Discover the Best of Turkey in 17 Unforgettable Days
Experience the most complete journey through Turkey's ancient civilizations, magnificent landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pristine Mediterranean beaches and vibrant cultural treasures — all in one expertly designed 17-day itinerary.
This grand tour combines the highlights of Istanbul, Bursa, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Antalya, Konya and Cappadocia, giving travelers a deep and unhurried exploration of Turkey's Byzantine, Ottoman, Greco-Roman and Seljuk heritage, alongside the natural wonders of the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines.
With two extra days compared to a standard 15-day itinerary, this package adds a full day trip to Bursa — the first Ottoman capital — and a relaxed day exploring Antalya's old town and the ancient city of Side, giving you more time to absorb each destination without rushing.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the legendary city of Troy and the iconic Trojan Horse
- Discover Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire
- Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, a Roman masterpiece
- Stand on the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale
- Cruise the turquoise waters of Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
- Wander Antalya's old town (Kaleiçi) and ancient Side
- Visit the resting place of Rumi in spiritual Konya
- Soar above Cappadocia in a sunrise hot air balloon
- Uncover Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman treasures
Route at a Glance
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet our representative for a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a short orientation about your upcoming 17-day adventure, followed by free time to relax or take an early stroll through the surrounding neighborhood.
- Private airport transfer
- Welcome briefing & city orientation
- Free leisure time
Istanbul
Straddling two continents on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only major city in the world located on two continents, blending over 2,000 years of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history with a vibrant modern atmosphere.
Explore the grandeur of Ottoman Istanbul and enjoy breathtaking views from both the European and Asian sides of the city.
Dolmabahçe Palace
The final residence of the Ottoman sultans, famous for its lavish interiors, the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, and a magnificent Bosphorus-front setting.
Pierre Loti Hill
A scenic hilltop viewpoint named after the French novelist, reached by a relaxing cable car ride, offering spectacular panoramas over the Golden Horn.
Bosphorus Bridge & Asian Side
Cross between two continents and experience the unique geography that makes Istanbul one of a kind.
Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise
A relaxing boat cruise between Europe and Asia, passing waterfront palaces, mosques, historic mansions (yalıs) and lively neighborhoods.
Overnight: Istanbul
Discover the treasures of Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul on a full day exploring the old city's most iconic monuments.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
The ancient sporting and social center of Byzantine Constantinople, once hosting chariot races and imperial ceremonies in front of up to 100,000 spectators.
Blue Mosque
One of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks, celebrated for its six minarets and over 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles lining its interior.
Hagia Sophia
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, mosque, museum and mosque again across nearly 1,500 years of continuous use.
Topkapi Palace
The former imperial residence of Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years, housing priceless treasures, sacred relics and lush courtyards.
Grand Bazaar
One of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, with over 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics and souvenirs across 61 covered streets.
Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
A beautiful early Byzantine church converted into a mosque, admired for its elegant architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
Overnight: Istanbul
Cross the Sea of Marmara by fast ferry or coastal highway for a full-day excursion to Bursa, the green, mountain-backed city that served as the Ottoman Empire's first capital.
Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
A monumental Seljuk-Ottoman transitional mosque famous for its 20 domes and a striking central şadırvan (ablution fountain) beneath an open skylight.
Green Mosque & Green Tomb (Yeşil Cami & Yeşil Türbe)
Early 15th-century masterpieces of Ottoman architecture, named for their exquisite turquoise and emerald İznik tilework.
Koza Han Silk Market
A beautifully restored 15th-century caravanserai still trading in silk and cocoons, at the heart of Bursa's historic bazaar quarter.
Cumalıkızık Ottoman Village
A UNESCO-listed, remarkably preserved 700-year-old Ottoman village of timber-framed houses and cobbled lanes at the foot of Mount Uludağ.
Return to Istanbul in the evening.
Overnight: Istanbul
Travel along the scenic Marmara coast to historic Çanakkale, gateway to ancient Troy and the Gallipoli Peninsula. Enjoy free time upon arrival to explore the seafront promenade and the famous wooden Trojan Horse replica used in the 2004 film "Troy".
Overnight: Çanakkale
Ancient City of Troy
A UNESCO World Heritage Site immortalized by Homer's Iliad, with nine layered settlements spanning more than 4,000 years, 3,700-year-old city walls and the iconic Trojan Horse replica.
Pergamon Acropolis
One of the greatest cultural centers of the ancient world, featuring the dramatic hillside Theatre (one of the steepest ever built), the Altar of Zeus foundations, and the Agora.
Continue on to the Kuşadası/Ephesus region for the evening.
Overnight: Ephesus Region (Kuşadası / Selçuk)
One of the most impressive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, showcasing grand marble streets, temples, fountains and public buildings.
Library of Celsus
The iconic symbol of Ephesus and one of the most impressive surviving Roman library façades anywhere in the world.
Great Theatre of Ephesus
A massive ancient theatre capable of seating approximately 25,000 spectators, where St. Paul is said to have preached.
