Turkey's Best in One Grand Journey
This 11-day / 10-night tour is our most complete Turkey itinerary: it links the Ottoman-era heart of Istanbul with the silk-market lanes of Bursa, the acropolis of Pergamon, the marble streets of Ephesus, the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the whirling-dervish home of Konya, the fairy-chimney valleys of Cappadocia, the republican monuments of Ankara, and the lakeside stopovers of Bolu and Izmit — before returning to Istanbul for a final day among its imperial palaces and grand bazaars. Every day mixes UNESCO-listed sites with the kind of local villages and viewpoints that don't make it into the guidebooks, all held together by daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, 5-star hotels, and one licensed English-speaking guide from the moment you land to the moment you fly home.
Ottoman Heartlands
Bursa's Grand & Green Mosques, Istanbul's imperial skyline, and Cumalıkızık's timber-framed village streets.
Ancient Wonders
Pergamon's cliff-top acropolis and the marble avenues of Ephesus, among the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities on earth.
Pamukkale's Cotton Castle
Bright-white travertine terraces and the thermal Cleopatra Pool at the ruins of Hierapolis.
Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys
Sunrise skies over Goreme, an underground city, and the surreal rock formations of Pasabag and Pigeon Valley.
Mevlana & Sufi Heritage
Konya's Mevlana Museum, resting place of the 13th-century poet and mystic Rumi.
Bosphorus & Bazaars
A private Bosphorus cruise, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace's Imperial Treasury and Hagia Sophia.
Make the Most of This Itinerary
Based on the route, season, and pacing of this 11-day tour, here is what we'd suggest before you book — practical notes to help you plan, not a script to sell you extras.
Best Months to Travel
April–June and September–October give mild weather for Cappadocia balloon flights and comfortable walking at Ephesus and Pamukkale, without peak-July heat or crowds.
Pack for Uneven Ground
Days 5, 6 and 7 involve extended walking on ancient marble streets and travertine terraces. Closed, flat-soled shoes matter more than fashion here.
Book the Balloon Early
If you want the optional Cappadocia hot air balloon flight, request it at booking — morning flights sell out and are cancelled on windy days, so flexibility on your Cappadocia dates helps.
Pace yourself on Day 7. It is the busiest single day (balloon/jeep, underground city, open-air museum, Pasabag, Pigeon Valley, Avanos and an evening show) — treat Day 8's drive to Ankara as your rest day.
Currency tip. Card payment is widely accepted at hotels and restaurants; keep a small amount of Turkish lira in cash for local markets in Cumalıkızık, Avanos and the Grand Bazaar.
Shopping stops are optional. The leather outlet, silk market and carpet workshop visits are complimentary cultural stops with no obligation to purchase — browse or skip freely.
Combine with more days. Travelers with extra time often extend at either end with 2–3 nights in Antalya or a Greek island hop from Kusadasi — ask us about tailoring this itinerary.
Full 11-Day Itinerary
Click any day to expand the full schedule. Meals included that day are marked B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner); overnight hotels are shown at the bottom of each day.
Your driver and guide meet you at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) holding a name sign, then transfer you directly to your hotel in central Istanbul. The rest of the day is free to rest after your flight, or take an optional short evening stroll near the hotel — your guide can suggest a route.
- Meet & greet: private transfer from the airport to your Istanbul hotel.
- Free evening: settle in ahead of a full touring schedule from Day 2.
A full day exploring both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, connected by the Bosphorus strait itself.
- Camlica Hill: Istanbul's highest point on the Asian side, with panoramic views over the Bosphorus and the city's skyline.
- Hz. Yuşa (Nabi Yusha) Tomb & Mosque: a hilltop shrine in Beykoz on the Asian shore, one of Istanbul's most storied — and least crowded — pilgrimage sites.
- Bosphorus Cruise: a scenic boat ride past Ottoman waterside mansions, fortresses and the bridges linking Europe and Asia.
- Ortakoy Village: a lively waterside neighborhood beneath the Ortaköy Mosque, known for its bazaar stalls and Bosphorus Bridge views.
Depart Istanbul and cross into Turkey's first Ottoman capital, Bursa, via one of the world's longest suspension bridges.
- Osmangazi Suspension Bridge: crossing the Gulf of Izmit, one of the longest mid-span suspension bridges in the world.
- Cumalıkızık Ottoman Village: a UNESCO-listed, 700-year-old timber-house village that still functions as a living community.
- Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii): Bursa's 14th-century congregational mosque, famous for its 20 domes and central ablution fountain.
- Green Mosque & Green Tomb (Yeşil Camii/Türbe): masterpieces of early Ottoman tilework and the mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I.
