Anatolian Legends of Turkey: From Empires to Eternity

from $4,192

Duration

6 days

Type

Guided

Difficulty

Moderate

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Begin in Istanbul, where East meets West in the shadow of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus and witness the city’s timeless skyline. In Cappadocia, explore surreal valleys, ancient cave dwellings, and underground cities carved by civilizations long gone. Konya invites you into the mystical world of Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes. Pamukkale’s white terraces and Hierapolis ruins offer a glimpse into nature’s artistry and Roman grandeur.

From the sacred battlefields of Gallipoli to the legendary ruins of Troy and Ephesus, every step of this tour is a walk through history. A wine tasting in the charming village of Şirince adds a flavorful touch to your cultural immersion.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and unforgettable moments across Turkey’s most storied landscapes.

Inclusions

Domestic flight (Istanbul → Cappadocia)
Airport transfers
Professional English-speaking guide
Wine tasting, Bosphorus cruise
Air-conditioned private transport
5 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 5 Dinner
Entrance fees to listed sites

Exclusions

Entry Visa, if required
International flights
Gratuities for tour guide, driver and tour leader

Tour Plan

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Istanbul → Cappadocia

Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia, where your guide will meet you upon arrival for a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to unwind from your journey. You may explore the charming stone streets or watch the sunset over the fairy chimneys. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Same Day Day 2: Cappadocia – Göreme, Uçhisar, Devrent Valley

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Cappadocia’s magical landscape. Start with the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient rock-cut churches and monastic dwellings adorned with vibrant frescoes. Continue to Uçhisar Castle for breathtaking views of the valleys below. In Devrent (Imagination) Valley, admire unique rock formations shaped by nature — each resembling different animals or figures. Later, visit local artisan workshops to see pottery, carpet weaving, and stone carving in action. Optional: Enjoy an early-morning hot air balloon ride for a once-in-a-lifetime view of Cappadocia’s sunrise. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Same Day Day 3: Cappadocia → Pamukkale

After breakfast, depart from Cappadocia toward Pamukkale. En route, stop at the Sultanhan Caravanserai, a magnificent 13th-century Seljuk inn that once hosted Silk Road traders. Upon arrival in Pamukkale, explore the stunning Cotton Castle travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Walk barefoot through the warm, mineral-rich waters and visit the ancient theater, Roman baths, and necropolis. Optional: Take a dip in the famous Cleopatra Pool, surrounded by ancient marble columns. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.

Same Day Day 4: Pamukkale → Ephesus → Izmir

After breakfast, drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Explore highlights such as the Library of Celsus, Great Theater, Marble Street, and the Temple of Artemis. Later, visit the House of Virgin Mary, a sacred site believed to be her final residence. Continue to Izmir with a short stop at a local leather center to observe handcrafted goods. Dinner and overnight stay in Izmir or Kuşadası.

Same Day Day 5: Izmir → Bergama → Troy → Canakkale

After an early breakfast, drive north to Pergamon, home to the ancient Asclepion Healing Center dedicated to the god of medicine. Explore the remains of the treatment rooms, tunnels, and theater used for healing rituals. Continue to Troy, the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. See the iconic Trojan Horse and ancient excavation site. Dinner and overnight stay in Çanakkale.

Same Day Day 6: Canakkale → Gallipoli → Istanbul

After breakfast, take a short ferry ride to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Visit ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair Memorials, where moving stories of courage and sacrifice from World War I come to life. Feel the solemn atmosphere of these sacred grounds before departing for Istanbul in the afternoon. End of the tour.

Meeting / Pickup

Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

Please Note

Intense and Active Pace: This comprehensive itinerary includes visiting numerous historical and natural sites. It will require frequent bus travel (especially during transitions between regions) and extensive walking at ancient sites. Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes are indispensable.
Optional Experiences: Hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia are popular (optional and weather-dependent) and may require prior booking. A local wine tasting in the charming village of Şirince will add a flavorful touch to your cultural immersion.