Highlights
- Take a boat across the Bosphorus Strait to explore the Asian side of Istanbul
- Discover the ruins of ancient cities like Troy, Assos, Pergamon, and Ephesus
- Swim in the mineral-rich waters of Pamukkale, said to be beneficial for the skin
- Try local wine at Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard and hike in Mount Güllük National Park
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in İstanbul, Relax at Hurrem Sultan Hammam | İstanbul |
| Day 2 | Guided Tour of Sultanahmet, the City's Historic District | İstanbul |
| Day 3 | Explore the Eminönü District, Boat Tour on the Bosphorus Strait | İstanbul |
| Day 4 | Visit the İstanbul Archaeological Museum, Transfer to Çanakkale | Çanakkale |
| Day 5 | Discover the Ancient Ruins of Troy & Assos, Transfer to Adatepe | Adatepe |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Bergama, Tour the Ancient Ruins of Pergamon | Bergama |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Şirince, Wine Tasting at Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard | Şirince |
| Day 8 | Explore the Ancient Ruins of Ephesus & the House of the Virgin Mary | Şirince |
| Day 9 | Transfer to Pamukkale, Discover the Travertines of Pamukkale & Hierapolis | Pamukkale |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Antalya, Guided Tour of Kaleiçi, Visit the Archaeological Museum | Antalya |
| Day 11 | See the Roman Theater of Aspendos & the Ancient City of Perge | Antalya |
| Day 12 | Visit the Ruins of Termessos, Explore Mount Gulluk National Park | Antalya |
| Day 13 | Depart Antalya |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in İstanbul, Relax at Hurrem Sultan Hammam
Welcome to Turkey and the vibrant city of İstanbul, the bridge between Europe and Asia! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel to settle in before heading to the Hürrem Sultan Hammam, a traditional Turkish spa designed and built by Mimar Sinan, one of the most influential architects of the Ottoman Empire, at his wife's request.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Sultanahmet, the City's Historic District
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide for an action-packed day exploring the streets of İstanbul's historic district, Sultanahmet. Start at Sultanahmet Square to see the Obelisk of Theodosius, erected in the ancient city of Alexandria in Egypt and transported to Constantinople (modern-day İstanbul) in 390 CE. You can also admire the exterior of the city's most famous landmark, the Blue Mosque, before entering. When you do enter this historic building, built in the 17th century, look around to see the intricate blue tiles the mosque is named after.
Visit another iconic mosque next, the Hagia Sophia, built in 537 CE. Learn about its rich history as an Eastern Orthodox church before it was turned into a mosque during the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Continue to Topkapı Palace, the royal residence of the Ottomans from the 15th to 19th century. Glimpse into the past by exploring the palace's throne room, courtyards, and even the old Sultan's quarters. After all that walking, head back to your hotel to rest before venturing out for dinner.
Day 3: Explore the Eminönü District, Boat Tour on the Bosphorus Strait
Visit the European side of the city today, exploring the Eminönü district by immersing yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the world's largest covered market, the Grand Bazaar. It has an impressive 4,000 stalls sprawled across 61 covered streets selling goods like jewelry, ceramics, lanterns, and clothing. Pick up some souvenirs or stop for Turkish delight and tea to keep you going as you walk through the lively market. Continue your shopping at the Spice Bazaar, with over 85 shops selling local spices and snacks, like Turkish cheese, nuts, and figs.
Visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque next, often referred to as the "miniature Blue Mosque" for its intricate, blue-tiled interiors. Admire the tiles adorning the walls and domes, then step into the mosque's serene courtyard for a peaceful escape from the busy streets. After the walking tour, jump on a boat to cruise down the Bosphorus Strait. Admire both the European and Asian sides of the city as you see popular landmarks like the Golden Mosque or Ortaköy Mosque from the water. Disembark and head for dinner to end the day.
Day 4: Visit the İstanbul Archaeological Museum, Transfer to Çanakkale
Today, you get to learn more about Turkey's diverse history and heritage at the İstanbul Archaeological Museum. Enter the neoclassical building and explore the museum's remarkable collection of artifacts, spanning from the ancient world to the Ottoman Empire. When you finish browsing the archaeological wonders, continue to the Tiled Kiosk Museum within the same complex to see the vast collection of Iznik tiles, pottery, and ceramics dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. As you explore the museum's halls, you'll also be mesmerized by the intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colors adorning the walls.
