11 Days Turkey Highlights Tour: East to West Discovery
Discover Turkey’s diverse wonders in one unforgettable journey with this 11-day Turkey Highlights Tour from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy-Pergamon, and Gallipoli. This curated itinerary combines ancient cities, natural wonders, sacred sites, and dramatic coastlines into a single route. Wander through Istanbul’s historical core, fly over fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, soak in the healing waters of Pamukkale, walk the timeless ruins of Ephesus and Pergamon, stand in awe at the gates of Troy, and honor the past at Gallipoli’s memorials.
With domestic flights, intercity transfers, licensed guides, and well-located hotels included. This is the most efficient and meaningful way to explore Turkey from east to west.
- Covers Turkey’s most visited highlights across multiple regions in one seamless route
- Expert-led tours at world-famous sites: Hagia Sophia, Ephesus, Troy, Gallipoli, and more
- Domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia and private ground transport between key regions
- Travel from Central Anatolia to the Aegean Coast and the Dardanelles with minimal backtracking
- Includes UNESCO sites like Pamukkale, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Historic Istanbul
- Flexibility to add optional experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia or Bosphorus dinner cruise in Istanbul
What's Included
- 10 nights’ hotel accommodation in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, and Canakkale
- All Domestic flights: Istanbul → Cappadocia
- Transfer: Cappadocia → Pamukkale via Konya
- All intercity hotel and airport transfers
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Lunches during full-day tours
- Guided tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia (Red & Yellow), Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy, and Gallipoli
- All entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites mentioned in the itinerary
- Licensed English-speaking tour guides
- All transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles
What's Not Included
- Dinners
- Drinks during lunch
- International flights
- Cleopatra Pool entry (optional)
- Optional activities (e.g., hot air balloon, Bosphorus dinner cruise)
- Personal expenses
11 Days Turkey Highlights Tour: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy & Gallipoli
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Airport Pick-up: Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our team will greet you at the exit gate with a name sign. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of Istanbul. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore your surroundings.
Day 2 – Full-Day Old City Tour of Istanbul
Hotel Pick-up (08:30): After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel for a full-day exploration of the historical heart of Istanbul.
Tour Highlights: Timeless Palaces, Mosques, and Bazaars
- Hippodrome: Once the social and sporting hub of Byzantine Constantinople, with monuments like the Serpent Column and Obelisk of Theodosius.
- Blue Mosque: Renowned for its six minarets and interior lined with over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles.
- Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that served as a church and mosque for centuries.
- Topkapi Palace: Home to Ottoman sultans for over 400 years; visit the imperial treasury, harem, and sacred relics.
- Grand Bazaar: Lose yourself in a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops selling carpets, spices, ceramics, and more.
Tour ends around 17:00. Return transfer to your hotel is included.
Day 3 – Free Day in Istanbul
Spend the day at leisure. Explore different districts such as Balat, Galata, or Ortaköy, or relax at a Turkish hammam. Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise available in the evening.
Day 4 – Flight to Cappadocia & North Cappadocia (Red) Tour
Hotel Pick-up: After breakfast, our driver will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Arrival in Cappadocia: Meet your local guide and begin the North Cappadocia tour.
Tour Highlights: Fairy Chimneys and Open-Air Museums
- Devrent Valley: A landscape filled with natural rock formations resembling animals and human figures.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): Iconic for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
- Avanos: A town famous for its pottery-making traditions, dating back to the Hittites.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: A fascinating ghost village with homes and churches carved into stone.
- Goreme Panorama: A scenic viewpoint offering wide views of the rock-carved churches and valleys.
- Uchisar Castle: The highest point in Cappadocia, used for defense and lookout in ancient times.
Tour ends around 17:00. You’ll be transferred to your hotel.
Day 5 – South Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour
Hot Air Balloon Flight
The price of the hot air balloon flight is not included in this package. You can add it optionally if you want to experience the incredible sunrise view over Cappadocia.
Hot Air Balloon Watching
If you prefer to stay on the ground but still want to capture amazing photos of the balloons floating over the fairy chimneys, join our hot air balloon watching tour.
Hotel Pick-up (09:30): Your guide will meet you at the hotel after breakfast for a full-day adventure.
Tour Highlights: Valleys, Villages & Underground Cities
- Rose Valley: A beautiful hiking area dotted with hidden cave churches.
- Ozkonak Underground City: A complex network of tunnels, living spaces, and storage rooms used by early Christians.
