Embark on a unique 8-day expedition that seamlessly blends the imperial grandeur of Istanbul with the rustic, authentic charm of the Anatolian interior. This journey takes you from the historic Sultanahmet district, home to the iconic Topkapi Palace and the 17th-century Blue Mosque, to the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa. You will traverse diverse landscapes, moving from the vibrant urban energy of Istanbul to the serene plateaus of Izmit and the historical depths of Ankara, where you will pay your respects at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal AtatΓΌrk.
The second half of your adventure focuses on the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of Tokat. Here, you will step away from the traditional tourist path to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences. From an SUV off-road ride across the Izmit plateaus and a visit to Almus Lake to participating in the daily lives of local villagers, this tour offers an intimate look at Turkish traditions. You will learn age-old cooking techniques, pick seasonal fruits directly from the orchards, and share authentic meals prepared with ingredients harvested by your own hands, fostering a deep connection to the land and its hospitable people.
Designed for those who seek both historical enlightenment and ecological immersion, this itinerary ensures a balanced pace. You will explore world-renowned museums, ancient forums, and architectural marvels while enjoying the quiet beauty of rural life. Whether you are wandering through the aromatic Grand Spice Bazaar in Istanbul or participating in a traditional village dance in Tokat, every day is curated to provide a genuine, memorable, and culturally enriching experience in the heart of Turkey.
| Tour type | Private Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days 7 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,565 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) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Use the remainder of the day to settle in and begin your personal exploration of this magnificent city. Dinner is included, providing a relaxing start to your Turkish adventure.
Explore the Ottoman legacy at Topkapi Palace, housing imperial treasures and sacred relics. Visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its 17th-century Iznik tilework, and walk the Ancient Hippodrome to see the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column. After lunch, visit a local leather workshop and the aromatic Grand Spice Bazaar. In the afternoon, we depart for Izmit, where you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we head to the Yuvacik region for an exhilarating SUV off-road tour. Navigate the rugged plateaus and natural landscapes surrounding Izmit, experiencing the heart of the region's wilderness. Following lunch, we begin our journey toward Ankara. Upon arrival in the capital, you will check into your hotel for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Begin the day at Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal AtatΓΌrk. We then proceed to Hattusa, the ancient Hittite capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the Hittite royal archives were unearthed, and walk among its ruins. After lunch in Corum and a short look at its clock tower and old mosque, we continue our journey to Tokat, a city defined by its vibrant history and cosmopolitan atmosphere. You will have time to settle in and enjoy dinner.
Discover the historical richness of Tokat through a guided city tour. Visit the local museum and ethnography center, explore traditional Turkish baths, and walk through the historic downtown area. You will have the opportunity to visit local shops for souvenirs before sitting down to a traditional Tokat Kebab lunch, a dish renowned throughout the country for its unique preparation and flavor.
Today is dedicated to the local agricultural lifestyle. We visit a farm to harvest fresh produce like onions and lettuce. Under the guidance of local villagers, you will learn to prepare traditional pancakes. Spend the afternoon in a cherry orchard, picking and enjoying fresh fruit directly from the branches, offering a rare and authentic connection to the local rural community.
Travel to the scenic Almus Lake, one of Turkeyβs largest, to enjoy the natural surroundings. Visit a local village to share an organic meal, participate in traditional folkloric dances, and witness the daily routines of the local farmers. The afternoon includes seasonal fruit picking and a hands-on session where you will help prepare and bake traditional Turkish pizza (pide) for dinner.
Enjoy a final breakfast in Tokat before your transfer to the local airport for your departure flight. We hope you leave with lasting memories of Turkey's history, nature, and the incredible hospitality of its people.
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 Istanbul, Izmit β Izmit, Ankara β Ankara, Hattusa, Tokat β Tokat β Tokat, Almus Lake β Tokat
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
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Istanbul, Izmit, Izmit, Ankara, Ankara, Hattusa, Tokat, Tokat, Tokat, Almus Lake.
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Daily
Other private and group tours that visit the same destination.
Fill in your details and we confirm your private departure within 24 hours.
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!