10-Day Highlights of Turkey Tour
From Byzantine domes to Cappadocian valleys, a cultural journey across ancient Anatolia.
This 10-day Turkey highlights tour takes travelers from the layered streets of Istanbul through the thermal terraces of Pamukkale, the storied ruins of Ephesus, and the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia. Every destination is guided by a dedicated expert who brings the history to life. The itinerary is rated easy, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
The journey opens in Istanbul, where two full days uncover the city's Byzantine and Ottoman heritage across landmarks that span more than fifteen centuries. A third day crosses from Europe into Asia via the Bosphorus, adding depth to the city's geography before the group heads west toward Gallipoli, Troy, and Pergamon.
The western coast offers a different pace, with time at the calcium terraces of Pamukkale, the ancient harbor city of Ephesus, and the hilltop Temple of Artemis. A domestic flight then lifts travelers into central Anatolia, where two full days explore the volcanic rock formations, underground cities, and medieval monasteries of Cappadocia.
The tour closes with a drive along the historic Silk Road to Konya, home to the mausoleum of the Sufi mystic Rumi, before a final flight returns the group to Istanbul for departure.
Tour Highlights
Walk through Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque in the heart of Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Cruise the Bosphorus Strait by boat and take in the palaces and mansions lining both European and Asian shores.
Visit the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and preserved trench systems.
Explore the legendary ruins of Troy and the hillside acropolis of Pergamon on a single guided day.
Swim in the thermal pools at Pamukkale and tour the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis.
Discover the rock-cut churches, fairy chimneys, and underground city of Kaymakli in Cappadocia over two full days.
Travel the Silk Road to Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, mausoleum of the founder of the Whirling Dervishes order.
Itinerary Overview
Arrival and private airport transfer to the hotel are followed by two guided days covering Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. Day three adds Dolmabahce Palace, a Bosphorus boat cruise, Camlica Hill on the Asian side, a cable car to Pierre Loti Hill, and the Spice Bazaar.
Departing Istanbul, the group spends a full day at the Gallipoli Peninsula, visiting Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and the network of memorials and original trenches. The overnight stop is in Canakkale, the town closest to the battlefield.
The morning is spent at the excavated site of Troy, including the replica Trojan Horse. The afternoon involves a drive to the hilltop acropolis of Pergamon, a major center of Hellenistic culture. The group continues to Kusadasi for two nights.
Day six heads to the white calcium terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, with time to enter the thermal pools. Day seven tours the ancient city of Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis, and the House of the Virgin Mary before a transfer to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia.
Two consecutive guided days cover Devrent Valley, Pasabag Monks Valley, the pottery town of Avanos, the Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Red Valley, Cavusin village, Pigeon Valley, and the underground city of Kaymakli. Hiking sections are gentle and well-marked.
The final day follows the Silk Road to Konya, stopping at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, the Mevlana Museum, Alaaddin Mosque, and Karatay Madrasa. After the tour concludes, the group is transferred to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul and onward connections.
What Is Included
Included
- 9 nights accommodation (hotel or similar)
- Domestic flight from Kusadasi area to Cappadocia
- Return flight Konya to Istanbul on final day
- Airport and inter-city transfers throughout
- Expert English-speaking guide for all touring days
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
- Bosphorus boat cruise
- Cable car to Pierre Loti Hill
Not Included
- International flights to and from Istanbul
- Personal travel insurance upgrades
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
Important Information
Ready to Explore Turkey?
Secure your place on this guided 10-day journey through some of the most historically significant destinations in Turkey. Availability is limited and early booking is recommended.
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