8 Days Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus & Pamukkale
Travel across centuries of history and culture in just 8 days on this unforgettable journey through Türkiye’s legendary landscapes and civilizations. Begin your tour in Istanbul, where East meets West in mosques, palaces, and bazaars. Stand on the battlefields of Gallipoli, walk the ruins of mythic Troy, and climb the terraced white cliffs of Pamukkale. Marvel at Ephesus, one of the greatest Roman cities in the world, and complete your journey with all transfers, flights, hotels, and guided tours fully arranged.
This tour is ideal for those who want to experience Turkey’s most iconic highlights in a seamless, meaningful way without rushing or missing the magic.
- A perfectly paced itinerary that combines legendary battlefields, Roman cities, and natural wonders
- Features UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Historic Istanbul
- Includes one-way domestic flight (Denizli → Istanbul) and all airport/station-hotel transfers
- Covers the iconic highlights of west and central Turkey in just 8 days
- Small-group guided tours ensure depth, comfort, and local insight
- Ideal balance of ancient ruins, natural beauty, and modern convenience
- 7 nights’ accommodation (Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi)
- All Domestic flights: Denizli → Istanbul
- All airport-hotel and intercity bus transfers
- Full-day guided tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, and Pamukkale
- Entrance fees to all sights listed in the itinerary
- Daily open buffet breakfast at hotels
- Lunches during tours
- Professional English-speaking licensed tour guides
- Transportation in modern, air-conditioned vehicles
- Dinners
- Drinks during lunch
- International flight tickets
- Optional Cleopatra Pool entry
- Optional activities such as Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
- Personal expenses
8 Days Turkey Tour: Explore Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus & Pamukkale
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Airport Pick-up: Upon landing at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), our representative will greet you at the exit gate holding a name sign. You’ll be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Istanbul. The rest of the day is free to rest or explore nearby attractions at your leisure.
Day 2 – Full-Day Istanbul Old City Tour
Hotel Pick-up (08:30): Start your day with a guided journey through the heart of Istanbul’s historical peninsula.
Tour Highlights: Byzantine and Ottoman Masterpieces
- Hippodrome: The ancient arena of chariot races and political life, featuring the Serpent Column and Obelisk of Theodosius.
- Blue Mosque: A 17th-century architectural marvel adorned with thousands of handmade blue tiles.
- Hagia Sophia: Once a cathedral, then a mosque, and now a mosque again—this timeless wonder blends Christian and Islamic art under one dome.
- Topkapi Palace: The imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, including courtyards, chambers, and the sacred relics room.
- Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops.
Return to your hotel around 17:00.
Day 3 – Free Day in Istanbul
Enjoy a day at your leisure. Visit neighbourhoods like Galata, Balat, or Kadıköy, or consider joining an optional Bosphorus dinner cruise in the evening.
Day 4 – Gallipoli Tour from Istanbul / Overnight in Canakkale
Tour Highlights: WWI Memorials and ANZAC Legacy
Hotel Pick-up (06:30): Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a full-day guided tour.
- Brighton Beach: Landing site for ANZAC troops in 1915.
- Beach Cemetery: Final resting place of hundreds of Allied soldiers.
- ANZAC Cove: The most well-known landing area of the campaign.
- Ari Burnu Cemetery: Overlooks the sea and includes graves of Australian soldiers.
- Lone Pine Cemetery: Commemorates Australian forces with a striking memorial.
- Johnston’s Jolly: See preserved trenches from both sides of the battle.
- Shrapnel Valley: Once a deadly passage, now a quiet resting ground.
- The Nek: Famous site of the Light Horse Brigade’s ill-fated charge.
- Turkish Memorial: A large monument commemorating fallen Turkish soldiers.
- Chunuk Bair: A key New Zealand memorial at the high ground of the battle.
Tour ends at 17:00. Transfer to your hotel in Canakkale.
Day 5 – Troy & Pergamon Tour / Transfer to Kusadasi
Tour Highlights: Mythical Troy and the Acropolis of Pergamon
Hotel Pick-up (08:30): After breakfast, begin your journey to two of Turkey’s ancient wonders.
- Troy: Explore the ruins of the legendary city made famous by Homer’s Iliad:
- Trojan Horse replica
- Sacrificial Altars
- 3700-year-old defensive walls
- Agora and ancient residential quarters
- Pergamon Acropolis: Discover temples, a grand theater, and the Library of Pergamon perched on a hilltop.
- Red Basilica: Once a massive Roman temple, later converted into a Byzantine church.
After the tour, transfer to Kusadasi and check in to your hotel.
Day 6 – Full-Day Ephesus Tour
Tour Highlights: One of the Greatest Roman Cities
Hotel Pick-up (09:00): Depart for a full-day Ephesus exploration.
- House of Virgin Mary: A peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years.
- Ephesus Ancient City: A marvel of Roman architecture and biblical history, featuring:
- Library of Celsus
- Great Theatre
- Temple of Hadrian
- Marble Streets
- Odeon
- Public Latrines
- Curetes Street and Fountain of Trajan
- Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, with remaining columns and open-air views.
Return to your hotel in Kusadasi around 17:00.
Day 7 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour / Fly to Istanbul
Tour Highlights: Thermal Terraces and Ancient Spa City
Hotel Pick-up (07:30): Travel inland for a day of natural beauty and Roman history.
- Hierapolis: Visit the extensive necropolis, Roman theater, ancient thermal baths, and Martyrium of St. Philip.
- Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot along the brilliant white terraces formed by calcium-rich waters.
- Cleopatra Pool (optional): Swim among ancient ruins in this thermal spring.
Fly to Istanbul: Transfer to Denizli Airport for your flight.
Arrival at Istanbul: Upon arrival at an airport in Istanbul, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 8 – Transfer to the Airport for Departure
Hotel Pick-up: Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll be transferred to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) for your international flight home.
- Domestic flight Denizli → Istanbul includes 15 kg checked baggage + 8 kg cabin bag
- Hotel-to-airport and airport-to-hotel transfers are always included for stress-free travel
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entrance is optional and paid on-site
- All guided tours are conducted by licensed professional guides in English
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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Pamukkale was more beautiful than the pictures. The hot springs felt like nature's spa. And Ephesus was a treasure, full of detail.
Cappadocia wasn’t included in this one, but everything we saw was equally stunning. Pergamon and Ephesus were the standouts for me.
Troy was much more impressive than I expected. I loved the wooden horse replica and the way the layers of the ancient city were explained.
Seeing Istanbul for the first time was such a treat – the mix of modern and historical is amazing. Gallipoli was emotional and Troy felt surreal. Ephesus was our favorite, the ruins are so well preserved it's like stepping into the past. Pamukkale was a peaceful finish with those magical white terraces.
Very well looked after, refreshing, knowledgable tour guides. Turkey is a must do place.
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