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17 day(s)
Private
1-40 people
easy
From Kars to the Aegean – Culture, History & Natural Wonders
Journey across Turkey from the rugged landscapes of the East to the shimmering
coasts of the Aegean. Explore ancient ruins, sacred sites, vibrant bazaars, and
natural wonders on this 17-day adventure. From the mysterious Ani Ruins and Mt.
Nemrut to the turquoise terraces of Pamukkale, the grandeur of Ephesus, and the
timeless Gallipoli battlefields, this itinerary blends history, culture, and
breathtaking scenery for an unforgettable experience.
Duration
17 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-40 people
Tour Code
17DEWTDT
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99

Kars
Istanbul
Meet & greet at Kars Airport by your
TravelShopBooking representative.
Private transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Orientation walking tour through the old streets of Kars, including castle
views and traditional stone houses.
Free time to rest or explore local cuisine—Kars cheese &
honey are famous!
Overnight in Kars.
(Breakfast included).
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and together
we set out toward the edge of empires. The morning begins softly, with the
first light spilling across Kars, and soon the road carries us east to a place
where stone and silence tell the stories of forgotten centuries.
We
arrive at the Ani Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site
once known as the City of 1001 Churches. Here, broken arches
stand like sentinels against the sky, and wind moves freely through empty
doorways, whispering prayers that once filled them. Along the Arpaçay
River, which marks the border of lands divided, the old Silk
Road Bridge rests in solemn grace, a reminder of the caravans that once tied
worlds together.
Returning
to Kars, we climb to the heights of the Kars Castle, its walls
gazing proudly over the city below. In the streets, the blend of Ottoman
stone houses and bold Russian-era buildings
paints a living mosaic of cultures and rulers who have passed through this
frontier city.
As evening settles, Kars
offers its own gifts—rich goose dishes, golden honey, and cheeses shaped by the
highland air. The night closes gently, and the impressions of Ani linger like
verses from an unfinished poem. Overnight
in Kars.
(Breakfast included).
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we set out
across the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, where mountains rise like
watchmen over the plains. The road leads us to Van,
a city whose roots stretch deep into the ancient kingdom of Urartu.
Here, the
mighty Van
Castle commands the horizon, its weathered stones telling tales
from the 9th century BC. From its ramparts, the view unfurls across the endless
expanse of Lake
Van, a vast inland sea shimmering like a sapphire under the
Anatolian sky. The wind that sweeps through the ruins carries echoes of battles,
kings, and civilizations long past.
We
pause to meet the most unique residents of the region—the rare Van
cats, with their snowy coats and enchanting eyes, one blue as
the lake, the other amber as the sun. At the Van Cats Centre, their quiet grace
and mystery feel like living symbols of the land itself.
As evening drapes the lake in soft shades of silver and rose, the city invites you to wander its shores, tasting flavors as distinctive as its history. The day closes in stillness, with the waters of Lake Van reflecting the first stars of the night. Overnight in Van.
(Breakfast included).
Our
guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
visiting the shining jewel of Lake Van today—Akdamar
Island.
The morning
sun dances upon the lake’s vast surface as we step aboard a boat that glides
gently across its waters. The horizon stretches wide, mountains rising in the
distance, their peaks mirrored in the deep blue. Slowly, the island comes into
view, small yet crowned with a treasure of stone and faith.
At
its heart stands the Armenian Holy Cross Church,
a 10th-century masterpiece. Its walls are alive with delicate carvings—biblical
scenes, vines, and guardians in stone—stories etched by hands long gone, yet
still speaking to those who stand before them. Within its cool interior,
silence reigns, a stillness that carries the weight of centuries.
When our visit draws to
a close, the boat carries us back across the shimmering lake, where the light
of the afternoon falls gently on the waves. The evening is yours to wander the
promenades of Van, savor its unique flavors, or simply sit by the water’s edge
as the sun sinks into the horizon.
Overnight in Van.
(Breakfast included).
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
visiting the golden city of Mardin, where stone
houses cascade down the hillside like a stairway into history.
The
day begins with the solemn beauty of the Dayrulzaferan Monastery,
its ancient halls still echoing with the prayers of monks who once chanted in
the language of Christ. Here, the air is heavy with incense and devotion, and
time feels suspended within the sandstone walls.
From
there, we journey to the Dara Ancient City ruins,
a vast Roman settlement carved into the earth. Tombs, cisterns, and city walls
emerge from the stones like fragments of an old epic, each corner whispering
stories of legions and lives that once thrived in this Mesopotamian stronghold.
As
the afternoon unfolds, the streets of Old Mardin welcome us
with their winding alleys and terraced homes of honey-colored stone. The
bazaars are alive with copper glinting in the sunlight, the fragrance of
cardamom coffee, and the call of merchants echoing between narrow lanes.
