16 Days Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Mesopotamia & Aegean

16 Days Grand Turkey Tour, beginning your journey in Istanbul with its historic landmarks and Bosphorus views. Travel east to explore ancient Mesopotamian cities like Diyarbakir, Mardin, and Sanliurfa, and visit the legendary site of Gobeklitepe. Continue to vibrant Gaziantep, then head to magical Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and underground cities. Relax in the mineral terraces of Pamukkale and walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus. End your adventure with a peaceful cruise and final night in Istanbul.

  • Comprehensive Route: Covers Istanbul, Southeastern Anatolia, Cappadocia, and the Aegean Coast.
  • UNESCO Sites: Visit world heritage sites like Gobeklitepe, Ephesus, and Mount Nemrut.
  • Authentic Experiences: Cruise on the Bosphorus, explore underground cities, and stroll through ancient bazaars.
  • Comfort & Convenience: Enjoy smooth transfers, domestic flights, guided tours, and well-selected accommodations.
Duration: 16 Days
Tour Type: Regular
Departure Days: Everyday
Starting Place: Istanbul
Ending Place: Istanbul
Transportation: +
Istanbul ➝ Diyarbakir ➝ Mardin ➝ Sanliurfa ➝ Gaziantep ➝ Cappadocia ➝ Pamukkale ➝ Ephesus ➝ Istanbul

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul

Meal: No Meal

Today marks the beginning of your journey with us. Upon arrival at either Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, you will be greeted at the exit by our team.
You will then be transferred to your hotel in Istanbul.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Old City Historical Day Trip

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

08:30 – After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s timeless Old City.

  • Blue Mosque – Admire this iconic Ottoman mosque, known for its six elegant minarets and beautiful blue İznik tiles.
  • Hagia Sophia – Step inside this architectural wonder that has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its long history.
  • Hippodrome Square – Walk through the former chariot racing arena of Byzantine Constantinople, where emperors once watched the games.
  • Topkapi Palace & Harem Section – Discover the lavish lifestyle of the Ottoman sultans and explore the hidden world of the royal Harem.
  • Grand Bazaar – Dive into one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, filled with vibrant shops selling everything from spices to souvenirs.

17:00 – After the tour, return to your hotel to relax.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Leisure Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel. This is your leisure day in Istanbul.
Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Day 4 - Istanbul to Diyarbakir Day Trip

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

04:00 – You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul and transferred to the airport. (Pick-up time may vary depending on flight schedule and season.)
07:15 – Flight from Istanbul to Diyarbakir. (Flight time is subject to availability.)
09:05 – Upon arrival at Diyarbakir Airport, you will be greeted at the airport and meet your tour guide to begin the day.

  • Begin with a walk along the Old City Walls, stretching 5.5 km and built from dark basalt stone—some of the best-preserved Roman-era fortifications in the world.
  • Visit the Four-Legged Minaret, an architectural rarity from the 16th century, and nearby Hazrat Suleiman Mosque, a serene and sacred spot with deep local reverence.
  • Step into the Diyarbakir Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts from the Neolithic age to Ottoman times.
  • Explore Içkale (Inner Castle) and take in panoramic views of the Tigris River, a perfect backdrop for photos.
  • See the beautifully restored Surp Giragos Armenian Church, a symbol of the city’s multicultural past.
  • Stroll through Telegraph Street, filled with nostalgic Ottoman architecture and local shops.
  • Visit the grand Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) and the historic Mesudiye Madrasa, side by side—showcasing Islamic art and heritage from the 11th century.
  • Take a break at Suluklu Inn, a lovely courtyard perfect for enjoying traditional coffee or local wine.
  • Shop for souvenirs at the Hasan Pasha Caravanserai, a lively Ottoman-era bazaar.
  • End the tour with a stop at the picturesque 10 Arches Bridge, an 11th-century stone bridge crossing the Tigris River.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Diyarbakir.
Overnight stay in Diyarbakır.

