Best of Turkey
per person
On this in-depth experience through Turkey you will visit many famous sites where history happened, from the ancient Ruins of Ephesus to the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia and the famous Pamukkale Hot Springs; with the tour ending in amazing Istanbul and its grand palaces and magnificent mosques.
ⓘ Private Tour Itinerary can be adjusted for shorter or longer trip.
13 Days, 12 Nights: Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Istanbul
ⓘ Call for Price
ⓘ Private Tour Includes hotels, daily breakfast and selected meals, tour guide, driver, admission fees, and airport transfers
Ephesus to Konya
Ancient Ephesus And City Tour + Pamukkale Hot Spring And City Tour + Antalay Old Town + Ancient Perge Excusion And Cable Car Ride + Konya Excusion and Whirling Dervishes
Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon + North Cappadocia Excursion + South Cappadocia Excursion + Ankara City Tour
Istanbul
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise + Istanbul Old City Tour + Istanbul Two Continents Tour With Bosphorous Cruise
Hagia Sophia Mosque was a church built by Roman Empire in 537 AD
4000 shops in the Grand Bazaar
Antalya Harbor, Turkey
Celsus Library, Ephesus
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloons
Pamukkale Hot Spring
12 Night Accommodation
Tour Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVE IZMIR
Upon arrival into Izmir, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi. The rest of the day is free.
🛏️ 2 Nights in Kusadasi 🍴 Meals: None
*Hotel check-in time is generally 3 pm or later. If your flight arrives in the early morning (e.g. midnight or 7 am) we suggest you add a pre-tour hotel night during booking for a well-deserved rest before starting your tour.
DAY 2: KUSADASI | ANCIENT EPHESUS AND CITY TOUR
After breakfast proceed to your Ephesus tour.
Visit the ruins in Ephesus (including Celsus Library), Virgin Mary House, Isa Bey Mosque, St. John Basilica, Selcuk Castle, Artemis Tempel, Local Winery (wine tasting) & Carpet weaving school.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: PAMUKKALE | PAMUKKALE HOT SPRING AND CITY TOUR
After breakfast proceed to Pamukkale.
Visit the Leather Production Center and Train Museum in Çamlık. Visit Pamukkale Hot Springs and travertines; terraces of mineral carbonates left by flowing water. Enjoy a therapeutic hot spring soak. These hot springs have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. Visit ancient artifacts at Hierapolis Ancient City. Hierapolis-Pamukkale is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🛏️ 1 Night in Pamukkale🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4: PAMUKKALE – ANTALAY | ANTALAY OLD TOWN
After breakfast, enjoy hot springs in the hotel.
Late morning, check-out and travel to Antalya (about 3 – 3.5 hours drive).
Arrive Antalya and visit the Old Town.
🛏️ 2 Nights in Antalyas 🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: ANCIENT PERGE EXCUSION AND CABLE CAR RIDE
Excursion to Perge, one of the largest ancient cities in the Pamphylia region. Enter by passing through the arch of the Roman Gate to be greeted by an amphitheater, the Hellenistic Gate (quite well preserved) and richly decorated remains of the city wall, and much more.
Ride the Cable Car to see a spectacular skyline of Antalya and enjoy fresh air with the scent of pine trees.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: KONYA EXCUSION & WHIRLING DERVISHES
Check-out and drive to Cappadocia (6.5 hours by car). Enroute stop at Konya to explore famous local foods. Visit Konya Mevlana Museum – school of whirling dervishes.
🛏️ 3 Nights in Cappadocia 🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: HOT AIR BALLOON, ‘RED ROUTE’ (NORTH) CAPPADOCIA EXCURSION
Enjoy an early morning hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia including transfer (2.5 hours). Your colorful balloon glides silently over the sublime hills and valleys of Cappadocia giving a true sense of the region’s fairytale terrain.
Continue with a tour that follows the ‘Red Route’, taking in the most-photographed sights of North Cappadocia. (6-7 hours @9:30am).
