Explore Turkey's UNESCO Heritage Sites on an 8-day custom package from Istanbul. Enjoy a full-day guided tour of iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Dive into history at Gallipoli, the site of legendary battles and the fabled Trojan Horse.
Discover the ancient capital of Pergamum, where John wrote his letter, and delve into the archaeological wonders of Ephesus, including the House of the Virgin Mary. Witness the natural beauty of Pamukkale, known as the "Pools of Heaven on Earth."
Experience the breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean in Antalya, while wandering the cobblestone streets of the old town. Explore landmarks like the clock tower, Hadrian's Gate, and Kesik Minare, while learning about early Christians and local life from expert guides.
Day 1: Istanbul Arrival
Upon arrival at either Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW), you'll be warmly welcomed and driven to your hotel. Check-in and unwind. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Full Day Old City Tour By Walking
You’ll visit; Hagia Sophia - Blue Mosque - Topkapi Palace - Hippodrome – Grand Bazaar
Meet your guide at the designated pick-up time to begin your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia, once the largest building on earth aside from the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It served as the religious epicenter of the city during the Byzantine period. Next, visit Topkapı Palace, which not only housed the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years but also served as the imperial residence and the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire.
Continue to the Hippodrome, constructed by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD. During the Roman era, the Hippodrome functioned as the civic center where up to 100,000 spectators could gather. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, built by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616. Today, it stands as one of the most renowned landmarks of the old city, distinguished by its six minarets and magnificent dome.
Conclude your tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, boasting 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops, making it one of the largest bazaars in the world. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: Full Day Gallipoli Tour
According to your scheduled pick-up time from your hotel, meet your guide and depart for Canakkale. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the ANZAC Battlefields, where you'll explore Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Turkish and allied tunnels and trenches at Johnston’s Jolly, 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.
Following the ANZAC Battlefields, proceed to the Troya Archaeological Site, home to the UNESCO recognized ruins of the ancient kingdom of Troy. Here, you'll walk through the site and encounter numerous historical landmarks, including the Trojan War, Trojan Horse, Helen of Troy, Prince Paris, the Battle between Achilles and Hector, Walls of Troy II and Megaron House, the Ramp of Troy II, Roman bath, Odeon, the Temple of Athena, and Ruins of Athena.
After the tour, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale for check-in. Enjoy your overnight stay in Canakkale.
Day 4: Troy & Peraamum Tour
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, check out and embark on a journey to Pergamum. Renowned as the city where John wrote his letter, Pergamum held the status of a capital city for nearly four hundred years. Throughout its history, Pergamum witnessed the rise and fall of various cultures, spanning from the Stone and Bronze Ages to the Archaic and Classical Periods.
Among its myriad of temples, palaces, and agora's, the Asclepion stands out. Constructed over the course of a century, this site housed the grand Zeus Altar and the Parchment Library. Following lunch, explore the ruins of the Asklepion, known as the "Pergamum God of Health." For several hundred years, Asklepius, the deity of dietary health and medicine, served the people, establishing Pergamum as a vital medical center.
Pergamum boasted renowned medical scholars such as Hippocrates and Galenus, who were born and worked within its walls. As you traverse towards your destination, indulge in the breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, adorned with lush olive trees and scattered Greek and Turkish Islands. Conclude your day in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Full Day Ephesus - Virgin Mary - Artemis Temple Tour
You’ll visit; Ephesus - The Temple of Artemis - The House of Virgin Mary
Your full-day tour begins with a meeting with your guide at the designated pick-up time. Your first stop is the House of Virgin Mary, a church built from the 6th century AD atop the foundations of a 1st-century AD house. Declared by the church to be the final residence where Mary spent her last days, it holds deep significance for many.
Next, delve into the wonders of Ancient Ephesus, renowned as the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Once the second-largest city on the planet, Ephesus boasted a population exceeding 250,000 citizens. Among its treasures was the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you explore Ephesus, you'll be awed by its well-preserved streets and magnificent monuments, including the third-largest library of the ancient world and the largest Roman theater on the Asian continent. Walking through these ancient streets provides a glimpse into the past, evoking the sensation of being a time traveler.
Afterward, visit the Temple of Artemis or Artemision, another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ancient cult dedicated to Artemis made Ephesus a renowned pilgrimage destination in antiquity.
Conclude your day in Kusadasi for an overnight stay, reflecting on the marvels of history you've experienced.
Day 6: Full Day Pamukkale Tour & Drive to Antalya
You’ll visit; Calcium spring terraces, Hierapolis museum, Hierapolis Theatre, Roman Bath, and Temple of Apollo, Cleopatra hot spring thermal pool
After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to check out and meet your guide according to the scheduled pick-up time for your full-day tour. Today's destination is Pamukkale, often referred to as the "Pools of Heaven on Earth." Pamukkale has long been a popular settlement renowned for its hot springs, believed to possess healing powers. It is considered one of the earliest spas on earth, attracting travelers from far and wide seeking remedies throughout history.
The unique terraces of Pamukkale were formed by the flow of warm spring water with a temperature of 35°C, rich in calcium bicarbonate. Today, Pamukkale is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your tour includes a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to the largest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia.
One of the highlights of the site is the Sacred Pool, where shallow thermal waters gently ripple over a magnificent array of ancient Roman ruins lying beneath
After exploring Pamukkale and Hierapolis, you'll be driven to Antalya, where you'll check in to your hotel for overnight accommodation. Enjoy your stay in Antalya, reflecting on the wonders of Pamukkale and the rich history of Anatolia.
Day 7: Antalya City Tour
Your day starts with a thrilling cable car ride, ascending from sea level to the summit of Tunektepe, standing at an impressive 1365 meters above the sea. From this vantage point, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Antalya coastline, majestic mountains, lush pine forests, and the sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Capture stunning photographs to cherish the memories of this unforgettable experience.
Next on the agenda are the Duden Waterfalls, renowned as the most beautiful and visited waterfalls in the Antalya region. Stroll through the serene park surrounding the falls and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of cascading water.
Following lunch at a local restaurant boasting a picturesque panoramic view, you'll have 1-1.5 hours of free time to explore the charming old town of Kaleici. Here, you'll encounter iconic landmarks such as the Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret), and ancient city walls dating back to the 2nd century. The narrow stone streets of the Old Town are dotted with boutiques, art galleries, and intriguing museums, offering ample opportunities for exploration. Don't miss the chance to pick up some unique souvenirs from authentic shops before bidding farewell to Kaleici.
Retire for the night in Antalya, reminiscing about the day's adventures and the beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
Day 8: Antalya Departure
As today marks the conclusion of our service, we'll ensure a seamless transition for your departure from Antalya to Istanbul. A flight will be arranged according to your preferences and schedule.
We hope your time exploring Turkey has been filled with unforgettable experiences, cherished memories, and enriching discoveries. Should you require any further assistance or have any additional requests, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Wishing you safe travels to Istanbul and onwards to your next destination. Thank you for choosing our services, and we hope to welcome you back again in the future. Farewell!