Turkey itinerary 12 days : A Journey Through History, Culture & Nature
|12 Days, 15 Destinations |Starts from İstanbul
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Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
Earn €20 in travel credits
Duration

12 days

Max Group Size

40

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Turkey is a country where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. This 12-day itinerary takes you on a spectacular journey across Turkey’s most iconic destinations. From the bustling bazaars of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the ancient cities of Ephesus, Troy, and Bergama, this trip blends history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring UNESCO-listed sites, indulging in Turkish cuisine, or marveling at natural wonders, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

DiscoveryFamilyExplorerIn-depth CulturalHistoricalLuxury ToursSolo TravelSightseeing

Route

Starts from

İstanbul

Ends in

Istanbul

Pickup Location

Istanbul Airport

Dropoff Location

Istanbul Airport

Tour route map

Highlights

Istanbul – Discover the city where East meets West, visiting Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. Safranbolu – Step into a living museum with its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and cobbled streets. Ankara – Visit Turkey’s capital and Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) – Marvel at one of Turkey’s largest salt lakes, famous for its shimmering white landscape. Cappadocia – Witness surreal rock formations, underground cities, and enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride. Konya – Explore the land of Rumi and visit the Mevlana Museum, a spiritual hub for Sufism. Antalya – Enjoy the Mediterranean coast, historic Kaleiçi (Old Town), and stunning beaches. Pamukkale – Walk on the cotton-like travertine terraces and relax in the thermal pools of Hierapolis. Ephesus – Roam the grand ruins of one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. Kuşadası – Unwind by the Aegean coast, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. ✔ Ayvalık – A charming seaside town with a mix of Greek and Turkish influences. ✔ Bergama – Explore the ancient city of Pergamon, home to one of the most famous libraries of antiquity. ✔ Troy – Discover the legendary city of the Trojan War, made famous by Homer’s Iliad. ✔ Çanakkale – A historical gem near the Gallipoli battlefields, blending ancient and modern history.

Itinerary

Upon your arrival to Istanbul,our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim with a sign on which your name is written.Today depending on your arrival time, if it is early , you can start to discover Istanbul. We can offer for you optional tours like Bosphorus Dinner Cruise,Half Day Istanbul Tour etc.

Please ask for optional Istanbul Tours. Transfer and check in your hotel.Overnight Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast included)
Today you can see most visited places of Istanbul.We start strolling to the great square which was once the Byzantine Hippodrome. Now it is a great parklike area surrounded by the Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, and The Underground Cistern, commonly called the Basilica Cistern.Lunch break,then we proceed for Topkapi Palace. It was not only the residence of the Ottoman sultans, but also the administrative and educational center of the state.Grand Bazaar is the last stop. It is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.Overnight in Istanbul.

If you would like to visit with entrance below sites;

Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.
Hagia Sophia Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.

The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque

(Breakfast included)
Following early breakfast, we proceed to Safranbolu.(6 hours bus drive).Safranbolu is a historic Ottoman town which is a unspoiled historic gem of Turkey.It was added to the list of Unesco World Heritage sites in 1994 due to its well-preserved houses and architecture.Among its historical houses and streets, you’ll feel as if you were travelling to the past and you’ll discover not only its history but also its nature, and see how a city improves and protects itself while living there.After visiting Safranbolu, check in the hotel. Overnight Safranbolu.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
Depart for Safranbolu.we continue to the capital of Turkey (3 hours).Here we visit The Ataturk Mausoleum –the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk- Father of modern Turkey.The Architecture of the mausoleum is a mix of different styles that represent the various Anatolian civilizations.After lunch ,have a visit to Anatolian Civilizations Museum. It is one of the richest archeologic museums in the world with many extensive collection of artifacts, coins, gold, silver, glass and bronze works remaining from different periods. It represents a real cultural and historical treasure and definitely a must-see place.En route . visit Salt Lake, We drive to Cappadocia. Overnight Cappadocia.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
If You would like before you start the tour, you can join Cappadocia is an extraordinary national treasure in Turkey. First stop is the Esentepe Vista point from where you can see clearly Goreme and its surrounding. It has a spectacular view.Your guide will give you some information about geology of rock formations and you can get some of the best pictures of Cappadocia.Next step is Uchisar Castle.It is the summit where Cappadocia mingles with clouds; it is the highest point and can be seen from any spot in the region.After Uchisar Castle , have a visit to Goreme Open Air Museum.The Museum is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes. From here, we proceed to Avanos for lunch.
And then since Avanos is totally a pottery paradise,we watch live pottery demonstration.
Pasabag (Monks Valley) will be next before Devrent Valley.Pasabag which is full of peculiar fairy chimneys looks remarkable with best formations. Devrent Valley is a small place on the outskirts of Goreme. Unlike other valleys in the region, it doesn’t boast of the normal cave churches. Because all you have to do is let your mind run wild and a variety of stone sculptures can be seen .Drop off hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

