Itinerary Details

Day 1 (Arrival to Istanbul)

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), our team will greet you outside the exit gate of the international terminal holding a sign with your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel located in the Old City area (Sultanahmet). Depending on your arrival time, you will have free time in the afternoon. For those arriving in the morning, optional tours can be arranged on the same day. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 2 (Exploring Istanbul, breakfast and lunch included)

The day begins with a meeting at a central location with our tour guide, which we will inform you of when booking, at 9:00am. Your visit will include the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the Ottoman Sultan’s residence perched on the slopes of Sarayburnu. The Topkapi Palace showcases a blend of various architectural styles and stands as the most visited museum in Turkey. Here, you will have the opportunity to admire the Ottoman Empire’s treasury, royal garments, and sacred relics. Please note that the Harem section is excluded from the itinerary and requires an additional entrance fee.

The tour will then proceed with a stroll through The Hippodrome, a historic arena that once hosted chariot races, celebrations, uprisings, executions, and many significant events during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. This walk will last approximately 45 minutes. The morning half-day tour concludes here.

Our next stop will be a local restaurant for lunch where you can enjoy delicious traditional Turkish dishes. The afternoon program begins around 13:30 with a visit to the Hagia Sophia (St. Sophia) Museum, a remarkable site symbolizing the coexistence of Christianity and Islam. Originally constructed in 537 AD by Roman Emperor Justinian, it was later transformed into a mosque during the 15th century. You will explore the museum for approximately one hour, including the courtyard, entrance hall, main gallery, and upper gallery.

The next highlight is The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), renowned for its exquisite Turkish tile art. Built in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque stands as an iconic symbol of Istanbul right in the city center. Our final destination of the day will be the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest marketplaces with over 4,000 shops. Afterward, our guide will assist you in returning to your hotel around 17:00. Overnight stay in Sultanahmet.

Day 3 (Drive to Bursa and city tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Today, we will begin with a ferry ride to Yalova, enjoying beautiful views of the countryside. From there, we will continue our drive to Bursa, the former Ottoman Empire capital. We will visit Ulucami (The Grand Mosque) and Kozahan before taking a break for lunch. Bursa is especially famous for its "kebab of Alexander the Great."

After lunch, we will take a short drive to Cumalikizik Village, one of the earliest Ottoman villages in Turkey and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Nestled on the foothills of a mountain, the village is known for its vibrantly colored houses. After exploring the village and enjoying a coffee break, we will head back to the hotel. Overnight accommodation in Bursa.

Day 4 (Drive to Safranbolu and visiting the city, breakfast and lunch included)

After enjoying an early breakfast, we will embark on a approximately 4-hour drive to Safranbolu, where we will have lunch upon arrival. Afterwards, we will start exploring the Old Safranbolu Town, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. The Old Town preserves numerous historic structures, featuring 1,008 officially registered cultural assets. These include 1 private museum, 25 mosques, 5 tombs, 8 historic fountains, 5 Turkish baths, 3 caravanserais, 1 historic clock tower, 1 sundial, as well as hundreds of traditional houses and mansions. Additionally, the area contains ancient settlement mounds, rock-cut tombs, and historic bridges.

The Old Town is located in a deep ravine within a relatively dry region sheltered by mountains. The name ‘Safranbolu’ comes from ‘saffron’ combined with the Greek word ‘polis’ meaning city, reflecting its history as a saffron trading hub and cultivation center. After spending several hours wandering through the town, we will check in to our hotel. Overnight stay in Safranbolu.

Day 5 (Drive to Ankara and city sightseeing, breakfast and lunch included)

Today, we will travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, to visit the Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Atatürk Mausoleum. The museum is located inside a 15th-century bedesten (covered market). The central hall features reliefs and statues, while the surrounding galleries exhibit artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze Age, Assyrian, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Lydian periods.

The Mausoleum is the eternal resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, and also functions as a museum with several towers. Visitors can explore the museum section to gain insight into the entire founding process of the Republic through various artifacts and historical documents. Afterwards, we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight stay in Ankara.

Day 6 (Drive to Hattusha and visiting the city, breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to visit the ancient capital of the Hittites: Hattusha. This historic city dates back nearly 4,000 years. Although the site was initially discovered in 1834, extensive excavations did not begin until 1906, the year when a copy of a peace treaty between Hattushili III and Pharaoh Ramses II was found, enabling the identification of Hattusha. Since that time, collaborative efforts by German and Turkish archaeologists have significantly advanced our understanding of the Hittite capital. In the 13th century, the city was enclosed by a double-wall system spanning approximately 8 kilometers. The eastern boundary was guarded by the Kayalı Bogaz outpost, located 1.5 km from the Royal Gate. To the north beyond the walls lies a necropolis carved into the rock at Osmankayası, as well as the magnificent rupestral sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, whose bas-relief decorated walls are considered masterpieces of Hittite art.

