12-Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Antalya & Cappadocia
Tour Overview
Quick Answer
This 12-day Turkey itinerary explores Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia, including 4-star hotels, domestic flights, guided sightseeing, Bosphorus cruise, and private transfers for a comprehensive journey across Turkey's historical and natural landmarks.
Travel across Turkey from the monuments of Istanbul to the archaeological treasures of western Anatolia and the volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia. Discover Byzantine and Ottoman heritage in Istanbul before cruising the Bosphorus, then continue through the Gallipoli battlefields, legendary Troy, and the Acropolis of Pergamon. Explore Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the traditional village of Sirince before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. The journey also includes Perge, Aspendos, Side, and two full days in Cappadocia featuring valleys, fairy chimneys, cave settlements, and the underground city of Kaymakli.
Tour Duration: 12 Days / 11 Nights
Destinations: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Selcuk (Ephesus), Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia
Guide Language: English (licensed guide)
Group Type: Private & Small Group Combination
Group Size: Up to 14 guests. Small groups are used only during scheduled sightseeing tours. Flights, ferry journeys, transfers, and leisure time are arranged independently.
Accommodation: 11 nights at 4-star hotels (Bed & Breakfast)
Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches
Flights: Domestic flights from Antalya to Kayseri and Kayseri to Istanbul
Starting Price: €2,500 per person
Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour date
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
Season: Available all year round
Recommended For: First-time visitors to Turkey, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking a comprehensive multi-city itinerary
Highlights
Explore Istanbul's historic landmarks, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, and a Bosphorus cruise.
Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula to discover ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial, Chunuk Bair, and other significant First World War memorial sites.
Discover the legendary city of Troy, Pergamon Acropolis, Ephesus Ancient City, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the traditional village of Sirince.
Experience the UNESCO-listed white terraces of Pamukkale and explore the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis.
Explore Perge, Aspendos, Side, Kursunlu Waterfall, and Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, valleys, cave churches, and Kaymakli Underground City.
Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer privately to your hotel. After check-in, meet your travel consultant for a short orientation and practical overview of your journey.
After breakfast, meet your private guide at 10:00 to explore Istanbul’s historic core. Begin at the ancient Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine Constantinople, and admire the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column. Continue to the stunning Blue Mosque and the iconic Hagia Sophia, showcasing centuries of architectural and cultural history. Finish the tour at Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans, and stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar. Return to your hotel around 16:00.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure. At 13:30–13:45, join your private boat tour along the scenic Bosphorus Strait. A light lunch is included on board as you take in views of the city’s skyline and historic waterfront landmarks.
Depart early between 06:30–07:00 for a scenic drive across the Thrace region to the Gallipoli Peninsula. After lunch in Eceabat, embark on a guided tour of the Gallipoli battlefields, visiting key World War I sites such as ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial, Chunuk Bair, and The Nek. Each stop tells poignant stories of courage and sacrifice. Continue to your hotel in Canakkale by 18:00.
After breakfast at 08:30, journey to the legendary city of Troy, famous for Homer’s epics. At 11:00, continue to Pergamon to explore its remarkable Acropolis, including the steep theater, temples, and the ancient Asclepion medical center. In the late afternoon, travel to Selcuk, near Ephesus, arriving at your hotel around 20:00.
Pick up from your hotel between 08:30–08:45 to visit the serene House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence. Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus, walking along marble streets past the Library of Celsus and the grand theater. After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis ruins and explore Sirince, a charming hillside village known for its traditional architecture and local wines. Return to your hotel by 16:30.
Depart at 07:30–07:45 to visit Pamukkale, Turkey’s famous white travertine terraces filled with mineral-rich waters. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its theater, necropolis, and thermal baths once frequented by Roman elites. After the tour, transfer to Antalya, arriving in the evening.
After breakfast, depart around 08:00 for a full-day tour of Pamphylia’s ancient wonders. Explore Perge’s stadium, Roman baths, agora, and colonnaded streets. Continue to the well-preserved Aspendos Theatre. Enjoy lunch by a riverside restaurant before visiting Side, where ancient ruins meet a lively seaside atmosphere. On the return journey, stop at Kursunlu Waterfall before heading back to Antalya.
After breakfast, transfer to Antalya Airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. A private transfer brings you to Goreme, in the heart of Cappadocia. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation or sightseeing in the surreal volcanic landscape.
Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia (weather permitting).
Pick up between 09:45–10:00 to explore North Cappadocia. Visit Uchisar Castle, the historic village of Cavusin, Pasabag’s fairy chimneys, and the Zelve Open Air Museum. After lunch, visit Devrent Valley and the “Three Beauties” viewpoint, then continue to Urgup and Avanos for a traditional pottery demonstration. Return to your hotel at 17:00.
After breakfast, pick up at 09:45–10:00 for a tour of South Cappadocia. Visit Ortahisar Castle, Mustafapasa village, and Sobesos ruins. Enjoy a scenic walk in Soganli Valley, then lunch in a local village. Explore Kaymakli Underground City before transferring to Kayseri Airport for your 20:45 flight to Istanbul. Arrive at 22:20 and transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, check out by 12:00 PM and enjoy a private transfer to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
End your unforgettable journey through Turkey.