Visit ancient rock-hewn churches, towering fairy chimneys, and karst caves that dot the landscape of Cappadocia, making for some unforgettable photo opportunities.
Marvel at the fairy chimneys of Love Valley and Monk Valley. Visit Uchisar Castle and Imagination Valley, and explore the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum.
Finally, visit the pottery-making town of Avanos and maybe even have a go on the potter’s wheel yourself.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: ‘GREEN ROUTE’ (SOUTH) CAPPADOCIA EXCURSION
Explore a lush part of the southern Cappadocia region on this day tour. (7-8 hours @9:30am).
Take a gentle hike in the stunning canyon of the Ihlara Valley. Monks (7th and 11th century) settled in the valley and carved their houses, churches, and monasteries directly from the soft volcanic rock of the canyon walls. These structures are adorned with frescoes that reflect a range of artistic influences, including Persian and Syrian styles. Walk along the trails and explore the rich tapestry of nature and history it offers.
Have lunch by the river and check out the ancient Selime Monastery and the amazing Kaymakli Underground City.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: ANKARA CITY TOUR
After breakfast, check-out and drive to Ankara (about 3.5 hours). On arrival, proceed for a city tour of Ankara visiting several historic sites. Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Discover remains from the Stone and Neolithic ages and venture into the past with your guide to learn about the Hittites, Phygians and Uratians; and uncover the history of the Citadel of Ankara and Ataturk Mausoleum.
Visit Temple of Augustus & walk by the Kızılay neighborhood.
🛏️ 1 Night in Ankara 🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: ANKARA – ISTANBUL, BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
Check-out and transfer to the airport to fly to Istanbul.
Upon arrival into Istanbul, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
In the evening, we enjoy an all-inclusive Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with Turkish Night Show (4 hours @7:30pm).
Admire Istanbul’s illuminated mosques, palaces and bridges from the water. Savor a delicious 3-course dinner with a choice of fish or meat menus. Enjoy live entertainment, including belly dancing, gypsy and whirling dervish shows. Finish with a live DJ show. Select drinks are included and you can optionally upgrade to an unlimited alcoholic drinks package.
🛏️ 3 Nights in Istanbul 🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11: ISTANBUL OLD CITY TOUR
Discover the best of Historic Areas of Istanbul (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on this guided group tour (9 hours @8am, group).
- Hagia Sophia (admission is included): This timeless mosque was the pride and glory of Byzantine architecture. Take in the structure’s imposing façade matched only by the grandeur of its towering vaulted ceilings within.
- Blue Mosque: Also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque that is famous for its architecture as well as its iconic blue tiles.
- Hippodrome and Obelisks: Also known as Sultanahmet Square where chariot races were held.
- Topkapı Palace (admission is included): Witness the opulent and powerful history of the Ottoman sultans, showcasing magnificent architecture and priceless treasures. Closed on Tuesdays.
- Hagia Irene Museum in Topkapi Palace’s courtyard (admission is included): Offers a unique glimpse into Byzantine history and architecture.
- Harem in Topkapi Palace (admission is included): Offers an intimate look at the lavish and intricate design of the Ottoman royalty’s private lives.
- Grand Bazaar: This lively historic market is dotted with over 4000 shops filled with traditional Turkish handicrafts and more. A place where visitors can immerse themselves into local life and hunt for unique souvenirs amidst the echoes of centuries-old trade.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: ISTANBUL TWO CONTINENTS TOUR WITH BOSPHOROUS CRUISE
After breakfast, we join the Istanbul Two Continents Tour (9 hours @8am, group).
- Dolmabahçe Palace (interior visit): An opulent 19th-century Ottoman Sultans’ palace boasting an exquisite blend of various European architectural styles.
- The Bridge: A scenic drive across this intercontinental suspension bridge connecting Europe and Asia over the Bosphorus strait.
- Asian Hill (Çamlıca Hill): The highest point in Istanbul, Çamlıca Hill provides panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus Strait.
- Pierre Loti Hill: Named after the famous French novelist, this hill offers a stunning vista of the Golden Horn.
