8 Days Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Blue Cruise Tour
This all-in-one 8-day tour combines the best of Turkey’s cultural heritage and coastal charm. Walk through WWI battlefields in Gallipoli, trace legends in Troy, explore ancient Roman cities like Ephesus and Pamukkale, and relax with a 4-day Blue Cruise along the stunning Mediterranean coast — finishing with a flight back to Istanbul.
- Covers Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale & the Mediterranean coast in just 8 days
- Includes domestic flight, Blue Cruise, and guided tours with all major entrance fees
- Combines culture, nature, history, and leisure in one smooth itinerary
- Small-group format for a personal and relaxed experience
- Great balance of discovery and relaxation
- 7 nights accommodation (hotels + boat)
- Mentioned meals in the itinerary
- All guided tours with licensed English-speaking guides
- All museum and site entrance fees
- Bus transfers, boat cruise, flight ticket (Antalya → Istanbul)
- All hotel/airport/harbor transfers
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities (Cleopatra Pool, paragliding, water sports)
Day 1 – Gallipoli Tour from Istanbul
Hotel Pick-Up: You will be picked up from your Istanbul hotel around 06:30 AM and transferred to Gallipoli with a short break for breakfast along the way.
Visiting Sights:
- Beach Cemetery: Resting place of John Simpson and other ANZAC soldiers.
- ANZAC Cove: Landing site of Australian and New Zealand forces in 1915.
- Ari Burnu: First ANZAC landing point with commanding sea views.
- Lone Pine Cemetery: Memorial site for fallen Australian soldiers.
- Johnston’s Jolly: Preserved trenches from both sides of the front line.
- Shrapnel Valley: A historic route and supply path through the hills.
- Turkish Memorial: Honoring the Ottoman soldiers who fought in Gallipoli.
- The Nek & Walker’s Ridge: Scene of dramatic ANZAC charges.
- Chunuk Bair: Main memorial site for New Zealand troops.
Tour End: After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Troy Tour & Bus to Kusadasi
Hotel Pick-Up: After breakfast, pick-up is at 08:30 AM to begin the Troy tour.
Visiting Sights:
- Wooden Trojan Horse Replica: Symbolic monument offering a panoramic view from inside.
- Excavation Center: Current archaeological findings and informative exhibits.
- Troy VI Walls & Tower: Impressive fortifications from the Bronze Age.
- Temple of Athena: Central worship site of ancient Troy.
- Schliemann’s Trench: Original excavation revealing Troy’s history.
- Entrance Ramp & Odeon: Key architectural features used for rituals and performances.
Tour End: Tour ends at 12:00 PM. You’ll be transferred to Canakkale Bus Station and you will have a bus trip to Izmir. When you arrive at Izmir Bus Station, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 3 – Ephesus Tour
Hotel Pick-Up: After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel around 08:30 AM to begin your full-day exploration of ancient Ephesus and surrounding historical sites.
Visiting Sights:
- Temple of Artemis: Once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only a few columns remain of this once-massive temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility and the moon.
- Ephesus Ancient City: A remarkably preserved Roman city featuring:
- Odeon: A small theater used for concerts and council meetings.
- Prytaneion: The administrative center of the city, where sacred fires burned for Hestia.
- Curetes Street: The main marble-paved avenue lined with statues, columns, and fountains.
- Hercules Gate: A narrow archway marking the transition to the aristocratic district.
- Trajan’s Fountain: A grand nymphaeum honoring the Roman emperor.
- Temple of Hadrian: A well-preserved monument with intricate carvings of mythological scenes.
- Terrace Houses (optional, extra ticket): Luxurious Roman homes with mosaics and frescoes.
- Public Latrines: Roman-era communal toilets with advanced drainage systems.
- Celsus Library: The iconic façade of this ancient library still impresses with its symmetry and grandeur.
- Grand Theatre: With a seating capacity of 25,000, it hosted plays and gladiator battles.
- Marble Street & Arcadian Way: Streets connecting the harbor to the heart of the city.
- House of Virgin Mary: A pilgrimage site located in the hills of Selcuk, believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus.
- Isabey Mosque: A beautiful 14th-century mosque with a peaceful courtyard and intricate Seljuk architecture, built using stones from ancient temples.
Tour End: Around 16:00 PM, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 4 – Pamukkale Tour & Bus to Fethiye
Hotel Pick-Up: After breakfast, you’ll be picked up at 07:45 AM from your hotel and driven to Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle” of Turkey.
Visiting Sights:
- Hierapolis Ancient City: An important Roman spa center built over hot springs, featuring:
- Necropolis: The largest ancient cemetery in Anatolia, with over 1,200 sarcophagi and tombs.
- Roman Baths: Used for both hygiene and healing, now partially restored.
- Domitian Gate: The triple-arched entrance gate to the city.
- Main Street (Frontinus Street): The heart of the city lined with shops and structures.
