Epic Türkiye Explorer: From Gallipoli to Mount Ararat in 19 Days (Istanbul-Gallipoli-Troy-Ephesus-Pamukkale-Fethiye-Konya-Cappadocia-Van-Kars)
Tour Type
Cultural Tours
Group Size
15 persons
Location
Turkey
Overview
This 11-day journey traces the footsteps of ancient civilizations across Türkiye. From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul to the Hittite capital of Hattusa, the Phrygian tombs of Midas, and the mythic ruins of Troy—this tour is a deep dive into Anatolia’s layered history. Ideal for archaeology lovers, cultural explorers, and heritage travelers. Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Bosphorus Cruise, Samsun & Amasya: Atatürk’s landing site, Pontic tombs, Red River views, Boğazköy & Hattusa: Alacahöyük, Yazılıkaya sanctuary, Hittite temples, Ankara: Atatürk Mausoleum, Museum of Civilizations, Ankara Castle, Phrygia Valley: Midas Tomb, Acropolis, Gordon ruins, Bursa & Iznik: Ottoman mosques, silk market, Council of Nicaea, Assos & Troy: Temple of Athena, Homeric ruins, Gallipoli & Edirne: Dardanelles crossing, Selimiye Mosque
Included/Excluded
18 Nights In 4-Star hotels
Airport Transfers (IST/SAW)
Domestic Flights: Cappadocia → Van, Kars → Istanbul
Professional English-Speaking Guide
Air-Conditioned Private Transport
Wine Tasting & Cooking Course
All Service Charges And Taxes
18 Breakfast, 18 Dinner
Entrance Fees To All Sites
International Flights
Turkey Entry Visa
Optional Tours, Personal Spendings, Tips
All Lunches
Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul Arrival, hotel transfer
Day 1
Istanbul Arrival, hotel transfer
Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in and getting your first glimpse of this mesmerizing city that bridges two continents.
Day 2
Istanbul Old City tour
Day 2
Istanbul Old City tour
Immerse yourself in history with a full-day tour of the Sultanahmet district. We will explore the iconic landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, walking through the heart of the Old City.
Day 3
Gallipoli WWI memorials
Day 3
Gallipoli WWI memorials
We depart for the Gallipoli Peninsula to visit the significant WWI memorial sites. We will pay our respects at the battlefields, Anzac Cove, and the monuments dedicated to the soldiers who fought here.
Day 4
Troy → Pergamon → Kusadasi Ancient ruins
Day 4
Troy → Pergamon → Kusadasi Ancient ruins
Step into mythology at the ancient city of Troy, famous for the wooden horse. Afterward, we visit the stunning acropolis of Pergamon before driving along the coast to arrive in the resort town of Kusadasi.
Day 5
Ephesus → Sirince Wine tasting, carpet village
Day 5
Ephesus → Sirince Wine tasting, carpet village
Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. We will also visit a traditional carpet weaving center and end the day with local wine tasting in the charming hillside village of Sirince.
Day 6
Aphrodisias → Pamukkale Temple of Aphrodite
Day 6
Aphrodisias → Pamukkale Temple of Aphrodite
We travel to Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the Goddess of Love. Later, we arrive in Pamukkale to see the surreal white travertine terraces, known as the "Cotton Castle."
Day 7
Fethiye Hot springs, lakeside views
Day 7
Fethiye Hot springs, lakeside views
Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and enjoy the thermal hot springs. En route to Fethiye, we stop at Salda Lake, famous for its white sands and turquoise waters, often called the "Turkish Maldives."
Day 8
Fethiye Free day
Day 8
Fethiye Free day
Today is a free day for you to relax. You may choose to explore the marina, relax on the beach, or join optional activities like paragliding over Oludeniz or a boat tour of the 12 Islands.
Day 9
Kayakoy → Antalya Museum visit
Day 9
Kayakoy → Antalya Museum visit
We visit Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek "ghost village" with a haunting atmosphere. Afterward, we drive to Antalya to visit the renowned Antalya Museum, home to spectacular statues and artifacts.
