34 Days Ultimate Turkey Tour

34 Days Grand Turkey Tour – From East to West

Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

Meal: No Meal

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Today marks the beginning of your 34-day Ultimate Turkey Tour, covering Turkey from east to west. Overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul.

Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up for a full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s historic heart, once the capital of three great empires.

• Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Famous for its elegant blue Iznik tiles and impressive domes.
• Hippodrome: The former sporting and social center of Constantinople, featuring the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column, and German Fountain.
• Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with nearly 4,000 shops.
• Topkapi Palace: The imperial residence of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire for centuries.

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

Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise Tour

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to join a guided Bosphorus boat cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia.

• Dolmabahce Palace: The last and most luxurious palace of the Ottoman Empire.
• Beylerbeyi Palace: A summer residence built on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
• Rumeli Fortress: A strategic fortress built by Sultan Mehmed II before the conquest of Constantinople.
• Bosphorus Bridge: One of the iconic bridges connecting two continents.
• Ottoman Mansions: Historic waterfront houses lining the Bosphorus shores.

Throughout the cruise, your guide will share insights into the history and significance of the Bosphorus. After the tour, transfer to Sultanahmet Square. Free time and overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul.

Day 4 – Free Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, today is free for your own exploration of Istanbul. You may relax or discover the city at your own pace.

• Historic Neighborhoods: Walk through Sultanahmet or Eminönü.
• Bosphorus Area: Enjoy seaside cafes and local life.
• Local Markets: Explore spice shops and street bazaars.
• Optional Tours: Join additional activities if desired.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul.

Day 5 – Istanbul to Gallipoli Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Pick you up from your hotel at 06:30–07:00 and drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula via Tekirdag and Kesan. The journey itself will take about 4-5 hours with one break on the way. After lunch in Eceabat, the guided Gallipoli tour begins.

• Beach Cemetery: Burial site of John Simpson.
• Anzac Cove: Main ANZAC landing area.
• Ari Burnu: First ANZAC landing point.
• Lone Pine Cemetery: Australian memorial site.
• Chunuk Bair: New Zealand memorial.

At the end of the tour, check into your hotel in Canakkale. Overnight stay.

DAY 6 – Troy Tour & Continue to Kusadasi

Meal: Breakfast
Breakfast & check out from the hotel. Pick up from the hotel and drive to Helen of Troy with an English speaking tour guide.

Visiting sights:

• Trojan Horse: Symbol of the legendary Trojan War
• Troy VI & VII City Walls: 3,200-year-old defensive structures
• Temple of Athena: Sacred area of ancient Troy
• Scaean Gate: Main entrance of the ancient city
• Schliemann’s Trench: Excavation area of Troy
• Roman Bath & Odeon: Structures from the Roman period
• Agora & Bouleuterion: Ancient marketplace and council hall

At noon: When the tour ends, you will be transferred to the bus station in Canakkale.
You will take an intercity bus to Selcuk / Kusadasi via Izmir. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Selcuk / Kusadasi.

DAY 7 – Ephesus Ancient City and House of Virgin Mary Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and join the guided tour.

Visiting sights:

• Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
• Ephesus Ancient City: UNESCO-listed classical city
• Agora: Commercial and social center of Ephesus
• Odeon: Small theater used for meetings and concerts
• Curetes Street: Main ceremonial street of the city
• Roman Public Toilets: Advanced sanitation system of Roman times
• Library of Celsus: Iconic facade and ancient library
• Temple of Hadrian: Dedicated to Emperor Hadrian
• Roman Baths: Social and bathing complex
• Grand Theatre: 25,000-seat ancient performance venue
• Marble Street: Processional road connecting key monuments

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight in Kusadasi or Selcuk.

DAY 8 – Leisurely Day

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, today is free for you to relax and enjoy Kusadasi at your own pace.
You may spend the day by the seaside, explore the town center, or simply rest after the guided tours. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 9 – Pamukkale Day Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most unique natural wonders.

Visiting sights:

• Pamukkale Travertines: White calcium terraces formed by thermal waters
• Hierapolis Ancient City: UNESCO-listed Roman spa city
• Roman Theatre: Well-preserved ancient performance venue
• Roman Baths: Historic thermal bathing complex
• Necropolis: One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia

At the end of the visits, you will be transferred to your hotel in Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 10 – Pamukkale to Antalya by Local Bus

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the morning is free.
Later, you will be transferred to the intercity bus station to travel to Antalya. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.
Upon arrival in Antalya, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax after the journey.
Overnight in Antalya.