When evening arrives, the city glows beneath the setting sun, domes and minarets rising against the crimson sky. From the hillside, the vast plains of Mesopotamia stretch endlessly, a reminder that here, at the meeting of cultures, history has never stopped flowing. Overnight in Mardin.
(Breakfast included).
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
visiting the ancient heart of Şanlıurfa, a land
where history and legend are inseparably woven.
The
road first carries us to the windswept hills of Göbekli Tepe,
where humanity’s oldest known temple still stands in solemn grace. The great
T-shaped pillars, carved with mysterious animals and sacred symbols, rise from
the earth like guardians of the world’s first prayers. Standing among them, one
feels the breath of millennia pressing gently against the present, as though
the stones themselves are alive with memory.
From
the hills, we descend into the city, where faith has long shaped its story. We
step into Abraham’s
Cave, a place revered as the birthplace of the prophet, its
cool walls glowing with devotion. Just beyond lies the tranquil Balıklıgöl,
the Sacred Fish Lake, shimmering in the afternoon sun. Carp glide through the
waters untouched, forever protected by faith, while the reflections of mosques
and minarets ripple across its surface like a living tapestry.
As evening falls, the air fills with the scent of kebabs
and spices drifting from the bustling bazaars. The echoes of ancient prayers
mingle with laughter and life, reminding us that in Şanlıurfa, the past and
present are forever intertwined. Overnight
in Şanlıurfa.
(Breakfast included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
visiting the timeless wonders of Mt. Nemrut and its
surroundings today.
The
road winds through valleys and quiet villages, leading us first to the elegant Cendere
Bridge, a Roman masterpiece that has stood for nearly two
thousand years. Its ancient arches span the river with a quiet dignity, a
reminder of empires that once stretched across the known world. Nearby, the Karakus
Tumulus rises, a royal burial mound marked by solitary stone
columns—solemn guardians of a forgotten dynasty.
By
afternoon, we ascend the rugged slopes of Nemrut Dağı, where the
air thins and the horizon expands. At the summit, the colossal stone heads of
ancient gods lie scattered across the mountain, their features worn yet
powerful, their gaze eternal. As the sun begins to sink, the statues ignite in
hues of gold and crimson, their silence more profound than words.
Standing here, at the meeting of earth and sky, one feels the weight of eternity pressing softly upon the present. It is a place where myth, memory, and the grandeur of nature converge into one unforgettable vision. Overnight in Adıyaman.
(Breakfast included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
visiting the vibrant city of Gaziantep, where
history and flavor meet in every corner.
Our
first stop is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, where delicate
stones form images that seem to breathe with life. Heroes, gods, and muses gaze
out from the floors of long-vanished villas, their colors still glowing after
two thousand years. Each mosaic is a frozen story, an immortal fragment of the
Roman world preserved by the sands of time.
Next,
the imposing walls of Gaziantep Castle rise
before us, a fortress that has watched over the city through countless ages. From
its ramparts, the panorama stretches across rooftops, bazaars, and winding
streets that hum with energy. We descend into the lively Copper
Bazaar, where the sound of hammer against metal rings like
music. Craftsmen bend glowing copper into bowls and trays, while the air is
thick with the scent of spices, roasted nuts, and sweet syrups.
But no journey to Gaziantep would be complete without
surrendering to its legendary cuisine. Here, food is not simply eaten—it is
celebrated. From pistachio-rich baklava, crisp and golden, to smoky kebabs
seasoned with centuries of tradition, every bite tells a story of the city’s
place as a UNESCO
City of Gastronomy.
As night falls,
Gaziantep glows with warmth—the call of merchants softens, the kitchens remain
alive, and the city lingers in memory like the aftertaste of something both
sweet and eternal.
Overnight in Gaziantep.
(Breakfast and Dinner
included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
traveling from the ancient heart of Mesopotamia to the glittering shores of the
Mediterranean today.
From
Gaziantep, we take a short flight across Anatolia, leaving behind the
spice-laden bazaars and mosaic halls for the blue embrace of the coast. By
midday, we arrive in Antalya, where
palm-lined boulevards sway in the sea breeze and the scent of citrus drifts
through the air.
Our
journey continues eastward to Alanya, a jewel of the
Riviera. Rising proudly above the sea, Alanya Castle
stretches across the rocky headland like a crown of stone. From its
battlements, the turquoise waters below shimmer endlessly, dotted with fishing
boats and yachts resting in the marina. The view is as timeless as it is
breathtaking, where mountains, sea, and sky converge.
As
the sun begins its slow descent, the waterfront awakens with laughter, music,
and the golden glow of evening light. Cafés spill onto the promenade, the
clinking of teacups mingling with the sound of waves against the shore.
