7 Day Turkey Itinerary: Istanbul, Antalya & Ephesus
Tour Overview
Quick Answer
This 7-day Turkey tour combines the cultural highlights of Istanbul with the Mediterranean heritage of Antalya and the ancient wonders of Ephesus. Begin in Istanbul with a guided Old City tour featuring Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, followed by a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Continue to Antalya to explore the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side, including the impressive Roman theatre and the coastal ruins. Travel onward to the Aegean region for a guided visit to Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis, and the traditional village of Sirince. The package includes 6 nights in 4-star hotels, daily breakfast, 2 lunches, three domestic flights, private airport and hotel transfers, licensed English-speaking guides, scheduled sightseeing, and entrance fees. The itinerary combines private services with small-group excursions for a convenient way to discover three distinctive regions of Turkey.
Tour at a Glance
| Tour Duration | 7 Days / 6 Nights |
|---|---|
| Destinations | Istanbul, Antalya, Perge, Aspendos, Side, Kusadasi, Ephesus & Sirince |
| Tour Type | Private & Small Group Combination |
| Group Size | Up to 14 guests |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Accommodation | 6 Nights at 4-Star Hotels – Bed & Breakfast |
| Meals | 6 Breakfasts & 2 Lunches |
| Domestic Flights | Istanbul → Antalya, Antalya → Izmir & Izmir → Istanbul |
| Starting Price | From €1,445 per person. (Seasonal pricing may vary depending on travel dates, flight availability, and hotel selection.) |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Availability | Year-round |
| Recommended For | First-time visitors, history enthusiasts & travelers seeking a comprehensive Turkey itinerary |
| Small Group Note | Small groups are used only during scheduled sightseeing tours. Flights, ferry journeys, transfers, and leisure time are arranged independently. |
Highlights
Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
Experience a scenic Bosphorus Cruise while viewing palaces, mosques, and waterfront residences stretching between Europe and Asia.
Visit the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side, featuring Roman theatres, temples, stadiums, and archaeological remains.
Discover Ephesus Ancient City, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the sacred House of the Virgin Mary.
Explore the Temple of Artemis and stroll through the traditional streets of Sirince Village, known for its preserved stone architecture and local wine culture.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or cruise port, you will be greeted and transferred privately to your hotel. Check-in is available after 13:00. Later, your travel representative will meet you at the hotel to provide a brief overview of the itinerary. The remainder of the day is free for personal exploration or rest.
After breakfast, at around 10:00, your private guide will meet you at your hotel. The day begins with a full tour of Istanbul’s historical peninsula, including highlights such as the Egyptian Obelisk, Hippodrome of Constantinople, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. The tour continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar, home to thousands of shops. Return to the hotel around 16:00. Evening at leisure in Istanbul.
After breakfast, departure at approximately 08:30 for a half-day excursion. The route passes the Golden Horn and Byzantine city walls before arriving at the Spice Bazaar. From here, you will board a boat for a scenic Bosphorus Cruise. The tour ends around 12:30 at Sultanahmet Square. Later, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Antalya. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
At 08:00, departure for a full-day excursion. First stop is Perge, once a major city of Pamphylia, featuring Roman baths, an ancient stadium, colonnaded streets, and an agora. Continue to Aspendos, famous for its remarkably preserved Roman theatre dating back to the 2nd century AD with a capacity of 15,000 spectators. Lunch will be served at a local riverside restaurant. The journey then continues to Side, an ancient coastal city with Roman ruins including a theatre and Temple of Apollo, followed by free time by the sea. On the return to Antalya, a stop will be made at Kursunlu Waterfalls before heading back to the hotel.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet your driver and continue with a private transfer to Kusadasi. Evening at leisure.
After breakfast, pick-up from the hotel between 08:30–08:45 for a guided Ephesus tour. The first visit is the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site. Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus, home to impressive ruins including the Celsus Library. After lunch, the tour continues with the Temple of Artemis and the charming village of Sirince, known for its traditional atmosphere. Later, transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Arrival transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, hotel check-out is required before 12:00. A private transfer will take you to Istanbul Airport for your international departure.
Included
Excluded
FAQ
The itinerary combines private services, including transfers and the Istanbul Old City tour, with scheduled small-group excursions in Istanbul, Antalya, and Ephesus.
Yes. Flights from Istanbul to Antalya, Antalya to Izmir, and Izmir back to Istanbul are included.
The package includes six nights in 4-star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis.
The tour has a moderate physical difficulty level due to walking at archaeological sites, historic districts, and uneven terrain.
Yes. Entrance fees for the attractions included in the guided tours are covered.
No. Lunch is included during the Antalya and Ephesus guided tour days only, as specified in the itinerary.
Free cancellation is available up to 30 days before the scheduled tour date.
Yes. The itinerary operates throughout the year.
Additional Notes
- Combines Istanbul, the Mediterranean coast, and the Aegean region within one itinerary.
- Includes licensed English-speaking guides for all scheduled sightseeing.
- Domestic flights reduce long overland travel between major destinations.
- Private airport and hotel transfers provide seamless transportation throughout the journey.
- Balances guided cultural visits with free time for independent exploration.
- Upgrade to premium or boutique hotel accommodation.
- Add extra nights before or after the tour.
- Arrange private guided sightseeing instead of scheduled small-group tours.
- Include a private Bosphorus yacht experience.
- Add a honeymoon package with room decorations and special amenities.
- Request customized airport transfer or private vehicle services.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as archaeological sites feature uneven stone pathways.
- Visit the Grand Bazaar with cash available for smaller purchases and local handicrafts.
- Carry sun protection during visits to Ephesus and Antalya, particularly from late spring through early autumn.
- Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting for photography at Ephesus and Side.
- Respect local dress customs when visiting active religious sites such as the Blue Mosque.
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.
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- 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.
