Home / Europe, Turkey Tours / Culture & Historical
9 day(s)
Private
1-40 people
easy
Discover Türkiye’s most iconic historical and cultural
treasures on this 9-day journey. From the battlefields of Gallipoli to the
ruins of Troy and Pergamon, from the wonders of Ephesus and Pamukkale to the
Mediterranean charm of Antalya, and finally to the surreal landscapes of
Cappadocia, this itinerary is designed to cover the country’s must-see
highlights. Along the way, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient
theaters, mystical valleys, and vibrant bazaars — a perfect blend of history,
culture, and natural beauty.
Duration
9 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-40 people
Tour Code
9DHOTT
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99

Istanbul
Istanbul
(Dinner
included)
After breakfast, begin your journey with a visit to the colorful Spice Market, filled
with aromatic herbs, teas, and local delicacies, followed by the beautifully
tiled Rüstem Pasha Mosque,
a hidden Ottoman gem. Depart
Istanbul and drive towards the Gallipoli
Peninsula, the site of one of the most moving battles of World
War I. Visit key memorials including ANZAC
Cove, Chunuk
Bair, and the Lone
Pine Cemetery, where soldiers from Australia and New Zealand
are honored. Later in the afternoon,
cross the Dardanelles
Strait by ferry to reach the historic city of Canakkale, gateway to
ancient Troy. Dinner and hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Canakkale.
(Breakfast
& Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Canakkale and visit the legendary city of Troy (UNESCO World
Heritage), immortalized in Homer’s Iliad.
Explore the ruins of this ancient settlement, including its defensive walls and
the symbolic wooden horse
representing the epic Trojan War. Continue
south to Pergamon,
once a powerful Hellenistic kingdom. Visit the Asclepion, one of the ancient world’s most
renowned healing centers, and the spectacular Theater, dramatically built into the
hillside with panoramic views over the valley. In the evening, drive to
the lively coastal town of Kusadası,
a popular gateway to Ephesus. Dinner and hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Kusadası.
(Breakfast & Dinner
included)
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the serene House of the Virgin Mary,
a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of
Jesus. Continue
to the magnificent Ephesus
Ancient City (UNESCO World Heritage), one of the best-preserved
classical cities of the Mediterranean. Walk along Marble Street, admire
the Library of Celsus,
and stand in the Grand
Theater, once hosting 25,000 spectators. Visit the remains of
the Temple of Artemis,
one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the impressive Basilica of St. John,
built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. Return to Kusadası for
dinner and overnight stay. Overnight
in Kusadası.
(Breakfast
& Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Kusadası and travel inland to Aphrodisias, the ancient
city dedicated to Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty. Explore the impressive
Temple of Aphrodite,
the vast ancient stadium,
and the famous sculpture
workshops, which made the city a center of art in antiquity. Continue
to Laodicea,
an important Biblical site
and one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Walk
among its ruins, which include temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. Arrive
in Pamukkale &
Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage), where you will marvel at
the dazzling white travertine
terraces formed by thermal waters. Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, including
the Roman Baths,
necropolis, and theater. Dinner and overnight
stay in Pamukkale. Overnight
in Pamukkale.
(Breakfast
& Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Pamukkale and drive south towards the Mediterranean
coast. En route, stop at Perge,
one of the most impressive Greco-Roman cities in Anatolia, featuring a grand
stadium, colonnaded streets, baths, and city gates. Continue
to the spectacular Aspendos
Theater, one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the
world, still renowned for its remarkable acoustics. Arrive in Antalya, the jewel of
the Turkish Riviera. Visit the Antalya
Archaeological Museum, home to an outstanding collection of
artifacts from the region’s ancient sites. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Kaleiçi (Old Town) with
its narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman houses, charming shops, and picturesque
marina. Dinner and overnight stay in Antalya. Overnight
in Antalya.
(Breakfast & Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Antalya and travel across the Anatolian heartland
towards Çatalhöyük,
one of the most important Neolithic archaeological sites in the world and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back over 9,000 years, it is considered the
world’s first urban
settlement, offering unique insights into early human society
and community life.
Continue to Konya,
the spiritual center of Turkiye and the home of the Whirling Dervishes.
Visit the Mevlana Museum,
dedicated to the great Sufi philosopher and poet Rumi, and explore the historic
Theological School,
showcasing fine examples of Seljuk architecture.
Dinner and overnight stay in Konya. Overnight
in Konya
(Breakfast
& Dinner included)
After breakfast, depart Konya and drive through the heart of Central Anatolia towards
Cappadocia, a region famous for its surreal landscapes and cave dwellings. On
the way, stop at the scenic Ihlara
Valley, where the Melendiz River flows through a dramatic gorge
dotted with ancient rock-hewn
churches. Continue to Selime
Village, known for its rock-cut monastery complex and fairy
chimneys. Arrive
in Cappadocia and visit the fascinating Kaymaklı
Underground City, one of the largest in the region, once used
as a refuge by early Christians. Later, explore Uçhisar and Ortahisar Castles, natural rock
fortresses offering panoramic views of the valleys. Conclude the day with a
visit to the charming old Greek village of Sinasos (Mustafapaşa), known for its stone
mansions and unique cultural blend. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. Overnight
in Cappadocia
(Breakfast
& Dinner included)
Begin the day with an optional
hot-air balloon ride at sunrise (extra cost), offering
breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s unique valleys, fairy chimneys, and rock
formations. After
breakfast, set out to discover Cappadocia’s highlights. Start with Magic Valley (Devrent),
known for its imaginative rock formations shaped like animals and figures.
Continue to the Zelve Open
Air Museum, once a monastic settlement with cave dwellings and
churches carved into the soft volcanic rock. Next, visit Monk’s Valley (Paşabağ),
famous for its striking fairy chimneys with multiple rock caps. In the
afternoon, explore the fascinating Göreme
Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage), home to centuries-old
rock-hewn churches decorated with vivid frescoes. Conclude the day in Avanos, a pottery-making
village on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, where you can watch traditional
craftsmen at work. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia. Overnight
in Cappadocia.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival, connect with your international departure
flight or choose to extend your stay in Türkiye with additional
nights in Istanbul. End of Tour Services
Thank you for traveling with
us — we look forward to welcoming you again with TravelShopBooking!
1
nights’ accommodation in Canakkale
2
nights’ accommodation in Kusadasi
1
nights’ accommodation in Pamukkale
1
nights’ accommodation in Antalya
1
nights’ accommodation in Konya
1
nights’ accommodation in Cappadocia
Services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout
Daily
breakfast & 7 dinners as per itinerary
All
airport transfers
and private A/C coach transportation
Entrance
fees to all museums & sites listed in the program
Bosphorus
Cruise in Istanbul (if flight timing allows on Day 9)
VAT
& local taxes
International
flights to/from Türkiye
Domestic
flight: Cappadocia →
Istanbul
Travel
insurance (highly recommended)
Lunches,
beverages & personal expenses
Optional
tours & activities (e.g., Cappadocia hot-air balloon ride, Turkish Bath)
Tips for guide &
driver