The night is yours to linger—whether strolling the lively
streets of Antalya, breathing in the salt air, or simply watching the
Mediterranean stars rise over the castle walls.Overnight in Alanya.
(Breakfast and Dinner
included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
leaving the blue coast of Alanya behind as we journey inland toward the heart
of Anatolia. The road winds through mountains and valleys, carrying us from the
Mediterranean’s warm breeze to landscapes shaped by time, earth, and water.
By
afternoon, a dazzling sight unfolds on the horizon—Pamukkale,
the “Cotton Castle.” Its white travertine terraces cascade down the hillside
like frozen waterfalls, glistening under the sun. The mineral-rich waters flow
gently over the cliffs, creating pools that shimmer in shades of turquoise and
ivory.
Above
these gleaming terraces lies the ancient city of Hierapolis,
once a flourishing Roman spa. We wander its colonnaded streets and stand within
the vast amphitheater, where echoes of past performances still seem to drift
across the stone seats. The necropolis, lined with grand sarcophagi, speaks in
silence of lives that once found healing in these sacred springs.
As evening paints the cliffs in hues of rose and gold, you may walk barefoot along the warm waters, feeling the timeless gift that nature continues to pour upon this land.Overnight in Pamukkale.
(Breakfast and Dinner
included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
journeying westward into the legendary lands of the Aegean coast,
where marble cities still whisper of glory.
Our
path leads us to the grand ruins of Ephesus, once one of
the greatest cities of the Roman world. Along its polished marble streets, the
echoes of merchants, philosophers, and pilgrims seem to linger in the air. The
magnificent Library
of Celsus rises before us, its façade glowing in the sunlight,
a temple of wisdom standing proud against time. At the vast Great
Theatre, where 25,000 voices once roared in unison, silence now
reigns, yet its stones still hum with memory.
Nearby,
we pause at the sacred ground of the Temple of Artemis, one
of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though little remains, the weight of
its legend lingers, a reminder of the grandeur that once drew pilgrims from
across the earth. Our journey continues to the Basilica of St.
John in Selçuk, where ancient arches and weathered columns rise
above the hills, guarding the resting place of the beloved apostle.
As the sun begins to
set, the fragrance of the Aegean air drifts inland—olive groves, sea breeze,
and the warmth of village hearths blending together.Overnight in Kuşadası.
(Breakfast and Dinner
included)
ur guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
exploring the echoes of the classical world in the Ionian lands, where
philosophy, trade, and faith once flourished beneath the Aegean sun.
We
begin at Priene,
a city carved neatly upon the slopes of Mount Mycale. Its streets follow a
perfect grid, a vision of order and thought. Among its ruins, the Temple
of Athena still stands proudly, gazing over the fertile valley
below, as if keeping watch over the world it once blessed.
From
there, the road carries us to Miletus, a city that
gave birth to philosophers who first asked what lies beyond the stars. Its
grand theatre,
vast and commanding, still faces the plains where the sea once touched its
shores. Here, voices of orators and merchants once mingled with the cries of
gulls and the winds of the Aegean.
Finally,
we arrive at Didyma, the sacred sanctuary of Apollo.
The towering columns of its unfinished temple rise toward the heavens, their
shadows stretching across the earth like fingers of eternity. Even in ruin, the
site radiates mystery, as though the god of prophecy still lingers among the
stones.
By evening, we return to Kuşadası, carrying with us the weight of wisdom, the whispers of gods, and the timeless beauty of antiquity. Overnight in Kuşadası.
(Breakfast included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
leaving the shores of Kuşadası behind as we
journey north to the vibrant city of Izmir, the Pearl of
the Aegean.
The
road carries us along the coast, where the sea sparkles beside olive groves and
vineyards, a landscape shaped by both nature and time. As we arrive, Izmir
greets us with its blend of ancient echoes and modern rhythm, a city forever
turned toward the sea.
We
begin at Konak
Square, where the graceful Clock Tower rises
above a gathering of pigeons and people, its chimes marking the heartbeat of
the city. From here, we wander into the bustling lanes of the Kemeraltı
Bazaar, alive with colors, fragrances, and voices. Spices fill
the air, silks spill across wooden stalls, and merchants call out as they have for
centuries, blending the pulse of tradition with the hum of daily life.
Later, we stroll along the Kordon promenade,
where cafés overlook the wide blue bay. The sea breeze carries laughter, music,
and the salty tang of the Aegean, weaving together the modern soul of Izmir
with its timeless charm.
As the sun sets behind
the hills, the city glows in gold and rose, its lights dancing upon the water.
Here, history and the present walk hand in hand, inviting you to linger in its
warmth.Overnight in
Izmir.
(Breakfast and Dinner
included)
Our
guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
tracing the road from Izmir to the forgotten
grandeur of Sardes,
before reaching the seaside charm of Ayvalık.
