7-Day Turkey Classics Tour

Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through the heart of Turkey, starting from Istanbul and uncovering enchanting cities such as Ankara, Saratli, Uçhisar, Göreme, Pamukkale, Ephesus, ?zmir, Troy, and Çanakkale.

Classical Turkey: A 7-Day Adventure

Day 1: Istanbul & Ankara

Your exploration begins with a pickup from a designated location in Istanbul, after which we'll set off for Ankara, situated 450 kilometers away. A notable moment of the journey occurs as we traverse the monumental Bosphorus Bridge.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a delightful dinner before retreating to your room for a restful night.

Day 2: Ankara, Saratli & Cappadocia

Following a scrumptious Turkish breakfast, your adventure continues with a guided exploration of Ankara. You'll visit significant sites such as the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which showcases a diverse collection of Anatolian archaeological artifacts spanning various historical periods, including Paleolithic and Hittite eras. The next stop is An?tkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of modern Turkey.

Concluding your time in the capital, travel to Cappadocia, making an enlightening stop at Saratli, renowned for its Underground City, a refuge established by early Christians. Explore its well-preserved chambers, stables, and communal areas.

Your arrival in Cappadocia will be in the late afternoon, where you'll savor dinner and spend the night.

Day 3: Cappadocia

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to discover Cappadocia's breathtaking landscapes. This renowned region dazzles with its extraordinary rock formations and fairy chimneys. Experience one of the most iconic hot air balloon rides as the sky fills with vibrant balloons at sunrise.

This guided tour will take you through Göreme, a locality known for its ancient homes and churches carved into the rocks, adorned with exquisite frescoes from the 10th and 11th centuries. The adventure continues to Uçhisar, characterized by its remarkable cave dwellings, followed by a stroll through the Monks Valley, home to stunning fairy chimneys and the Derbent Valley.

After soaking in the surreal beauty of Cappadocia, return to your hotel for the evening.

Day 4: Pamukkale

Following breakfast, board your comfortable coach and journey to Pamukkale, home to the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Your journey will include a stop at Sultan Han, a well-preserved Seljuk caravanserai from the 13th century. Once in Pamukkale, enjoy free time to explore the famous cotton castle, known for its stunning thermal pools and ancient travertine terraces.

After a fulfilling day, return to your hotel for another enjoyable dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Ephesus & ?zmir

In the morning, board the bus for a visit to Ephesus, an ancient city devoted to the Goddess Artemis.

As you explore this historical site, visit iconic landmarks such as the Odeon, Hadrian Temple, House of Love, Library of Celsus, Theatre, and The Agora. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the House of the Virgin Mary, the last known residence of Mary.

En route to ?zmir, take a moment to stop at a leather factory for a tour and shopping!

Upon arriving in ?zmir, the third largest city in Turkey, proceed to your hotel to enjoy dinner and rest for the night.

Day 6: ?zmir, Pergamon, Troy & Çanakkale

Depart ?zmir for a visit to Pergamon, a historical city near Bergama. Here, walk through the ancient ruins, especially the remnants of the Sanctuary of Asclepion, known as the first hospital in Asia Minor.

The next stop is the legendary city of Troy, known for its connection to the Trojan War. While at the archaeological site, you will see the famous wooden horse that played a key role in the history of Troy.

Continue to Çanakkale, where you will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 7: Çanakkale, Gallipoli & Istanbul

After breakfast, journey to Bursa, the inaugural capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1326 to 1364. Explore the historic center, including notable sites like the Great Ulucamii Mosque, Kozahan Silk Bazaar, and the Green Mausoleum.

As your week-long adventure comes to a close, return to Istanbul, where you'll be dropped off in Taksim or near the historic district.

Accommodation Details

This itinerary covers 6 nights of accommodation in 4 or 5-star hotels, including half board (breakfast and dinner):

• Ankara: Etap Alt?nel Ankara 5* or Ickale 5* or a comparable hotel
• Cappadocia: Dinler Urgup 5* or Avrasya Hotel 5* or a comparable hotel
• Pamukkale: Colossae Hotel 5* or Richmond Hotel 5* or a comparable hotel
• ?zmir: Blanca 4* or Palm City 4* or a comparable hotel
• Çanakkale: Iris 4*, Akol 4* or Idakale 4* or a comparable hotel

The listed price is per person based on double occupancy. Guests requiring a room with an extra bed must specify this during booking and will be charged the same rate as a double room. An additional fee is applied for those staying in a single room.

While quadruple rooms are not available, groups may request two adjoining double rooms based on hotel availability. Child discounts are applicable only when shared with two adults.

Pickup Locations

This tour includes pickup from various locations in Istanbul:

• International Islamic University for Sciences (IIAS) (formerly Marmara University Campus [Sultanahmet])
• Ataturk Cultural Center
• Marmaray Yenikapi Station (Aksaray entrance)
• Marmaray Sirkeci Station (Sirkeci Gar entrance)

Changes to Itinerary

The schedule of this tour may be subject to adjustments based on factors such as public or religious holidays, particularly on dates such as May 23-26, July 31, August 1-3, October 29, and Sundays. Certain monuments, including Ataturk Mausoleum, might be closed unexpectedly, in which case an external view will be offered instead.