Jewels of Sultans Crown - 12 days
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and historical treasures of Turkey. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. From the bustling metropolis of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the thermal baths of Pamukkale, every day brings a new adventure. Experience the thrill of haggling in the Grand Bazaar, marvel at the Byzantine art in rock-cut churches, witness the mystical Whirling Dervishes, and explore the ancient city of Perge. This tour is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of Turkey's rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural wonders.
Included
11 nights 4 star hotels
Airport arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 12 (one each day)
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
Breakfast daily and 8 dinners
English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
Touring as per itinerary
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul! Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapı Palace
- Rumelian Lighthouse
- More
After breakfast, we'll embark on a full-day tour of Istanbul. We'll explore the grand Topkapi Palace, admire the exterior of the iconic Hagia Sophia, visit the historic Blue Mosque, and experience the Roman Hippodrome's ancient charm. The day ends with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can test your bargaining skills. In the evening, you have the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with entertainment.
Day 3 – Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia via Ankara
- Istanbul
- Ankara
- More
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- More
Today, we'll drive to Ankara, where we'll visit the mausoleum and museum of Kemal Ataturk, a revered leader known for his progressive reforms and strategic command during World War I. From there, we'll journey through the picturesque Lakeland before arriving in the unique region of Cappadocia.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Cappadocia
Day 4: Discovering Cappadocia
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Kaymaklı Underground City
- Kizilcukur Valley
- Uchisar Castle
- More
Start the day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Then, we'll explore the Kaymakli Underground City, a refuge for early Christians, and the Goreme Open Air Museum, home to some of the best examples of Byzantine art in rock-cut churches. We'll also visit the natural fortress of Uchisar and enjoy a demonstration of local handicrafts.
Day 5 – Day 5: Cappadocia to Pamukkale via Konya
- Konya
- Pamukkale
- More
- Sultanhanı Caravanserai
- Mevlâna Museum
- More
Today, we'll drive to Pamukkale, stopping at the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai and the city of Konya. In Konya, we'll visit the Mevlana Museum, the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes and an important place of pilgrimage. In the evening, you have the option to watch a Whirling Dervishes performance.
Day 6 – Day 6: Konya to Antalya
- Konya
- Antalya
- More
- Aspendos Ruins
- Beach
- More
This morning, we'll drive to Antalya, visiting the ancient city of Perge, originally settled by the Hittites around 1500BC, and Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world.
Day 7 – Day 7: Antalya to Pamukkale
- Antalya
- Pamukkale
- More
After breakfast, we'll depart for Pamukkale. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You might want to try the beautiful thermal baths at your hotel.
Day 8 – Day 8: Pamukkale to Kusadasi via Hierapolis
- Pamukkale
- More
- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- The Temple of Artemis
- Pamukkale Turkey
- More
After breakfast, we'll visit the incredible white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its Necropolis graveyard. We'll also see the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, and the sacred pool. En route to Kusadasi, we'll visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
Day 9 – Day 9: Exploring Ephesus
Day 9: Exploring Ephesus
- El Heykeli
- Guzelcamli Naturel Park
- More
This morning, we'll drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. In the afternoon, you can visit a Turkish leather manufacturing house where products are available for sale.
Day 10 – Day 10: Kusadasi to Canakkale via Bergama
- Çanakkale
- More
- Bergama Museum
- More
Departing early, we'll visit Bergama, the site of the ancient city of Pergamum, one of Turkey's oldest civilised settlements. We'll explore the ancient acropolis and the Altar of Zeus. We'll then continue to Troy, the ancient city made famous by Homer's Odyssey. Afterwards, we'll drive on to Canakkale.
Day 11 – Day 11: Canakkale to Istanbul via Gallipoli
- Istanbul
- Çanakkale
- More
- Gallipoli Mevlevihane
- More
After breakfast, we'll cross the Dardanelles to visit the evocative battlefields of Gallipoli, where over 11,000 Anzacs lost their lives in World War 1. We'll visit key sites such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, The Nek, and other Turkish and Allied trenches. Afterward, we'll return to Istanbul.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
- More
Your tour arrangements end after breakfast. We'll arrange your onward transfer to the airport. We hope you enjoyed your journey through Turkey and look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.