9 Day Grand Turkey Tour: From Istanbul to Bursa & Beyond

(Dinner included)
Arrive at Istanbul airport, meet your transfer assistant, and get a private transfer to your hotel. This nine-day trip combines ancient history, stunning landscapes, and cultural exploration of Turkey. Meet your guide tomorrow morning. You can take an optional Bosphorus tour if you check in early to the hotel (before 15:00). Accommodation in Istanbul.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
After breakfast, you will meet your tour guide and discover Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman treasures. First, we will visit St. Sofia (Hagia Sophia), built by the emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD as a church and later converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. We will stroll the historic Hippodrome Square, a meeting place for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi and the Egyptian Obelisk.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is made of blue Iznik tiles and has six unique minarets.We will have lunch in a local restaurant.
The Basilica Cistern is a magnificent underground wonder with 336 columns built during the Byzantine period to store the city's water. The Istanbul Municipality in 2022 and softly lit it to highlight its architectural grandeur. The iconic Medusa heads and statues supporting two columns offer a mysterious and unforgettable glimpse into Istanbul's rich past. Grand Bazaar has 4000 shops and 60th streets and is known as the world's largest “souk”. Accommodation in Istanbul.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
The Gallipoli Peninsula is where the victory of the Turks under the command of ATATÜRK against the European Allies took place during World War I. The epic struggle of the Turkish and Anzac soldiers during the Gallipoli War left stories of heroism and traces of war deeply felt in these historical lands. Take a journey into the depths of recent history and discover the sad and proud story of the Gallipoli War. Visit the Anzac Cemetery, built in memory of the Australian and New Zealand Soldiers who became famous for their heroic efforts.
Essential places to visit on the Gallipoli Peninsula:Anzac Cove: The coastal area where the Anzac soldiers landed. Lone Pine Memorial: Built-in memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in Çanakkale. 57th Regiment Cemetery: A meaningful monument that keeps the memory of the Turkish soldiers who fought under the command of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk alive.
Conkbayırı: The turning point of the Çanakkale victory, the hill where the most critical moments of the Çanakkale war took place. Çanakkale Martyrs' Monument: A monument that immortalises the heroism of the Turkish soldiers and has become a symbol of war. Accommodation in Canakkale

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
After breakfast, visit Ancient Troy, strategically located at the Aegean entrance of the Dardanelles Strait. Here, the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad took place. You can visit the Trojan Horse and Troy Museum. Visit Assos, a significant ancient settlement founded during the Bronze Age (3000-1200 BC) on the slopes of a volcano in the Edremit Gulf. The Temple of Athena, situated on a hill, and the ancient theatre offer magnificent views. During his third missionary journey, St. Paul sailed from the harbour of Assos to Mitylene on the island of Lesbos as he travelled to Jerusalem. We take a short coffee break in Ayvalık, a cute tourist town on the coast. Then, we arrive in Pergamon and have lunch in a local restaurant.
Pergamon is on the World Heritage list. Explore the legendary Pergamon, the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon, from 282 to 133 BC. We will visit the Pergamon Acropolis, which served as the city's administrative centre, the Temple of Zeus, the Temples of Dionysus, Athena, and Demeter, and the famous Pergamon Library, which housed 200,000 scrolls. The Great Theatre of Pergamon, known as the world's steepest theatre, could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators in ancient times. Additionally, we will see the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church), one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation. After our visits, we will drive to Izmir. Accommodation in Izmir. 

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
After breakfast, drive Ephesus from Izmir 80 Km. Ephesus is on the WORLD HERITAGE List. The ancient capital of Asia Minor is one of the best preserved from antiquity. It is where the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Trajan, the Grand Theater, the Terrace House (entrance extra), and the Library of Celsus.
The Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world, was destroyed by earthquakes and remained underground, consisting of the remains of a few columns.
Lunch Break in a Local Restaurant. Afterwards visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where the Virgin Mary lived in her last years.
We cover our day by taking a short souvenir shopping break and watching the Leader fashion show at the Leather Clothing Factory Outlet Center.
Sirince Village; We explore the former Greek village Sirince, famous for its fruit wines and 300-year-old wooden houses. We also enjoy a local wine tasting in Sirince Village. Accommodation in Kusadasi. 

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we drive through Pamukkale. After a pleasant journey (220 km) through citrus and Fig Gardens, cotton fields, olive and vegetable gardens on fertile plains, and the lovely villages and towns of the Aegean, we arrive at Pamukkale.
Pamukkale takes its name from the white travertine terraces. This natural formation was formed by the hardening of calcium carbonate from hot springs over time. With their dazzling whiteness and stepped structure, travertines resemble a cotton pile. You can swim in the Cleopatra pool (Extra payment).
Lunch break in a local restaurant. Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city. Founded by the Kingdom of Pergamon in the 2nd century BC, it has become famous as a health centre, mainly due to its thermal waters. The main structures in Hierapolis includes the Antique Theater, Necropolis (Cemetery), Cleopatra Pool, Frontinus Gate, and Frontinus Street. You can also visit the Martyrium of Apostle Philip, who was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. Accommodation in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we will depart through Philadelphia for Alasehir, one of the Seven Churches of Asia. There, we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built of brick, with a high arch and 11th-century frescoes. Salihli is a rich and modern district with vineyards and orchards on its fertile plain.
Sardes (Salihli) is the capital of the ancient Lydia Kingdom, where the first coins were minted in history. Visit the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium and the Byzantine Synagogue. One of the seven churches is Sardis Church. Lunch break in a restaurant, then arrive at Izmir.
Izmir 3rd largest province of Turkey. Known for modern lifestyle, industry and agricultural products.
We will visit the ancient Agora, Konak Square, and the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar in Izmir.
Kemeraltı Bazaar is a vivacious and cheap market where locals shop. We will also enjoy the sunset while drinking coffee at the cafeterias along the Kordon Boyu shore. Accommodation in Izmir.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
After breakfast, we drive to Istanbul. As we arrive in the charming city of Bursa, our first stops will be the stunning Great Mosque (Ulu Mosque) and the beautiful Green Mosque—both must-see landmarks! After soaking in the serene atmosphere, you’ll have some delightful free time to explore the vibrant Koza Han Silk Market for unique treasures. Then, we’ll gather for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savour Bursa's famous kebabs. We’ll continue our exciting adventure to Istanbul with full hearts and bellies! Accommodation in Istanbul

(Breakfast  included)
Free time depends on your flight time. Private transfer to the Istanbul airport. Hope to see you on another holiday in Turkey.