Epic Türkiye Explorer: From Gallipoli to Mount Ararat in 19 Days

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day settling in and getting your first glimpse of this mesmerizing city that bridges two continents.

Immerse yourself in history with a full-day tour of the Sultanahmet district. We will explore the iconic landmarks of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, walking through the heart of the Old City.

We depart for the Gallipoli Peninsula to visit the significant WWI memorial sites. We will pay our respects at the battlefields, Anzac Cove, and the monuments dedicated to the soldiers who fought here.

Step into mythology at the ancient city of Troy, famous for the wooden horse. Afterward, we visit the stunning acropolis of Pergamon before driving along the coast to arrive in the resort town of Kusadasi.

Walk the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. We will also visit a traditional carpet weaving center and end the day with local wine tasting in the charming hillside village of Sirince.

We travel to Aphrodisias, the city dedicated to the Goddess of Love. Later, we arrive in Pamukkale to see the surreal white travertine terraces, known as the "Cotton Castle."

Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis and enjoy the thermal hot springs. En route to Fethiye, we stop at Salda Lake, famous for its white sands and turquoise waters, often called the "Turkish Maldives."

Today is a free day for you to relax. You may choose to explore the marina, relax on the beach, or join optional activities like paragliding over Oludeniz or a boat tour of the 12 Islands.

We visit Kayakoy, an abandoned Greek "ghost village" with a haunting atmosphere. Afterward, we drive to Antalya to visit the renowned Antalya Museum, home to spectacular statues and artifacts.

Discover the ancient Pamphylian city of Perge, followed by a visit to Aspendos, which houses the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the ancient world, still used for performances today.

We travel inland to Konya, the spiritual center of Turkey. Visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Rumi, and explore the historic Christian village of Sille nearby.

En route to Cappadocia, we visit a medieval Seljuk Caravanserai on the Silk Road. Upon arrival, we descend into one of Cappadocia’s famous multi-level underground cities used by early Christians as hideouts.

A full day exploring the fairy chimneys and rock-cut churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum. We will also visit a local pottery workshop in Avanos to see the ancient art of ceramic making.

We transfer to the airport for a flight to Van. Upon arrival, enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Van, the largest soda lake in the world.

We take a ferry across the lake to Akdamar Island to visit the medieval Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Later, we explore the deep history of the region at the Urartu Museum.

A scenic drive takes us to Dogubayazit to see the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural wonder nestled in the mountains. We continue our journey to the city of Kars.

We visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ani, the "City of 1001 Churches." Located on the Armenian border, these medieval ruins offer a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past.

Transfer to Kars airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for a final evening in the city.

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the international airport for your flight home. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Epic Turkey.