17 Days Great Discovery of Turkey

Meal: No Meal

Today is your first day with us. Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, we will welcome you at the exit.
Then, transfer to the hotel in Istanbul. Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

08:30 ─ After breakfast, meet your guide for a guided walking tour through Istanbul’s historic heart.

• Blue Mosque – Marvel at this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, famous for its elegant minarets and striking blue İznik tiles.
• Hagia Sophia – Discover the layered history of this iconic structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum through the centuries.
• Hippodrome Square – Walk through the ancient arena of chariot races and imperial ceremonies, once the lively center of Byzantine social life.
• Topkapi Palace with Harem Section – Explore the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, including the private Harem quarters that reveal royal secrets and daily life.
• Grand Bazaar – Wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, with thousands of shops offering everything from spices to carpets.

17:00 ─ At the end of the tour, return to your hotel for some rest.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast

This is your leisure day in Istanbul.

Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

05:00 – 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.)
09:30 – Flight from Istanbul to Adıyaman. (Flight time is subject to availability.)
11:00 – Upon arrival in Adıyaman, you will be greeted at the airport and meet your tour guide to begin the day.

• Karakus Tumulus: Start your journey with a visit to this ancient royal burial site, known for its eagle-topped columns and stone reliefs.
• Lunch Break in Kahta: Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant in the Kahta region.
• Arsameia & Cendere Bridge: Explore the historical ruins of Arsameia, featuring ancient inscriptions and sculptures. Then, see the incredible Cendere Bridge, one of the world’s oldest still-functioning Roman bridges.
• Nemrut Mountain Sunset Hike: Drive to Mount Nemrut and hike to the summit. Witness the breathtaking sunset over the mountain’s massive stone heads and sacred tomb-sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

09:00 ─ After breakfast, the tour guide will come to your hotel and we will transfer you to the first destination of today’s tour.

• Old City Walls – 5.5 km Roman-era basalt fortifications.
• Four-Legged Minaret – Unique 16th-century minaret on four pillars.
• Archaeological Museum – Artifacts from Neolithic to Ottoman times.
• Hazrat Suleiman Mosque – Sacred mosque with a peaceful courtyard.
• Inner Castle (Içkale) – Ancient citadel with Tigris River views.
• Surp Giragos Church – Restored Armenian church, symbol of diversity.
• Telegraph Street – Historic street with Ottoman charm.
• Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) – 11th-century black stone mosque.
• Mesudiye Madrasa – Artuqid-era Islamic school with elegant design.
• Hasan Pasha Caravanserai – Ottoman inn turned vibrant bazaar.
• Suluklu Inn – Coffee or wine in a charming historic courtyard.
• 10 Arches Bridge – 11th-century bridge over the Tigris River.

17:00 ─ You will be transferred to your hotels in Diyarbakir.
Overnight stay in Diyarbakir.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

09:00 – Pick-up from your hotel in Diyarbakır and drive to Mardin. The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Upon arrival in Mardin, enjoy a lunch break at a local restaurant, then start exploring the highlights of this magical city:

• Midyat Old Town – Stroll through ancient Assyrian streets and stone mansions.
• Mardin Castle (Eagle’s Nest) – View the historic hilltop fortress (external view only).
• Deyrulzafaran Monastery – Visit this 1,500-year-old Syriac monastery filled with spiritual history.
• Great Mosque of Mardin (Ulu Cami) – One of the oldest mosques in Mardin with iconic architecture.
• Local Bazaar – Discover spices, soaps, and handcrafted silverwork.
• Abbara Passages – Explore the famous stone archways beneath traditional homes.

After the tour, drive to Sanliurfa. The journey takes about 3.5 hours, depending on road conditions.
Upon arrival in Sanliurfa, check into your hotel.
Overnight stay in Sanliurfa.

Meal: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your full-day guided tour exploring the ancient wonders of Sanliurfa.