Day 10
Perge → Aspendos Roman amphitheatre
Day 10
Perge → Aspendos Roman amphitheatre
Discover the ancient Pamphylian city of Perge, followed by a visit to Aspendos, which houses the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the ancient world, still used for performances today.
Day 11
Konya → Sille Mevlana Museum
Day 11
Konya → Sille Mevlana Museum
We travel inland to Konya, the spiritual center of Turkey. Visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Rumi, and explore the historic Christian village of Sille nearby.
Day 12
Cappadocia Caravanserai, underground city
Day 12
Cappadocia Caravanserai, underground city
En route to Cappadocia, we visit a medieval Seljuk Caravanserai on the Silk Road. Upon arrival, we descend into one of Cappadocia’s famous multi-level underground cities used by early Christians as hideouts.
Day 13
Cappadocia Göreme, pottery village
Day 13
Cappadocia Göreme, pottery village
A full day exploring the fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum. We will also visit a local pottery workshop in Avanos to see the ancient art of ceramic making.
Day 14
Cappadocia → Van Flight, Lake Van
Day 14
Cappadocia → Van Flight, Lake Van
We transfer to the airport for a flight to Van. Upon arrival, enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Van, the largest soda lake in the world.
Day 15
Van → Akdamar Island Ferry, Urartu Museum
Day 15
Van → Akdamar Island Ferry, Urartu Museum
We take a ferry across the lake to Akdamar Island to visit the medieval Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Later, we explore the deep history of the region at the Urartu Museum.
Day 16
Van → Dogubayazit → Kars Ishak Pasha Palace
Day 16
Van → Dogubayazit → Kars Ishak Pasha Palace
A scenic drive takes us to Dogubayazit to see the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural wonder nestled in the mountains. We continue our journey to the city of Kars.
Day 17
Kars → Ani Armenian ruins
Day 17
Kars → Ani Armenian ruins
We visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani, the "City of 1001 Churches." Located on the Armenian border, these medieval ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past.
Day 18
Kars → Istanbul Flight, hotel transfer
Day 18
Kars → Istanbul Flight, hotel transfer
Transfer to Kars airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a final evening in the city.
Day 19
Istanbul Departure after breakfast
Day 19
Istanbul Departure after breakfast
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the international airport for your flight home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Epic Turkey.
Travel Styles
Cultural
Days of Vacation
16-22 Days
Location
Istanbul
Denizli
Canakkale
Izmir
Konya
Cappadocia
Van
KarsFAQs
Is this tour suitable for those with no prior background in archaeology?
Absolutely. This tour is designed not just for experts, but for travelers of all levels who have a passion for history and culture. Our professional guides share everything from Hittite hieroglyphs to Ottoman architecture in an engaging, storytelling style that everyone can enjoy.
What are the weather conditions like in regions such as Hattusa and the Phrygian Valley?
These areas have a typical Central Anatolian climate, meaning days are usually sunny and bright while evenings can get quite cool. Especially during the extensive outdoor walks in Boğazköy and Yazılıkaya, we recommend bringing a hat for sun protection and a light jacket for the evening breeze.
Will there be opportunities to try local cuisine along the route?
Yes, this journey is also a gastronomic adventure. From the local treats of Amasya to the famous kebabs of Bursa, and from Edirne’s signature liver dishes to the renowned regional home cooking during the Bolu transit, we take breaks at Anatolia’s most special culinary stops.
Can we use a Museum Pass during the Troy and Assos visits?
The MuseumPass Turkey is valid at all archaeological sites and offers a great advantage for entrance. For our international guests, our operations team coordinates the entrance fees; your guide will manage the entire process to ensure you don't lose any time at the gates.
How is transportation comfort ensured during the 11-day journey?
Our travels are conducted in luxury tour vehicles equipped with modern amenities and extra legroom to ensure maximum comfort even over long distances. We stop frequently at select rest areas with panoramic views during intercity transfers to prevent travel fatigue.
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3.164,71 $
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