- Fly over by Cable Car: The Eyüp-Pierre Loti cable car provides a memorable ride with scenic views of the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula of Istanbul.
- City Walls: The ancient Walls of Constantinople, now known as the Istanbul City Walls, protected the city against numerous sieges.
- Lunch on the Boat: Enjoy a delightful lunch and admire Istanbul’s skyline and historical landmarks from the water.
- Golden Horn: Cruise on this historic inlet of the Bosphorus which is a natural harbor and supported the trading center for centuries. See Rumeli Fortress and Leander’s Tower from the water.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13: DEPART ISTANBUL
After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight home.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
*Hotel check-out time is generally around 11 am. If your flight departs in the evening or past midnight, we suggest you consider adding a post-tour hotel night during booking, to be comfortable and well rested before your flight home.
Hotels
We carefully handpick our hotels to ensure they provide you with the best comfort and experience. For Private Tours, you may request a specific hotel as one of the customizable options.
| Destination | Premium Class | Deluxe Class |
| Kusadasi |
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| Pamukkale |
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| Antalya |
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| Cappadocia |
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| Ankara |
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| Istanbul |
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- * Hotels mentioned are subject to availability at the time of reservation.
- * Standard double room is included with your tour. Room upgrade available in the same hotel.
Accommodation Classification
- CLASSIC ⭐⭐⭐- 3-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
- PREMIUM ⭐⭐⭐⭐- 4-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
- DELUXE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐- 5-Star Hotels or Equivalent Accommodations
Hotel Check-in and Check-out
Pre-Tour Hotel Add-on and Post-Tour Hotel Add-on
Overview ▷
ⓘ Call for Price
Private Tour Price Details
- ‣ Daily departures.
- ‣ Prices are in USD and are inclusive of all applicable taxes but do not include airfare.
- ‣ Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Special rates for single travelers or larger groups are available on request - please inquire.
- ‣ Seasonal surcharges may apply during applicable major holidays. Surcharge dates: Jan 1-10, April 16-24, Dec 22-31 and major holidays.
- ‣ Note that tour prices vary according to season. If your tour straddles two seasons then each portion will be priced according to that season.
Flight Add-On
- ‣ We work with all major airlines for the best routes and competitive pricing.
- ‣ The nearest arrival airport is Izmir (Adnan Menderes Airport).
- ‣ The nearest departure airport is IST (Istanbul Airport).
- ‣ Contact us for more detail and pricing.
Inclusions
- ‣ Private Airport Transfers
- ‣ Hotel Accommodations
- ‣ Daily Breakfasts and Selected Meals (See tour plan for details)
- ‣ English-speaking Local Guide
- ‣ Entrance Fees to Monuments & Attractions per Itinerary
- ‣ Cappadocia Hot-Air Balloon
Exclusions
- ‣ Air Fare
- ‣ Travel Insurance
- ‣ Medical Expenses
- ‣ Visa Fee
- ‣ Personal Expenses
- ‣ Gratuity
Deposit
- ‣ A deposit of 40% of the land tour price is due within 3 days of booking confirmation. Full payment to be made 70 days prior to the departure date.
- ‣ The airfare is due upon flight booking. Airfare and flight schedule shown are indicative only. Actual prices and schedule will be available at flight booking. All airfares are subject to change until paid in full at time of ticketing..
- ‣ Monthly installment plan is available - please inquire.
- ‣ Credit card fee for non-US issued credit card is 1%. No charge for most other credit cards.
Terms & Conditions >
Optional Add-Ons
- ‣ Pre-tour hotel night
- ‣ Post-tour hotel night
Suggested Gratuity
- ‣ Local Guide: US $7 per person per day of sightseeing. US $4 per half day of sightseeing.
- ‣ Driver: US $5 per person per day of sightseeing. US $3 per half day of sightseeing.
- ‣ Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollars. You can tip the guides and drivers when they finish their assignment with you e.g. end of day, end of city stay, on departure, etc.
Overview ▷