This private 16-day Turkey tour combines Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, a four-day Blue Cruise, Antalya, Konya and Cappadocia in one organised itinerary.
The journey begins in Istanbul before continuing through the Gallipoli Peninsula and the major ancient cities of western Turkey. After visiting Ephesus and Pamukkale, you will board a traditional gulet for a four-day cruise along the Mediterranean coast, with stops around Fethiye, St. Nicholas Island, Kas, Kekova and Gokkaya Bay.
The final section of the tour includes Antalya, Konya and two full days of sightseeing in Cappadocia. Domestic flights, private transfers, accommodation, guided tours and the meals specified during the Blue Cruise are arranged as part of the package.
Travellers looking for a shorter itinerary can also explore our [14-Day Turkey Tour with Blue Cruise]. For more routes combining cultural sightseeing with time on the coast, browse our [Turkey Package Tours].
Private 16-Day Turkey Tour with a 4-Day Blue Cruise Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul and Bosphorus Dinner Cruise (Dinner)
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- In the evening, you will join a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus. During the cruise, you can see Istanbul’s illuminated waterfront, palaces, bridges and historic buildings from the water.
- Dinner and traditional entertainment are included during the cruise.
- At the end of the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: Classical Istanbul City Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will meet your guide and begin a full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City.
- The programme includes Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar.
- Your guide will explain the Byzantine and Ottoman history of the city and its importance as a political, religious and commercial centre.
- The order of visits may change according to opening hours, prayer times, restoration work and local conditions.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
- Day 3: Gallipoli Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will leave Istanbul and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, one of the most important battlefields of the First World War.
- During the tour, you will visit major battlefield and memorial sites associated with the Gallipoli Campaign, including Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Johnston’s Jolly and Chunuk Bair.
- Your guide will explain the events of the campaign and the experiences of the soldiers who fought here.
- At the end of the tour, you will continue to Canakkale.
- Overnight in Canakkale.
Day 4: Troy and Pergamon Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will visit the ancient city of Troy, known for its connection with Homer’s Iliad and the story of the Trojan War.
- You will explore the archaeological remains and learn about the different settlement layers that developed at the site over thousands of years.
- You will then continue to Pergamon, one of the most important cities of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The visit includes the Acropolis and its major remains, subject to the daily programme and site access.
- At the end of the tour, you will continue to Kusadasi.
- Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 5: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast – Dinner)
- After breakfast, you will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally associated with the final years of Mary’s life.
- You will then continue to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. During the tour, you will walk along the marble streets and see major landmarks including the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, Agora and other important remains from the Roman period.
- The programme also includes the Ephesus Experience Museum and the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.
- Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will travel to Pamukkale and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis.
- You will explore important remains including the theatre, necropolis, Roman baths, monumental gates and other structures from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
- You will then continue to Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, where you will have time to walk on the permitted sections.
- Swimming in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool is optional and requires a separate entrance fee.
- At the end of the tour, you will continue to Fethiye.
- Overnight in Fethiye.
Day 7: Blue Cruise from Fethiye to St. Nicholas Island (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
- After breakfast, you will be transferred to the harbour to board your traditional gulet and begin the Blue Cruise.
- After the welcome briefing, the boat will leave Fethiye and sail along the Mediterranean coast. Swimming and relaxation stops will be arranged according to weather and sea conditions.
- The cruise will continue towards St. Nicholas Island, where you can see the remains of Byzantine churches and enjoy views across the surrounding coastline.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on board.
- Overnight on the gulet near St. Nicholas Island.
Day 8: Blue Cruise from St. Nicholas Island to Kas (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
- After breakfast on board, the gulet will continue sailing towards Kas.
- During the day, there will be opportunities to swim, relax on deck and stop in sheltered bays, depending on weather and sea conditions.
- Upon arrival in Kas, you may have time to explore the harbour town, its narrow streets and local shops.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on board.
- Overnight on the gulet near Kas.
Day 9: Blue Cruise from Kas to Kekova and Gokkaya Bay (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
- After breakfast, you will sail towards the Kekova region.
- The programme includes views of the Sunken City of Kekova, where the remains of ancient buildings can be seen beneath and beside the water. Landing or swimming directly over the protected archaeological area is not permitted.
- Depending on the cruise programme, you may also visit Simena, known for its small castle and coastal village. Entrance fees at optional sites such as Simena Castle are paid separately.
- The boat will then continue to Gokkaya Bay.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included on board.
- Overnight on the gulet in Gokkaya Bay.
Day 10: Blue Cruise from Gokkaya Bay to Demre and Transfer to Antalya (Breakfast)
- After breakfast on board, the gulet will continue towards Demre, with swimming stops arranged according to the sailing programme.
- Upon arrival at the harbour, you will leave the boat and meet your driver.
- Depending on the confirmed programme and available time, the route may include visits connected with ancient Myra and St. Nicholas before continuing to Antalya.
- At the end of the day, you will be transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight in Antalya.
Day 11: Free Day in Antalya (Breakfast)
- Today is free for you to rest or explore Antalya independently.
- You may spend time in Kaleici, visit the marina, relax at the beach or join an optional local excursion.
- Overnight in Antalya.
Day 12: Konya Tour and Transfer to Cappadocia (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will leave Antalya and travel towards Konya.
- During the visit, you will see the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the poet, scholar and Sufi teacher Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Your guide will explain the history of the Mevlevi tradition and Konya’s importance as a religious and cultural centre.
- Depending on the daily schedule, the programme may also include nearby historical landmarks.
- After the tour, you will continue to Cappadocia.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 13: Northern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- An optional hot-air balloon flight can be arranged early in the morning, subject to availability and weather conditions.
- After breakfast, you will begin exploring northern Cappadocia. The programme includes the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where you will see rock-cut churches and chapels decorated with Byzantine frescoes.
- You will also visit sites such as Uchisar, Pasabag, Devrent Valley and Avanos, depending on the daily route. In Avanos, you can learn about the region’s traditional pottery-making techniques.
- At the end of the tour, you will return to your hotel.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 14: Southern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will continue exploring Cappadocia from a different perspective.
- The tour includes one of the region’s underground cities, where you will see tunnels, storage rooms, kitchens, ventilation shafts and living areas carved beneath the ground.
- The programme may also include panoramic viewpoints and locations such as Red Valley, Cavusin, Love Valley and Pigeon Valley, depending on the operating route.
- Some sections involve walking on uneven ground. Your guide will adjust the pace and use the most suitable available routes where necessary.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 15: Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will have free time according to your domestic flight schedule.
- You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.
- Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
- The rest of the day will be free.
- Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 16: Departure from Istanbul (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, you will have free time until your scheduled airport transfer.
- You will be picked up from your hotel according to the departure time of your international flight and transferred to the airport.
- This marks the end of your 16-day Turkey tour with a four-day Blue Cruise.