House of the Virgin Mary
A sacred Christian pilgrimage site nestled on Bülbül Mountain, believed by many to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary.
Isa Bey Mosque
A 14th-century masterpiece of early Seljuk-era Anatolian architecture located at the foot of Ayasuluk Hill.
Temple of Artemis
The remains of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once among the largest temples ever constructed.
Transfer to Pamukkale in the afternoon.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Hierapolis Ancient City
An ancient Roman spa city recognized by UNESCO, famous for its therapeutic thermal springs, temples and remarkably preserved ruins.
Hierapolis Theatre
A magnificent, well-preserved theatre showcasing intricate carvings and panoramic views over the surrounding valley.
Roman Necropolis
One of Turkey's largest and best-preserved ancient cemeteries, with over 1,200 tombs spanning Hellenistic, Roman and early Christian periods.
Pamukkale Travertines
Famous dazzling-white mineral terraces formed by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading down the hillside — Turkey's "Cotton Castle".
Cleopatra Pool
A unique thermal pool where visitors can swim among submerged ancient Roman columns, said to have been a gift to Cleopatra herself.
Overnight: Pamukkale
Travel through the pine-covered Turkish countryside and mountain passes to the Mediterranean resort town of Fethiye. Enjoy free time upon arrival to explore the marina and old town bazaar.
Overnight: Fethiye
Enjoy a full-day cruise through Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast aboard a traditional Turkish gulet.
Ölüdeniz
Turkey's most famous beach destination, known for its crystal-clear turquoise lagoon and dramatic mountain backdrop, also one of the world's top paragliding spots.
Butterfly Valley
A hidden natural paradise surrounded by towering cliffs, home to dozens of butterfly species and accessible only by boat or steep trail.
Blue Cave
A beautiful coastal cave where sunlight creates mesmerizing shades of blue in the crystal-clear water, ideal for swimming.
St. Nicholas Island
A historic island featuring Byzantine church ruins and spectacular panoramic views over the bay.
Transfer to Antalya in the evening.
Overnight: Antalya
Perge Ancient City
An important Roman city featuring colonnaded marble streets, monumental gates, baths and one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in Anatolia.
Aspendos Theatre
One of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, still used today for concerts and festivals thanks to its near-perfect acoustics.
Düden Waterfalls
A spectacular waterfall system where fresh water cascades dramatically into the Mediterranean Sea from sheer cliffs along the coast.
Overnight: Antalya
A relaxed extra day to soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere, combining historic charm with a half-day excursion to the seaside ruins of Side.
Kaleiçi (Antalya Old Town)
A maze of Ottoman-era houses, narrow cobbled lanes and a historic harbor enclosed by ancient city walls, now home to boutique hotels, cafés and artisan shops.
Hadrian's Gate
A beautifully preserved triple-arched Roman gate built in 130 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city.
Side Ancient City & Temple of Apollo
A romantic seaside ruin where ancient Corinthian columns of the Temple of Apollo frame unforgettable Mediterranean sunsets.
Free evening to enjoy Antalya's harbor-front restaurants.
Overnight: Antalya
Mevlana Museum (Rumi's Tomb)
One of Turkey's most visited religious landmarks, housing the mausoleum of the 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet Jalaluddin Rumi, founder of the Whirling Dervishes.
Alaaddin Hill & Mosque
The historic Seljuk-era heart of Konya, topped by a 12th-century mosque built on an ancient citadel mound.
Karatay Madrasa
A former Seljuk theological school, now a ceramics museum, famous for its exquisite blue-and-turquoise tile dome.
İnce Minareli Medrese
An architectural masterpiece of the Seljuk period, renowned for its richly carved stone portal and slender fluted minaret.
Continue to Cappadocia in the evening.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Göreme Open-Air Museum
A UNESCO-listed monastic complex of rock-cut churches adorned with exceptional Byzantine frescoes dating from the 10th–12th centuries.
Devrent Valley
A fascinating valley filled with unique rock formations naturally shaped like animals and mythical figures, nicknamed "Imagination Valley".
Uçhisar Castle
The highest point in Cappadocia, a natural rock fortress riddled with tunnels, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
Pigeon Valley
A picturesque valley named after the thousands of pigeon houses carved into its cliffs by local farmers for centuries.
Overnight: Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Flight
Experience one of the world's most famous balloon rides at sunrise, floating silently above fairy chimneys, valleys, vineyards and ancient cave dwellings.
Avanos
A charming riverside town along the Kızılırmak River, famous for centuries-old red-clay pottery traditions and working artisan workshops.
Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı Underground City
Extraordinary multi-level underground settlements carved into volcanic rock, once sheltering thousands of inhabitants from invasion.
Ortahisar
A traditional Cappadocian village dominated by a towering rock castle and authentic local architecture.
