Classic 11 Days Max 8 People 7 UNESCO Sites
Best of Turkey Tour
An 11-day journey through Turkey's greatest highlights — Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one private guide, maximum 8 people.
Price from: $2,990 per person
Single supplement: $890
Route: Istanbul → Istanbul
Availability: All Year
Tour Highlights
- 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 11 days — Istanbul, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia
- Private specialist guide with 25+ years across every site on this route
- Gallipoli ANZAC battlefield — deeply moving and expertly narrated
- Cave hotel stay in Cappadocia with optional sunrise hot air balloon
- Ephesus — the best-preserved Roman city in the world, with the Celsus Library and Curetes Street
- Pamukkale travertines and Hierapolis necropolis — one of Turkey's most distinctive landscapes
- Domestic flight included — Cappadocia back to Istanbul in 90 minutes
- Small group maximum 8 people — personal attention at every site
The Best of Turkey tour covers the western and central arc that has defined Turkey's reputation as a travel destination — Istanbul's UNESCO historic peninsula, the Gallipoli battlefields, the legendary ruins of Troy, the Hellenistic and Roman layers of Pergamon and Ephesus, the white calcium terraces of Pamukkale, the Sufi heritage of Konya, and Cappadocia's volcanic landscape of underground cities and cave churches.
This is a private tour with a licensed specialist guide and a maximum of eight people. The pace is unhurried — full mornings at Ephesus, proper time at Pamukkale's travertines, and evenings in locally-chosen hotels rather than resort complexes on the edge of town. All entrance fees, 10 breakfasts, and 7 dinners are included.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul Welcome / Arrival
- Airport welcome and transfer to your hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet, within walking distance of the Hippodrome.
- Afternoon free to explore at your own pace — the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar waterfront are all nearby.
- Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City.
Day 2 Istanbul Historic Treasures
- Topkapi Palace: the seat of Ottoman power for 400 years — the Imperial Harem, the Treasury, and the Sacred Relics.
- Hagia Sophia: 1,500 years of continuous history as Byzantine cathedral, Ottoman mosque, and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome with its Egyptian Obelisk, and the Grand Bazaar with 4,000 shops across 61 covered streets.
- Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City.
Day 3 Gallipoli Peninsula & Canakkale Crossing
- Spice Bazaar and the 16th-century Rüstem Pasha Mosque — one of Istanbul's finest Iznik tile interiors.
- Gallipoli Peninsula: ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Memorial — the 1915 Dardanelles Campaign battlegrounds.
- Ferry crossing of the Dardanelles to Çanakkale — the strait where Europe and Asia face each other.
- 320 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: 4-Star Iris Hotel Canakkale.
Day 4 Legendary Troy & Ancient Pergamon
- Troy: nine layers of occupation spanning 3,500 years, from the Bronze Age city of Homer's Iliad to the Roman city of Ilium.
- Pergamon Acropolis: a Hellenistic library city rivalling Alexandria — the Temple of Trajan, the 10,000-seat theatre cut into the hillside.
- Asklepion: the ancient healing sanctuary and forerunner of the modern hospital — sacred springs, dream therapy, and the medical school of Galen.
- 390 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: 5-Star Elite World Hotel Kusadasi.
Day 5 Magnificent Ephesus & Sacred Sites
- House of the Virgin Mary: traditionally identified as Mary's final home — a pilgrimage site for Catholics, Orthodox Christians, and Muslims.
- Ephesus: the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre (24,000 capacity), the Temple of Hadrian, and the marble-paved Curetes Street — one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world.
- Basilica of St. John: the 6th-century Byzantine church built by Emperor Justinian over the apostle's tomb.
- 30 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: 5-Star Elite World Hotel Kusadasi.
Day 6 Aphrodisias Artistry & Pamukkale Wonders
- Aphrodisias: one of the most completely excavated ancient cities in Turkey — the stadium, the Tetrapylon gateway, and the 2nd-century sculpture school.
- Laodicea: one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, actively being excavated.
- Pamukkale travertines: white calcium terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs — bathing permitted in designated pools.
- Hierapolis: the Roman spa city above the springs — a 15,000-seat theatre and the largest ancient necropolis in Asia Minor.
- 280 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: 5-Star Hierapark Hotel.
Day 7 Catalhoyuk Prehistory & Konya Mysticism
- Çatalhöyük: a 9,000-year-old Neolithic settlement and UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the earliest proto-cities, with residents entering through roof holes.
- Konya: the spiritual home of Rumi and the Mevlevi Sufi order (the Whirling Dervishes).
- Mevlana Museum: the tekke where Rumi lived and is buried — the most-visited museum in Turkey, preserving his sarcophagus and manuscripts.
