17 Day Grand Turkey Tour offers an amazing way to explore some of the highlights of western Turkey, you will also have free time at various destinations to explore on your own while also taking guided tours. Beginning your time in the beautiful harbour town of Fethiye you will take a cruise along the Turkish coast, visiting peaceful bays and quaint towns you will end your cruise in the town of Olympos. Here you can explore the ruins of the ancient town before travelling on to Pamukkale, the natural white rock formations offer a fantastic place to relax with a tour of the nearby the ancient city of Hierapolis.
The Ephesus region welcomes you next, the small town offers a traditional lifestyle and a tour of the well-preserved ruins of a city that once was home to thousands of people. Cappadocia is the destination that follows on, this varied and magical feeling landscape offers amazing hidden gems, while here you will try the early morning walking tour to visit areas that are less travelled. During your time the North and South Cappadocia Tours show different amazing parts of the region. Istanbul is your final destination with tours showing the beauty, history and culture that has been born out of occupation by different groups.
Duration
15 Days 14 Nights
Available Languages
EN, ES
Welcome to Turkey
Transfer service direct from Olympos, Antalya Airport, or the bus station to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Olympos
Today you will be put on a local bus bound for Demre to meet your gulet for your 4-day cruise of the Mediterranean. Today, you sail past the sunken city. Once part of the original settlement that still makes up the island of Kekova, after a devastating earthquake many centuries ago, this part of the town has fallen into the ocean. You will sail past slowly for a closer look before anchoring down on the opposite side to visit what still remains of Kekova. Here you can wander the island and walk up to the Lycian tombs for a closer look or climb to the top and enter Simena Castle for some beautiful views over the coastline you have just cruised.
Overnight cabin cruise.
Today after making some stops along the way for swimming, breakfast and lunch you will get to spend some time in the beautiful town of Kas. Here you can shop up a storm with the abundance of jewellery shops in town or spend time just wandering the cobblestone streets soaking up the ambience of the seaside fishing village.
Overnight cabin cruise.
Today you visit Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz / Blue Lagoon and spend the evening anchored down at St Nicholas Island. Be sure to climb to the top of the island for the most beautiful sunset, possibly one of the best, of the whole cruise.
Overnight cabin cruise.
After your Gulet Cruise, you will be transferred from Fethiye Harbour to your hotel in Fethiye.
The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the area.
Overnight in Fethiye.
You are collected from your accommodation early and depart for Pamukkale, which in Turkish translates to "cotton castle". On arrival, you have lunch before taking in the magnificent views of the “cotton castle” travertines. You get a guided tour over the white cliffs of Pamukkale and of the ancient, historical ruins of Hierapolis. You then continue your journey onto Ephesus.
Overnight in the Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
Today you get to start to explore the wonders of Ephesus. You are picked up from your accommodation and get taken out to see some of the best-preserved marble ruins in the modern world – Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the Ancient Capitals of Roman Asia - the second largest ancient city of the world! A city where over 200,000 people lived over 3,000 years ago. You also get to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. An important place for the Christian faith, as it is believed it is where Mary spent the last years of her life. You will also visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world – The Temple of Artemis.
Overnight in Ephesus region. (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
Today, you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Kayseri.
Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
- Early Morning -
OPTIONAL TOUR: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
If you choose to wake up in the early hours of the morning to take advantage of a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon flight, this experience can be added to the tour. This activity is famous in Cappadocia and is the perfect way to start the day by seeing the awesome views of the mountains from high in the sky. This tour will cost extra.
Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour
Today you will be picked up from your accommodation after breakfast, to start exploring parts of the South Cappadocia region. The highlights of the day will include, the Underground City, Uchisar Castle Panorama and a beautiful stroll through the Meskendir Valley to name a few. The day is full of some of the most beautiful sites to see in Cappadocia.
Overnight Cappadocia region.
Full-Day North Cappadocia Tour
You have one more day in this spectacular region to soak up the rest of the sites to see. Today you will be picked up from your accommodation and get to visit some of the oldest settlements in the north Cappadocia region. You will visit some small villages, take in some local handicrafts, and also get to soak up the natural wonders and visit the Monks Valley, Devrent Valley, and the Three Beauties.
Overnight in the Cappadocia region.
Today, you will take a flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
OPTIONAL TOUR: BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
In the evening, we will drive you to the water's edge for an evening that will show you some amazing places. You will enjoy great food and also some fantastic traditional Turkish entertainment.
The mighty waterway of the Bosphorus Straits, which cuts a city into two sides, Europe and Asia, and as you sail along the city's banks you will pass under the iconic Bosphorus bridge and also sail by incredible ancient buildings such as Kucuksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. The night's entertainment will take you on a journey across Turkey with Belly Dancing, Folk Dancers, Whirling Dervishes and some stirring music played on traditional instruments. Your meal will be a great introduction to the food of this country with classics such as Baklava, Mezzes and Turkish coffee; all you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.
Today, you are picked up early from your accommodation and we'll travel to Gallipoli for a day.
There you will have lunch before starting a fully guided tour of the Gallipoli peninsula. You visit the many cemeteries of Australians, New Zealanders and Turk soldiers and also visit the war memorials and see some of the original old trenches on the Gallipoli battlefields. You get time at the museum where you can see some old war artifacts that are still being discovered in the area. It will be time to ponder the heroism and tragedy of past times and understand the friendships that were born between the nations fighting for this piece of the peninsula. Afterwards, you will return back to Istanbul.
Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast, meet your professional local guide at the hotel and begin your walking tour through Istanbul’s historic Old City.
Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the magnificent Blue Mosque, and the iconic Hagia Sophia. Continue to the colourful Grand Bazaar and explore the aromatic Spice Bazaar, filled with spices, Turkish delights, teas, dried fruits, and local products.
An optional visit to the Basilica Cistern can also be arranged. The entrance fee is not included.
Highlights
Hippodrome of Constantinople
Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Optional Basilica Cistern
Overnight in Istanbul.
Important Notes:
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays
Blue Mosque is closed on Fridays due to prayers; we are unable to enter
OPTIONAL TOUR: BOSPHORUS DINNER CRUISE
In the evening we will drive you to the water's edge for an evening that will show you some amazing places. You will enjoy great food and also some fantastic traditional Turkish entertainment.
The mighty waterway of the Bosphorus Straits, which cuts a city into two sides, Europe and Asia, and as you sail along the city's banks you will pass under the iconic Bosphorus bridge and also sail by incredible ancient buildings such as Kucuksu Palace and Rumeli Fortress. The night's entertainment will take you on a journey across Turkey with Belly Dancing, Folk Dancers, Whirling Dervishes and some stirring music played on traditional instruments. Your meal will be a great introduction to the food of this country with classics such as Baklava, Mezzes and Turkish coffee; all you have to do is relax and enjoy the ride.
After breakfast, meet your professional guide at the hotel and visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries.
Explore the palace courtyards, imperial chambers, historical collections, and panoramic views over the Bosphorus.
After the palace visit, enjoy a scenic two-hour Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia. Along the way, admire Istanbul’s waterfront palaces, mosques, fortresses, traditional Ottoman mansions, and spectacular skyline.
Highlights
Topkapi Palace
Golden Horn
Galata Tower
Dolmabahce Palace
Cıragan Palace
Ortakoy Mosque
Bosphorus Bridge
Rumeli Fortress
European and Asian shores
Important Notes:
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays
Overnight in Istanbul
Today your tour officially ends. If you require any assistance with onward travel within Turkey, accommodation bookings, queries, please let us know & we will be happy to assist.
493 departures across all months