Embark on an immersive 8-day expedition across Turkey, designed to showcase the profound historical and natural beauty of this transcontinental nation. From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the legendary battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient ruins of Troy, this itinerary balances archaeological discovery with authentic cultural engagement. You will traverse the landscapes of Anatolia, experiencing the spiritual heritage of Konya and the ethereal, volcanic terrain of Cappadocia, where you will reside in a traditional cave hotel.
The journey delves deep into antiquity at the UNESCO-listed site of Ephesus, one of the most remarkably preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Beyond the monuments, you will connect with the heartbeat of modern Turkey through a unique home-cooked dinner with a local family in Cappadocia and an authentic overnight sleeper train experience. Whether wandering through the bustling corridors of the Grand Bazaar or gazing upon the fairy chimneys of the Goreme region, this tour offers a comprehensive narrative of a land shaped by empires and time.
Every aspect of your travel is curated to provide comfort and insight, featuring expert guidance at every major historical site. You will witness the architectural mastery of the Blue Mosque and Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, explore the subterranean depths of Kaymakli Underground City, and walk the paths of Sufi mystics at the Mevlana Museum. This tour is an ideal blend of structured sightseeing and personal discovery, ensuring an unforgettable passage through the cradle of civilizations.
Nights are split between Istanbul (two), Canakkale (one), Kusadasi (one), a twin-berth sleeper compartment on the overnight train and a cave-style hotel in Cappadocia (two). Daily breakfast is included along with the dinners shown in the programme, including the home-cooked meal with a Cappadocian family; lunches are generally left free so you can try gΓΆzleme, testi kebab or fresh seafood along the way. Entrance fees for the sites in the itinerary are covered, while the flight from Cappadocia back to Istanbul, the sunrise balloon flight and the Turkish night show are optional extras.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 8 Days 7 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,056 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| 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.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, a city where East meets West. After a welcome meeting at 1:00 PM, join your guide for an exploration of the Old City. You will visit the historic Hippodrome, the iconic Blue Mosque, and the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque. The afternoon includes a walk through the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a historic center of trade. Spend your evening soaking in the atmosphere of this imperial capital, perhaps enjoying a traditional kebab dinner with your fellow travelers.
Depart Istanbul for the Dardanelles. En route, participate in a fully guided tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula. You will visit significant WWI memorial sites, including ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach, and the ANZAC Commemorative Site, gaining insight into the historical events that defined this region. Afterward, continue to the port city of Canakkale on the Dardanelles for the night.
Travel to the legendary city of Troy to walk among the archaeological ruins and view the famous replica of the Trojan Horse. Learn about the historical significance of this site before driving south to Selcuk. Upon arrival, enjoy an orientation walk passing the Isa Bey Mosque and the impressive Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. The evening is spent in the coastal town of Kusadasi.
Spend the morning exploring the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, including the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Visit the Temple of Artemis before enjoying a local gozleme-making demonstration and lunch. After some free time, transfer to Izmir to board an overnight sleeper train to Konya. Your cabin features two berths, a washbasin, and a small fridge for your comfort during this unique transit, which takes around 13 hours. On some departures the sleeper runs to Ankara instead of Konya because of limited carriages; in that case the morning includes a visit to AnΔ±tkabir, the mausoleum of AtatΓΌrk.
Wake up in Konya, the spiritual home of the whirling dervishes. Visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the Sufi mystic Rumi. Afterward, drive across the Anatolian plains toward Cappadocia. En route, explore the Kaymakli Underground City, a fascinating subterranean refuge. Arrive in the town of Urgup for a sunset walk in the valley before checking into your traditional cave hotel.
Experience the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia with a guided valley walk among fairy chimneys, rock-cut homes, and ancient cave churches. Today offers a deep dive into the region's unique geography. In the evening, enjoy a special, authentic home-cooked dinner hosted by a local family, providing an intimate glimpse into Turkish hospitality and daily life.
Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul (flight not included). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the city's modern neighborhoods, filled with cafes and galleries. Enjoy a final evening in Turkey by sampling local street food, such as a traditional fish sandwich, or relaxing with a cup of Turkish tea while overlooking the Bosphorus.
Your Turkish adventure concludes after breakfast. Enjoy some final time in Istanbul before your departure, or contact us if you wish to extend your stay in this captivating city.
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 Canakkale β Kusadasi β Overnight Train β Cappadocia β Istanbul
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
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π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
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π₯ 16+1 Seats
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π₯ 12+1 Seats
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Extra day tours you can add along your route β Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Overnight Train, 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!