9-Day Legendary Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Antalya
About This Tour
Guaranteed Departure
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Route: Istanbul → Gallipoli → Çanakkale → Troy → Bergama → Kuşadası → Ephesus → Şirince → Pamukkale → Antalya
Tour Description
Discover Turkey through its historic cities, ancient ruins and striking landscapes on this nine-day guided vacation. From Istanbul’s magnificent mosques and colourful bazaars to the Gallipoli battlefields, the legendary city of Troy and the ancient streets of Ephesus, each day reveals another chapter of the country’s story.
Explore archaeological treasures in Bergama, wander through the hillside village of Şirince and admire Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces alongside the ruins of Hierapolis. Your journey finishes in Antalya, where atmospheric old-town streets, a picturesque harbour and Düden Waterfalls introduce Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
With eight nights of accommodation, professional English-speaking guides, comfortable transportation and selected meals included, this guaranteed-departure Turkey tour offers a rewarding introduction to the country’s cultural and natural highlights.
Tour Highlights
Discover historic Istanbul: Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Spice Bazaar, with an exterior view of Hagia Sophia.
Remember Gallipoli: Explore ANZAC Cove, commemorative sites and battlefield cemeteries with your guide.
Walk through legendary Troy: Discover the archaeological site associated with the stories of the Trojan War.
Explore Bergama’s heritage: Visit Bergama Museum to learn about ancient Pergamon and the surrounding region.
Experience ancient Ephesus: See Curetes Street, the Library of Celsus, Roman baths and the Grand Theatre.
Visit the Temple of Artemis site: Discover the surviving remains of this celebrated ancient sanctuary.
Enjoy Şirince Village: Wander charming lanes lined with traditional houses, local shops and fruit-wine producers.
Admire Pamukkale: Experience the white travertine landscape and explore neighbouring Hierapolis.
Explore Antalya’s Old City: Discover Kaleiçi, Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower and harbour views.
Visit Düden Waterfalls: Enjoy a refreshing natural setting during your guided Antalya excursion.
Itinerary
Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is free. Relax after your journey or begin exploring the nearby streets, cafés and restaurants at your own pace.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Meals: Not included.
Istanbul City Tour
After breakfast, meet your guide for a day exploring Istanbul’s historic centre.
Begin at the Hippodrome, once the setting for chariot races and public gatherings. See its surviving monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpent Column and Walled Obelisk.
Continue to the Blue Mosque, admired for its elegant domes and decorative İznik tiles. Afterwards, enjoy an exterior view of Hagia Sophia while your guide introduces its remarkable history.
Following lunch, visit the Spice Bazaar area. Browse stalls selling spices, Turkish delight, coffee, dried fruit and souvenirs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere before returning to your hotel.
An interior visit to Hagia Sophia or an additional Topkapı Palace visit may be arranged at extra cost, subject to available time and opening arrangements.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
Istanbul to Gallipoli & Çanakkale
Depart early, around 06:00–06:30, for the journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula.
After a lunch break, explore the battlefield sites with your guide. The planned visits include the Kabatepe museum or interpretation centre, Arıburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, subject to local access.
Learn about the Gallipoli campaign and the soldiers commemorated across this moving landscape.
Continue to your hotel in the Çanakkale area for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Çanakkale.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Çanakkale, Troy, Bergama & Kuşadası
After breakfast, depart for Troy. Explore the archaeological remains with your guide and discover how this ancient settlement became linked with the enduring legends of the Trojan War.
Continue south towards Bergama, the modern town associated with ancient Pergamon. After a lunch break, visit Bergama Museum to discover archaeological finds and learn about the region’s heritage.
A short jewellery-centre stop is also scheduled before continuing to Kuşadası. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Overnight: Kuşadası.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ephesus & Şirince Village
After breakfast, depart around 08:30 for a guided visit to Ephesus.
Walk along ancient streets and discover highlights including Curetes Street, the Library of Celsus, Roman baths and the Grand Theatre. Visit the nearby Temple of Artemis site to see the remains of this once-celebrated sanctuary.
After lunch, visit a carpet-weaving centre for an introduction to traditional craftsmanship. Continue to Şirince, a hillside village known for its traditional architecture, small shops and fruit wines.
Enjoy free time to explore the village. A leather-production centre visit is also included in the day’s schedule before returning to your hotel.
Overnight: Kuşadası.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kuşadası to Pamukkale & Hierapolis
After breakfast, depart around 08:00 for Pamukkale.
Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis with your guide, then admire the white travertine terraces that give Pamukkale its “Cotton Castle” nickname. Where permitted, walk barefoot through designated terrace areas.
After lunch, visit a local textile-production centre to learn about the region’s textile industry and browse its products.
Continue to your hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight: Pamukkale.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Pamukkale to Antalya
Enjoy breakfast and some free time before departing for Antalya.
Travel through changing inland landscapes towards the Mediterranean coast. The drive generally takes approximately three to four hours, depending on the route, traffic and stops.
After arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy free time to relax or explore independently.
Overnight: Antalya.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Antalya Old City & Düden Waterfalls
After breakfast, discover Antalya’s historic Kaleiçi district with your guide.
Explore narrow streets and see landmarks including Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, the Korkut Mosque area, commonly associated with the Broken Minaret, and Hıdırlık Tower. Enjoy views of the old harbour and the coastal setting around Karaalioğlu Park.
Following a local lunch, continue to Düden Waterfalls for a change of scenery and time for photographs.
Return to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free before dinner.
Overnight: Antalya.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Antalya Airport Transfer & Departure
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Antalya Airport for your onward journey.
If returning to Istanbul, your domestic flight must be booked separately. Your included services finish with the transfer to Antalya Airport.
Thank you for travelling with TravelShopBooking. We look forward to welcoming you on another journey.
Meals: Breakfast.