent Topkapi Palace and the intricate tilework of the Blue Mosque. Wander through the historic Hippodrome and experience the sensory delights of the Spice Bazaar, after an opening evening on a Bosphorus dinner cruise with music and folk dance shows between two continents.
As you venture south, the tour delves into the classical world with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Walk the storied streets past the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre, and pass the remnants of the Temple of Artemis on the way to lunch. You will also experience the charm of Sirince, a traditional village with preserved Anatolian Greek architecture, and witness the unique white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, where the ancient ruins of Hierapolis await your discovery.
The latter half of your adventure takes you to the Mediterranean coast to explore the historic KaleiΓ§i district in Antalya, featuring Hadrianβs Gate and the scenic DΓΌden Waterfalls. Traverse the heart of Anatolia with a stop in Konya to visit the Mevlana Mausoleum, the spiritual center of the Whirling Dervishes. Your tour concludes in the surreal landscape of Cappadocia, where you will explore the Ozkonak Underground City, the rock-cut frescoes of the Goreme Open Air Museum, and the fairy chimneys of the Devrent Valley, all while learning about local artisanal traditions like pottery and carpet weaving.
Overnight stops are two nights in Istanbul, one in Kusadasi, one in Pamukkale, one in Antalya and two in a cave hotel in Cappadocia, with coach travel on the long road days from the Aegean to the Mediterranean and on across the Taurus to Konya. Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners are included, with both local and Indian menus, as well as guided tours in every region, airport transfers, hotel and city taxes. The two domestic flights (Istanbul to the Kusadasi area and Cappadocia back to Istanbul) and the optional hot air balloon flight are not included.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days 7 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,225 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 8 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
On arrival you are met at the airport and taken to a restaurant for lunch, then transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. After check-in, enjoy some leisure time to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, you will be picked up for a delightful Bosphorus dinner cruise. This experience includes a welcome cocktail, live DJ music, a traditional belly dancer, a folk dance performance, and a Turkish Romany dance show. A local dinner with unlimited soft and local alcoholic drinks is served on board while you take in the illuminated skyline of Istanbul. After the show, you will be transferred back to your hotel for the night.
Today is dedicated to the historic heart of Istanbul. You will visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, housing an exquisite collection of imperial treasures and relics (the palace entrance fee is paid at the door). Next, visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its interior of blue Iznik tiles, followed by the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine social life. After a lunch break, you will explore the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where you can browse local herbs, spices, and Turkish delicacies. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy the atmosphere of Istanbul at your leisure.
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for the domestic flight towards Kusadasi (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will explore Ephesus, one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities, featuring the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the Curates Street. You will also see the site of the Temple of Artemis. Following lunch, visit a traditional carpet-weaving center before heading to the picturesque village of Sirince, known for its whitewashed Greek-style houses. On the return route, stop at a leather production center to learn about local craftsmanship. Spend the night in Kusadasi.
Depart for Pamukkale, the famous "Cotton Castle." Upon arrival, you will explore the dazzling white calcium terraces formed by natural thermal springs. You will also walk through the ruins of Hierapolis, the ancient city built above the terraces. You have the option to bathe in the mineral-rich thermal waters that have attracted visitors for centuries. After a full day of exploring this natural and historical phenomenon, you will check into your hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay.
Travel to Antalya, the jewel of the Mediterranean. Your tour of the historic KaleiΓ§i district includes iconic landmarks such as Hadrianβs Gate, the Clock Tower, the Broken Minaret, and the HΔ±dΔ±rlΔ±k Tower. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you will proceed to the spectacular DΓΌden Waterfalls, where the water cascades down the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy the coastal ambiance of Antalya. Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya.
Depart early for Konya, the historic center of the Seljuk Empire. Upon arrival, visit the Mevlana Museum, the final resting place of the mystic poet Rumi and the founder of the Whirling Dervishes, known for its iconic green-tiled dome. After enjoying a local lunch, continue your journey across the Anatolian plains toward the unique landscape of Cappadocia. You will arrive in the evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner. The night is spent in a traditional cave-style hotel in Cappadocia.
Today you will explore the wonders of Cappadocia. Start at the Ozkonak Underground City, then visit the towering Uchisar Castle for panoramic views. The Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases 10th-century cave churches with intricate frescoes. You will also visit the abandoned village of Cavusin and the scenic Love Valley. After lunch in Avanos, observe a pottery demonstration and learn about traditional carpet weaving. The day concludes with visits to the Devrent Valley, famous for its animal-shaped rock formations, and the Three Beauties fairy chimneys. Overnight in Cappadocia.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul (not included), marking the end of your Turkish tour. We hope you carry home wonderful memories of your journey through the diverse history and landscapes of Turkey. Safe travels on your flight back home.
Handpicked 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels along your route. Choose your category β the price adapts.
Exact hotels are confirmed on booking based on availability and your chosen category; equivalent alternatives may be offered.
Istanbul β Kusadasi β Pamukkale β Antalya β Cappadocia β Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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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
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
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!
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!