The 12-Day West and East Turkey Tour is a combination of Turkey’s top destinations with some hidden gems. This tour gives you an experience that goes beyond the typical tourist route. You’ll start in Istanbul, visiting amazing sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Then, you’ll head to the ancient city of Ephesus and the beautiful white terraces of Pamukkale. Next, you’ll explore the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia with fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and underground cities. A hot air balloon ride is a must-do to embrace a breathtaking view of the region. Afterward, the trip continues to eastern Turkey. You’ll enjoy the sunrise at Mount Nemrut, visit the world’s oldest temple at Gobeklitepe, and lose yourself in the culture of Sanliurfa and Harran. Throughout this journey, you’ll try local dishes and walk through old but lively bazaars of Anatolia. You can admire stunning art at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum to explore the long-lost civilizations of Anatolia. This trip emphasizes history, culture, and beautiful scenery, allowing you to connect with Turkey’s rich heritage like never before.
Tour Program
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Day 1: Arrival – Dinner Cruise (Dinner)
- We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival in Istanbul and escort you to your hotel.
- In the evening, we will drive you to the port for the Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus in the evening, which offers stunning views of Istanbul, traditional Turkish dishes, and entertainment.
- After dinner, return to your hotel.
Day 2: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast)
- We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. We will meet at Izmir Airport and drive you to Selcuk for the Ephesus Tour.
- We will visit the Virgin Mary’s House, her last residence. You can explore the humble stone house she lived in in her previous years or enjoy the peaceful gardens.
- Afterward, we will visit Ephesus Ancient City, including the Celsus Library, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, Hercules Gate, and Domitian Temple. We will also stop at the Ephesus Experience Museum for a unique experience.
- Our final stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive you to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast – Dinner)
- You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Pamukkale in the morning. The journey takes approximately three hours and takes you through scenic countryside.
- During your tour, you will visit Hierapolis Ancient City, including the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, and Theater.
- We will stop at Cleopatra’s Pool. After walking through the ancient city, you can swim in the antique pool or rest.
- Our last stop is the famous Cotton Castles. You can enjoy Pamukkale’s hot, healing waters and take amazing photos.
- At the end of the tour, you will check into your hotel and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 4: Konya Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will drive to Konya.
- There, we will visit the Mevlana Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Sufi poet Rumi. The museum showcases his tomb and significant artifacts.
- On our way to Cappadocia, we will also visit a Seljuk caravanserai.
- We will rest and spend the night in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Northern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Please book it in advance)
- After breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel and drive to Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of Cappadocia.
- Next, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. It is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site with rock carved churches.We will explore the rock-carved churches and fantastic frescoes on the walls.
- We will visit the pottery workshops in Avanos to see traditional techniques still being used.
- Afterward, we will visit Monk’s Valley ( Pasabag) and see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. We will visit St. Simeon’s rock-carved monk cell.
- We will drive you back to your hotel after visiting Devrent Imagination Valley to see animal-shaped fairy chimneys.
Day 6: Southern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we’ll meet you at your hotel and drive to Goreme Panorama Point to see Cappadocia from a different angle.
- Next, we will drive to Red Valley for a 4-km hike. You will see rock-carved churches, pigeon houses, and local farms on the hike.
- After visiting Cavusin Village, we will drive to Love Valley to see pillar-shaped rock formations.
- We will visit Kaymakli Underground City, an underground settlement used as a shelter by early Christians.
- After visiting Pigeon Valley, we will drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7: Kahramanmaras – Adiyaman (Breakfast)
- We’ll start our day early, leaving Cappadocia to travel along the historic Silk Road.
- On the way, we’ll visit the Karatayhan Caravanserai, a fascinating spot that once served as a rest stop for travelers and traders centuries ago.
- During lunch, we’ll stop in Kahramanmaraş to try their famous Maras ice cream, known for its deliciously chewy texture.
- Afterward, we’ll continue to Kahta, settle into our hotel, and relax for the night.
Day 8: Mount Nemrut- Harran-Sanliurfa (Breakfast)
- We’ll climb to Mount Nemrut to catch a stunning sunrise early in the morning.
- We will explore the ancient ruins and learn about this incredible site’s history.
- From there, we’ll travel to Sanliurfa, stopping at fascinating spots like Arsemia Castle, Karakus Tumulus, and the massive Ataturk Dam.
- Once in Sanliurfa, we’ll visit the sacred Abraham’s Cave and the serene Balikligol, known as the Pool of Sacred Fish. Then, it’s off to Harran, where we’ll explore the ruins of the historic Islamic University, check out the ancient Harran Castle, and see the town’s famous beehive-shaped houses.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive you to your hotel in Sanliurfa, where you will spend the night.
Day 9: Gobeklitepe – Gaziantep – Cappadocia (Breakfast)
- Today, we’ll visit Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Next, we’ll head to Gaziantep to explore the incredible Zeugma Mosaic Museum, showcasing stunning artifacts from ancient times.
- We’ll drive back to Cappadocia at the end of the tour. You can enjoy scenic views of the Taurus Mountains on your way.
- Tonight, we’ll stay overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 10: Cappadocia to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- Today, you will have a free morning in Cappadocia, and we will take you to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
- Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.
Day 11: Classical Istanbul City Tour (Breakfast)
- You will meet your tour guide this morning at the hotel reception and head to the old city.
- During the tour, you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
- At the end of the tour, your guide will walk you back to your hotel.
Day 12: Departure (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule for your flight back home.