11 Days Turkey Explorer Tour: Ruins, Blue Cruise & Cappadocia
Uncover Turkey’s soul from sea to sky on this 11-day immersive journey that weaves together legendary ruins, sun-drenched coastline, and surreal landscapes. Start with the war-scarred cliffs of Gallipoli, then walk through the epic layers of history in Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. From Fethiye, embark on a 4-day Blue Cruise aboard a traditional gulet—swimming in turquoise bays, exploring sunken cities, and relaxing under starlit skies. Finally, soar to the high plateaus of Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys and underground cities await.
With flights, transfers, guided tours, and most meals arranged, this seamless adventure lets you explore Turkey’s past and present—from ruins to rivers, tombs to terraces, castles to caves.
- Blends cultural depth, coastal leisure, and natural wonders into one unique itinerary
- Includes a 4-day Blue Cruise with full-board (B, L, D), sailing from Fethiye to Olympos
- Covers 6+ ancient cities: Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Hierapolis, Simena, and more
- Features UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Cappadocia
- Balanced pace with historical touring, beachside relaxation, and inland exploration
- All domestic flights, hotel and port transfers, and guided excursions are included
- Optional activities like paragliding or hot air ballooning enhance the experience
- Ideal for couples, adventurers, and history lovers wanting variety and comfort
What's Included
- 6 nights hotel accommodation (Canakkale, Kusadasi, Fethiye, Cappadocia, Istanbul)
- 4 days / 3 nights Blue Cruise (shared cabin, B, L, D included)
- All Domestic flights: Antalya → Cappadocia, Cappadocia → Istanbul
- All Intercity bus tickets: Pamukkale → Fethiye
- Full-day guided tours in Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia Red & Yellow tours
- All entrance fees to historical sites and museums as listed in itinerary
- Daily breakfast at hotels + lunches on tours + dinners during Blue Cruise
- All hotel, airport, and harbor transfers throughout the tour
- Professional English-speaking licensed tour guides
- Air-conditioned private vehicles for all land transfers
What's Not Included
- Dinners (except on Blue Cruise)
- Lunch on Day 8 (after Blue Cruise ends)
- Drinks during meals
- Swimming at Cleopatra’s Pool and other optional attractions
- Paragliding, hot air balloon flight, and other optional excursions
- Personal expenses
- International flight tickets
11 Days Turkey Explorer Tour: Gallipoli, Ancient Ruins, Blue Cruise & Cappadocia
Day 1 – Gallipoli Tour from Istanbul
Tour Highlights: Honoring the Heroes of WWI
- Hotel Pick-Up (06:30–07:00): You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel and transferred to Gallipoli Peninsula.
- Brighton Beach – Original ANZAC landing site on April 25, 1915.
- Beach Cemetery – Final resting place of ANZAC soldiers including John Simpson.
- ANZAC Cove – Famous site where the dawn landings occurred.
- Lone Pine – Australian memorial and cemetery.
- Johnston’s Jolly – Preserved trenches of both sides.
- The Nek – Site of the tragic Australian Light Horse charge.
- Chunuk Bair – Important New Zealand memorial site.
End of Tour (17:30): After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Çanakkale for check-in.
Day 2 – Troy & Pergamon Tour / Transfer to Kusadasi
Tour Highlights: Homeric Legends & Hellenistic Glory
- Hotel Pick-Up (08:30): Meet your guide at your Çanakkale hotel and begin the day.
- Troy Ancient City: Visit the famed ruins including:
- Replica Trojan Horse
- Sacrificial Altars, Ancient Walls, Houses of Troy I–IX
- The Agora and Bouleuterion (Council House)
- Pergamon Acropolis: Explore the hilltop sanctuary and steepest theater of the ancient world.
Evening Transfer: You will be dropped off at your Kusadasi hotel.
Day 3 – Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Tour Highlights: Sacred Paths and Marble Streets
- Hotel Pick-Up (09:00): Begin your full-day guided tour after breakfast at your Kusadasi hotel.
- House of Virgin Mary – Sacred pilgrimage site in a forested setting.
- Ephesus: Includes Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre, Roman Baths, Marble Street, Odeon, Agora.
- Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (remaining ruins).
Hotel Drop-Off (17:00–17:30): You will be returned to your Kusadasi hotel.
Day 4 – Pamukkale Tour & Intercity Bus to Fethiye
Tour Highlights: Thermal Marvels and Roman Heritage
- Hotel Pick-Up (07:30): After breakfast, transfer to Pamukkale with your guide.
- Hierapolis Ancient City – Explore the necropolis, Roman theater, thermal baths, and St. Philip’s Martyrdom.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot along the stunning white calcium terraces.
- Cleopatra Pool (optional): Swim over submerged Roman columns in thermal waters.
Transfer (16:30): You’ll be transferred to the Denizli Bus Station.
