Natural & Ancient Wonders of Turkey
[7 Days Private Tour]
7 Days Natural & Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Private Tour
See historical highlights in Troy and Pergamon and admire the geological wonderland in Cappadocia on this memorable eight-day tour of some western and central Anatolia´s most impressive sights. Stroll beautifully arranged streets and visit fascinating ruins and museums, get closer to history and culture, indulge in delicious foods and enjoy panoramic views during this fascinating round-trip tour.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Troy: Travel back in time to the ancient Greece of Homer’s Odyssey while exploring the spellbinding ruins of Troy.
Pergamon: Explore the ruins of what was one of the great cities of antiquity.
Ephesus: Catch a glimpse of this beautiful ancient site and admire the well known House of the Virgin Mary.
Pamukkale: Check out the fascinating calcium terraces of Pamukkale and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the world.
Konya: Visit charming Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes.
Cappadocia: The Ancient region in central Anatolia, situated on the rugged plateau north of the Taurus Mountains, in the centre of present-day Turkey boasts a lunar-landscape and early Christain churches carved out of volcanic rock.
What’s included?
TOUR GUIDE:
- Fully escorted by English speaking tour guide on private basis.
ACCOMMODATION:
- 6 nights’ accommodation in hotels Category hotel 4*
MEALS:
- 5 breakfasts
ENTRACE & ACTIVITIES:
- As indicated per itinerary: Trojan Horse, Athena Temple & Odeon, Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias, Ağzikarahan Caravanserai, Ihlara valley, rock chapels, Derinkuyu Underground city, Citadel of Uchisar, Goreme Open-air Museum.
- During transfers and tour based on newer air-conditioned vehicles.
OTHER:
- All applicable government taxes and fees.
- Meet & Greet on day 1
Exclusions
- International and domestic flights, airport fees of any kind
- Drinks/beverages
- Lunches
- Dinners
- Admission fees
- Porterage
- Tips
- Optional excursions and activities.
Please note
- Day 5: Izmir – Ankara flight is not included and our recommendation is to book a flight prior to 7:00 hrs. Recommended flight number TK7001 ADB-ESB.
- Please note that local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice.
- Optional activity “Pre-night in Istanbul + Full Day Classical Istanbul Tour”: It consists of one extra previous night in Istanbul (client needs to arrive a day earlier the normal tour starts) with full day tour. Day 1 (This day corresponds with Day 1, arrival day in the original tour): The guide will meet you at the hotel reception at 09:00 in the morning. The tour begins with a visit to Topkapi Palace, which was used by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. Here you will see the impressive collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver and porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and relics of the prophet Mohammed. After lunch we will see the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I, which is a unique piece of architecture with its six minarets and features 20,000 beautiful blue Iznik tiles. This is followed by a visit to the ancient Hippodrome where you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Afterwards we walk through the back streets of Old Istanbul and visit the Yerebatan underground Cistern. At the end of the tour we will have time to see the Grand Bazaar (except Sundays).
What do I need to bring?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings in Turkey. Shoes should be removed before entering a mosque or private house. Sun protection, sun glasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 3 days or less before event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 75% if booking is cancelled 10 days or less before event
Day 1 : ISTANBUL
Arrive at Istanbul airport where a representative will meet and greet you before you are transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, relaxing in the hotel or exploring the surroundings on your own.
Overnight stay in Istanbul on room-only basis.
Day 2 : ISTANBUL – TROY – PERGAMUM (555 KM – 8 HRS)
Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel. You will drive along the European shore of the Marmara Sea. As you cross the Dardanelles by ferry, you will become a part of Homer’s legends, seeing the symbolic Trojan horse, the city walls, The Athena Temple and the Odeon. After the visit, you will follow the route taken by those who have escaped the fall of Troy, to the beautiful city of Pergamum.
Overnight stay in Pergamum on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3 : PERGAMUM – EPHESUS – PAMUKKALE (380 KM – 5 HRS)
After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the Selcuk area, to visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor. You may opt for lunch in a local restaurant, before paying a pilgrimage visit to the House of the Virgin Mary. This Christian and Muslim shrine is near Ephesus, and it is believed by many that the Virgin Mary was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there. After the tour of Ephesus, you will be driven to Pamukkale town. The thermal bath is always at your disposal.