We will also explore the Yazılıkaya Open Air Sanctuary, the religious heart of the Hittite civilization, famously known as the "land of a thousand gods". The most notable structure is the grand temple dedicated to the storm god and the Sun goddess Arinna, surrounded by numerous auxiliary buildings including storage facilities. Thousands of cuneiform tablets have been uncovered in this area. Just north of the temple lies the Assyrian settlement, or karum, featuring houses arranged around a central courtyard, parts of which date back to the pre-Hittite era. Following our visit to the site, we will drive back to Ankara for overnight accommodation. Hattusha was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Afterwards, we will continue our journey to Cappadocia. Overnight stay in Goreme.

Day 7 (Full day Cappadocia Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight in the early morning can be a good start the day with sunrise.

We will begin our exploration of the enchanting Cappadocia region. The day starts at a panoramic viewpoint in Goreme, where you will learn about the unique geography, geological formations, and rich history of Cappadocia, while enjoying views of the most famous valleys. From this vantage point, you will see The Pigeon Valley, Rose and Red Valleys, as well as Goreme and Uchisar Villages. After a scenic 30-minute drive, we will visit the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cappadocia. The most remarkable feature of Kaymakli is its highly organized and well-planned layout, including living quarters, bedrooms, stables, communal kitchens, a church, and a graveyard. The city was also heavily fortified to ensure the safety of its residents.

After experiencing the fascinating underground lifestyle, we will proceed to Pigeon Valley to enjoy views of Uchisar Castle and the surrounding valley from another panoramic viewpoint. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Avanos, followed by a demonstration of the ancient kick-wheel pottery technique, a traditional craft of the region. Next, we will visit Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for its distinctive mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, which are among the best preserved in the area and offer valuable insight into how these formations developed. Finally, our tour will include Devrent Valley, where you will encounter the iconic camel-shaped fairy chimney alongside numerous other uniquely shaped rock formations. The tour concludes around 5:00 pm, and we will transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight accommodation in Goreme.

Day 8 (Full day Cappadocia Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Following breakfast, we will begin a hike through the Red & Rose Valleys, where you will encounter numerous pigeon houses and several rock-carved churches. This trek will last approximately 1.5 hours and will conclude in Cavusin Village, an abandoned settlement offering breathtaking views. The village was deserted in the 1950s due to rockfalls. After enjoying the panoramic scenery, we will ascend to Uchisar Castle, the highest vantage point in Cappadocia, providing a spectacular view of all the surrounding valleys.

Next, we will head to Bizim Ev Restaurant for lunch, where you can savor the famous “Pottery Kebab.” After dining, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Here, you will explore some of the best-preserved rock-cut churches in Cappadocia. The visit will include the Dark Church, which requires an additional entrance fee. Afterwards, we will drive to Mustafapasa (Sinasos) Village, historically inhabited by both Turkish and Greek communities until the compulsory population exchange in 1924. We will then stop in Urgup to admire stunning examples of fairy chimneys. The tour will end with a transfer back to your hotel at around 5:00 pm. Overnight accommodation in Goreme.

Day 9 (Drive to Kahta, breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

We will begin our drive around 08:00am heading to our first destination, the Karatayhan Caravanserai dating back to the 13th Century. Caravanserais served for centuries as roadside inns where travelers could rest and safely keep their animals. These inns facilitated trade, communication, and travel across a vast network of routes spanning Asia, North Africa, and Southeastern Europe. Afterwards, we will continue to Kahramanmaras for lunch and a chance to taste the world-famous goat milk ice cream. After approximately 3 hours of driving, we will check in to our hotel in Kahta or Adiyaman. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Overnight stay in Kahta.

Day 10 (Ascend Mount Nemrut, visit Urfa; breakfast, lunch, and dinner included)

This morning, we will wake up early at around 03:30am to climb to the summit of Mount Nemrut, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Upon arriving at the national park entrance, we will hike approximately 30 minutes to the summit. There, you will witness one of the world’s most stunning sunrises, along with the iconic statues of gods and kings. After descending, we will visit the Arsemia Ancient City, Cendere Bridge, and Karakus Tumulus. Following breakfast at the hotel, our journey continues to Sanliurfa, where we will explore Gobeklitepe, considered by scientists to be the oldest temple in the world, dating back 11,500 years. Gobeklitepe was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

After lunch in Sanliurfa, we will visit Prophet Abraham’s Cave and the Pools of Holy Carp. Then, we will drive about an hour to Harran to see the traditional mud-brick beehive houses, which are on the UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List since 2000. We will also tour the building of the world’s first Islamic University. Afterward, we will return to Sanliurfa for hotel check-in and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight accommodation in Sanliurfa.