Arrival in Fethiye (21:00): Our team will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 5 – Blue Cruise Begins: Fethiye to St. Nicholas Island
Tour Highlights: Butterfly Valley, Ölüdeniz, Sunset over Byzantine Ruins
- Hotel Pick-Up (08:30): Transfer to Fethiye harbor for Blue Cruise check-in.
- Butterfly Valley: Optional hike to waterfall; habitat for over 130 butterfly species.
- Ölüdeniz Lagoon: Optional paragliding or swim at the famous Blue Lagoon.
- St. Nicholas Island: Explore ruins and enjoy a sunset dinner on board.
Day 6 – Blue Cruise: St. Nicholas Island to Kas
Tour Highlights: Crystal Bays & Seaside Villages
- Departure (After Breakfast): Sail from St. Nicholas Island around 08:30.
- Akvaryum Bay: Swim and snorkel in turquoise waters near Kalkan.
- Kas: Arrive by noon for free time in the harbor town, known for diving and local shops.
- Evening: Drop anchor in a calm bay between Kas and Kekova.
Day 7 – Blue Cruise: Kas to Gokkaya Bay
Tour Highlights: Lycian Sunken City & Simena Castle
- Morning Sail: Depart for Kekova around 09:00.
- Sunken City of Kekova: Pass by the submerged ruins of Dolchiste (swimming not allowed).
- Simena Village & Castle: Optional short hike for panoramic views and ancient Lycian tombs.
- Evening: Anchor in peaceful Gokkaya Bay for swimming and overnight stay.
Day 8 – Blue Cruise Ends: Gokkaya to Olympos / Flight to Cappadocia
Tour Highlights: Mediterranean Farewell & Anatolian Horizons
- Morning Disembarkation (10:30–11:00): Depart from the boat at Ucagiz village port.
- Transfer to Antalya Airport: Our driver will meet you and provide private transfer (approx. 3 hrs).
- Fly to Cappadocia: Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 9 – Cappadocia Red Tour
Tour Highlights: Fairy Chimneys, Open-Air Museums & Cultural Villages
- Hotel Pick-Up (09:30): Begin your day with hotel transfer for guided tour.
- Devrent Valley: Known for imaginative rock formations that resemble animals and objects.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): Fairy chimneys with multiple caps and cave dwellings.
- Avanos: Watch live pottery demonstrations using red river clay.
- Goreme Panorama: Scenic viewpoint over Göreme National Park.
- Uchisar Castle: Natural rock fortress offering panoramic valley views.
Hotel Drop-Off (16:30–17:00): Return to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 10 – Cappadocia Yellow Tour & Flight to Istanbul
Tour Highlights: Valleys, Underground Cities, and Local Villages
- Hotel Pick-Up (09:30): Begin South Cappadocia tour.
- Rose Valley: Peaceful hike through pink-toned canyons dotted with cave churches.
- Ozkonak Underground City: Multi-level tunnels used for shelter during invasions.
- Pigeon Valley: View historic dovecotes carved into volcanic cliffs.
- Çavuşin Village: Abandoned Greek village with panoramic views.
Evening Transfer: Hotel drop-off followed by transfer to the airport.
Fly to Istanbul: Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
Day 11 – Istanbul Airport Transfer & End of Tour
- Hotel Pick-Up: Based on your international flight time, we’ll transfer you to either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
- Blue Cruise cabins are shared.
- Lunch on Day 8 is not included (Blue Cruise disembarkation day).
- Domestic flights include 15 kg checked luggage + 8 kg cabin bag. Extra luggage can be added during online check-in.
Hotel Options
If you have a preferred hotel, please let us know during the reservation process. On the checkout page, you will see an "Additional Request" section where you can specify your preference.
However, please note that we will make the reservation at one of the hotels listed below or similar quality hotels based on availability.
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Every day of this tour brought something new and exciting. The ruins at Pergamon and Ephesus were stunning, while the Blue Cruise gave us a relaxing break with amazing scenery. Cappadocia's valleys and castles were like stepping into another world. The whole trip was perfectly paced and very enjoyable. Would definitely do it again!
I loved how this tour combined history, nature, and culture seamlessly. Sailing around Kekova and visiting the sunken city was fascinating. The hot air balloon views in Cappadocia were unforgettable. Everything was well organized and the guides were knowledgeable and friendly. A fantastic experience!
This 11 day tour was truly amazing. From exploring ancient cities like Troy and Ephesus to the breathtaking Blue Cruise along the coast, every moment was special. The Cleopatra Pool was a refreshing bonus and Butterfly Valley left me speechless. Cappadocia's unique landscapes were a perfect way to end the trip. Highly recommend this for anyone wanting a deep dive into Turkey’s wonders.
Relaxing during the vacaiton it was a good to join this package, we had joined to the nice time and historical trip with this trip and also it was very nice to be a well arranged touring, guiding, hotels and cruise.
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