Evening domestic flight to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meet your private guide and customize your final full day according to your interests. Possible visits include:
- Museums of your choice
- Local markets and the Spice Bazaar
- Ottoman heritage sites
- Shopping districts (Istiklal Street, Nişantaşı)
- Handicraft centers
- Hidden neighborhoods (Balat, Fener)
- Culinary experiences and street food tours
Overnight: Istanbul
Transfer to Istanbul Airport and conclude your unforgettable 17-day Turkish adventure. End of services.
What's Included & Excluded
Services Included
- 16 nights' accommodation in carefully selected 4-star and boutique hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Professional, licensed English-speaking guides
- Guided sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- Luxury air-conditioned vehicles throughout
- All airport and intercity transfers
- Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Bursa day-trip ferry/coach transportation
- Entrance fees to all museums and archaeological sites mentioned
- Lunches during guided sightseeing days
- Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon flight (weather permitting)
- 17-day comprehensive travel insurance
Services Excluded
- International flights to/from Turkey
- Turkey e-Visa fees (if applicable to your nationality)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Dinners and beverages (except where noted)
- Optional activities (balloon photo packages, dinner cruises, shows)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance upgrades
- Hotel porterage
- Personal shopping expenses
AI Recommendations
Based on this 17-day route, traveler season, and pacing, here are the optional experiences and logistics tweaks that consistently raise guest satisfaction and the perceived value of this package.
Turkish Night Show, Cappadocia
A folkloric dinner show with belly dance and regional dance performances — best slotted into the free evening of Day 14.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
An evening cruise with live music and city-light views; ideal on Day 16 as a memorable farewell to Istanbul.
Whirling Dervish (Sema) Ceremony, Konya
A moving spiritual ceremony rooted in Rumi's teachings, perfectly timed for the evening after visiting the Mevlana Museum on Day 13.
Paragliding over Ölüdeniz
One of the world's top paragliding launch points, with tandem flights bookable directly on Day 10 during the boat cruise stop.
Turkish Hamam Experience
A traditional bath and massage ritual, best enjoyed in either Istanbul or Cappadocia to unwind after a long sightseeing day.
Cappadocia Photography Tour
A sunrise or sunset photo walk through Rose Valley, ideal to combine with the Day 14 itinerary for golden-hour shots of the fairy chimneys.
Sunset Yacht Cruise, Bosphorus
A more intimate, private alternative to the group cruise on Day 2, recommended for couples and honeymooners.
Antalya Old Town Food Walk
A guided culinary walk through Kaleiçi on Day 12, sampling Antalya-style kebabs, künefe and Turkish coffee.
Pacing Tip
Day 4 (Bursa) and Day 12 (Antalya/Side) were added specifically as lower-intensity days to prevent itinerary fatigue between back-to-back archaeological sites.
Best Time to Travel & What to Bring
Why Choose This 17-Day Tour?
Most Complete Route
Covers Turkey's most famous destinations in a single, unhurried itinerary.
Ideal for First-Time Visitors
A perfect blend of history, archaeology, culture, nature, spirituality and leisure.
5 UNESCO Sites
Including Historic Istanbul, Troy, Ephesus, Hierapolis-Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
Professional Guides
Licensed, English-speaking guides accompany you throughout the journey.
Carefully Paced
Two extra rest-and-discovery days (Bursa & Antalya/Side) reduce fatigue versus a rushed 15-day route.
Excellent Value
Hotels, transfers, domestic flight and the Cappadocia balloon flight all included.
Hotels & Practical Information
Hotel Category
Carefully selected 4-star and boutique hotels, including cave-style accommodation in Cappadocia for an authentic regional experience.
Room Type
Double/twin sharing as standard; single rooms available on request for a supplement.
Meals
Daily breakfast included at all hotels, plus lunch on guided sightseeing days.
Domestic Flight
One domestic flight from Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir) to Istanbul on Day 15, included in the package.
Hotel Substitution Policy
In case of unavailability, hotels of equal or higher category will be offered at no extra cost.
Book the 17-Day Grand Turkey Tour
- Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
- Licensed travel agency
- Small group, max 16 travelers
- 24/7 support during your trip
Not ready to book yet? Send us a quick inquiry and our team will reply with availability and a tailored quote within a few hours.
Choose private or group, select your tickets, and provide your details. Final pricing for this tour hasn't been confirmed yet, so this reserves your spot as a priority quote request — we'll follow up with exact pricing and availability.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Date changes are accommodated subject to availability. Full terms are listed in our Cancellation Policy.
Payment Options
Frequently Asked Questions
What Our Guests Say
The extra Bursa day was such a nice surprise — it felt much less rushed than the 15-day version I'd seen elsewhere. The balloon flight in Cappadocia was the highlight of our entire trip.
Hot Air BalloonOur guide's knowledge of Ephesus and Troy was incredible. The Antalya old town day gave us a chance to breathe between the busier archaeological days.
Guided ToursExcellent value for 17 days — hotels were comfortable, transfers always on time, and the Fethiye boat cruise was unforgettable.
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