At
Sardes,
once the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, history greets us with silent majesty.
The grand columns of the Temple of Artemis rise
proudly against the sky, their marble gleaming as if time itself cannot dim
their light. Nearby, the ruins of the Gymnasium and ancient
shops of the Roman era remind us that this was once a city of wealth and
wisdom, where coins were first minted and legends of King Croesus were born.
Walking through its weathered stones, one feels the weight of prosperity and
the fragility of empires.
From the echoes of Sardes, we journey westward, the road unfolding through olive groves and fertile plains, until we reach the shores of the Aegean. Ayvalık welcomes us with its red-tiled roofs and narrow cobblestone alleys, where Greek and Ottoman influences blend in harmony. The evening air is perfumed with the scent of pine, olive oil, and the nearby sea, inviting you to rest and savor the beauty of this coastal haven.Overnight in Ayvalık.
(Breakfast and Dinner
included)
Our guide picks you up from your hotel at the start of the tour, and we'll be
stepping into the realms of legend and empire as we travel north to Pergamon
and Troy,
before arriving in Çanakkale.
At
Pergamon,
the hilltop Acropolis
greets us with sweeping views across the plains. The marble steps of the great
theatre cling to the mountainside, once echoing with voices of thousands. The Temple
of Trajan and the ancient library remind us that this was a
city of both power and wisdom, where knowledge and faith flourished side by
side. Nearby, the Asclepion whispers of ancient healing,
where medicine mingled with prayer and dreams guided the cure.
From
the heights of Pergamon, we journey onward to the immortal land of Troy,
the city of Homer’s epics. Here, layer upon layer of civilization lies stacked
like the pages of an ancient book, each stratum holding its own story of
triumph and ruin. The reconstructed wooden horse stands as a symbol of the tale
that has lived through millennia—of warriors, gods, and destiny intertwined.
As the day draws to a
close, we reach Çanakkale, where the waters of the
Dardanelles shimmer beneath the evening light. Here, myth and history meet, and
the spirit of the land lingers long after the day’s journey has ended. Overnight in Çanakkale.
·
Visit
Anzac
Cove, where the waves gently touch the shore once stormed by
soldiers from distant lands.
·
Continue
to the Lone
Pine Cemetery, where rows of headstones stand in solemn
silence.
·
Ascend
to Chunuk
Bair, one of the most significant battle sites, offering
sweeping views and powerful memorials.
·
Pause
at various monuments and sites, each echoing the courage and sacrifice of those
who fought here.
By
late afternoon, we cross the strait and journey northward. The road leads us
across rolling hills and bridges until, by evening, we arrive in Istanbul,
the city where East meets West.
Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
Breakfast
at the hotel.
Free
time at leisure until your scheduled departure.
Private transfer to
Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
TravelShopBooking
thanks you for choosing us for your journey across Turkey. We hope the memories
of ancient cities, sacred sites, and breathtaking landscapes stay with you
forever. We look forward to welcoming you again on another unforgettable
adventure!
2 nights’ accommodation in Kars Tehran Hotel
2 nights’ accommodation in Van - Elite World Van
1 nights’ accommodation in
Mardin - Zerzevan Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Sanliurfa - Elruha Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Adiyaman - Adiyaman Park Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Gaziantep - Ibis Gaziantep Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Alanya Sette Serenity Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Pamukkale Palm Thermal Hotel
2 nights’ accommodation in Kusadasi Odelia Resort Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Izmir - Pasaport Pier Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Ayvalik Haliç Resorts Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Çanakkale Troia Tusan Hotel
1 nights’ accommodation in
Istanbul Central Places Hotel
PS: If This hotel list
not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other
hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be
an additional cost
Professional English-speaking guide
16 Breakfast
6 Dinner
All airport transfers & private A/C coach
transportation
Guided Ani Ruins
Guided Van Castle &
Lake Van
Guided Akdamar Island
Excursion
Guided Mardin Old Town
Guided Şanlıurfa & Göbekli
Tepe
Guided Mt. Nemrut &
Adıyaman
Guided Gaziantep Gastronomy
& Museums
Guided Pamukkale &
Hierapolis
Guided Ephesus Tour
Guided Priene, Miletus
& Didyma
Guided Izmir Tour
Guided Sardes & Ayvalık
Guided Pergamon, Troy
Guided Gallipoli
Battlefields
VAT
& local taxes
Entrance fees to all museums & sites listed in the itinerary
International flights Domestic flight (Gaziantep →
Antalya) ( Kars Domestic Ticket)
Travel insurance
Lunches, beverages & personal expenses
Optional tours (e.g.,
Cappadocia hot-air balloon, Turkish bath)
Tips for guide & driver
Cappadocia hot-air balloon, Turkish bath