Day 11 – Perge, Aspendos & Side Ancient Cities Tour

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided tour to explore the most important ancient cities of the Antalya region.
Visiting sights:

• Perge Ancient City: Colonnaded streets, stadium, and Roman baths
• Aspendos Theatre: Best-preserved Roman theatre with exceptional acoustics
• Side Ancient City: Roman theatre, agora, and seaside ruins
• Temple of Apollo: Iconic columns overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
• Manavgat Waterfalls: One of the famous waterfalls in Antalya center

At the end of the visits, you will be transferred to your hotel back. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 12 – Antalya to Çatalhöyük & Konya

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart from Antalya and drive towards Central Anatolia. The journey to Çatalhöyük takes approximately 4–4.5 hours.
Visiting sights:
Çatalhöyük: One of the world’s oldest known Neolithic settlements. Çatalhöyük dates back to around 7500 BC and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the visit, continue driving to Konya. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Konya.

Day 13 – Konya Tour & Transfer to Cappadocia

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, you will be picked up from your hotel to begin the guided Konya city tour,
a city closely associated with Rumi and Sufism.
Visiting sights:

• Mevlana Museum: Mausoleum of Rumi and major pilgrimage site
• Selimiye Mosque: Classical Ottoman mosque near Mevlana complex
• Tavusbaba Tomb: Spiritual site overlooking Konya
• Karatay Madrasah: Seljuk-era theological school

At the end of the tour, you will drive to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 14 – Cappadocia Tour

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up to explore the unique landscapes of Cappadocia.
Today you will visit valleys, open-air museums, and panoramic viewpoints across the region.

Visiting sights:

• Devrent Imagination Valley: Rock formations shaped like animals and figures
• Zelve Open Air Museum: Rock-cut dwellings and ancient cave settlement
• Pasabaglari (Fairy Chimneys): Iconic mushroom-shaped volcanic formations
• Avanos Pottery Workshop: Traditional pottery demo with Hittite techniques
• Uchisar Rock-Castle: Highest natural viewpoint in Cappadocia
• Esentepe (Goreme Panorama): Scenic photo stop over Goreme Valley

After the visits, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 15 – Cappadocia Tour

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and meet your tour guide and tour group.
Today includes underground cities, panoramic valleys, and some of the most scenic walking routes in Cappadocia.

Visiting sights:

• Underground City: Multi-level tunnels and chambers carved into volcanic rock
• Pigeon Valley: Valley views with historic pigeon houses in the cliffs
• Ortahisar Castle: Natural rock citadel with panoramic scenery
• Red Valley (Rose Valley): Famous colors and rock formations at sunset hours
• Gulludere Valley: Scenic walking route with cave churches and viewpoints

The tour ends around 4:00 PM and you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 16 – Free Day in Cappadocia

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, today is free for you to relax and explore Cappadocia on your own.
You may enjoy optional activities or spend the day discovering the region at your own pace.

Optional experiences you may consider:

• Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight: Sunrise flight over fairy chimneys (optional)
• Local Villages: Walk through nearby villages and scenic viewpoints
• Leisure Time: Café stops, shopping, or relaxing at the hotel

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 17 – Cappadocia to Gaziantep

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, departure at around 08:00.
Today is a travel and sightseeing day through Central and Southeastern Anatolia.

Visiting sights:

• Karatay Caravanserai: Seljuk-era roadside inn on the Silk Road
• Kahramanmaras: Stop for lunch and famous local ice cream
• Gaziantep Mosaic Museum: World-famous mosaics from ancient Zeugma
• Gaziantep Castle: Historic fortress overlooking the city
• Coppersmith Bazaar: Traditional handicrafts and local atmosphere

You will also have time to visit a famous baklava shop, as Gaziantep is known as the birthplace of baklava. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Gaziantep.

Day 18 – Gaziantep to Sanliurfa

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, departure from Gaziantep towards Sanliurfa.
Today includes cultural stops along the Euphrates region before arriving in the city of prophets.

Visiting sights:

• Nizip: Known for traditional soap and olive oil production
• Belkis / Zeugma Area: Ancient settlement by the Euphrates River
• Sanliurfa Covered Bazaar: Local market atmosphere in the old city

After a walk through the city center, the rest of the afternoon is free. Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Day 19 – Sanliurfa, Gobeklitepe & Transfer to Kahta

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, today is dedicated to exploring the spiritual and archaeological heart of Sanliurfa
before continuing towards Kahta.
Visiting sights:

• Balikligol (Pool of Sacred Fish): Holy site associated with Prophet Abraham
• Abraham’s Cave: Believed birthplace of Prophet Abraham
• Harran: Famous beehive houses and ancient university site
• Gobeklitepe: World’s oldest known temple complex (UNESCO)
• Ataturk Dam: One of the largest dams in the world

In the afternoon, continue driving to Kahta. Overnight in Adiyaman / Kahta.

