5 Days Aegean Legacy Tour from Istanbul
From battlefields to temples, white cliffs to thermal pools — discover the legacy of Aegean history in just five unforgettable days.
The 5 Days Aegean Legacy Tour from Istanbul covers Türkiye’s most significant historical and natural landmarks, including Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and the Ionian sites of Priene, Miletos, and Didyma.
Walk where heroes, philosophers, and emperors once stood, while enjoying expert-guided tours, domestic flights, intercity travel, and seamless hotel transfers.
- A comprehensive journey through Türkiye’s western heritage
- Combines war history, Roman cities, and natural wonders
- Smooth transitions: no overnight buses, all transfers arranged
- Intercity transport and domestic flight included
- Perfect for travelers who want to see everything in less time
- All transfers between hotels, airports, and tour areas
- Domestic flight: Denizli ➝ Istanbul
- Intercity bus ticket: Canakkale ➝ Izmir
- 1 night accommodation in Canakkale
- 3 nights accommodation in Kusadasi
- Guided Gallipoli Tour
- Guided Troy Tour
- Guided Ephesus Tour
- Guided Priene–Miletos–Didyma Tour
- Guided Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
- Entrance fees to all listed sights
- Daily breakfast at hotel
- Lunches during guided tours
- Professional English-speaking tour guides
- Dinners
- Drinks at lunch
- Swimming at Cleopatra Antique Pool (optional)
- Personal expenses
5 Days Aegean Legacy Tour from Istanbul – Gallipoli to Pamukkale Through the Ages
Day 1 ─ Gallipoli Tour from Istanbul ➝ Overnight in Canakkale
06:30 – 07:00 ─ Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul and depart for Eceabat by an air-conditioned vehicle (approx. 5 hours).
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and meet your local guide to begin the Gallipoli battlefield tour.
From Trenches to Monuments: Tracing World War I
- Brighton Beach: The calm shores where the ANZAC troops initially landed in 1915.
- Beach Cemetery: Burial site of soldiers, including the grave of John Simpson.
- ANZAC Cove: A small cove that became the frontline of fierce fighting during the Gallipoli Campaign.
- Ari Burnu & Lone Pine Cemetery: Emotional sites of loss, bravery, and remembrance.
- Johnston’s Jolly & Shrapnel Valley: Explore trenches and understand the harsh realities of war.
- Turkish Memorial & The Nek: View monuments honoring the fallen from both sides.
- Chunuk Bair: A key battlefield of the ANZAC assault on the heights of Gallipoli.
17:00 ─ Tour ends. Transfer to your hotel in Canakkale.
Day 2 ─ Troy Tour ➝ Intercity Bus to Kusadasi via Izmir
08:30 ─ After breakfast, check out and join your guide for the Troy Ancient City Tour.
Legend Meets Archaeology
- Trojan Horse (Replica): Iconic wooden horse from the movie, symbolizing the famous Greek ruse.
- Sacrificial Altars: Sacred areas where ancient rituals were once held.
- 3700-Year-Old City Walls: Remains of Troy’s defensive structures across multiple layers.
- Houses of Troy I (3000–2500 BC): Insight into Bronze Age living spaces.
- The Agora: Ancient marketplace where citizens traded goods and ideas.
13:30 ─ Transfer to Canakkale Bus Station.
14:00 ─ Intercity bus to Izmir (approx. 5 hours, with breaks).
19:00 ─ Upon arrival at Izmir Bus Station, meet our team and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 3 ─ Ephesus Tour ➝ Return to Kusadasi
08:30 ─ Pick-up from your hotel and begin your full-day guided Ephesus tour.
One of the Ancient World’s Greatest Cities
- Ephesus Ancient City: Explore marble-paved streets, temples, Roman baths, and the Odeon.
- Library of Celsius: Snap pictures at this spectacularly restored façade.
- Great Amphitheatre: Imagine performances held in this 25,000-seat venue.
- House of Virgin Mary: Visit a spiritual pilgrimage site in the hills above Ephesus.
- Temple of Artemis (viewpoint): Glimpse what remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
16:30 ─ Return to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 4 ─ Priene, Miletos and Didyma Tour ➝ Return to Kusadasi
08:30 ─ After breakfast, depart for your full-day guided tour of three legendary Ionian cities.
Geometry, Philosophy, and Sacred Sites
- Priene: An ancient city built on a strict grid plan with stunning views and the Temple of Athena.
- Miletos: Birthplace of Western philosophy. Visit its large theatre and Roman baths.
- Didyma: See the monumental Temple of Apollo and learn about oracles and ancient belief systems.
17:00 ─ Return to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 5 ─ Pamukkale Tour ➝ Flight to Istanbul ➝ Hotel Transfer
07:30 ─ Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Pamukkale.
White Wonders and Roman Relaxation
- Travertine Terraces: Walk barefoot across cascading mineral pools shaped over millennia.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the Grand Theatre, Necropolis, Temple of Apollo, and ancient baths.
- Cleopatra’s Pool: Swim among sunken Roman columns in this natural thermal spring (optional).
16:00 ─ Transfer to Denizli Airport.
Evening: Flight to Istanbul (flight times vary).
Arrival: You’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
- Intercity bus from Canakkale to Izmir included (comfortable, modern bus with rest stops)
- Flight luggage allowance: 15kg check-in + 8kg cabin per person. Extra baggage can be added during online check-in (additional airline fees may apply)
- Swimming at Cleopatra Pool is optional and not included
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.
Troy was very cool. The replica horse was a fun photo spot. Also loved the atmosphere in Ephesus. So much history in one trip!
What an incredible journey through ancient history. Gallipoli moved me deeply, while Ephesus and Didyma left me in awe. The whole route felt like a living textbook but in the best way. Highly recommend this to anyone who loves stories of the past.
The guides knew every detail, especially at Troy and Didyma. I learned a lot. The food stops were also good and vegetarian options were available.
Each destination was different and worth seeing. The itinerary was packed but well organized. Would definitely suggest it to first-timers in Turkey.
Really well-paced tour. We saw so much in just five days without feeling rushed. My favorites were Pamukkale and Priene. The team handled all logistics perfectly.
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