Day 5 - Diyarbakir to Mardin & Overnight in Sanliurfa

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

09:00 – After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Diyarbakır and begin your journey to Mardin. The scenic drive takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Mardin, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the highlights of this enchanting city:

  • Midyat Old Town – Wander through narrow streets lined with traditional Assyrian stone houses and artisan workshops.
  • Mardin Castle (Eagle’s Nest) – Admire the impressive hilltop fortress (external view), offering sweeping views over the Mesopotamian plains.
  • Deyrulzafaran Monastery – Step into this ancient Syriac Orthodox monastery, rich with spiritual and architectural heritage.
  • Great Mosque of Mardin (Ulu Cami) – Discover one of the city’s oldest and most iconic mosques, showcasing Artuqid-era design.
  • Local Bazaar – Browse colorful stalls filled with spices, handmade soaps, copper goods, and local crafts.
  • Abbara Passages – Walk through Mardin’s signature stone archways, hidden beneath the old houses—perfect for photos and atmosphere.

After the tour, continue the drive to Sanlıurfa, which takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Upon arrival around 19:00, check in to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.

Day 6 - Gobeklitepe Day Trip

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel, set off on a full-day guided tour to uncover the ancient and spiritual landmarks of Sanlıurfa.

  • Gobeklitepe – Begin the day at the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 11,000 years. Explore the enigmatic T-shaped pillars and learn about their groundbreaking significance in human history.

  • Harran & Traditional Beehive Houses – Continue to the ancient city of Harran, mentioned in the Bible. Visit its famous beehive-shaped mudbrick houses, the ruins of its historic university, and soak in the unique desert atmosphere.

  • Balıklıgol (Pool of Sacred Fish) – Return to Şanlıurfa and visit this revered site believed to be where Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire. Stroll around the sacred pool, nearby mosques, and vibrant gardens.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Şanlıurfa.

Day 7 - Sanlıurfa to Gaziantep Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast, depart from your hotel in Sanlıurfa and begin your cultural journey through history and nature.

  • Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum & Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum
    Start your day with a visit to two of Turkey’s most important museums. Discover incredible artifacts from prehistoric times, including finds from Gobeklitepe, and admire the exquisite mosaics of Haleplibahce, known for their delicate detail and ancient artistry.
  • Begin your visit with the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the most remarkable collections of Roman mosaics in the world. Don’t miss the famous “Gypsy Girl” mosaic, the museum’s iconic centerpiece.
  • Continue with a walking tour through Gaziantep Old Town, where stone streets, historic inns, and local crafts create a vibrant atmosphere.
  • See the Gaziantep Castle from the outside — a majestic hilltop fortress offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Discover the city’s famous baklava culture, and enjoy some free time to taste local delicacies or shop in traditional bazaars.

After the tour, check into your hotel for a leisurely evening.
Overnight stay in Gaziantep.

Day 8 - Drive to Cappadocia from Gaziantep

Meal: Breakfast

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast.
At noon, we will start to drive you to Cappadocia. The journey takes approximately 5 hours, depending on traffic and breaks.
Arrival in Cappadocia and hotel check-in.  Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

 

Day 9 - Cappadocia Yellow Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Additional activity 1: Hot air balloon flight is strongly recommended. The price of the balloon tour is not included in this package.
Additional activity 2: If you want to take amazing photos with hot air balloons, you should join Cappadocia hot air balloon watching tour.

09:30 – After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be picked up for your Northern Cappadocia Tour (Yellow Tour).

  • Red Valley – Start your day with a walk through the mesmerizing Red Valley, where dramatic red rock formations glow under shifting sunlight and centuries of erosion.
  • Gulludere (Rose) Valley – Discover the calm beauty of this scenic valley, dotted with rock-cut churches and vibrant colors that change with the daylight.
  • Cavusin Village – Explore this historic village dating back to Roman times, famous for its ancient cave homes and sweeping views of the Paşabağ fairy chimneys.
  • Pigeon Valley – Stop to admire the thousands of pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, offering postcard-perfect views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.
  • Ozkonak Underground City – Finish your tour by descending into one of the region’s fascinating underground cities, featuring hidden rooms, air shafts, and an ingenious defense system.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 10 - Cappadocia Red Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

09:30 – After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be picked up for your Southern Cappadocia Tour (Red Tour).

  • Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Discover surreal rock formations that resemble animals and objects—let your imagination run wild in this dreamlike landscape.
  • Pasabagları (Monks Valley) – Stroll through towering fairy chimneys, once inhabited by monks seeking solitude among the natural rock formations.
  • Avanos Pottery Workshop – Step into a local pottery studio in Avanos, where you can watch traditional techniques in action—and even try shaping your own piece of clay.
  • Goreme Panoramic Viewpoint – Stop at one of the region’s best viewpoints for a sweeping panorama of fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings.
  • Zelve Open Air Museum – Wander through this ancient troglodyte village carved into soft volcanic rock—once a vibrant community with homes, churches, and schools.
  • Uchisar Castle – Conclude the day at Cappadocia’s highest point, where you can enjoy spectacular views over the entire region from the top of the natural rock fortress.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 11 - Flight to Izmir from Cappadocia

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir.
Please note: Depending on availability, your flight may be direct or include a layover in Istanbul.

Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, your driver will meet you at the exit with a name sign and transfer you to your hotel in Kusadası or Selcuk.
Overnight stay in Kusadası or Selcuk.

Day 12 - Pamukkale Day Tour

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

07:00 (approx.) – After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and begin your journey to Pamukkale.

  • Visit the world-famous Pamukkale travertines, a natural wonder of dazzling white terraces created by thermal waters rich in minerals.
  • Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its impressive Roman theater, vast necropolis, and ancient temples.
  • Enjoy some free time to relax or take a dip in the Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (optional, entrance fee not included).

The tour ends around 16:00, after which you’ll return to your hotel in Kusadası or Selcuk.
Overnight stay in Kusadası or Selcuk.

Day 13 - Ephesus Day Tour & Flight Back to Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

08:30 – After breakfast at the hotel and check-out from the hotel, pick-up from your hotel and start your full-day Ephesus Tour.

  • Temple of Artemis – Begin your day with a visit to the remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only fragments remain, its historical importance still impresses.
  • Ephesus Ancient City – Step into one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world and uncover its legendary landmarks:
  • Celsus Library – A stunning structure that once held over 14,000 scrolls, ranking as the third-largest library of the ancient world.
  • Marble Streets – Stroll along grand avenues once walked by Roman citizens, lined with elegant columns and statues.
  • House of the Virgin Mary – Visit this peaceful shrine nestled in the hills, believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary and a site of Christian pilgrimage.

After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport.

19:30 – Flight to Istanbul (flight time may vary depending on availability).
20:50 – Arrival in Istanbul. Meet your driver at the airport exit. Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 14 - Free Day in Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

This is your leisure day in Istanbul.

Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Day 15 - Afternoon Boat Trip on the Bosphorus

Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel after breakfast.

14:00 – You’ll be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the pier for your Bosphorus afternoon cruise.

Set sail along the stunning Bosphorus Strait, where Europe meets Asia. Take in panoramic views of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks—historic palaces, majestic mosques, charming waterfront mansions, and the city’s famous bridges.

16:00 – The cruise ends, and you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 16 - Departure from Istanbul

Meal: Breakfast

Based on your international flight schedule, our team will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökcen Airport for your departure.

Your 16-day Turkey tour comes to an end.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us — we hope to see you again on another adventure!