• Gobeklitepe
  Start the day with a visit to Gobeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, dating back over 11,000 years. Discover the mysterious T-shaped pillars and learn about its role in reshaping human history.
• Harran & Traditional Beehive Houses
  Continue to Harran, an ancient Mesopotamian city mentioned in the Bible. Explore the iconic beehive-style mudbrick houses, remnants of the old university, and the mystical ambiance of this desert town.
• Balıklıgol (Pool of Sacred Fish)
  Return to Şanlıurfa to visit Balıklıgol, the legendary Pool of Sacred Fish, believed to be the site where Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire. Explore the surrounding mosques, gardens, and bazaars in this sacred site.

At the end of the tour, transfer back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Sanliurfa.

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.
• Halfeti Boat Tour
  Continue to Halfeti, a partially sunken village on the banks of the Euphrates. Enjoy a scenic boat tour past the submerged minaret of the old mosque and take in the serene beauty of this hidden gem.
• Drive to Gaziantep & Visit Zeugma Mosaic Museum
  After the boat tour, head to Gaziantep. Upon arrival, visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, home to one of the world’s largest and most impressive collections of Roman mosaics to not miss the iconic “Gypsy Girl” mosaic.

After the museum visit, transfer to your hotel in Gaziantep. Check into your hotel.
Overnight stay in Gaziantep.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel after breakfast.
First, we visit the Gaziantep city center and explore the local bazaars and culinary culture. Free time for lunch and local shopping.
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.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

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

• Red Valley – Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Red Valley, known for its striking red rock formations and natural beauty shaped by erosion and light.
• Gulludere (Rose) Valley – Explore this peaceful valley with hidden churches and changing colors depending on the sun and weather.
• Cavusin Village – Visit this ancient village, home to historic rock-cut dwellings and churches from the Roman period. Enjoy the panoramic view of Paşabağ’s fairy chimneys.
• Pigeon Valley – Stop to admire the valley, famous for its pigeon houses carved into the rocks, and take in breathtaking views of the landscape.
• Ozkonak Underground City – End the day exploring one of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities, known for its narrow tunnels and clever ventilation systems.

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

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) – See unique rock formations shaped like animals and objects.
• Pasabagları Open Air Museum (Monks Valley) – Walk among the famous fairy chimneys once used by monks.
• Avanos Pottery Workshop – Visit a traditional workshop and see how local pottery is made—maybe try it yourself!
• Goreme Panoramic Viewpoint – Take in breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and valleys.
• Zelve Open Air Museum – Explore this ancient cave village once used for living, worship, and education.
• Uchisar Castle – End the tour with stunning views from the highest point in Cappadocia.

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

Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir.
Note: Your flight may be direct or with a connection via Istanbul, depending on availability.

Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, you will be greeted by your driver holding a name sign. Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi or Selcuk.

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Around 07:00 – Pick-up from your hotel after breakfast and drive to Pamukkale.

• Visit the famous Pamukkale travertines, stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich waters.
• Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its Roman theater, necropolis, and temples.
• Enjoy free time to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Thermal Pool (optional, entrance fee extra).

The tour ends at 4 pm, and at the end of the tour, drive back and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi or Selcuk.

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 – Visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, now in ruins but still awe-inspiring with its deep historical significance.
• Ephesus Ancient City – Explore iconic landmarks such as:
• Celsus Library – Once home to over 14,000 scrolls, it was the third-largest library of the ancient world.
• Marble Streets – Walk through beautifully preserved streets lined with columns and statues.
• House of the Virgin Mary – A sacred site believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary.

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.

Meal: Breakfast

This is your leisure day in Istanbul.

Stay overnight in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and a leisurely morning at the hotel.
14:00 – Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the boat for your Bosphorus cruise.

Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the Bosphorus Strait, where you’ll see stunning views of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks from the water—palaces, mosques, bridges, and charming seaside neighborhoods.

16:00 – End of the cruise. You will be transferred back to your hotel.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast

According to your international flight details, our staff will come to your hotel.
Transfer to Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport for your international flight.

17 Days Turkey tour package ends. Thanks for traveling with us!