9-Day Turkey Highlights Tour - Turkey Highlights Experience - 9 Days / 8 Nights - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia

Transfer from Istanbul Airport, dinner, and overnight stay at the hotel.

Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic drive along the coast toward Çanakkale. When you arrive at Çanakkale Port, you will be greeted by the impressive Wooden Trojan Horse, the symbol of the legendary Trojan War, featured in the 2004 movie Troy. Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel) Accommodation: 4* and 5* hotels.

Continue your journey toward the ancient city of Pergamon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Tour the Acropolis, an architectural masterpiece situated at the highest point of the city. Afterward, head to Kuşadası and spend the night there. Along the way, visit a Turkish leather store. Note: Depending on availability, accommodation may be in İzmir instead of Kuşadası.Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel) Accommodation: 4* and 5* hotels.

Depart for Selçuk to explore Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest archaeological sites in existence. You will see structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Marble Street, and the Agora. Next, head to Pamukkale and see the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Explore the Pamukkale Travertines, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as Pamukkale (Cotton Castle). This travertine, composed of mesmerizing white terraces and pools formed by calcareous hot spring waters, is situated in a UNESCO World Heritage Area. After dinner, you can enjoy an authentic thermal bath at your own expense. Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel) Accommodation: 4* and 5* hotels. Show map

Travel to Cappadocia via Konya and visit an ancient caravanserai (Kervansaray). Discover the historical significance of the caravanserais and shed light on the past along the ancient trade routes. Seasonal Bonus: Cherry picking in Konya in June. Grape picking in Cappadocia between mid-September and mid-October. Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel) Accommodation: 2 nights in Cappadocia cave hotels.

Enjoy a full-day tour of Cappadocia. Stop for photo opportunities at Pigeon Valley and the foothills of Uçhisar Castle. Next, visit a carpet factory and exhibition hall and learn about the art of Turkish carpet weaving. Explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must-see Cappadocia gem with its rock-cut churches and magnificent frescoes dating back to the early Christian period. Afterward, head to Uçhisar, an old village composed of small houses carved into a massive rock. If time permits, you can visit one of the houses in the contemporary village. Explore the Underground City in Turkey, which is said to have existed since the Hittite period. Next, visit a local jeweler where you can purchase handmade natural stone products. Conclude your evening with an oriental and folk dance show. Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel) Accommodation: Cappadocia cave hotels.

After breakfast, depart for Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Visit Anıtkabir, the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, considered the father of modern Turkey. Afterward, set off for Bolu. Note: Anıtkabir will be closed to visitors annually on November 10th to commemorate the death anniversary of the founding leader of our nation, Atatürk. If your visit falls on this day or any other day when public entry to Anıtkabir is restricted, your visit will be substituted with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Depending on availability, accommodation may be in Ankara instead of Bolu. Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel)

Head to Istanbul this morning. Shop at the Grand Bazaar, which has a history of over 550 years and features more than 4,000 stalls and shops selling leather goods, jewelry, handicrafts, ceramics, Turkish coffee, and other local products. Explore the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning six minarets. Afterward, visit the historical Hippodrome, where you can see three monumental columns and an ancient fountain. If time permits, enjoy some free time at Sultanahmet Square before heading to a modern shopping center for more shopping. Turkey is known for its vibrant fashion industry and has many clothing brands offering a wide range of styles and designs at affordable prices. Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and may be closed on religious holidays. The Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) will be opened instead. Ladies are kindly asked to bring a headscarf as it is mandatory to wear one when entering the mosque, according to local customs. The Sultanahmet Mosque is closed to non-worshipers until the afternoon on Fridays. The Sultanahmet Mosque visit will be postponed to the day of arrival. Seasonal Bonus: Watch the Tulips in Gezi Park, Emirgan Park, or Sultanahmet in April. In May, taste balık ekmek (fish sandwich), a popular local snack, at the Golden Horn (Haliç). Meals: Breakfast (at hotel), Lunch (entrance), Dinner (at hotel)

Free time depending on the flight schedule, followed by transfer to the airport.