17-Day Turkey Highlights Tour

17-Day Turkey Explorer: From Istanbul to the Aegean

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Meal: No Meal

Today is your first day with us. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, we will welcome you at the exit.
Then, transfer to the hotel in Istanbul. Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Old City Historical Day Trip

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

08:30 ─ After breakfast, meet your guide for a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic heart.

• Blue Mosque – Marvel at this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, famous for its elegant minarets and striking blue İznik tiles.
• Hagia Sophia – Discover the layered history of this iconic structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum through the centuries.
• Hippodrome Square – Walk through the ancient arena of chariot races and imperial ceremonies, once the lively center of Byzantine social life.
• Topkapi Palace with Harem Section – Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, including the private Harem quarters that reveal royal secrets and daily life.
• Grand Bazaar – Wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops offering everything from spices to carpets.

17:00 ─ At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for some rest.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3 – Free Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

This is your leisure day in Istanbul. Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 – Istanbul to Nemrut Tour & Drive to Diyarbakir

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

05:00 – You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport. (Pick-up time may vary depending on flight schedule and season.)
09:30 – Flight from Istanbul to Adıyaman. (Flight time is subject to availability.)
11:00 – Upon arrival in Adıyaman, you will be greeted at the airport and meet your tour guide to begin the day.

• Karakus Tumulus – Start your journey with a visit to this ancient royal burial site, known for its eagle-topped columns and stone reliefs.
• Lunch Break in Kahta – Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in the Kahta region.
• Arsameia & Cendere Bridge – Explore the historical ruins of Arsameia, featuring ancient inscriptions and sculptures. Then, see the incredible Cendere Bridge, one of the world’s oldest still-functioning Roman bridges.
• Nemrut Mountain – Drive to Mount Nemrut and hike to the summit. Witness the breathtaking sunset over the mountain’s massive stone heads and sacred tomb-sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Diyarbakir.
Overnight stay in Diyarbakir.

Day 5 – Diyarbakir Day Trip

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

09:00 ─ After breakfast, the tour guide will come to your hotel and we will transfer you to the first destination of today’s tour.

• Four-Legged Minaret – Unique 16th-century minaret on four pillars.
• Archaeological Museum – Artifacts from Neolithic to Ottoman times.
• Hazrat Suleiman Mosque – Sacred mosque with a peaceful courtyard.
• Inner Castle (Içkale) – Ancient citadel with Tigris River views.
• Surp Giragos Church – Restored Armenian church, symbol of diversity.
• Telegraph Street – Historic street with Ottoman charm.
• Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) – 11th-century black stone mosque.
• Mesudiye Madrasa – Artuqid-era Islamic school with elegant design.
• Hasan Pasha Caravanserai – Ottoman inn turned vibrant bazaar.
• Suluklu Inn – Coffee or wine in a charming historic courtyard.
• 10 Arches Bridge – 11th-century bridge over the Tigris River.

17:00 ─ You will be transferred to your hotel in Diyarbakir.
Overnight stay in Diyarbakir.

Day 6 – Diyarbakir to Mardin & Overnight in Sanliurfa

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

09:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in Diyarbakir and drive to Mardin (approx. 2.5 hours).
Upon arrival in Mardin, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, then start exploring the highlights of this magical city:

• Midyat Old Town – Stroll through ancient Assyrian streets and stone mansions.
• Mardin Castle (Eagle’s Nest) – View the historic hilltop fortress (external view only).
• Deyrulzafaran Monastery – Visit this 1,500-year-old Syriac monastery filled with spiritual history.
• Great Mosque of Mardin (Ulu Cami) – One of the oldest mosques in Mardin with iconic architecture.
• Local Bazaar – Discover spices, soaps, and handcrafted silverwork.
• Abbara Passages – Explore the famous stone archways beneath traditional homes.

After the tour, drive to Şanlıurfa (approx. 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel.
Overnight stay in Sanliurfa.