Day 20 – Mount Nemrut Sunrise & Transfer to Mardin

Meal: Breakfast

Early morning departure around 03:30 for Mount Nemrut.
Today features one of Turkey’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
followed by a scenic journey to Mardin.
Visiting sights:

• Mount Nemrut: Sunrise view with colossal statues and stone heads
• East & West Terraces: Monumental statues of ancient gods
• Arsemeia: Royal ceremonial site of the Commagene Kingdom
• Cendere Bridge: Roman bridge dating back to the 3rd century
• Karakus Tumulus: Burial mound of the Commagene royal family

After descending from Mount Nemrut, return to the hotel for breakfast.
Later, depart towards Mardin by a road travel. Arrival in Mardin in the afternoon, hotel check-in and free time to explore the old town. Overnight in Mardin.

Day 21 – Mardin, Midyat, Hasankeyf & Tatvan

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, continue exploring the cultural heritage of Southeastern Anatolia,
travelling through ancient towns and historic river landscapes.

Visiting sights:

• Mardin Old Town: Stone houses and Mesopotamian views
• Deyrulzafaran Monastery: Former seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate
• Midyat: Historic town with traditional stone mansions
• Hasankeyf: Ancient settlement along the Tigris River
• Lake Van Sunset (Tatvan): Scenic views at the lakeside

After lunch by the Tigris River, continue driving to Tatvan. Arrival in the evening and hotel check-in. Overnight in Tatvan.

Day 22 – Tatvan to Van & Lake Van Highlights

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, departure from Tatvan for a scenic drive around Lake Van.
Today focuses on the ancient history and unique landscapes of Eastern Anatolia.
Visiting sights:

• Lake Van Ferry: Scenic crossing on Turkey’s largest lake
• Akdamar Island: Island in Lake Van with rich Armenian heritage
• Church of the Holy Cross: 10th-century Armenian church with stone reliefs
• Van Castle: Fortress from the Urartian Kingdom overlooking the city

After visiting Akdamar Island and Van Castle, continue to the city center. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Van.

Day 23 – Van to Dogubeyazit via the Silk Road

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, departure from Van following the historic Silk Road route
towards Dogubeyazit, close to the Iranian border.
Visiting sights:

• Crater Hole: Natural geological formation near the border region
• Mount Ararat: Turkey’s highest mountain and legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark
• Ishak Pasha Palace: Ottoman-era palace complex with mosque and fortress
• Eski Beyazit Ruins: Remains of an ancient Urartian settlement

After the visits, continue to Dogubeyazit city. Hotel check-in and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Dogubeyazit.

Day 24 – Dogubeyazit to Kars through Eastern Anatolia

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, departure from Dogubeyazit towards Kars,
traveling through Eastern Türkiye along historic routes once used by caravans
on the Silk Road.

Visiting sights & highlights:

• Mount Ararat Views: Panoramic views of Türkiye’s highest mountain along the route
• Iğdır Valley: Fertile plains surrounded by volcanic landscapes
• Eastern Anatolia Scenery: Remote villages and untouched nature

Arrival in Kars, a city shaped by many civilizations including Armenians,
Russians, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Hotel check-in and free time in the city. Overnight in Kars.

Day 25 – Kars City Tour & Ani Ruins

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, early departure for a short drive to Ani,
the once-glorious medieval capital of the Armenian Kingdom.
Visiting sights:

• Ani Ancient City: Ruins of a medieval city once rivaling Baghdad
• Ani City Walls: Massive fortifications surrounding the ancient settlement
• Ani Cathedral: One of the earliest examples of Armenian church architecture
• Church of St. Gregory: Well-preserved medieval religious structure
• Border Panorama: Views overlooking the Armenia–Türkiye border

After returning from Ani, continue with a short city tour in Kars.
Visiting sights in Kars:

• Kars Castle: Hilltop fortress with panoramic city views
• Historic Streets: Russian-era stone buildings and local architecture

Return to the hotel after the tour. Overnight in Kars.