- Byzantine Gate & Fountain of the Tritons: Showcases the transition from Roman to Byzantine architecture.
- Plutonium (Temple of Pluto): An ancient religious cave believed to be the gateway to the underworld.
- Temple of Apollo: Once the most sacred area in the city.
- Ancient Theater: Well-preserved seating and stage offering panoramic views over the valley.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Step barefoot across these stunning white terraces formed by calcium-rich hot spring waters — an iconic photo spot and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Cleopatra’s Pool (optional): Swim in warm, mineral-rich waters among submerged ancient columns — believed to have healing properties. (Entrance extra)
Tour End: After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the bus station for your daytime bus to Fethiye (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel in Fethiye.
Day 5 – Blue Cruise – Fethiye to St. Nicholas Island
Hotel Pick-Up: After breakfast at your hotel in Fethiye, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the harbor where your Mediterranean sailing adventure begins. After check-in on the gulet (traditional yacht), you’ll meet the crew and fellow travelers.
Visiting Sights:
- Samanlık Bay: A peaceful inlet surrounded by pine forests — your first swim stop with crystal-clear turquoise waters.
- Butterfly Valley: If sea conditions allow, you’ll cruise to this secluded natural canyon, home to over 100 species of butterflies and a hidden waterfall. Optional hike available.
- Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon): One of Turkey’s most iconic beaches. Swim in its calm waters or take an optional paragliding flight from Babadağ Mountain — one of the world’s top flight spots.
- St. Nicholas Island: End the day near this historic island scattered with Byzantine ruins, churches, and stunning sunset viewpoints. You can hike to the top for panoramic sea views before dinner.
Tour End: After anchoring near St. Nicholas Island, you’ll enjoy dinner on board.
Day 6 – Blue Cruise – Kas & Kekova Region
On Board: You’ll wake up to the peaceful motion of the sea. Early morning departure toward the turquoise coves of the Mediterranean coastline.
Visiting Sights:
- Firnaz Bay: Start the day with breakfast and a swim in this hidden bay near Kalkan, surrounded by pine-covered hills.
- Kas: Dock at this charming fishing village with a bohemian vibe. Explore ancient Antiphellos, visit the Roman theater overlooking the sea, browse handmade jewelry and local art in the narrow streets.
- Kekova Region: Cruise past secluded coves and untouched coastline, perfect for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Tour End: Your boat will anchor in a quiet bay near Kekova.
Day 7 – Blue Cruise – Sunken City & Pirate Coves
On Board: Another relaxing day awaits. Breakfast is served as you sail to some of the most legendary locations along the Turkish Riviera.
Visiting Sights:
- Sunken City of Kekova: Glide above partially submerged ruins of this Lycian-Roman town destroyed by earthquakes. No swimming permitted due to archaeological protection, but a truly mesmerizing sight.
- Simena Village: This quaint village is accessible only by boat — no cars, just cobbled paths, Ottoman houses, and a hilltop fortress offering panoramic sea views.
- Gökkaya Bay: Known as the “pirates’ haven,” this scenic bay is perfect for swimming, relaxing, and optional water sports like jet skiing or banana boats.
Tour End: The boat will anchor in Gökkaya Bay for your third and final night onboard. Enjoy a freshly cooked dinner.
Day 8 – Blue Cruise Ends, Antalya Airport Transfer & Flight to Istanbul
On Board: After breakfast, you’ll begin your final leg of the cruise toward the mainland.
Visiting Sights:
- Pirates Cave: A mysterious sea cave carved by time and tides, perfect for photos and a short visit from the boat.
Tour End: Around 12:00, disembark at Andriace Harbor. You’ll then take a scenic road transfer to Olympos. From there, you’ll be transferred to Antalya Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival at an airport in Istanbul, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul. This marks the end of your tour.
Your final day brings a perfect close to a week of discovery. After days of history, nature, and coastlines, you’ll return to Istanbul with unforgettable memories, beautiful photos, and a deep appreciation for Turkey’s rich cultural and natural treasures.
- Tour operates from April to October (cruise season)
- Domestic flight includes 15–20 kg baggage allowance
- Cruise runs on a standard gulet in shared cabin (private cabin upgrade possible)
- Early booking recommended for high season departures
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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Historical sites and natural relaxing during the vacaiton it was a good choise for us to join this package, we (me and my friends) had joined this trip with a recommendation, It was very nice arrangements for touring, guiding, hotels and cruise.
I was blown away by how different each location was. You go from exploring ancient cities to floating on crystal waters. A truly unforgettable journey.
We had no idea Turkey had such variety in just one trip. Troy was mysterious, Ephesus was full of stories, and the cruise was a great way to unwind. Hats off to the team for putting it all together.
I joined the tour solo and it was an amazing experience. The group was friendly and the itinerary was so well balanced. Special thanks to our guide for always being patient.
The Blue Cruise was definitely the highlight. Nothing beats swimming in those hidden bays. Everything else was very well arranged too.
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