- Silk Market (Koza Han): a 15th-century covered silk-trading caravanserai still active as a bazaar today.
A scenic drive south along the Aegean coast, with a stop at one of antiquity's greatest hilltop cities.
- Pergamon Acropolis (by cable car): a spectacular hilltop archaeological site above modern Bergama, reached by a scenic cable-car ride — once a major center of Hellenistic and Roman learning.
- Izmir Bay: a scenic stop overlooking Turkey's third-largest city and its Aegean harbor.
- Ottoman Izmir Clock Tower: the landmark 1901 clock tower at Konak Square, a symbol of the city.
One of the tour's signature days: the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, followed by Turkey's famous white travertine terraces.
- Ephesus Ancient City: marble-paved streets, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities on earth.
- Turkish Leather Outlet: a complimentary stop at a local leather workshop and showroom; browsing only, no obligation to purchase.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: a Roman-Byzantine spa city built atop the travertine terraces, including a well-preserved theatre and necropolis.
- Cleopatra's Pool: a thermal pool set among submerged ancient columns (swimming is at an additional charge paid locally).
- Pamukkale "Cotton Castle": dazzling white calcium terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal springs.
A journey east across the Anatolian plateau, tracing the historic Silk Road route into the heart of Cappadocia.
- Mevlana Museum, Konya: the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Rumi (Mevlana), founder of the Mevlevi Sufi order, and one of Turkey's most important spiritual sites.
- Sultanhanı Caravanserai (photo stop): a monumental 13th-century Seljuk trading-route inn, among the largest caravanserais built on the historic Silk Road.
The most immersive day of the tour, exploring Cappadocia's volcanic valleys above and below ground, closing with a traditional evening show.
- Hot Air Balloon (optional) / Jeep Safari (included): sunrise over the fairy chimneys — by balloon as an optional paid upgrade, or by 4x4 jeep safari included in your package.
- Underground City: a multi-level subterranean refuge carved by early Christian communities, complete with ventilation shafts and stables.
- Goreme Open Air Museum: a UNESCO-listed complex of rock-cut Byzantine churches decorated with frescoes.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): Cappadocia's most photographed multi-headed fairy chimneys.
- Pigeon Valley: a scenic viewpoint named for the hundreds of dovecotes carved into its cliffs.
- Avanos Village: a Red River town famous for centuries-old pottery and ceramic workshops.
- Turkish Handicraft & Carpet Manufacturer: a complimentary demonstration visit; browsing only, no obligation to purchase.
- Belly Dance Show (evening): a traditional performance including free-flow drinks and snacks.
A lighter travel day crossing central Anatolia toward the capital, with two striking stops en route.
- Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü): Turkey's second-largest lake, its mirror-flat white salt crust stretching to the horizon.
- Anıtkabir (Atatürk Mausoleum): the imposing monumental tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, in Ankara.
Back in Istanbul for the first of two days exploring the imperial heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine empires.
- Topkapi Palace (with Imperial Treasury): the primary residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, including access to the Imperial Treasury's jeweled collections.
- Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): the 17th-century mosque famed for its six minarets and blue Iznik tilework.
- Hippodrome of Constantinople: the former chariot-racing arena, now a public square lined with ancient monuments.
- Hagia Sophia Museum: the domed Byzantine cathedral turned Ottoman mosque, among the most significant buildings in world architecture.
Your final full day in Istanbul, covering the city's grandest mosque, its most opulent palace, and its most famous shopping streets.
- Suleymaniye Mosque: the largest Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul, designed by the master architect Mimar Sinan.
- Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Tomb (Ayyub Al Ansari): one of Islam's holiest sites outside Arabia, honoring the Prophet's companion Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.
- Dolmabahçe Palace: the lavish 19th-century Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus shore, blending European and Ottoman design.
- Grand Covered Bazaar: one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops.
- Istiklal Street & Taksim Square: Istanbul's iconic pedestrian avenue and central square, lined with historic buildings, cafes and the nostalgic tram.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final relaxed breakfast before your driver transfers you to Istanbul Airport for your journey home. Late-checkout day tours can be arranged on request for later flights.
- Private airport transfer: timed to your flight departure.
Key Places You'll Visit
A closer look at the destinations that define this itinerary — what each one is, and what's included when you get there.
Bosphorus Strait
The waterway separating Europe from Asia, toured by private boat on Day 2 past Ottoman waterfront mansions and fortresses.
Cruise includedGreen Mosque & Tomb
The turquoise-tiled centerpiece of early Ottoman architecture, and the mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I.
