Turkey in 12 Days: A Journey Through History Nature Culture
Embark on a 12-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic cities, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Antalya. Explore UNESCO sites, relax in stunning coastal towns, and experience Turkey’s rich history and culture.
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey through the highlights of Turkey, a country where history, culture, and nature blend seamlessly. Starting in Istanbul, this guided tour takes you on a scenic adventure to the country's most cherished cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your adventure begins in Istanbul, where you’ll visit the historic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. You’ll be taken through the cultural heart of Turkey, experiencing its rich Byzantine and Ottoman history, before moving on to the beautiful coastal city of Kusadasi.
The next stop is the ancient city of Ephesus, where you will walk through some of the best-preserved ruins in the world, including the Temple of Artemis and the House of Virgin Mary. From there, you’ll head to Pamukkale, the "Cotton Castle", famous for its thermal springs and stunning white travertine terraces. Here, you can relax and swim in the warm waters while taking in the breathtaking natural beauty.
As you journey along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, you’ll stop in Fethiye for a boat trip to the 12 Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters and secluded bays. Afterward, you’ll continue to Antalya, where you’ll enjoy cable car rides, the stunning Duden Waterfalls, and the charming streets of the old town, Kaleici.
The next leg of the tour takes you to Konya, the home of the famous philosopher Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes. Here, you'll visit the Mevlana Museum and explore the rich Sufi culture before continuing to Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys and underground cities await. The unique landscapes of Cappadocia are best experienced with a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, followed by visits to the Goreme Museum and Pasabag Valley.
On the final day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Underground Cities before flying back to Istanbul. Throughout the tour, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels, enjoy guided tours, and travel in an air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle. This comprehensive experience offers a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and unforgettable memories.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
On the first day,upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transferred directly to your hotel for check-in.
Duration: 1 Day.
Begin your journey by visiting iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Duration: 1 Day.
Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Bosphorus, followed by a flight to Izmir for the next stage of your journey. (Breaksfast)
Duration: 1 Day.
Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus and visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent her final years. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Duration: 1 Day.
Explore the stunning terraces of Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle," and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Duration: 1 Day.
Relax on a boat trip around the beautiful 12 islands of Fethiye, with plenty of time for swimming and sunbathing. (Breakfast)
Duration: 1 Day.
Depart from Fethiye to Antalya, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for the night. (Breakfast)
Duration: 1 Day.
Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya and drive to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Duration: 1 Day.
Explore Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, underground cities, and the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open-Air Museum. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Duration: 1 Day.
Visit Rose Valley, Cavusin, Pigeon Valley, and the underground cities. Fly to Istanbul in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. (Breakfast and Lunch)
Depending on your flight time, you’ll be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home.(Breakfast)
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Visit Istanbul's iconic landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
- ● Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary.
- ● Relax in Pamukkale’s thermal waters and explore the natural beauty of Turkey’s landscapes.
- ● Cruise through the turquoise waters of Fethiye’s 12 Islands and enjoy a day of sun and sea
- ● Explore Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys and underground cities.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- 3 nights accommodation in Istanbul
- 2 nights accommodation in Kusadasi
- 2 nights accommodation in Cappadocia
- 2 nights accommodation in Antalya
- 2 nights accommodation in Fethiye
- Domestic flights (Economy class)
- Meal plan as mentioned in the itinerary
- Airport transfers and land transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
- Guided tours at major sites with expert guides
Not Included
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Smoking in the vehicle
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be replaced with the Basilica Cistern.
- ●The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
- ●Some entrance fees are not included, but your guide will have pre-paid tickets.
- ●Baggage allowance: 15 kg for checked luggage + 8 kg hand luggage on domestic flights.
- ●Make sure to check the weather forecast as the tour includes outdoor activities.
Know Before You Go
- ●Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the tour includes visits to ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and scenic trails.
- ●Some sites, like Cappadocia's valleys and Pamukkale's travertines, require moderate physical activity, so pack accordingly.
- ●Bring weather-appropriate clothing as you’ll experience varied climates—from Istanbul's urban settings to Cappadocia's semi-arid regions.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Marianna Manfredi - Italy
19 July
Istanbul was energetic and full of history, but Ephesus and Cappadocia were the real highlights. One day we were walking through ancient ruins and the next we were floating above fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon. The itinerary was well paced and our guide was full of great stories that made the h...
Read More
Alexandra Wells - United Kingdom
12 June
The group was friendly and the guide made sure everyone was included. Konya and the Mevlana Museum had a peaceful and thoughtful vibe that really stood out to me. I also appreciated how smoothly everything ran, from the transfers to the accommodations. It felt like I got to see many different sides ...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.8/5
Based on 8 Reviews
4.8/5
4.8/5
4.8/5
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19 July
Istanbul was energetic and full of history, but Ephesus and Cappadocia were the real highlights. One day we were walking through ancient ruins and the next we were floating above fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon. The itinerary was well paced and our guide was full of great stories that made the history feel alive.
Helpful? Yes
12 June
The group was friendly and the guide made sure everyone was included. Konya and the Mevlana Museum had a peaceful and thoughtful vibe that really stood out to me. I also appreciated how smoothly everything ran, from the transfers to the accommodations. It felt like I got to see many different sides of Turkey in just under two weeks.
Helpful? Yes
14 April
The boat trip near Fethiye was a favorite for all of us. Every hotel was clean and comfortable, and the daily schedule kept us engaged without being exhausting. We had such a good time that we are already thinking about coming back to Turkey.
Helpful? Yes
16 September
Every city had something different to offer. We especially enjoyed the old town in Antalya and the nightlife after the guided portions of the day. The balloon ride in Cappadocia is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. The whole tour was so well organized that we never had to stress about timing or transport.
Helpful? Yes
25 August
My husband and I absolutely loved this tour. From drinking tea in Istanbul to walking barefoot in Pamukkale, every moment felt special. The itinerary was very balanced with a good mix of sightseeing and relaxing. Our guide was kind and knowledgeable, and every day brought something new and memorable. The small group made it feel more personal. This was one of our favorite trips so far.
Helpful? Yes
14 July
Ephesus was probably my favorite spot. I had no idea how impressive it would be in person. The group was diverse and I even made a few friends. Hotels were nice and comfortable, and the transport between locations was always smooth. If you want to see a lot of Turkey in one go, this is a great option.
Helpful? Yes
18 May
Everything from the airport pickup to the last day in Istanbul was perfectly arranged. Each location had something different to offer. We loved the cruise in Fethiye and the old streets of Kaleici in Antalya. Cappadocia felt like stepping into another world, especially during the sunrise balloon ride. We came home with hundreds of photos and even more memories.
Helpful? Yes
07 July
The tour had some beautiful highlights, especially Cappadocia and Ephesus. Those places were unforgettable. However, we felt that some parts of the trip were too rushed, particularly in Istanbul and Antalya. There were times when we wished for more free time to explore on our own instead of jumping from one site to the next. The guide was knowledgeable but seemed a bit impatient when people asked questions. Also, one of the hotels was not as clean as expected. It was not a bad experience overall, but we expected a bit more for the price.
Helpful? Yes
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