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17 Day Eastern & Western Turkey Discovery Tour

Kars, Van, Mardin, Sanliurfa, Adiyaman, Gaziantep, Antalya, Alanya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Priene, Miletus, Didyma, Kusadasi, Izmir, Sardes Ancient Site and Artemis Temple, Ayvalık, Pergamon, Troy, Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul,
Duration

17 day(s)

Tour type

Private

Group size

1-40 people

Physical Level

easy

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Tour Overview

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.


Activities
Discovery Family Explorer Historical In-depth Cultural Photography Museum Sightseeing Solo Travel

Tour Features

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

Pickup Time:

----------------

Istanbul

Dropoff Time:

Highlights
Kars & Ani Ruins – Explore the legendary “City of 1001 Churches” on the Silk Road

Itinerary

Day 1

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.

Day 2

(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.

Day 3

(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.

Day 4

(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.

Day 5

(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.

Day 6

(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.

Day 7

(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.

Day 8

(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.

Day 9

(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.

Day 10

(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.

Day 11

(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.

Day 12

(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.

Day 13

(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.

Day 14

(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.

Day 15

(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.

Day 16

(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Çanakkale for a full-day exploration of the Gallipoli Peninsula, a land of both sorrow and honor.

·        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.

Day 17

(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!

Included

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

Excluded

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

Tour Booking

Travelers
Departure Month
Private Tour Prices
Start End
Nov 6, 2025 Nov 22, 2025 €4732
Double room
Nov 7, 2025 Nov 23, 2025 €4732
Double room
Nov 8, 2025 Nov 24, 2025 €4732
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Nov 9, 2025 Nov 25, 2025 €4732
Double room
Nov 10, 2025 Nov 26, 2025 €4732
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Nov 11, 2025 Nov 27, 2025 €4732
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Nov 12, 2025 Nov 28, 2025 €4732
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Nov 13, 2025 Nov 29, 2025 €4732
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Nov 14, 2025 Nov 30, 2025 €4732
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Nov 15, 2025 Dec 1, 2025 €4732
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Nov 16, 2025 Dec 2, 2025 €4732
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Nov 17, 2025 Dec 3, 2025 €4732
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Nov 18, 2025 Dec 4, 2025 €4732
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Nov 19, 2025 Dec 5, 2025 €4732
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Nov 20, 2025 Dec 6, 2025 €4732
Double room
Nov 21, 2025 Dec 7, 2025 €4732
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Nov 22, 2025 Dec 8, 2025 €4732
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Nov 23, 2025 Dec 9, 2025 €4732
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Nov 24, 2025 Dec 10, 2025 €4732
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Nov 25, 2025 Dec 11, 2025 €4732
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Nov 26, 2025 Dec 12, 2025 €4732
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Nov 27, 2025 Dec 13, 2025 €4732
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Nov 28, 2025 Dec 14, 2025 €4732
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Nov 29, 2025 Dec 15, 2025 €4732
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Nov 30, 2025 Dec 16, 2025 €4732
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