Day 11 (Visiting Mosaic Museum, breakfast and lunch included)

We will begin the day at approximately 08:30am and drive about 2 hours to Gaziantep to explore the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This museum houses Turkey's finest and best-preserved mosaics, featuring stunning pieces from the ancient city of Zeugma. Zeugma has been included in the UNESCO Tentative List since 2021. The mosaics are around 2000 years old and stand out for their unique designs, vibrant colors, and exceptional craftsmanship. In addition to the 1450 m² of mosaics, the museum also displays 140 m² of frescoes, 4 Roman fountains, 20 columns, 4 limestone sculptures, a bronze statue of Mars, grave steles, and sarcophagi.

After the museum visit, we will transfer you to Gaziantep Airport for your flight to Izmir Airport. Upon arrival, our driver will greet you at the domestic terminal exit holding a sign with your name and take you to your hotel. Overnight stay in Selcuk.

Day 12 (Full day Ephesus Tour, including breakfast and lunch)

The day will start at about 09:30am with a drive to the Ephesus Ancient City, one of the largest archaeological excavations worldwide. We will explore significant sites such as the Odeon, The Fountain of Trajan, Scholastica's Steam Baths, Hadrian and Domitian Temples, and the magnificent Library of Celsus. Afterwards, we will visit The Grand Theatre, known as the place where Saint Paul preached. This theatre was the largest of its time, accommodating up to 24,000 spectators.

The walk through the ruins will last around 2 hours, followed by lunch. Afterward, we will visit The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We will then proceed to The House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she lived temporarily with St. John the Evangelist. The tour will conclude around 4:30pm, and we will escort you back to your hotel. Ephesus has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015. Overnight accommodation in Selcuk.

Day 13 (Full day Pamukkale Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

After breakfast, we will depart around 07:30am and head to the Hierapolis Ancient City. Our visit will include the largest Necropolis (cemetery) in Turkey, the Domitian and Byzantium Gates, Main Street, and the theatre with a seating capacity of 20,000. Following the theatre tour, you will have some free time to optionally swim in the Cleopatra Pool, which requires an additional entrance fee of 10 Euros. Our exploration of the Hierapolis ruins will conclude at the stunning Travertine terraces.

The travertine pools are unique natural formations created by thermal springs rich in calcium bicarbonate, chalk, and limestone. These terraces flow gently down the hillside, resembling a frozen waterfall. The tour will finish around 4:00pm, after which we will return to the hotel. Both the Travertine terraces and Hierapolis Ancient City have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

In the afternoon, we will visit possibly the most magnificent ancient city in Turkey: Aphrodisias. Historically renowned for its exquisite sculptures and artistry, the city offers remarkable sites including the Sebasteion, Theater, Agora, Tiberius Portico, Hadrian Baths, Bishop’s Palace, Temple of Aphrodite, Odeon, Stadium, Tetraphylon, and the Aphrodisias Museum. Aphrodisias has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. Afterwards, we will drive back to Selcuk. Overnight accommodation in Selcuk.

Day 14 (Full day Pergamon Tour & drive to Canakkale, breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Breakfast will be served at the hotel before we embark on a roughly 2-hour drive to Pergamon Ancient City, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014. The Acropolis is perched atop a hill and can be accessed via cable car. From there, you will explore sites such as The Gymnasium, The Temple of Athena, The Library of Pergamon—which once housed over 200,000 volumes—The Temple of Trajan, The Zeus Altar, and The Temple of Dionysos. Additionally, you will visit The Theatre, renowned as one of the steepest theatres worldwide, with a seating capacity of 10,000 spectators.

We will also tour The Asclepion Health Center, believed to have been established in honor of Aesculapius, the god of health and medicine, dating back to the 4th century BC. Remarkably, around 2000 years before Sigmund Freud, doctors (priests) at Asclepion analyzed patients' dreams, elevating the city's historical significance. Here, you will see the Roman Theatre, the North and South Stoas, the Temple of Asclepius, a circular treatment center, the healing spring, an underground passage, and a library. After this visit, we will continue our journey and drive to Canakkale. Overnight accommodation in Canakkale.

Day 15 (Full day Gallipoli and Troy Tour, breakfast and lunch included)

Our day will begin with a visit to the renowned archaeological and mythological site of Troy, famous as the setting of the legendary “Trojan Horse” and “Helen of Troy”. You will explore the ancient city of Troy and learn about the Trojan Horse, Helen of Troy, the Trojan Wars, the duel between Achilles and Paris, sacrificial altars, the 3700-year-old city walls, and the Houses of Troy I dating from 3000 B.C. to 2500 B.C. Additionally, you will see The Bouleterium (Senate Building), The Odeon (Concert Hall), ongoing excavations, and the remains of various settlements from Troy I through Troy IX.

Following this, we will proceed to tour the Gallipoli peninsula. You will visit significant sites such as Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemoration Site, Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly (featuring Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. After completing the Gallipoli tour, we will drive back to Istanbul. Overnight accommodation in Sultanahmet.

Day 16 (Transfer to the airport)

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will drive you to Istanbul Airport to have the flight back home.

The rate list for this private tour will be as:

The hotel list in this package will be as:

Please send us an email to get more information or text/call us through our Whatsapp Number, and we will respond as soon as possible.