Included
Excluded
Additional Notes
- Combines Turkey's most significant historical, archaeological, cultural, and natural destinations within a single itinerary.
- Includes both World War I heritage sites and some of the country's most important ancient cities.
- Features a combination of private guiding in Istanbul and professionally guided small-group tours across the remaining destinations.
- Domestic flights and private transfers reduce overland travel between distant regions.
- Covers multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites together with iconic historical landmarks and unique landscapes.
- Upgrade to premium hotel accommodation where available.
- Add an optional sunrise hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia.
- Request fully private touring instead of scheduled small-group excursions.
- Extend your stay in Istanbul or Cappadocia before or after the tour.
- Arrange honeymoon amenities or special celebration services upon request.
- Wear supportive walking shoes for archaeological sites featuring uneven marble streets and stone pathways.
- Carry sun protection for outdoor visits, especially in Pamukkale, Ephesus, Perge, Aspendos, and Gallipoli.
- Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography in Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
- Dress respectfully when entering active religious sites such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
- Bring layered clothing, as temperatures can vary considerably between coastal regions and central Anatolia.
Visa requirements for Turkey vary by nationality. Before traveling, please check the latest visa regulations and passport validity requirements applicable to your country. Many travelers can enter Turkey visa-free, while others may be eligible for an e-Visa or need to apply through a Turkish embassy or consulate. Once your booking is confirmed, our travel experts will be happy to provide the latest entry information and travel guidance for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
- This tour is available for Daily all year round
- Tour Can be customized.
- Price per person, based on a minimum of 2 adults.
- Price does not include international flight tickets.
- Transfers are considered with 1 luggage per person.
- Once domestic air tickets are issued cannot be modified and a 100% fees will apply in case of cancellation
- Domestic flights schedule may change.
- Domestic Flights Baggage Allowance (including 15 kilos of luggage + 8 kilos of hand luggage)
- Step 1: Booking Request & Confirmation
Once we receive your official request to book your chosen tour package, our team will check local availability and confirm all services (hotels, ferries, and transfers) accordingly.
- Step 2: Official Itinerary Review
Once everything is verified, we will email you your official, final tour itinerary detailing every aspect of your day-by-day journey.
- Step 3: Secure Your Reservation
Upon your review and explicit confirmation of this itinerary, we will proceed to the secure payment process to finalize your booking.
- Payment Schedule:
To lock in your dates and secure your hotels/transfers, a 50% booking deposit is required at the time of confirmation. The remaining 50% balance will be automatically and safely charged 3 weeks (21 days) prior to your scheduled tour start date.
🔒 100% Encrypted & Hassle-Free Bank Payment Gateway
- No Card Sharing Required: Your financial security is our top priority. You are never required to share your credit card numbers, CVV, or sensitive information via email, chat, or over the phone.
- How the Secure Link Works: We generate a unique, secure payment link directly through our bank’s certified merchant system. This link is pre-set specifically to your exact due invoice amount.
- The Process: You simply open the link, fill in your credit card information on the bank’s fully encrypted payment form, and the transaction is completed instantly.
- Instant Digital Receipts: The moment your payment is processed, our system automatically generates and emails you an official digital receipt for your financial records.
- Accepted Cards: For your security, we accept VISA and MASTERCARD credit cards only. Please note that debit cards, prepaid cards, or other payment cards are not supported by our secure payment gateway.
Reservations may only be canceled by submitting a formal written notice sent via email or certified mail directly to our agency. Because we pre-pay and secure local boutique hotels, high-speed ferries, and domestic flight entities well in advance on behalf of our travelers, our cancellation policy is strictly structured based on the timeline below:
- ⚠️ DOMESTIC FLIGHTS & FERRIES ARE 100% NON-REFUNDABLE: Once domestic flight or ferry tickets are officially issued, they cannot be modified, and a 100% cancellation fee applies to that portion of the package immediately, regardless of when the cancellation notice is received.
- ⏳ Land Portion Cancellation Scale:
For the remaining land portion costs that are legally recoverable from our local hotel and transfer entities, refunds are calculated as follows:
- Notice received 31 days or more prior to arrival/tour start date: 100% Refund (No cancellation fee applies to the land portion).
- Notice received between 31 and 21 days prior to scheduled tour: 75% Refund of the land portion.
- Notice received between 21 and 14 days prior to scheduled tour: 50% Refund of the land portion.
- Notice received 13 days or less prior to scheduled tour: No Refund will be issued.
Are domestic flights included?
Yes. The package includes domestic flights from Antalya to Kayseri and from Kayseri to Istanbul.
Is accommodation included?
Yes. The itinerary includes 11 nights in 4-star hotels with daily breakfast.
Are international flights included?
No. International airfare is not included in the tour package.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with eight lunches during the guided touring days and Bosphorus cruise.
What type of tour is this?
The itinerary combines a private guided Istanbul tour with small-group guided tours throughout Gallipoli, western Turkey, Antalya, and Cappadocia.
Is the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride included?
No. The sunrise balloon flight is available as an optional activity, subject to weather conditions.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Turkey?
Yes. The itinerary connects many of Turkey's principal historical, archaeological, cultural, and natural destinations within one journey.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before the scheduled tour date.