- Pigeon Valley: Named after the dovecotes carved into its cliffs, offering scenic walking paths.
- Gulludere Valley: A peaceful gorge with ancient frescoes in small rock-cut chapels.
- Cavusin Village: A charming settlement with rock-cut dwellings and a centuries-old church.
Tour ends around 17:00. Return transfer to your hotel is included.
Day 6 – Drive to Pamukkale via Konya
Hotel Pick-up (08:00): Depart for Pamukkale by private vehicle with a scenic stop in Konya.
- Konya Free Time: You can explore Konya city center or the exterior of the Mevlana Museum. (Guide and lunch not included, but available upon request.)
Arrive in Pamukkale in the evening. Hotel check-in and overnight stay.
Day 7 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour / Overnight in Kusadasi
Hotel Pick-up (09:30): Discover the white travertine terraces and ancient city of Hierapolis.
Tour Highlights: Ancient Spa City and Thermal Wonders
- Hierapolis: Visit its vast necropolis, the ancient theater, Frontinus Gate, and the Martyrium of St. Philip.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot along the dazzling calcium terraces shaped by thermal springs.
- Cleopatra Pool (optional): Swim among ancient Roman columns in this historic hot spring.
Tour ends at 16:30. Transfer to Kusadasi and check-in at your hotel.
Day 8 – Full-Day Ephesus Tour
Hotel Pick-up (09:00): Depart for one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean.
Tour Highlights: Sacred Shrines and Roman Monuments
- House of Virgin Mary: A spiritual site atop Bulbul Mountain, believed to be where Mary spent her final years.
- Ephesus Ancient City: Marvel at its monumental Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Curetes Street, and ancient latrines.
- Temple of Artemis: View the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Return to your hotel in Kusadasi by 17:00.
Day 9 – Pergamon and Troy Tour / Overnight in Canakkale
Hotel Pick-up (07:30): Start your journey to Pergamon and Troy.
Tour Highlights: Hellenistic Power and Mythical Legends
- Pergamon Acropolis: Explore the Temple of Trajan, Altar of Zeus (base), the steep Hellenistic theater, and the ancient library.
- Red Basilica: A grand Roman structure later repurposed as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation.
- Troy: Discover the layers of civilization from Troy I to IX, including:
- Trojan Horse replica
- Sacrificial Altars
- Ancient city walls and residential zones
- The Agora and Temple foundations
Tour ends around 18:30. Hotel check-in in Canakkale.
Day 10 – Gallipoli Tour & Transfer to Istanbul
Hotel Pick-up (08:30): Join your guide for an emotional journey across the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Tour Highlights: Battlefields of World War I
- Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, and Ari Burnu: Learn about the landings and sacrifices of ANZAC troops.
- Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair: Sites of Australian and New Zealand memorials.
- Johnston’s Jolly & The Nek: Trench warfare sites that saw intense combat.
- Turkish Memorial: A national monument to honor Ottoman martyrs.
Tour ends at 17:00. Transfer to Istanbul and check in at your hotel.
Day 11 – Transfer to Istanbul Airport
Hotel Pick-up: According to your international flight time, our team will transfer you to IST or SAW airport.
- Domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia includes 15 kg checked baggage + 8 kg cabin luggage
- All hotel–airport and intercity hotel transfers are included throughout the tour
- Tour from Cappadocia to Pamukkale via Konya is a scenic overland journey; guiding/lunch not included unless requested at booking
- Swimming at Cleopatra Pool in Pamukkale is optional and paid on-site
- Optional hot air balloon flight in Cappadocia must be booked in advance and is weather-dependent
- Tour order may vary slightly depending on flight schedules and seasonal availability
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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From east to west, this tour covered it all. Istanbul to Gallipoli, every site was incredible. I especially enjoyed the diverse landscapes and rich history. The guide’s knowledge made the experience even better. Highly recommend!
A truly unforgettable tour that covered so many beautiful places. The guide was fantastic and shared lots of great stories. Pamukkale and Cappadocia were my favorites.
This trip was perfectly balanced with culture, history, and nature. The itinerary included some of Turkey's most famous landmarks and hidden gems. Loved the variety and the well-organized schedule.
Loved exploring the East to West route. So many diverse sites, from ancient cities to natural wonders. The tour was well-paced and comfortable.
Each stop offered something unique. From Istanbul's bustling streets to the quiet valleys of Cappadocia, the diversity amazed me. Konya's spiritual atmosphere was special. The historical ruins at Troy and Pergamon were impressive.
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