The Best of Turkey in One Unforgettable Journey
Istanbul — capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires — has always been the dream starting point for travelers wanting to experience Turkey's fascinating history, culture and natural beauty. This 13-day, 12-night tour package is built around that dream: it opens with four days uncovering Istanbul's imperial mosques, palaces and bazaars, then flies south to the Aegean coast for the ancient city of Ephesus, continues to the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, follows the turquoise coastline through Fethiye and Antalya, and finishes with two full days exploring the fairy-chimney valleys and underground cities of Cappadocia before returning to Istanbul.
Operated as a semi-regular small-group tour with guaranteed departures throughout the year, or customized as a private tour on request, this itinerary is designed for travelers who want to see Turkey's must-visit historical, cultural and natural highlights without piecing together flights, hotels and guides themselves — everything from airport meet-and-greet to your final transfer home is organized for you.
Istanbul's Imperial Landmarks
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar across two full days of guided sightseeing.
Ephesus & the Ancient World
Walk the marble streets of one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean, plus the House of the Virgin Mary.
Pamukkale's Cotton Castle
The dazzling white travertine terraces and thermal pools of Pamukkale, alongside the Hierapolis ruins above them.
Fethiye's Turquoise Coast
A boat tour to Butterfly Valley and St. Nicholas Island, plus the haunting ghost village of Kayaköy.
Antalya's Ancient Cities
Waterfalls, Kaleiçi's old harbour, and the Roman theatres of Aspendos, Perge and Side.
Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys
Two full days of valleys, underground cities and viewpoints, with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride.
Best Time to Travel
What to Pack
Your 13-Day Route Across Turkey
Each place below is tagged Included (covered by the package price) or Optional Extra (available locally at an additional cost). The order below is the logical geographic flow of the tour; on the ground your guide may adjust the exact sequence within a day depending on traffic, opening hours and weather — all listed visits still take place.
You are welcomed at Istanbul Airport by our staff holding a name sign and transferred directly to your hotel to check in and rest after your flight.
Airport Welcome & Hotel Transfer Included
Private, air-conditioned vehicle transfer from the airport to your centrally located Istanbul hotel, with an English-speaking welcome team.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Optional Extra
An evening cruise along the Bosphorus with a Turkish set menu, Whirling Dervish Sema ceremony, belly dance and folk dance shows. Available if your arrival time and energy permit — booked and paid locally, alcoholic drinks cost an additional €10.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul.
A full day tracing 1,600 years of empire, from Roman chariot races to Ottoman sultans, on foot through Istanbul's historic peninsula.
Hippodrome of Constantinople Included
Once a Roman/Byzantine chariot-racing arena, today an open-air park holding the Egyptian Obelisk of Pharaoh Thutmose III, the bronze Serpentine Column from Delphi, and the Column of Constantine.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) Included
Built between 1609–1617 and still an active mosque, famed for its six minarets and the blue İznik tiles lining its interior.
Hagia Sophia Included
Built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 CE under Emperor Justinian I, later a mosque, then a museum, and a mosque again — one of the world's great architectural monuments.
Topkapı Palace Included
The administrative and residential heart of the Ottoman court from roughly 1478 to 1856, now a museum housing the imperial collections, manuscripts and treasury.
Grand Bazaar Included
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with 61 streets and over 4,000 shops — free time for browsing carpets, ceramics, jewelry and souvenirs.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul.
A relaxed change of pace on the vehicle-free Princes' Islands, reached by ferry from Istanbul, with an electric-buggy ride and a seaside fish lunch.
Kınalıada, Heybeliada & Burgazada Included
The ferry passes these three islands of the archipelago — the fourth-largest, the saddle-shaped Heybeliada, and pine-covered Burgazada — viewed from the water en route to Büyükada.
Büyükada (Prince Island) Included
The largest of the Princes' Islands: an electric-vehicle tour past 19th-century mansions, free time to swim in summer, and lunch at a seaside fish restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul.
A final morning of Istanbul sightseeing along the Bosphorus, followed by your first domestic flight south to the Aegean coast.
Dolmabahçe Palace Included
Turkey's largest palace — 45,000 m², 285 rooms, 46 halls — built as the Ottoman Empire's modernized 19th-century seat of government.
Bosphorus Cruise from the Golden Horn Included
A roughly 1.5–2 hour guided boat cruise along the strait dividing Europe from Asia, departing from the Old City in Eminönü.
Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car Included
One of Istanbul's best viewpoints over the Golden Horn, reached past the historic city walls in the Eyüp district, with a cable car ride down.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market) Included
Turkey's second-largest historic covered market in Eminönü, famous for spices, Turkish delight and teas.
Domestic Flight to Izmir Included
Evening flight from Istanbul to Izmir, with a transfer on to your hotel in the Kuşadası/Selçuk area — the gateway to Ephesus.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Kuşadası/Ephesus region.
A full day exploring one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean and an important Christian pilgrimage site nearby.