Day 26 – Kars to Erzurum

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from Kars and drive southwest to Erzurum, one of the most historic cities of Eastern Anatolia.
Upon arrival, the guided city visit begins.
Visiting sights:

• Three Tombs (Uc Kumbetler): Seljuk-era mausoleums with unique stonework
• Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque: Classical Ottoman mosque in the city center
• Twin Minarets Medrese: Iconic Seljuk school with twin minarets
• Yakutiye Medrese: Historic medrese now used as a museum space
• Old Ottoman House (Tea Break): Traditional atmosphere and local tea

After the visits, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Erzurum.

Day 27 – Erzurum to Trabzon & Sumela Monastery

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and begin a scenic drive to Trabzon (approximately 5 hours),
with photo stops along the rivers and natural landscapes.
Visiting sights:

• Karaca Cave: Natural cave with impressive formations (photo stop)
• Sumela Monastery: Cliffside monastery set high in the forested mountains

After the visit, continue to Trabzon and check in to your hotel.
The evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 28 – Trabzon City Visit & Drive to Samsun

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, enjoy a morning visit in Trabzon.
Following the city visit, drive along the Black Sea coastline to Samsun.
Visiting sights:

• Trabzon City Highlights: Historic coastal city shaped by Byzantine heritage
• St. Sophia of Trabzon: Byzantine-era church with distinctive architecture
• Black Sea Coastal Drive: Scenic route with sea views and local towns

Upon arrival in Samsun, check in to your hotel. Overnight in Samsun.

Day 29 – Hattusas (Hittite Capital) & Transfer to Ankara

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart Samsun and drive to Hattusas in Corum,
the former capital of the Hittite Kingdom.
After the guided visits, continue driving to Ankara.
Visiting sights:

• Hattusas: Ancient Hittite capital with impressive ruins
• Yazilikaya Sanctuary: Rock carvings and sacred open-air shrine
• Lion Gate: Iconic entrance gate of the ancient city
• Grand Temple: Major religious complex of the Hittite era

Upon arrival in Ankara, check in to your hotel and rest of the day is free.
Overnight in Ankara.

Day 30 – Ankara Museum, Gordion & Transfer to Bursa

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, start the day with a cultural visit in Ankara,
then drive to Gordion, one of Anatolia’s most important ancient settlements.
At the end of the visits, continue to Bursa.
Visiting sights:

• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: One of Turkey’s top archaeology museums
• Gordion: Ancient Phrygian city associated with King Midas
• Royal Palace Area: Key ruins from the Phrygian period
• King Midas Tumulus: Monumental burial mound and archaeological site
• Gordion Museum: Local museum displaying findings from the area

Upon arrival in Bursa, check in to your hotel. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 31 – Bursa & Iznik (Nicea) Tour, then Return to Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart for a guided tour in Bursa, the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Then continue to Iznik (Nicea), a historic town known for its councils and city walls.
At the end of the visits, drive back to Istanbul.
Visiting sights in Bursa:

• Green Mosque: Ottoman masterpiece known for its tile work
• Green Tomb: Historic mausoleum and symbol of early Ottoman Bursa
• Covered Bazaar: Traditional shopping area with local crafts
• Great Mosque (Ulu Camii): One of the most important mosques in Bursa

Visiting sights in Iznik (Nicea):

• Old City Walls: Roman and Byzantine defensive walls
• Green Mosque: Ottoman-era mosque decorated with blue ceramics
• Hagia Sophia of Iznik (Orhan Mosque): Historic council site with unique interior remains

After the tour in Iznik, continue driving to Istanbul.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 32 – Free Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, today is free for you to relax and explore Istanbul at your own pace.
Optional ideas for your free time:

• Neighborhood Walk: Discover local streets, cafés, and daily life
• Shopping Time: Enjoy markets and boutique areas
• Seaside Moments: Relax by the Bosphorus and take photos

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 33 – Free Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, today is another free day in Istanbul.
You may continue exploring, enjoy a relaxed pace, or simply rest before your departure.
Optional ideas for your free time:

• Historic Areas: Revisit your favorite landmarks and viewpoints
• Local Food Stops: Try Turkish flavors in traditional districts
• Leisure Time: Relax at the hotel or explore nearby streets

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 34 – Departure from Istanbul (Fly Home)

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, check out by 11:00.
Free time until your airport transfer.
You will be picked up from your hotel according to your flight departure time and transferred to the airport.
Tour ends upon leaving you at the airport for your international flight.

This 34-day journey brings you from the heart of Istanbul to the far corners of Eastern Anatolia and the Black Sea region, covering the most important historical, cultural, and natural highlights of Turkey. From ancient civilizations and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to vibrant cities and unique landscapes, this tour offers a complete and unforgettable travel experience. We hope you leave Turkey with lasting memories, meaningful experiences, and a deeper connection to its rich heritage.