Day 7 – Gobeklitepe & Sanliurfa Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your full-day guided tour exploring the ancient wonders of Sanliurfa.

• Gobeklitepe – Discover the mysterious T-shaped pillars of the world’s oldest known temple complex (11,000+ years old).
• Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum & Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum – View prehistoric artifacts and exquisite ancient mosaics.
• Balıklıgol (Pool of Sacred Fish) – Visit the legendary pool where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire, surrounded by mosques, gardens, and bazaars.
  At the end of the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

Overnight stay in Sanliurfa.

Day 8 – Halfeti Boat Tour & Gaziantep

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, depart Sanliurfa and drive to Halfeti.

• Halfeti Boat Tour – Cruise past the submerged minaret of the old mosque in this partially sunken village on the Euphrates.
  Then, continue to Gaziantep:
• Zeugma Mosaic Museum – Admire one of the world’s largest collections of Roman mosaics, including the famous “Gypsy Girl.”
  Transfer to your hotel in Gaziantep.

Overnight stay in Gaziantep.

Day 9 – Drive to Cappadocia from Gaziantep

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast.
Morning visit to the Gaziantep city center: explore local bazaars and culinary culture. Free time for lunch and shopping.
At noon, depart for Cappadocia (approx. 5 hours). Arrival in Cappadocia and hotel check-in.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 10 – Cappadocia Yellow Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Additional Activity: Hot air balloon flight recommended (not included).
09:30 – Pick-up for the Northern Cappadocia (Yellow) Tour.

• Red Valley – Marvel at its red rock formations.
• Gulludere (Rose) Valley – Hidden churches and changing hues.
• Cavusin Village – Ancient cave dwellings with panoramic views.
• Pigeon Valley – Carved dovecotes and scenic overlooks.
• Ozkonak Underground City – Explore its narrow tunnels and ventilation shafts.

After the tour, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 11 – Cappadocia Red Tour

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

09:30 – Pick-up for the Southern Cappadocia (Red) Tour.

• Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Surreal rock shapes.
• Pasabagları (Monks Valley) – Iconic fairy chimneys.
• Avanos Pottery Workshop – Watch or try traditional ceramics.
• Goreme Panoramic Viewpoint – Breathtaking vistas.
• Zelve Open Air Museum – Ancient cave village.
• Uchisar Castle – The Highest viewpoint in Cappadocia.

After the tour, return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 12 – Flight to Izmir from Cappadocia

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir (direct or via Istanbul).
Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel in Kusadası or Selcuk.
Overnight stay in Kusadası or Selcuk.

Day 13 – Pamukkale Day Trip

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

07:00 – Pick-up from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Pamukkale.

• Explore the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
• Visit ancient Hierapolis: Roman theater, necropolis, temples.
• Optional swim in the Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (entrance fee extra).

Tour ends around 16:00, then return to Kusadası or Selcuk.
Overnight stay in Kusadası or Selcuk.

Day 14 – Ephesus Day Trip & Return to Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

08:30 – Pick-up from your hotel and start your Ephesus Tour.

• Temple of Artemis – Ruins of one of the Seven Wonders.
• Ephesus Ancient City:
• Celsus Library – Once held over 14,000 scrolls.
• Marble Streets – Grand Roman avenues.
• House of the Virgin Mary – Sacred pilgrimage site.

After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport.
19:30 – Flight to Istanbul (times may vary).
20:50 – Arrival in Istanbul, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 15 – Free Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

This is your leisure day in Istanbul. Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Day 16 – Afternoon Boat Trip on the Bosphorus

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, relax at your hotel.
14:00 – Pick-up for a Bosphorus afternoon cruise.
Enjoy views of palaces, mosques, bridges, and seaside mansions.
16:00 – End of cruise and transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 17 – Departure from Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

According to your international flight details, our staff will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport.
Your 17-day Turkey tour package ends. Thanks for traveling with us!