Epic Türkiye Explorer: From Gallipoli to Mount Ararat in 19 Days (Istanbul-Gallipoli-Troy-Ephesus-Pamukkale-Fethiye-Konya-Cappadocia-Van-Kars)

Type de visite

Cultural Tours

Taille du groupe

15 personnes

Location

Turkey

Aperçu

This 11-day journey traces the footsteps of ancient civilizations across Türkiye. From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the Hittite capital of Hattusa, the Phrygian tombs of Midas, and the mythic ruins of Troy—this tour is a deep dive into Anatolia’s layered history. Ideal for archaeology lovers, cultural explorers, and heritage travelers. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Samsun & Amasya: Atatürk’s landing site, Pontic tombs, Red River views, Boğazköy & Hattusa: Alacahöyük, Yazılıkaya sanctuary, Hittite temples, Ankara: Atatürk Mausoleum, Museum of Civilizations, Ankara Castle, Phrygia Valley: Midas Tomb, Acropolis, Gordon ruins, Bursa & Iznik: Ottoman mosques, silk market, Council of Nicaea, Assos & Troy: Temple of Athena, Homeric ruins, Gallipoli & Edirne: Dardanelles crossing, Selimiye Mosque

Inclus/exclu

18 Nights In 4-Star hotels

Airport Transfers (IST/SAW)

Domestic Flights: Cappadocia → Van, Kars → Istanbul

Professional English-Speaking Guide

Air-Conditioned Private Transport

Wine Tasting & Cooking Course

All Service Charges And Taxes

18 Breakfast, 18 Dinner

Entrance Fees To All Sites

International Flights

Turkey Entry Visa

Optional Tours, Personal Spendings, Tips

All Lunches

Itinéraire

Day 1

Istanbul Arrival, hotel transfer

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in and getting your first glimpse of this mesmerizing city that bridges two continents.

Day 2

Istanbul Old City tour

Immerse yourself in history with a full-day tour of the Sultanahmet district. We will explore the iconic landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, walking through the heart of the Old City.

Day 3

Gallipoli WWI memorials

We depart for the Gallipoli Peninsula to visit the significant WWI memorial sites. We will pay our respects at the battlefields, Anzac Cove, and the monuments dedicated to the soldiers who fought here.

Day 4

Troy → Pergamon → Kusadasi Ancient ruins

Step into mythology at the ancient city of Troy, famous for the wooden horse. Afterward, we visit the stunning acropolis of Pergamon before driving along the coast to arrive in the resort town of Kusadasi.

Day 5

Ephesus → Sirince Wine tasting, carpet village

Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. We will also visit a traditional carpet weaving center and end the day with local wine tasting in the charming hillside village of Sirince.

Day 6

Aphrodisias → Pamukkale Temple of Aphrodite

We travel to Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the Goddess of Love. Later, we arrive in Pamukkale to see the surreal white travertine terraces, known as the "Cotton Castle."

Day 7

Fethiye Hot springs, lakeside views

Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and enjoy the thermal hot springs. En route to Fethiye, we stop at Salda Lake, famous for its white sands and turquoise waters, often called the "Turkish Maldives."

Day 8

Fethiye Free day

Today is a free day for you to relax. You may choose to explore the marina, relax on the beach, or join optional activities like paragliding over Oludeniz or a boat tour of the 12 Islands.

Day 9

Kayakoy → Antalya Museum visit

We visit Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek "ghost village" with a haunting atmosphere. Afterward, we drive to Antalya to visit the renowned Antalya Museum, home to spectacular statues and artifacts.

Day 10

Perge → Aspendos Roman amphitheatre

Discover the ancient Pamphylian city of Perge, followed by a visit to Aspendos, which houses the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the ancient world, still used for performances today.

Day 11

Konya → Sille Mevlana Museum

We travel inland to Konya, the spiritual center of Turkey. Visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Rumi, and explore the historic Christian village of Sille nearby.

Day 12

Cappadocia Caravanserai, underground city

En route to Cappadocia, we visit a medieval Seljuk Caravanserai on the Silk Road. Upon arrival, we descend into one of Cappadocia’s famous multi-level underground cities used by early Christians as hideouts.

Day 13

Cappadocia Göreme, pottery village

A full day exploring the fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum. We will also visit a local pottery workshop in Avanos to see the ancient art of ceramic making.

Day 14

Cappadocia → Van Flight, Lake Van

We transfer to the airport for a flight to Van. Upon arrival, enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Van, the largest soda lake in the world.

Day 15

Van → Akdamar Island Ferry, Urartu Museum

We take a ferry across the lake to Akdamar Island to visit the medieval Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Later, we explore the deep history of the region at the Urartu Museum.

Day 16

Van → Dogubayazit → Kars Ishak Pasha Palace

A scenic drive takes us to Dogubayazit to see the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural wonder nestled in the mountains. We continue our journey to the city of Kars.

Day 17

Kars → Ani Armenian ruins

We visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani, the "City of 1001 Churches." Located on the Armenian border, these medieval ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past.

Day 18

Kars → Istanbul Flight, hotel transfer

Transfer to Kars airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a final evening in the city.

Day 19

Istanbul Departure after breakfast

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the international airport for your flight home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Epic Turkey.