INCLUSIONS

  • All accommodations as per the itinerary
  • All internal flight tickets (luggage allowance is 15 kg for check-in & 8 kg handcarry per person)
  • Pick-up and drop-off services for all tours and transfers
  • Professional English-speaking tour guides during the tours
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast & Lunch)
  • Entrance fees to the museums and historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transportation as mentioned (with A/C vehicles)
  • Car park, gasoline, highway, and bridge fees
  • Local taxes and service charges
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks at lunches
  • Unmentioned meals
  • Entrance fee to the antique pool in Pamukkale
  • Optinal tours and activities

HOTELS

Hotel in Istanbul

... Hotel Info Link
Esans Hotel info tripadvisor
Hotel Agan Hotel info tripadvisor
Sultan Hamit Hotel info tripadvisor
Sogut Hotel info tripadvisor
Sphendon Hotel Hotel info tripadvisor
Emine Sultan Hotel info tripadvisor
Otel Nanda Hotel info tripadvisor

Hotel in Cappadocia

... Hotel Info Link
Heaven Cave Hotel info tripadvisor
Tafana Cave Hotel info tripadvisor
Peace Stone Hotel info tripadvisor
Nature Park Hotel info tripadvisor
Royal Stone Hotel info tripadvisor
Floria Hotel Hotel info tripadvisor
Zula Cave Hotel info tripadvisor
Arte Cave Hotel info tripadvisor

Hotel in Kusadasi and Selcuk

... Hotel Info Link
Suhan360 Hotel info tripadvisor
Akman City Hotel info tripadvisor
Palm Hotel info tripadvisor
Urkmez Hotel info tripadvisor
Karaaslan Hotel info tripadvisor
Efe Boutique Hotel info tripadvisor
Derici Hotel info tripadvisor
Nilya Hotel info tripadvisor
Rebetika Hotel info tripadvisor

Hotel in Sanliurfa

... Hotel Info Link
Grand Gülizar Hotel info tripadvisor
Guven Hotel Hotel info tripadvisor
El-ruha Hotel Hotel info tripadvisor

Hotel in Diyarbakir

... Hotel Info Link
Dies Hotel Hotel info tripadvisor

Hotel in Gaziantep

... Hotel Info Link
Divan Gaziantep Hotel info tripadvisor

The price of the tour covers hotel accommodations as mentioned above or similar quality hotels.

Option 1: We can upgrade your hotel accommodation according to your request at an additional cost.

Option 2: If you would like to book your hotel, we can cut mentioned hotel price out. And, we can quote a new tour package price without the hotel.

You can book the tour directly online if the mentioned hotels are suitable for you. If not, please make a request.

ACTIVITIES

Option 1: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
Cappadocia hot air balloon flight is the best activity to do in Cappadocia. Book a hot air balloon flight with the best price guarantee.
Option 2: Cappadocia ATV Quad Safari
If you want to explore Cappadocia region while riding ATV, this tour is the best option for you. Includes guiding, pick-up and drop-off.
Option 3: Cappadocia Camel Ride
Camel riding is one of the best new excitements to do in Cappadocia. Firstly we teach you the basic rules, and then you can start exploring Cappadocia.
Option 4: Cappadocia Horseback Riding Safari
Horseback safari is one of the best activities to do in Cappadocia. Firstly we teach you the basic rules, and then you can start exploring Cappadocia.
Option 5: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Watching Tour
You should join the Cappadocia hot air balloon watching tour if you want to take amazing pictures and if you have acrophobia.
Option 6: Cappadocia Turkish Night Show and Dinner
Have fun with the traditional Turkish Night Show in Cappadocia. You will have a delicious dinner and unlimited local alcohol.
Option 7: Cappadocia Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Our program of Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia will provide you with a unique cultural experience with free transportation service.

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REMARKS

  • Exact pickup time will be given at the time of booking.
  • You are kindly requested to present yourself at the pickup point 15 minutes prior to the pre-advised pickup time.
  • Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended as shade is limited in the summertime.
  • The order of the tour itinerary may vary to avoid congestion.
  • If there is no direct flight from Cappadocia to Izmir on your travel dates, then we use flight connection via Istanbul.

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