- 390 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: 5-Star Bayir Diamond Hotel Konya.
Day 8 Cappadocia'S Underground Marvels
- Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı underground city: carved up to 10 storeys into the volcanic tuff — a fully self-contained refuge with stables, wine cellars, and churches for up to 20,000 people.
- Uçhisar: the highest natural rock fortress in Cappadocia — panoramic views across the valleys towards Mount Erciyes (3,916 m).
- Ortahisar: a quieter rock fortress village with cave dwellings still in use within living memory.
- Traditional carpet weaving demonstration — a craft practised in Cappadocia for over 2,000 years.
- 220 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Day 9 Cappadocia'S Hidden Valleys
- Optional sunrise hot air balloon: 1 hour over the fairy chimneys at dawn — 180–280 EUR per person, not included in tour price.
- Göreme Open Air Museum: 10th–13th century cave churches with intact Byzantine frescoes — the Dark Church, the Snake Church, and the Apple Church.
- Paşabağ (Monks Valley): mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys with 5th-century hermit monks' cells carved into the caps.
- Zelve Open Air Museum: an entire troglodyte community of cave dwellings abandoned in 1952 — three valleys of rock-carved homes, mills, and chapels.
- Avanos pottery workshops beside the Kızılırmak River — red clay ceramics made here for 4,000 years.
- 40 km | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Overnight: MDC Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Day 10 Return To Istanbul
- Morning domestic flight to Istanbul — included in tour price.
- Hotel transfer and free afternoon — the Grand Bazaar or a Bosphorus cruise are easy options.
- Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: 5-Star Holiday Inn Istanbul City.
Day 11 Departure From Istanbul
- Breakfast and transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Optional Activities
| Activity | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia Price varies by season and operator. Book through us for the best experience. | 180 – 280 EUR | 1 hour |
| Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Cappadocia | $50 USD | 1.5 hours |
2026 Departure Dates
April 3–13
April 17–27
May 1–11
May 16–26
May 29 – June 8
June 12–22
August 28 – September 7
September 11–21
October 2–12
October 16–26
October 30 – November 9
December 18–28
What's Included
- Air fares from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Fast track museum pass to all sites in Turkey
- 10 nights hotel accommodation
- 10 breakfast, 8 dinner
- Private tour guide
- Entrance fees
- All transportation in latest model private tour van
Price Excludes
- — Gratitude for guide and driver
- — Any private expenses
Cancellation Policy
60+
Days before
Full Refund
100% returned
30–60
Days before
50% Refund
Half returned
0–30
Days before
Credit Only
No cash refund
We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and curtailment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year for this tour?
April–June and September–October are ideal — mild temperatures at Ephesus, Gallipoli, and Cappadocia, and full site access. July and August are hot, particularly at Ephesus, but manageable with early starts. November–March tours are quieter with cooler weather at all sites.
Is the hot air balloon included in the price?
The hot air balloon is an optional extra, not included in the base price. It costs approximately 180–280 EUR per person depending on the season and operator. We arrange it through trusted operators. The sunrise flight over Cappadocia is one of the most memorable experiences in Turkey.
Do you recommend a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul?
Yes — but we recommend a morning or afternoon cruise, not a dinner cruise. The daytime Bosphorus cruise gives you full visibility of both the European and Asian shores, Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ottoman fortresses, and the two suspension bridges. Dinner cruises prioritise entertainment over scenery. The daytime experience is far more rewarding.
How much walking is involved?
This is a moderate-activity tour. Ephesus and Cappadocia both involve 2–4 hours of walking on uneven ground. Gallipoli requires walking across memorial grounds. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. The pace is relaxed — we never rush through a site.
What is the group size?
Maximum 8 people. Small groups move faster through sites, get better access, and allow genuine conversation with your guide. Every question gets answered rather than shouted over a crowd.
Can this tour be extended?
Yes. We can add Göbekli Tepe, Mount Nemrut, and the southeast to create the 14-day Treasures of Ancient Turkey tour. Or extend further with the Grand 23-Day Tour. Contact us and we'll build a custom itinerary around your dates.
What happens if I need to cancel?
Full refund if you cancel 60 or more days before departure. 50% refund if you cancel 30–60 days before. Credit only for cancellations under 30 days. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers trip cancellation.
What Our Travellers Say
"We enjoyed every minute of our tour with Fazli. The small size of our group was ideal, and everything was scheduled with our comfort and interests in mind."
— jmcintosh2014
"Our guide was brilliant. His knowledge of each site, places to eat, places to stay, and the pacing of the trip made the whole experience feel effortless."
— Susan R
Reviews sourced from TripAdvisor. Read all reviews →