17 Days, East & West Turkey Private Tour From Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! Our representative will meet you at your hotel lobby In the evening at 18.30. This will give you a chance to meet with your fellow travelers and ask your questions to your guide about upcoming days. Overnight in Istanbul

Today we move onwards to Kars, a city dotted with Russian, Ottoman, and Selcuk monuments. After check-in at our hotel, we will drive a short distance to visit the ruins of Ani, the medieval capital of Armenia. Overnight Kars

Today we drive to Van. On the way, we visit Ishak Pasha Palace, a rare example of a mixture of Ottoman and Middle-Eastern architectural styles. After check-in at our hotel, we take a boat out onto Lake Van, visiting Akdamar Island and its 10th-century Armenian Holy Cross Church. Overnight Van

As we make our way to Mardin, we visit Hasankeyf, an ancient settlement and current natural conservation area with rich archeological sites dating from the 12th century AD. Overnight Mardin

Today we explore the ancient town on Mardin, known for its intricate and fascinating limestone architecture. Sites include the Mor Hananyo Monastery, as well as a couple of small churches and mosques. Overnight Mardin

We drive to Kahta today. On the way, we stop to visit Urfa, known as the Prophets’ City due to the legend telling that it was Abraham’s hometown. Overnight Kahta

This morning you have the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the tomb sanctuary at Mount Nemrut. After the breakfast, we drive to Cappadocia. In the evening, there is the option to watch a Whirling Dervish ritual. Overnight Cappadocia

Early this morning, you have the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride. After breakfast, we visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, Uçhisar Castle, Pasabag (the Valley of the Monks), and trek through this magical landscape. Overnight Cappadocia

Today we head to a local village just outside of Konya where we will spend the night with a family. On the way, we stop at the Kaymakli Underground City and Sultan Han (Sultanhani Caravanserai), the largest caravanserai in Anatolia. Upon arrival in Konya, we tour the mausoleum and accompanying museum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. As part of our homestay, we enjoy the famous Turkish hospitality and some of the most delicious home-cooked food. There is a chance to explore the surrounding areas, perhaps visiting the cooperative that sells hand-made items or sitting and relaxing in the tea garden to watch village life pass. Overnight Guneysınır (homestay)

Today we head towards Antalya, stopping along the way at Aspendos, whose Roman theatre is one of the preserved in the world. Upon arrival in Antalya, we have a walking tour of the Old City, notable for its Castle Gate, Grooved Minaret, and Ottoman-style buildings. Overnight Antalya

On our way to Kaş, we make a short stop in Kekova. By boat, we tour the Island of Kekova where you see the remains of a sunken ancient town. We explore the archeological site of Simena Castle and the surrounding Lycian tombs on this beautiful windswept stretch of the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Overnight Kaş

Continuing our coastal drive, we head to Pamukkale today. In the afternoon, we head to hierapolis, one of the most beautiful white calcium terraces in the world. Overnight Pamukkale.

Today we continue to Pamukkale, first visiting the ancient city of Hierapolis, whose impressive sites include the Frontinus and North Byzantine Gates, the Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, and the Necropolis. Nearby are the magnificent white calcium terraces (travertines) of Pamukkale. In the afternoon, we continue to Selçuk. Overnight Selçuk

More history awaits, with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Traversing the marble streets of Ephesus, notable sites we will see include the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the 25,000-seat amphitheatre. Afterwards, we drive to the house of the Virgin Mary. We will stop at Sirince Village for lunch. After exploring this village, we will head to the St. John Basilica. Overnight Selçuk

Today we drive to Çanakkale, stopping in Pergamon and Troy on the way. In Pergamon, we will tour of the magnificent Acropolis, whose impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political center of its time. Afterwards, we will visit the ancient walls of Troy. Overnight Çanakkale

Today we travel to one of the most emotionally-touching places in Turkey—Gallipoli—where we will tour the WWI battlefields. Sites include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery, the original trenches and tunnels, as well as the Nek. In the afternoon, we will make our way back to Istanbul. Overnight Istanbul

After breakfast, our tour concludes, and we say goodbye to our new friends. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.