The 9 nights 10 days Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pamukkale, Ephesus, and Cappadocia tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore Turkey's rich history, natural wonders, and cultural diversity. Starting from Istanbul, the tour covers historical sites such as Gallipoli and Troy, natural marvels like Pamukkale, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. This comprehensive tour is perfect for travelers seeking to experience Turkey's most important and captivating destinations all in one journey.
Day 1: Istanbul Arrival
Upon your arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Turkey Tours at the exit of the first gate. Subsequently, you will be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. You will spend the night in Istanbul.
Day 2: Full Day Old City Tour By Walking
You’ll visit; Hagia Sophia - Blue Mosque - Topkapi Palace - Hippodrome - Obelisk of Theodosius and Grand Bazaar
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will be collected by your tour guide for a full-day Old City Tour. Istanbul boasts an array of renowned landmarks, which you will have the opportunity to explore firsthand. Marvel at the majestic Blue Mosque and the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, which contribute to Istanbul's unique skyline. Delve into the history of the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans and the inaugural president of Turkey.
Take a stroll through the Hippodrome, where ancient Roman gladiators once entertained the masses. Here, you'll encounter well-preserved Obelisks adorned with intricate markings, offering a glimpse into the past. Concluding the historical leg of the tour, visit the Grand Bazaar, Turkey's largest covered market nestled in the heart of the Old City. Immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of this bustling marketplace, offering an array of shopping opportunities.
Following the tour, you will be transported back to your hotel to spend the night in Istanbul.
Day 3: Bosphprus Cruise & Taksim Istiklal Street Tour
You’ll visit; Basilica Cistern - Galata Tower Tour - Spice Bazaar - Marvellous bridge Bosphorus - Rumeli Fortress - Taksim and Istiklal Street - French Cultural Institute - Hagia Triada Eastern Ortodox Church - Ağa Mosque - Çiçek Pasajı
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide will pick you up for another exciting day of exploration. Our first stop will be the Basilica Cistern, the largest of numerous ancient cisterns beneath Istanbul. From there, we'll proceed to the iconic Galata Tower, a striking landmark of the city.
Next on our itinerary is a visit to the 17th-century Spice Bazaar, a vibrant and colorful marketplace where you can find a variety of gifts for your loved ones. Following this, we'll head to the magnificent Bosphorus Bridge, symbolizing the connection between Europe and Asia. Along the way, you'll catch sight of the imposing Rumeli Fortress, strategically positioned to guard the entrance to the Bosporus Strait and safeguard Istanbul.
Continuing our tour, we'll explore Taksim and Istiklal Street, one of Istanbul's most bustling pedestrian thoroughfares in the lively Pera district. Our first stop in this area will be the French Cultural Institute, followed by a visit to the Hagia Triada Eastern Orthodox Church, also known as the "Holy Trinity," which is the largest Greek Orthodox Church in Istanbul. Our tour will then lead us to the Ağa Mosque and Çiçek Pasajı.
At the conclusion of our day's adventures, you will be transferred back to your hotel to spend the night in Istanbul.
Day 4: Full Day Gallipolli Tour
You will be picked up from your hotel by the driver between 06:30-07:00 am for your journey to Gallipoli. After approximately 5 hours of driving, you will arrive at Gallipoli, a profoundly moving destination in Turkey and a place of great significance for many nations, particularly Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.
During your visit to Gallipoli, you will explore several poignant sites, including the Memorials of Dardanelles, Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnstons Jolly (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.
After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale, where you will spend the night.
Day 5: Troy & Pergamum Tour
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a journey to explore the legendary ruins of Homer’s Troy, renowned for its association with the Trojan War and the iconic Trojan wooden horse. The ancient city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s epic poems, the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey," presents layers of history, with successive cities built atop one another.
Before reaching Asclepion, we will pause for lunch in a traditional, picturesque village. Then, we will proceed to Pergamon, an ancient city that flourished during the Hellenistic period. Pergamon is renowned for its cultural richness, boasting an extensive library constructed with Roman tiles at its heart. This Roman city is adorned with magnificent monuments, including a striking acropolis and one of the steepest theatres of antiquity.
