27 Amazing Days & 26 Nights to Explore Turkey

Your extraordinary Turkish adventure begins in Istanbul, the city where Europe and Asia meet. Our staff meet you at the airport and transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

• Optional Bosphorus Dinner Cruise — an evening of Turkish cuisine, music and a Whirling Dervish performance on the water, subject to arrival time.

A full day through the historic heart of Istanbul, from Roman antiquity to the Ottoman imperial court.

• Roman Hippodrome — the great arena for chariot racing, with the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column and Column of Constantine.
• Blue Mosque — the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built 1609–1617, still an active place of worship.
• Hagia Sophia — a 6th-century Byzantine masterpiece that later became an Ottoman mosque and museum.
• Topkapı Palace — the residence and administrative heart of the Ottoman sultans, with imperial collections and manuscripts.
• Grand Bazaar — thousands of shops selling carpets, jewelry, textiles and handicrafts.

The late-Ottoman era and Istanbul's unique maritime geography take centre stage today.

• Dolmabahçe Palace — a monumental, European-influenced palace reflecting 19th-century Ottoman modernization.
• Bosphorus Cruise — sailing the strait between Europe and Asia past palaces, mansions and mosque-studded skylines.
• Pierre Loti Hill — a cable-car ride to panoramic views over the Golden Horn.
• Spice Bazaar — Istanbul's atmospheric Egyptian Bazaar of spices, Turkish delight and dried fruits.

A different side of the city — Islamic heritage, the story of the 1453 conquest, and Istanbul's defensive history.

• Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Tomb — one of Istanbul's most important Islamic spiritual sites.
• Istanbul Aquarium — a family-friendly contrast to the day's historical sites.
• Panorama 1453 History Museum — an immersive panoramic presentation of the conquest of Constantinople.
• Yedikule Fortress — a historic defensive complex tied to Istanbul's Byzantine and Ottoman fortifications.
• Süleymaniye Mosque — a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture commissioned by Süleyman the Magnificent.

Leave the urban intensity of Istanbul behind for the peaceful greenery of the Prince's Islands, including an electric-vehicle island experience and free time.

• Kınalıada, Heybeliada & Burgazada — quieter islands known for historic mansions and pine forests.
• Büyükada — the largest island, with free time and optional summer swimming.

Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula, one of the most historically significant landscapes in modern Turkey, Australia and New Zealand's shared history. This is a day of reflection on courage, sacrifice and national memory, not simply a battlefield visit.

• ANZAC Cove & Ari Burnu Cemetery — the landing site and a Commonwealth war cemetery overlooking it.
• Lone Pine Australian Memorial — one of the principal Australian memorials on the peninsula.
• 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery — associated with a famous Turkish unit of the campaign.
• Chunuk Bair / New Zealand Memorial — the major site of remembrance for New Zealand forces.
• Also visited: Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, the Respect to Mehmetçik Memorial, Johnston's Jolly and The Nek.

Step into the world immortalized by Homer, then continue to one of the great cultural centers of the ancient Aegean.

• Troy — nine layered cities including the Trojan Horse, ancient walls, houses and the Odeon.
• Pergamon Acropolis — capital of the Attalid dynasty and a major political and scientific centre.
• Altar of Zeus — a landmark achievement of Hellenistic architecture and sculpture.
• Pergamon's hillside theatre — one of antiquity's steepest and most dramatic.

One of the major archaeological highlights of the entire journey — a major center of Roman Asia Minor.

• Library of Celsus — the most recognizable surviving monument of Ephesus.
• Great Theatre — a vast amphitheatre conveying the scale of ancient public life.
• House of the Virgin Mary — a Christian pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos near Ephesus.
• Temple of Artemis — once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Extraordinary geology meets ancient history at Pamukkale, "Cotton Castle," before continuing toward Fethiye.

• Pamukkale Travertines — brilliant white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters.
• Hierapolis — a UNESCO-listed Roman spa city with its Necropolis and theatre.
• Karahayıt / Red Water — the region's striking red mineral springs.

Turkey's spectacular Mediterranean coastline begins here.

• Ölüdeniz — brilliant blue water framed by dramatic mountains.
• Butterfly Valley — a boat-access-only canyon beach beneath steep cliffs.
• Blue Cave & Cold Water Bay — a coastal cave and a refreshing pine-shaded swim stop.
• St. Nicholas Island — early Christian church ruins tied to the historical memory of Saint Nicholas.

Into the mountains and valleys surrounding Fethiye.

• Tlos Ancient City — rock-cut Lycian tombs on a dramatic rocky outcrop.
• Yakapark — a relaxing stop beside cold mountain waters.
• Saklıkent Canyon — a spectacular canyon of rock, water and mountain scenery.

A powerful glimpse into Anatolia's recent multicultural history before continuing to Antalya.

• Kayaköy — an atmospheric abandoned hillside settlement of stone houses and churches.
• Amyntas Rock Tombs — remarkable Lycian tombs carved directly into the rock face.
• Fethiye Tuesday Market — a lively market of local produce, textiles and souvenirs.

