10-Day Turkey Regional Tour – Marmara, Aegean & Central Anatolia

10-Day Turkey Tour – From Istanbul to Cappadocia via Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus & Pamukkale

Start your Turkey adventure in Istanbul and continue to Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. Then, take an overnight bus to Cappadocia. This 10-day tour is perfect for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive experience of Turkey’s history, culture, and natural wonders.

Overview

Discover Turkey’s highlights in 10 days. Start in Istanbul exploring historic sites, then travel to Gallipoli to visit WWI battlefields. Continue to ancient cities including Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus, and see natural wonders like Pamukkale and Cappadocia. Perfect for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive experience of Turkey’s history, culture, and nature.

Experiences

• Göreme Open Air Museum – Explore churches and frescoes

• Cappadocia Valleys – Hike through unique rock formations

• Gallipoli National Park – Visit WWI battlefields & cemeteries

• Troy Ancient City – See the legendary Trojan Horse

• Pergamon – Discover the ancient health center and library

• Ephesus – Ancient ruins & House of Virgin Mary

• Hierapolis & Pamukkale – Mineral pools & calcium terraces

• Bosphorus Cruise – Enjoy Istanbul’s skyline from the water

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul

• Time: According to your arrival flight

• Activities: Meet our staff at the airport and transfer to your hotel, check-in and leisure time. Explore the vibrant streets of Sultanahmet or enjoy a Turkish tea overlooking the Bosphorus.

• Accommodation: Istanbul hotel

• Meals: None

• Insider Tips: Arriving early? Visit Sultanahmet Square for a magical first glimpse of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque beautifully lit at night.

Day 2 – Istanbul: Treasures of Byzantium & Ottoman Heritage

• 08:30 AM: Hotel pick-up

• 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM: Guided city exploration

Key Highlights:

• Hagia Sophia: Icon of two empires, blending Byzantine mosaics with Ottoman calligraphy.

• Blue Mosque: Famous for its six minarets and 20,000 İznik tiles.

• Topkapi Palace: Walk through the imperial courtyards, treasury and harem.

• Grand Bazaar: Shop among thousands of stalls selling carpets, spices, and souvenirs.

• Hippodrome of Constantinople: Once the stage for chariot races and imperial ceremonies.

• Accommodation: Istanbul hotel

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Dress modestly for mosque visits. Comfortable shoes are essential—expect lots of walking on cobblestones.

Day 3 – Istanbul: Bosphorus & Two Continents Tour

• 08:30 AM: Hotel pick-up

• 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM: Discover Istanbul’s waterways and Asian side

Key Highlights:

• Spice Bazaar: Fragrant stalls with saffron, Turkish delight & dried fruits.

• Bosphorus Cruise: Glide between Europe and Asia, admire Ottoman palaces and seaside mansions.

• Golden Horn: Historical waterway that once protected Constantinople.

• Pierre Loti Hill: Enjoy panoramic café views over Istanbul.

• Eyüp Sultan Mosque: One of the holiest sites in the city.

• Accommodation: Istanbul hotel

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Sit on the right side of the boat for the best photos.

Day 4 – Istanbul → Gallipoli: ANZAC Battlefields

• 06:30 – 07:00 AM: Drive from Istanbul to Gallipoli

• 11:30 AM – 05:00 PM: Guided WWI memorial tour

Key Highlights:

• ANZAC Cove & Brighton Beach: Landing sites of 1915 campaign.

• Lone Pine Australian Memorial & Chunuk Bair NZ Memorial: Moving tributes to fallen soldiers.

• Trenches & battlefields: Preserved sites that tell the story of Gallipoli.

• Accommodation: Canakkale hotel

• Meals: Lunch

• Insider Tips: The area is spread out—carry water, wear a hat, and prepare for an emotional visit.

Day 5 – Troy & Pergamon → Kusadasi

• 08:30 AM – 07:00 PM: Ancient civilizations tour

Key Highlights:

• Troy: Walk through 9 layers of settlement and see the replica Trojan Horse.

• Pergamon Acropolis: Discover the steepest ancient theater and the Temple of Trajan.

