12-Day West and East Turkey Tour

Duration

10 Days

Type

Private
Semi Private

Category

Turkey Package Tours
11-18 Days Tours
Eastern Turkey Tours

Location

Overview

Highlights of: 12-Day West and East Turkey Tour 

Pamukkale|Ephesus| Konya|Cappadocia| Nemrut |Harran |Sanliurfa|Gobeklitepe|


This 10-day journey takes you beyond popular attractions like Cappadocia and Istanbul to mystic Eastern Turkey after exploring the must-see places.

This trip combines famous landmarks with hidden gems, from the lively streets of Istanbul to the dreamlike landscapes of Cappadocia, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. We will also seek the hidden treasures of eastern Turkey, such as Nemrut, Harran, Sanliurfa, and the famous Gobeklitepe.

The tour starts in Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Each brings stories from centuries past to life.

We will continue our journey with Ephesus, an ancient city once a thriving hub of the Roman Empire, and Pamukkale, home to magical white terraces where you can relax in natural thermal pools.

Next, travel to Cappadocia, a land of fairy chimneys and otherworldly rock formations. Here, you can take a hot air balloon to the skies for a magical view of this unique region.

The eastern part of Turkey adds more wonder to your trip. Watch the sunrise at Mount Nemrut, where giant stone statues of the Commagene Kings stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. This is a moment of awe you'll carry with you long after your journey ends.

Discover Gobeklitepe, the world's oldest temple site. Archaeologists still reveal its mysteries, giving you a glimpse of human history long before written records. You'll also visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to beautiful mosaics that tell the stories of an ancient civilization.

As you explore eastern Turkey, enjoy local flavors—from delicious kebabs to desserts like baklava—and experience the vibrant everyday life of the region.

This will help you connect more deeply to these mysterious lands and experience Turkey's rich culture, history, and fantastic nature.

Itinerary

Dinner
  • We will meet you at the airport when you arrive in Istanbul and drive you to your hotel.
  • In the evening, we will drive you to the port for the Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus in the evening, which offers stunning views of Istanbul, traditional Turkish dishes, and entertainment.
  • After dinner, return to your hotel.

Breakfast
  • We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive you to the airport for your flight to Izmir. We will meet at Izmir Airport and drive you to Selcuk for the Ephesus Tour.
  • We will visit the Virgin Mary's House, her last residence. You can explore the humble stone house she lived in in her previous years or enjoy the peaceful gardens.
  • Afterward, we will visit Ephesus Ancient City, including the Celsus Library, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, Hercules Gate, and Domitian Temple. We will also stop at the Ephesus Experience Museum for a unique experience.
  • Our last stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
  • At the end of the tour, we will drive you to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Breakfast - Dinner
  • You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Pamukkale in the morning. The journey takes approximately three hours and takes you through scenic countryside. 
  • During your tour, you will visit Hierapolis Ancient City, including the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, and Theater.
  • We will stop at Cleopatra's Pool. After walking through the ancient city, you can swim in the antique pool or rest.
  • Our last stop is the famous Cotton Castles. You can enjoy Pamukkale's hot, healing waters and take amazing photos.
  • At the end of the tour, you will check into your hotel and overnight in Pamukkale.

Breakfast
  • After breakfast, we will drive to Konya.
  • There, we will visit the Mevlana Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Sufi poet Rumi. The museum showcases his tomb and significant artifacts.
  • On our way to Cappadocia, we will also visit a Seljuk caravanserai.
  • We will rest and spend the night in Cappadocia.

Breakfast

*** Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Please book it in advance)

  •  After breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel and drive to Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of Cappadocia.
  • Next, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the rock-carved churches and fantastic frescoes on the walls.
  • We will visit the pottery workshops in Avanos to see traditional techniques still being used.
  • Afterward, we will visit Monk's Valley ( Pasabag) and see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and St. Simeon's rock-carved monk cell.
  • We will drive you back to your hotel after visiting Devrent Imagination Valley to see animal-shaped fairy chimneys.

Breakfast
  • After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Goreme Panorama Point to see Cappadocia from a different angle.
  • Next, we will drive to Red Valley for a 4-km hike. You will see rock-carved churches, pigeon houses, and local farms on the hike.
  • After visiting Cavusin Village, we will drive to Love Valley to see pillar-shaped rock formations.
  • We will visit Kaymakli Underground City, an underground settlement used as a shelter by early Christians.
  • After visiting Pigeon Valley, we will drive you back to your hotel. Overnight at Cappadocia.

Breakfast
  • We'll start our day early, leaving Cappadocia to travel along the historic Silk Road.
  • On the way, we'll visit the Karatayhan Caravanserai, a fascinating spot that once served as a rest stop for travelers and traders centuries ago.
  • During lunch, we'll stop in Kahramanmaraş to try their famous Maraş ice cream, known for its deliciously chewy texture.
  • Afterward, we'll continue to Kahta, settle into our hotel, and relax for the night.

Breakfast
  • We'll climb to Mount Nemrut to catch a stunning sunrise early in the morning.
  • We will explore the ancient ruins and learn about this incredible site's history.
  • From there, we'll travel to Sanliurfa, stopping at fascinating spots like Arsemia Castle, Karakus Tumulus, and the massive Ataturk Dam.
  • Once in Sanliurfa, we'll visit the sacred Abraham's Cave and the serene Balikligol, known as the Pool of Sacred Fish. Then, it's off to Harran, where we'll explore the ruins of the historic Islamic University, check out the ancient Harran Castle, and see the town's famous beehive-shaped houses.
  • At the end of the tour, we will drive you to your hotel in Sanliurfa, where you will spend the night.

Breakfast
  • Today, we'll visit Gobeklitepe, the world's oldest known temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Next, we'll head to Gaziantep to explore the incredible Zeugma Mosaic Museum, showcasing stunning artifacts from ancient times.
  • After the tour, we'll drive back to Cappadocia, enjoying scenic views of the Taurus Mountains. Tonight, we'll stay overnight in Cappadocia.

Breakfast
  • Today, you will have a free morning in Cappadocia, and we take you to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
  • Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

Breakfast
  • You will meet your tour guide at the hotel reception this morning and head to the old city.
  • During the tour, you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
  • At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.

Breakfast
  • Today, we will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule for your flight back home. 

Included/Excluded

All transportation with air-conditioned, modern vehicles driven by a professional driver
English Speaking Professional Tour Guide
Entrance fees
11 nights accommodation at 4* hotels.
Domestic Fligh Tickets
Personal Expenses and tips
Lunch and drinks

Type

Private
Semi Private

Category

Turkey Package Tours
11-18 Days Tours
Eastern Turkey Tours

Tour Location

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