Ancient City of Ephesus Included
Once a foremost center of arts, science and religion in Roman Asia Minor — walk the marble main street past its grandest ruins.
Library of Celsus Included
Ephesus's architectural showpiece: an ornate two-story facade that once held around 12,000 scrolls.
The Great Theatre Included
A Hellenistic-era theatre with capacity for around 25,000 spectators, attributed to Lysimachus, one of Alexander the Great's generals.
House of the Virgin Mary Included
A modest stone chapel on Mount Koressos believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years — a pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.
Temple of Artemis Included
A photo stop at the surviving foundation of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Ephesus/Kuşadası.
Travel inland to Turkey's famous "Cotton Castle," then continue by coach to the coastal town of Fethiye in the afternoon.
Pamukkale Travertines Included
Brilliant white calcium-carbonate terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal springs at 35°C — one of Turkey's most photographed natural landmarks.
Hierapolis Ancient City Included
A UNESCO World Heritage ancient Phrygian spa city established around 190 BCE, sitting directly above the travertines.
Cleopatra Antique Pool Optional Extra
A thermal pool said to have been used by Cleopatra herself; entry, towel and swimwear are not included and are paid directly at the gate.
Roman Necropolis & Roman Theatre Included
An extensive ancient cemetery with intricately carved sarcophagi, and a restored 12,000-seat theatre built under Hadrian and Septimius Severus.
Karahayıt Red Springs Included
A short photo stop at the reddish-orange mineral terraces just north of Pamukkale.
Coach Transfer to Fethiye Included
Roughly 3-hour intercity coach journey to the coastal town of Fethiye, arriving in the evening.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Fethiye.
A full day cruising the bays around Ölüdeniz, with swim stops at some of the Turquoise Coast's most scenic coves.
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz Boat Tour Included
Departing from Ölüdeniz pier, cruising past dramatic bays and beaches along the coastline.
Butterfly Valley Included
A dramatic, cliff-enclosed valley reachable only by sea, home to a protected micro-ecosystem and, in season, migrating butterflies.
Blue Cave & Cold Spring Bay Included
Also known as the Cold Water Cave for its chilly, crystal-clear water — a refreshing swim break on a hot day.
St. Nicholas Island Included
An offshore island with the remains of several 4th–6th century churches, believed by some archaeologists to hold Saint Nicholas's original tomb.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Fethiye.
A morning exploring Fethiye's countryside and history before an evening coach transfer along the coast to Antalya.
Kayaköy Ghost Village Included
An abandoned Greek village dating back to antiquity, its stone houses and churches left empty since the 1923 population exchange.
Amyntas Rock Tombs Included
Lycian tombs carved directly into steep cliff faces, including the well-preserved temple-style "King's Tomb."
Salı Pazarı Local Market Included
Fethiye's famous Tuesday open-air bazaar — fresh produce, textiles and souvenirs, when your visit falls on that day of the week.
Coach Transfer to Antalya Included
Evening intercity coach journey along the Turquoise Coast to Antalya.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Antalya.
Waterfalls, viewpoints and the historic old town of Turkey's Mediterranean capital.
Karpuzkaldıran (Lower Düden) Waterfall Included
A lesser-known waterfall named for its unusually strong, salty current.
Düden (Upper) Waterfall Included
Said to be where Alexander the Great watered his horses; also known locally as İskender Waterfall.
Tünektepe Cable Car Included
A scenic cable-car ride up to roughly 1,700 meters for panoramic views over Antalya and the coastline.
Kaleiçi Old Town & Marina Included
Antalya's historic Hellenistic-era harbour and the atmospheric old-town quarter that surrounds it.
Hadrian's Gate Included
A monumental triple archway built in 130 CE to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit to Antalya.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Antalya.
A final day of ancient cities around Antalya, followed by an overnight coach journey inland to Cappadocia (no hotel this night).
Aspendos Theatre Included
The best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, built in the 2nd century CE with capacity for around 15,000 people, still used for performances today.
Perge Ancient City Included
One of the largest and most complete ancient settlements near Antalya, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Side Ancient City Included
A former commercial port city on a narrow peninsula, now a popular coastal resort built around its ruins.
Kurşunlu Waterfalls Included
A forested waterfall setting around 19 km from Antalya, reduced to a gentle flow in summer months.
Overnight Coach to Cappadocia Included
An approximately 10-hour overnight coach journey with rest stops — you sleep on board rather than in a hotel this one night.
Overnight: On board the coach (no hotel this night).
Arrive in Cappadocia in the early morning, drop your luggage, and set out to explore the region's northern valleys and viewpoints.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride Optional Extra
Weather-dependent balloon flight over the fairy-chimney landscape at dawn — the single most popular add-on in Cappadocia, best booked in advance.
Devrent (Imagination) Valley Included
A striking valley of wind-eroded rock formations said to resemble animals and figures, depending on your imagination.