If You Have a time and if you don't have any idea what to do after this tour ; You can join our Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia (Extra)  or   Atv Tours in Cappadocia(Extra). 

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
We start the day with Kaymakli Underground City. It was opened to visitors in 1964 In the village of Kaymakli. Even though the whole city has not been completely opened, and since only 4 floors have been uncovered, it is certain that Kaymakli is one of the largest underground settlements in the region. Then proceed to Guzelyurt (The ancient name of the town was Gelveri ). The town is a harmony of cultures, history, architecture, and religions.At the same time, It is the most famous as the home of St. Gregory of Nazianzus,one of the so-called Cappadocian Fathers whose writings and teachings helped establish some of the fundamental tenets of Christianity. Lunch in Ihlara Village.
Ihlara Gorge, a 14-kilometer-long canyon carved out of the rocky landscape by the Melendiz Cayi, a river that still ripples along its bottom providing a wonderfully refreshing backdrop for the walk which is 3 km. After Ihlara Gorge , we drive to Agzikarahan Caravanserai .It is a fine example of Turkish Seljuk art,built early 13th century.It was on legendary Silk Road. Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
Following an early breakfast,we will drive through Konya (3 hours).Konya was the center of the Seljuk Empire as well as the city of Mevlana and his Whirling Dervishes. Have a luch, then we will continue to Antalya.En route,visit Aspendos.It is renowned throughout the world for its magnificent ancient amphitheatre.Ancient city is located 48 km away from Antalya city center. Overnight Antalya .

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
Today we start the day early in the morning for Antalya .With it’s nature made up of dark blue seas, spectacular Taurus mountains, fervent waterfalls, boulevards lined with palm trees, award winning marina and world known holiday villages is what makes Antalya the capital of Tourism.Visit Kaleici(Old Town ).Then boat trip for two hours through Mediterranean which will make your trip excellent in Antalya.Have a lunch, then our route is Pamukkale.(3 hours )
Pamukkale and adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are listed as site of World Heritage by UNESCO. Together they are one of the most popular destinations in the world. Pamukkale is ,with its superb appearance,beyond your imaginations.After enjoy ourselves walking on the travertines of Pamukkale,we proceed to hotel. Overnight Pamukkale.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
If You would like before you start the tour, you can join; Paragliding in Pamukkale(Extra)
After check out , we are going to visit Aphrodisias Ancient Site. Turkey has hundreds of ancient city.But this site can be one of your favourite place because of its great condition.The sheer size of Aphrodisias is astonishing. Many of the structures at Aphrodisias have now been excavated and are in a perfect condition, which helps create a full picture of what the city looked like in its golden ages.You can see Tetrapylon, the most impressive structure of Aphrodisias The Stadium,Ancient Theatre ,Sebastion and its museum.Lunch time, Then proceed to Ephesus (2,5 Hours)
It had been a residential area starting from the pre-historic era and through the Hellenistic ,Roman,Eastern Roman periods. Overnight Kusadasi.

