4.9(349 Reviews)

Private Guided Tour of Turkey: 13-Day Historic Journey

  • 13dDuration
  • Max 12 peopleGroup Size
  • EnglishSpeaking Guide
  • Mobile ticketAccepted

About this experience

Duration13 Days
Group SizePrivate Tour
Starts AtIstanbul
LanguagesEnglish
Private Guided History Tour

Turkey History Private 13-Day Guided Tour with Flights

Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara in one complete journey


This private guided Turkey history tour covers the country's most significant historical and natural landmarks across 13 days, with domestic flights, centrally located 4-star hotels, and a dedicated professional guide included throughout.

From the Byzantine grandeur of Istanbul to the volcanic rock formations of Cappadocia, this itinerary has been designed to deliver depth without demanding relentless pacing. Each destination is given enough time to absorb its context, whether that means walking the ruins of Ephesus or standing at the edge of Pamukkale's travertine terraces.

All logistical details are handled in advance, including domestic flight segments, most meals, and accommodation in selected boutique and 4-star hotels. The cave hotel stay in Cappadocia adds a distinctive character to the experience that standard accommodation simply cannot replicate.

The tour suits independent travelers who prefer dedicated service and informed guidance over the compromises of a group format. A private arrangement means the pace can adapt to the interests of the traveler, and the guide's attention is never divided.

Tour Highlights

Visit Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district.

Walk the archaeological site of Troy and explore the Hellenistic Acropolis of Pergamum in western Anatolia.

Discover Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean world, including the Temple of Artemis.

Experience the white travertine terraces and thermal pools of Pamukkale alongside the ruins of ancient Hierapolis.

Sleep in a cave hotel in Cappadocia and explore fairy chimneys, underground cities, and rock-cut Byzantine churches.

Pay respects at Gallipoli's Anzac Cove and visit the Chunuk Bair memorial in the national park.

Tour Ankara's Anıtkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations before a Grand Bazaar visit and Bosphorus boat trip on the final leg.

Itinerary Overview

1
Days 1–2: Istanbul

Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to a boutique hotel in Sultanahmet. Day 2 covers Hippodrome Square, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Spice Bazaar with a professional guide.

2
Days 3–4: Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy and Pergamum

Day 3 heads to Gallipoli for Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery, and the Kabate War Museum, then crosses the Dardanelles to Canakkale. Day 4 visits Troy and continues south to the Acropolis of Pergamum before arriving in Kusadasi.

3
Days 5–6: Ephesus and Pamukkale

Day 5 tours the Temple of Artemis, the ruins of Ephesus, and the House of the Virgin Mary, with lunch at a local crafts centre. Day 6 transfers to Pamukkale to explore the travertine terraces, Hierapolis, and the thermal pools at the 5-star thermal hotel.

4
Days 7–8: Konya and Cappadocia

Day 7 drives to Konya for the Mevlana Mausoleum and Karatay Theological School before an overnight stay. Day 8 continues to Cappadocia via the Sultanhani Caravanserai and checks into the cave hotel.

5
Days 9–10: Cappadocia in Depth

Day 9 covers Kaymakli Underground City, Soganli Valley, and the Keslik Monastery, finishing at the old Greek town of Mustafapasa. Day 10 explores Devrent Valley, Pasabag fairy chimneys, Avanos pottery, the Goreme Open Air Museum, and Uchisar Rock Castle.

6
Days 11–13: Ankara and Istanbul Farewell

Day 11 visits Ankara's Anitkabir and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Day 12 drives back to Istanbul through Bolu for Grand Bazaar shopping and a Bosphorus boat trip. Day 13 is the departure transfer to the airport.

What Is Included

Included

  • Private professional licensed guide throughout
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers
  • All intercity transfers by private vehicle
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • Accommodation in selected 4-star and boutique hotels
  • Cave hotel in Cappadocia
  • 5-star thermal hotel in Pamukkale
  • Meals as specified per day (breakfasts, select lunches and dinners)
  • Bosphorus boat trip in Istanbul
  • All entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary

Not Included

  • International flights to and from Turkey
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not listed in the day-by-day program
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Visa fees (if applicable)

Important Information

This is a private tour. All services are arranged exclusively for your group. Please read the details below before booking.
Duration
13 days from arrival in Istanbul to departure. Day 1 is an arrival day; Day 13 is a departure transfer only.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes are essential given the cobblestone and uneven surfaces at archaeological sites. Modest dress is required when entering mosques and religious sites. A light layer is advisable for underground city visits.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms apply as stated at the time of booking. Contact the operator directly for specific policy details relevant to your reservation.
Accessibility
Several archaeological sites, including Ephesus and Pergamum, involve uneven terrain and significant walking distances. This tour is rated moderate difficulty and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for most ages. The moderate difficulty rating reflects the walking involved at heritage sites rather than any strenuous physical activity.

Reserve Your Private Turkey Tour

This 13-day private itinerary is available on selected dates and is tailored exclusively to your group. Secure your place and let the logistics be handled for you.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour genuinely private, or could other travelers join?▼
This is a fully private tour. No other travelers will be added to your group, and all services from the guide to the vehicle are arranged exclusively for your party.
Are domestic flights between cities included in the price?▼
Yes, domestic flights as required by the itinerary are included. International flights to and from Turkey are not part of the package and must be arranged separately.
What type of accommodation is provided in Cappadocia?▼
Guests stay in a cave hotel during the Cappadocia portion of the tour. This is a distinctive regional style of accommodation carved into the volcanic tuff rock and is one of the highlights of the itinerary.
How physically demanding is this tour?▼
The tour is rated moderate. Guests should expect extended walking over cobblestone and uneven surfaces at sites such as Ephesus, Pergamum, and Cappadocia. No strenuous hiking or climbing is required.
Can I use the thermal pools at Pamukkale?▼
Yes. The hotel in Pamukkale is a 5-star thermal property and guests have access to the thermal pools until 22:00 on the evening of arrival.
What happens if my international flight arrives late on Day 1?▼
Day 1 is an arrival and transfer day only, so no sightseeing is scheduled. A representative will be waiting at the airport with a name sign and will arrange the hotel transfer regardless of arrival time, subject to standard operational hours.
Turkey TourPrivate Guided TourIstanbulCappadociaEphesusPamukkaleGallipoliTroy13 Day TourHistorical TurkeyCave HotelSilk Road
Last updated: 2025-07-15 | Product ID: TX-TR-PVT-13D-HIST

Departure area

The exact meeting point is on your voucher.

Activity Site

Where the experience takes place.

Reviews

Share this experience

Gift more than a trip

Extraordinary experiences,
beautifully gifted

Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.

Offer a Gift Card
  • Instant Delivery
  • Perfect for Any Occasion
  • Give the Joy of Travel
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted

Experiences make the best gifts

More products from this Operator

You might also like

Nearby Icon