Where Roman, Ottoman and Mediterranean influences meet.

• Düden Waterfalls — dramatic cascades near the Mediterranean shoreline.
• Tünektepe — panoramic views over Antalya and the coast.
• Hadrian's Gate — a monumental Roman gateway honouring the emperor Hadrian.
• Kaleiçi Old Town — narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses and the historic harbour.

A major ancient-history day through Pamphylia before an overnight bus transfer toward Cappadocia.

• Perge — one of the most important ancient cities of Pamphylia.
• Aspendos — one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the Mediterranean world.
• Side — a peninsula port city where history meets the Mediterranean.
• Kurşunlu Waterfalls — a peaceful natural close to the day.

(Optional) A sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's valleys is strongly recommended — watching the fairy chimneys and volcanic landscape emerge in morning light is one of Turkey's most memorable experiences.

• Devrent Valley — whimsical rock formations and fairy chimneys.
• Göreme Open Air Museum — rock-cut churches decorated with historic Christian art.
• Uçhisar Castle — a monumental rock fortress and one of the region's best viewpoints.
• Avanos — a riverside town famous for its deep-rooted pottery tradition.

Cappadocia's underground world and its dramatic canyon of rock-cut churches.

• Derinkuyu Underground City — a multi-level ancient settlement carved beneath the volcanic landscape.
• Ihlara Valley — a dramatic canyon with numerous rock-cut churches.
• Belisırma — a small rural settlement within the Ihlara region.
• Selime Monastery — a spectacular rock-cut religious complex.

The wider Kayseri region introduces a quieter, more natural side of central Anatolia.

• Erdemli Valley — a dramatic valley shaped by Mount Erciyes's volcanic activity.
• Soğanlı Valley — a quiet valley of rock-cut churches and historic settlements.
• Sultan Sazlığı National Park — a wetland and bird sanctuary with extensive bird diversity.

Kayseri's defensive, commercial and Seljuk heritage in depth.

• Kayseri Castle — defensive heritage spanning Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods.
• Museum of Seljuk Civilization — Anatolian Seljuk art, science and everyday life.
• Hunat Hatun Mosque & Complex — a magnificent Seljuk religious and social complex.
• Güpgüpoğlu Mansion / Ethnographic Museum — traditional Kayseri domestic life.

Travel to the lush Black Sea region and discover Trabzon.

• Atatürk Mansion — a historic mansion with European architectural influences.
• Trabzon Hagia Sophia Mosque — one of Trabzon's most important historic monuments.
• Boztepe — panoramic views over Trabzon and the Black Sea.

The famous Black Sea countryside, from tea production to a mountain lake.

• Uzungöl — an extraordinary mountain lake surrounded by forested slopes.
• Tea Factory — learn how the region's signature crop is produced.
• Hapsiyaş Bridge — a traditional timber-and-stone Black Sea bridge.

The wild natural beauty of the eastern Black Sea.

• Fırtına Valley — a spectacular river valley of dense forest and mountains.
• Zil Castle — a dramatic fortification perched amid green mountains.
• Seven Lakes (Yedigöller) — high-altitude crater lakes with spectacular seasonal scenery.

One of the undisputed highlights of the Black Sea region.

• Sumela Monastery — dramatically clinging to the mountainside above the Altındere Valley.
• Karaca Cave — a remarkable underground world formed over millions of years.
• Hamsiköy — mountain scenery and waterfalls at the close of the day.

An extended day in the Sumela–Zigana–Karaca Cave region, giving extra time to experience the mountain landscape before continuing toward Safranbolu. This additional day preserves the itinerary's broad regional coverage of the Black Sea.

One of Turkey's best-preserved Ottoman towns, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

• Safranbolu Old Town — historic streets and beautifully preserved Ottoman houses.
• İncekaya Aqueduct & Bulak Cave — a historic aqueduct and a spectacular natural cave.
• Tokatlı Canyon & Crystal Terrace — dramatic canyon views from a glass observation platform.
• Yörük Village & Arasta Bazaar — traditional rural architecture and a historic caravan-route bazaar.

A green, relaxed day before continuing to Bursa.

• Sapanca Lake — walking, cycling and lakeside dining.
• Maşukiye — a green escape of forests, streams and mountain scenery.

The final full touring day — Bursa, the first major capital of the Ottoman dynasty — before returning to Istanbul.

• Bursa Cable Car & Uludağ — a scenic ride to one of Turkey's premier mountain destinations.
• Green Mosque & Green Tomb — fine examples of early Ottoman architecture commissioned by Sultan Mehmed I.
• Historic Inkaya Plane Tree — a famous monumental tree tied to Bursa's village heritage.
• Bursa Silk Heritage — the city's historic connection to the Silk Road.

Your remarkable 27-day journey through Turkey comes to an end. Depending on your flight schedule, our transfer service collects you from your hotel and takes you to Istanbul Airport in time for your international departure. We hope you leave Turkey not simply with photographs, but with a deeper understanding of its civilizations, landscapes, traditions and people.