• Asclepion: Early medical center dedicated to the god of healing.

• Accommodation: Kusadasi hotel

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Pergamon is on a hillside—be ready for climbing, but the views are breathtaking.

Day 6 – Ephesus & Virgin Mary House

• 08:30 AM – 05:00 PM: Guided tour of one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world

Key Highlights:

• Temple of Artemis: One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

• House of Virgin Mary: A peaceful pilgrimage site believed to be her last home.

• Ephesus Ancient City: Explore the Celsus Library, Marble Road, and the Great Theater.

• Şirince Village: Famous for local wines and traditional architecture.

• Accommodation: Kusadasi hotel

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Bring sunscreen and water—Ephesus is vast and mostly outdoors.

Day 7 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis → Overnight to Cappadocia

• 11:30 AM – 04:00 PM: Explore natural wonders & ancient spa city

Key Highlights:

• Pamukkale Travertines: Walk barefoot on white terraces filled with thermal water.

• Hierapolis Ancient City: See Roman baths, necropolis, and the grand theater.

• Cleopatra’s Antique Pool: Swim among submerged marble columns.

• Accommodation: Overnight bus or flight to Cappadocia

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Don’t forget swimwear if you want to take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool.

Day 8 – North Cappadocia Tour

• 09:30 AM – 05:00 PM: Explore fairy chimneys & open-air museums

Key Highlights:

• Göreme Open-Air Museum: UNESCO rock-cut churches with vivid frescoes.

• Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Surreal fairy chimney formations.

• Avanos: Pottery workshops by the Kızılırmak River.

• Uçhisar Castle: Natural fortress with sweeping valley views.

• Accommodation: Cappadocia hotel

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Consider an early morning hot-air balloon ride for once-in-a-lifetime views.

Day 9 – South Cappadocia Tour → Return to Istanbul

• 09:30 AM – 07:00 PM: Cappadocia exploration + evening flight to Istanbul

Key Highlights:

• Red Valley & Rose Valley: Scenic landscapes ideal for hiking and photography.

• Çavuşin Village: Rock-cut houses and ancient churches.

• Kaymaklı Underground City: Multi-level refuge carved into volcanic rock.

• Ortahisar Castle: Traditional village with fortress views.

• Accommodation: Istanbul hotel

• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

• Insider Tips: Underground cities can be narrow—avoid bulky bags and wear comfortable shoes.

Day 10 – Departure from Istanbul

• Time: Depends on your flight

• Activities: Free morning for last-minute shopping or sightseeing, transfer to the airport.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Insider Tips: Perfect time to buy Turkish delight, coffee, and handicrafts as souvenirs.

Includes

Included in the Tour

• Accommodation: 4 nights Istanbul, 1 night Canakkale, 2 nights Kusadasi, 2 nights Cappadocia

• Meals: Breakfast at hotels, Lunch during tours

• Guided Tours: Byzantine & Ottoman Relics, Bosphorus & Two Continents, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, North & South Cappadocia

• Transport: Hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned vehicles, international & domestic airport transfers, flights Izmir → Cappadocia & Cappadocia → Istanbul

• Entrance Fees: All monuments, ruins, museums

• Extras: Local taxes, service charges

Not Included

• Personal expenses

• Tips (optional)

• Drinks & dinners

• Meals on arrival day

Hotels

Hotel Options

Room Types: Single, Double, Triple
Price: Per person in double room
Note: If listed hotels are unavailable, similar alternatives will be provided

Istanbul: Sokullu Pasa, Yusuf Pasa, Orka Royal, Dosso Dossi Old City, Antik, Ikbal Deluxe, Holiday In Istanbul Old City, Mukarnas Pera, Askoç
Canakkale: Helen, Kervansaray, Liman
Kusadasi: Ilayda Avantgarde, Efe Boutique, Derici, Palm, Arora
Selçuk / Şirince: Kalehan, Kırkınca House
Cappadocia: Heaven Cave, Ottoman Cave Suites, Nostalji Cave Suit

Supplements: Single +40%, Triple -10%

Notes