Göreme Open-Air Museum Included
A UNESCO World Heritage complex of rock-cut Byzantine churches and monasteries — the crown jewel of Cappadocia's history.
Esentepe Viewpoint Included
A panoramic overlook popular with photographers for sweeping views of the fairy-chimney valleys.
Uçhisar Castle Included
A natural rock fortress carved with tunnels and rooms, the highest point in the region, with a chapel featuring 8th-century frescoes.
Avanos Pottery Workshops Included
A riverside town on the Kızılırmak (Red River) that has produced pottery since the Hittite period around 2000 BCE.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Cappadocia.
An underground city and a dramatic canyon in the morning, then a flight back to Istanbul for your final night.
Second Balloon Ride Opportunity Optional Extra
A second early-morning window for those who missed or want to repeat the balloon experience, subject to weather.
Derinkuyu Underground City Included
A multi-level underground city reaching roughly 85 meters deep, once sheltering as many as 20,000 people with their livestock and supplies.
Ihlara Valley Included
A 15 km, up to 150 m deep canyon containing around 50 rock-hewn Byzantine churches — a scenic guided walk along the valley floor.
Belisırma Village Included
A small riverside village along the Ihlara Valley walk, with free time for lunch at your own expense at a local riverside restaurant.
Selime Monastery Included
A dramatic complex of rock-cut churches, dormitories and colonnades, its otherworldly rock formations recognizable from film locations.
Domestic Flight to Istanbul Included
Evening flight from Kayseri back to Istanbul, with a transfer to your hotel for your final night in Turkey.
Overnight: Hotel with breakfast in Istanbul.
Your tour concludes with a private transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport, timed 4–5 hours ahead of your international flight.
Airport Departure Transfer Included
Private vehicle transfer from your Istanbul hotel to the airport for your flight home.
Price Included & Excluded
Included in the Price
- 12 nights accommodation with breakfast (11 hotel nights + 1 overnight coach)
- 2 domestic flight tickets (Istanbul–Izmir, Kayseri–Istanbul)
- 3 intercity coach tickets between regions
- Professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide throughout
- All airport, hotel and bus-station transfers
- Museum and archaeological site entrance fees
- Set-menu lunch on group tour days (vegetarian option on request)
- All ground transport in air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles
Not Included
- Dinners (except where noted on the optional cruise)
- Drinks on the group lunch
- Cleopatra Antique Pool entrance fee, Pamukkale (bring your own towel & swimwear)
- Hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia / Pamukkale
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- International flights and Turkey e-Visa fee
- Travel insurance
Popular Optional Add-Ons (booked & paid locally)
AI Travel Recommendations
Suggestions from our planning team to help you get the most out of this 13-day route, based on how the itinerary flows and where travelers most often ask for advice.
Book the balloon ride on arrival day
Balloon flights are weather-dependent and sell out; ask your guide to confirm your Day 11 or 12 flight the moment you land in Cappadocia, not the night before.
Pack one small overnight bag
Day 10's overnight coach to Cappadocia means your main luggage stays stowed below — keep toiletries, a change of clothes and chargers in a daypack for that night.
Carry small-denomination Lira
Optional extras — the Cleopatra Pool, balloon rides, market shopping — are usually cash-friendly; cards work in hotels and restaurants, but small bills help on excursion days.
Dress for mosque visits
Days 2 and 4 include working mosques — shoulders and knees covered, and a scarf for women is appreciated; lightweight layers work well for the temperature swings between coast and Cappadocia.
Shoulder-season value
April–May and late September–October combine comfortable sightseeing weather with better balloon-flight odds and typically lower hotel rates than peak summer.
Private tour for flexibility
If mosque queues, market stops or a strict schedule aren't your style, the private version of this tour lets you set your own pace on the same route for a higher per-person cost with 1–2 travelers.
Additional Suggestions
A few notes worth considering before you book: this itinerary already includes a rest-light pace across 13 days, so travelers prone to fatigue may want to treat Day 3 (Princess Islands) as their lighter day and go easy on optional evening add-ons the night before an early morning start. Because two of the twelve nights (Days 4 and 12) involve evening domestic flights, we recommend against booking a same-day onward international connection on those dates — build in a buffer. Finally, if travel dates fall in July or August, book at least 8–10 weeks ahead: Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia hotels sell out fastest in peak summer.
Approximate Market Price for This Package
Prices below are per-adult, twin-share estimates based on current Turkish inbound-tourism market rates for a 13-day / 12-night, 6-region package with 2 domestic flights and 3 intercity coach transfers included. Actual rates vary with season, hotel category, group size and departure date — request a tailored quote for exact, date-specific pricing.
Join a small group of fellow travelers on fixed departure dates. The most economical way to cover all 6 regions with a shared licensed guide and coach.
twin-share
The same 13-day route on your own schedule, with a private guide and vehicle throughout — ideal for families, couples and small parties wanting flexibility.
2 travelers sharing