(Breakfast  and Dinner included)
Check out from hotel , Drive to Pergamun.Before start the tour, we have lunch. Pergamon was one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient times .It”s architects and sculptors were among the finest in the Hellenistic world. You can see ruin of The Gymnasium,The Temple of Athena,The Library of Pergamon, The Temple of Trajan, Zeus Altar and The Theatre which is one of the steepest theatres in the world.Lunch in Bergama .Next is Asclepion.It was the important health treatment and curing center in ancient Greece and Rome.At the same time,ıt was the worlds first psychiatric hospital providing cures for psychosomatic illnesses.In the evening time ıf you would like to discover, Cunda Island is a good opportunity.Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island is must-see spot near Ayvalık province. One of the most beautiful islands in Turkey, Overnight Ayvalık

(Breakfast included)
Today have a breakfast and check out hotel. First to see is Troy including: The Trojan Horse, Helen of Troy, The Trojan Wars, The battle between Achilles & Paris, Sacrificial Altars, The 3700 year old city walls, Houses of Troy I, The Bouleterium, The Odeon, Current excavations in progress; and Remains of the various cities from Troy I through to Troy IX.After we finish our visit to Troy, en route Istanbul, have a lunch. Then embark on a ferryboat to Gallipoli enjoying the countryside. After 5,5 hours drive , Reach to Istanbul. Overnight Istanbul.

(Breakfast included)
We check out after breakfast and proceed to Dolmabahce Palace.Out of all the sites to see in Istanbul , Dolmabahce Palace is one of the most impressive and intriguing one. The palace has survived intact with its original decorations, furniture, and the silk carpets and curtains. Overlooking the Bosphorus ,its beauty is incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for interior decoration.
Time for Bosphorus Cruise. During the excursion you will see the magnificent sights from your boat. Through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments
Transfer to Istanbul Airport to board and say goodbye to our dear guests. End of the tour.

If you would like to visit with entrance below sites;
Dolmabahce Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.

Trip includes

Included

3 Nights’ hotel accommodation in Istanbul Central Palace Hotel
1 Nights’ hotel accommodation in Kusadasi - Odelia Resort Hotel
1 Night hotel accommdoation in Pamukkale - Palm Thermal Hotel
1 Nights’ hotel accommodation in Safranbolu - Safranbolu Seyir Konak Hotel 
3 Nights’ hotel accommodation in Cappadocia - Elpuente Cave Hotel
1 Night hotel accommdoation in Antalya - Best Western Khan Hotel
1 Night hotel accommdoation in Ayvalik - Grand Halic Hotel

PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking, then we will arrange another similar hotel for your group. If you prefer a different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.

Hotel

Professional English- speaking tour guides

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

11 open buffet breakfasts
8 dinners at hotels 

Vegetarian Halal Meat

All airport transfer services mentioned within this itinerary
Transportation in a fully air- conditioned, non - smoking coach

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

GuidedIstanbul Old City Tour
Guided Safranbolu Tour
Guided Ankara & Anatolian Civilizations Museum & Salt Lake Tour
Guided Red Cappadocia Tour
Guided Green Cappadocia Tour
Guided Konya Mevlana Museum Tour
Guided Kaleici & Antalya Boat Trip & Pamukkale-Hierapolis Tour
Guided Aphrodisias & Ephesus Tour
Guided Pergamon & Asclepion & Cunda Island & Ayvalık Tour
Guided Troy & Gallipoli Tour
Guided Dolmabahce Palace & Bosphorus Cruise
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel room taxes

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather.

Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted, but small towns prefer cash.

Language: Turkish is spoken, but English is commonly understood in tourist areas.

Transport: Domestic flights, private tours, and intercity buses make travel easy.

Food to Try: Sample authentic Turkish delights, mezes, kebabs, fresh seafood, and traditional baklava.

 Entry Requirements: Check visa requirements before your trip.

Cultural Tips: Dress modestly in religious sites and be prepared to remove shoes when entering mosques.

Excluded

International flights

Insurance: All types

Turkey entry visa
Lunch or Dinner Some
Tipping
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry

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