Overnight stay in Pamukkale on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 4 : PAMUKKALE – APHRODISIAS – IZMIR (300 KM – 4 HRS)
Start your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel, before continuing your unforgettable tour. White will be the dominating colour of the fourth day of your journey as you will visit the famous ‘Cotton Castle’ and witness the amazing level of mastery the skilled sculptors of Aphrodisias have demonstrated while creating marble statues. Pamukkale, meaning ‘Cotton Castle’, is a natural site that is created by hot springs and travertines forming terraces of rock pools from the minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the travertines which are nearly 3,000 m long. This amazing sight can be seen from a long distance on a clear day. You will visit the rock pools, the ancient Hierapolis, Necropolis, the Roman Baths, and the amphitheatre.
After an optional lunch, you will drive to another land of dreams, this time to Aphrodisias. This ancient city was an autonomous city during the times of the Roman Empire and was especially well known for its’ Temple dedicated to its’ protecting Goddess, Aphrodite. The high level of welfare in the city during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD had brought the city to a unique position in architecture and the art of sculpting. Your tour of the ancient city will include the amphitheatre, Basilica, the Roman Baths, and the biggest stadium of the time. Aphrodisias museum with its magnificent statues will be visited as well.
Following Aphrodisias, you will be driven to Izmir on Turkey’s Aegean Coast. Have the rest of day at leisure. We recommend a panoramic view of the city from the Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) and a large glass of local beer, which is best enjoyed at a seaside café on the Kordon while watching the sunset. Izmir is famous for its exceptional fish restaurants.
Overnight stay in Izmir on room only basis.
Day 5 : IZMIR – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA (1HR FLIGHT & 3 HRS DRIVE)
Enjoy an early morning flight to Ankara, followed by a relaxing drive to Cappadocia, the land of stone dwellings, rock chapels and monasteries. On your way to Cappadocia, you will visit the Ağzikarahan Caravanserai, which was a pit stop for the travellers of the Silk Road and their camels. On arrival in Cappadocia, you will first visit the Ihlara Valley, which was formed by volcanic eruptions and where the scenery is fascinating. You will also visit the rock chapels with amazing frescoes and have lunch in a small village located in the centre of the valley. You will then visit the Derinkuyu Underground City; it is documented that the first carving of this underground city goes as far back as the time of the Hittites (2000 BC). The city was used by early Christians to hide from invading armies. The flight to Ankara and lunch are not included.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 6 : CAPPADOCIA
After a tasty breakfast at the hotel, you will climb up to the Citadel of Uchisar, which was used as a watchtower and offers superb views over Pigeon Valley where hundreds of pigeon houses are carved into the rocky slopes of the valley. Enjoy the amazing panoramic views from Esentepe and Cevizlibag and indulge in an optional lunch, either in a fish or meat restaurant with a selection of local Cappadocia wines. Then, opt for a visit to the local winery, which is following the millennia-old tradition of winemaking. Following this, you will visit Goreme Open-air Museum which is populated by churches and chapels carved out of the rock, with awe-inspiring frescoes, made by exiled Christians during the Roman era. Then, take a short walk to Zelve – Pasabag where you will find the most interesting rock formations, called ‘fairy chimneys’, as well as the first examples of a monk’s chapel. Continue with visiting Avanos, the pottery village, where tiles and plates are crafted, using the millennia-old Hittite technique. The visit to a local winery and lunch are not included.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia on bed and breakfast basis.
Day 7 : CAPPADOCIA – DEPART ANKARA (290 KM – 3 .5Hrs)
Have an early breakfast, before checking out of the hotel and enjoying a short visit to Urgup which is the tourist centre for the region. You will then be transferred to Ankara Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.
Breakfast included.
- 7 Days
- From : Istanbul
- To : Ankara
- Private
- Guide : English
- Minimum age : 10 Years Old
* This product requests separate payment. Promotion code or coupon from Ticket Here is not applicable.