Entrance includedPergamon Acropolis
A cliff-top Hellenistic and Roman city reached by cable car, once home to one of antiquity's great libraries.
Cable car & entrance includedAncient City of Ephesus
The Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre make this UNESCO site one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world.
Entrance includedCotton Castle Travertines
Dazzling white calcium terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal springs, alongside the ruins of Hierapolis.
Entrance includedMevlana Museum
The mausoleum and dervish lodge of Jalal ad-Din Rumi, the 13th-century poet and founder of the Mevlevi Sufi order.
Entrance includedGoreme & the Fairy Chimneys
Rock-cut Byzantine churches, underground cities, and volcanic pinnacles across Pasabag and Pigeon Valley.
Jeep safari included · Balloon optionalAnıtkabir
The monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic.
Entrance includedTopkapi Palace & Treasury
Four centuries of Ottoman sultans' residence, with jeweled treasures including the Topkapi Dagger.
Entrance + Treasury includedHagia Sophia
A domed Byzantine cathedral turned Ottoman mosque, and one of the most influential buildings in world architecture.
Visit includedDolmabahçe Palace
A lavish 19th-century Bosphorus-front palace blending European and Ottoman styles.
Entrance includedGrand Covered Bazaar
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops across 61 streets.
Free time to browseIncluded & Excluded
- 10 nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels as listed, twin/double share
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner (B/L/D) as noted per day
- Private, air-conditioned transportation for the full 11 days
- Licensed, English-speaking professional tour guide throughout
- All entrance fees to sites named in the itinerary, incl. Topkapi Imperial Treasury
- Pergamon Acropolis cable car
- Bosphorus cruise
- Cappadocia jeep safari
- Belly dance show with free-flow drinks & snacks (Day 7)
- Airport meet & greet and all listed transfers
- Bottled water on board during touring days
- International and domestic flights to/from Istanbul
- Turkish e-Visa fee (arranged online prior to travel)
- Travel insurance
- Optional Cappadocia hot air balloon flight (approx. €180–€230 per person, weather permitting)
- Cleopatra's Pool swimming fee at Pamukkale (paid locally)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and additional beverages outside listed meals
- Gratuities for your guide and driver
- Turkish hamam (bath) experience, unless requested as an add-on
- Single-room supplement (available on request)
Tour Pricing
Final per-person pricing for this 11-day / 10-night, 5-star package is being confirmed and will be published shortly. Inquire below and we'll send you the exact rate for your dates and group size.
- Shared vehicle & guide with other travelers
- Fixed daily schedule
- Best value per person
- Dedicated vehicle & guide for your party only
- Flexible pacing and start times
- Ideal for families & small groups
- Applies on group or private bookings
- Under-4s travel free (no separate bed)
Hotels on This Route
10 Nights Across 6 Handpicked 5-Star Hotels
- Nights 1–2 · Istanbul — Mercure Istanbul Topkapi Hotel 5*
- Night 3 · Bursa — Crowne Plaza Hotel 5*
- Night 4 · Kusadasi — Suhan 360 Hotel 5*
- Night 5 · Pamukkale — Richmond Thermal Hotel 5*
- Nights 6–7 · Cappadocia — Avrasya Hotel 5*
- Night 8 · Bolu/Izmit — Ramada Plaza Izmit Hotel 5*
- Nights 9–10 · Istanbul — Mercure Istanbul Topkapi Hotel 5*
Why Choose The History Travel
Licensed Operator
TÜRSAB License No. 7377 — a fully licensed Turkish tour operator.
Expert Local Guides
English-speaking, licensed guides with deep regional knowledge on every leg.
Handpicked 5-Star Hotels
Every overnight stay is vetted for location, comfort and consistency.
Flexible Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your tour date.
Book Your Grand Turkey Tour
- 10 nights in 5-star hotels
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Daily breakfast, lunch & dinner
- All listed entrance fees
- All transfers & private transport
- Secure payment options
- Free cancellation (48 hrs prior)
0090 536 560 10 38
Have questions, or not ready to reserve yet? Send us a message and we'll reply within a few hours.
Choose private or group, select your tickets, and provide your details. We'll confirm availability within a few hours.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour date. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Date changes are accommodated subject to availability.
Payment Options
What Guests Say
Eleven packed days and never once felt rushed. Our guide's knowledge of Ephesus and Cappadocia especially stood out — highly recommended for a first trip to Turkey.
Loved that this route goes beyond the usual highlights — Cumalıkızık and Pergamon were unexpected favorites alongside Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
Hotels were consistently excellent and the logistics across ten cities were completely seamless. Booked the private option and it was worth every euro.