Concluding our exploration, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, where you will spend the night.
Day 6: Full Day Pamukkale Tour
You’ll visit; Calcium spring terraces, Hierapolis museum, Hierapolis Theatre, Roman Bath, and Temple of Apollo, Cleopatra hot spring thermal pool
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will collect you and embark on a journey to Pamukkale, where you will encounter breathtaking natural beauty intertwined with fascinating history. Pamukkale is renowned for its hot springs and travertine terraces, formed by the deposition of carbonate minerals from flowing and cooling water. Resembling cotton, these terraces have earned Pamukkale the nickname "Cotton Castle."
After indulging in a delicious lunch, we will explore the Hierapolis Ancient City, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hierapolis was once frequented by people seeking relief from ailments and retirement, and it became a place where some chose to spend their final days. As a delightful respite, you can stroll along the terraces or take a dip in the rejuvenating Cleopatra Swimming Pool (optional).
Following our exploration, we will return to your hotel in Kusadasi, where you will spend the night.
Day 7: Full Day Ephesus Virgin Mary - Artemis Temple Tour & Cappadocia Arrival
You’ll visit; Ephesus - The Temple of Artemis - The House of Virgin Mary
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will pick you up and embark on a journey to Ephesus, the ancient Greek city renowned for its remarkable architecture and historical significance. Surrounded by lush greenery, Ephesus offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Throughout the day, we will explore magnificent sites such as the Hadrian Temple, Celcius Library, Theater, Hamams, and Old Harbor, each offering a unique perspective on the city's rich heritage.
After a satisfying lunch, our next stop will be the House of Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her final days in seclusion. This tranquil site holds deep spiritual significance for many visitors.
Continuing our journey, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, situated in the vicinity of Ephesus.
As the day draws to a close, we will transfer you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative will warmly welcome you at the first exit door and escort you to your hotel in Cappadocia, where you will spend the night.
Day 8: North Tour
You’ll visit; Devrent Valley - Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) - Avanos - Goreme and Open Air museum
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up for a full-day exploration of Cappadocia, starting with Devrent Valley, known for its striking and distinctive rock formations, often referred to as "fairy chimneys." Next, we'll visit Pasabag, also known as Monk's Valley, where you'll encounter more mesmerizing geological formations.
Our journey continues to the charming town of Avanos, famous for its pottery making. Here, you'll have the opportunity to witness skilled artisans at work and perhaps even try your hand at pottery making yourself.
We'll then venture into the picturesque Goreme Valley, where you'll be captivated by the surreal landscape dotted with cave dwellings and rock-cut churches. Our tour culminates at the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll discover ancient churches and dwellings carved into the soft rocks, offering a glimpse into Cappadocia's rich history dating back thousands of years.
At the conclusion of our tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 9: South Tour & Cappadocia Departure & Istanbul Arrival
You’ll visit; Red and Rose Valley - Gulludere Valley - Cavusin Village Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City - Ortahisar - Uchisar Castle - Pigeon Valley - Three Beauties Valley
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up to commence the Southern Cappadocia Tour. Our first stop will be the Red and Rose Valley, renowned for its unforgettable rock churches and the mesmerizing color-changing rocks. You'll have the chance to hike through the picturesque Gulludere Valley, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Next, we'll explore the historic Greek village of Cavusin, where you'll visit the houses and churches once inhabited by Christian clergymen such as Saint John the Baptist and Nicophoras Phocas.
Following a delightful lunch, we'll journey to Kaymaklı Underground City (or Ozkonak), the widest of the Cappadocian underground cities, which served as a refuge for refugees and those fleeing disasters.
Our tour continues to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. We'll also visit Pigeon Valley, where pigeons still inhabit traditional pigeon houses, providing a charming backdrop to the scenery.
Our final stop will be Three Beauties Valley, famed for its vineyards and breathtaking vistas.
As the day draws to a close, we will transfer you to the Cappadocia Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our representative will greet you at the first exit door and escort you to your hotel in Istanbul for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Istanbul Departure
Based on your international flight time, you will be transferred to the airport four hours prior to your departure. At the airport, you will have the opportunity to complete the self-check-in process. This concludes our services, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey ahead. If you require any further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.