End your city tour at the Museum of the Ancient Orient, where you can learn about the civilizations that once flourished in this region. Admire the diverse collection of artifacts from Persia, Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and the Levant to learn about the daily lives, religious practices, and societal structures of these ancient cultures. After an educational morning, grab your bags and transfer 4.5 hours southwest to the charming coastal town of Çanakkale, nestled on the Dardanelles Strait. After settling into your hotel, head to the waterfront area to enjoy a meal of fresh seafood overlooking the strait to end the night.
Day 5: Discover the Ancient Ruins of Troy & Assos, Transfer to Adatepe
After breakfast, head to the ancient city of Troy, famous today for its massive Trojan horse replica from the Trojan War. The Troy immortalized by Homer used to be considered a mythological location, but when the site was excavated in 1870, archaeologists found remnants of the ancient city. You can now visit the Troy Archaeological Site to walk among crumbling city walls, temples, and dwellings. Stop in the museum before you go to view over 2,000 excavated artifacts. Afterward, drive along a scenic seaside road toward Babakale, a historic harbor town, where you can enjoy a delicious seafood lunch.
Your next stop is another area of important Greek ruins, the Assos Archeological Site. Visit the ruins of Athena's temple and the gymnasium where Aristotle taught while enjoying incredible views over the Aegean Sea. Transfer an hour south to the village of Adatepe, lying on the western slopes of Mount Ida, to settle into your accommodation and relax a bit before exploring this little town, known as one of the most well-preserved old villages in Turkey. Meander through the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the traditional Ottoman architecture as you look for a local café or restaurant for dinner.
Day 6: Transfer to Bergama, Tour the Ancient Ruins of Pergamon
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
After only one night in Adatepe, head two hours south to Bergama, home to the ancient ruins of Pergamon, one of the world's most important ancient Greco-Roman cities. Leave your bags at the hotel and venture out to the ruins. Walk among monuments like the Altar of Zeus or the ruined library that's said to have rivaled the historical Library of Alexandria. This is where King Eumenes II created and used parchment for the first time as an alternative to the coveted papyrus.
The main attraction is the Pergamon Acropolis, the most intact structure here, helping you truly appreciate the architectural achievements of this once-great metropolis. Visit the Asclepius Sanctuary next, a center of healing dedicated to the god of medicine. Explore the serpentine underground tunnels and therapeutic pools, and listen as your guide teaches you about the ancient medical practices that were used here. After exploring the ruins of this advanced civilization, return to your hotel for the night.
Day 7: Transfer to Şirince, Wine Tasting at Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard
Continue two hours south down the coast to the village of Şirince, sitting on top of Ephesus Mountain. After settling into your hotel, head out to explore the colorful center. Walk down the quaint cobblestone streets, admire the well-preserved Ottoman-Christian houses, and browse the artisanal shops selling wine, fruit-flavored brandies, and olive oil produced in the region. While you walk, you may pass historical sites, such as the Şirince Mosque and the Church of St. John, offering a glimpse into the village's diverse cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, venture 30 minutes out of the village to the beautiful Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard, established in 2011. Indulge in a wine tasting to savor the rich flavors of locally-grown grapes, sampling red, white, and rosé wines. You can also tour the vineyard to learn about the vineyard's meticulous winemaking process before heading to the fine dining restaurant, where you can try different wine pairings served with regional delicacies. When your belly is full, return to your hotel in Şirince for the night.
Day 8: Explore the Ancient Ruins of Ephesus & the House of the Virgin Mary
Start your day at the ancient city of Ephesus, which the Greeks established in the 11th century BCE before it fell under Roman rule in 129 BCE. As soon as you enter the archaeological site, you'll be greeted by the well-preserved facade of Celsus Library—which could house up to 15,000 scrolls—towering over the ruins. Walk along the marble-paved roads lined with intricately carved statues to see other grand monuments, like the Great Theater or the Temple of Artemis. To see some frescoes and mosaics, pop over to the Terrace Houses, giving you a glimpse into how affluent residents lived.
Tour the Ephesus Archaeological Museum next to see some of the excavated items and learn more about the area's history. Follow your guide and listen as they delve into the stories of prominent pieces, and watch the 3D simulation video to visualize what the ancient city looked like in its prime. Leave the ruins to explore the nearby House of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary after her son Jesus was crucified. Today, people visit the house to pay their respects and stop at the nearby sacred spring that's said to possess healing properties.
Day 9: Transfer to Pamukkale, Discover the Travertines of Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Leave Şirince behind as you transfer three hours east to the incredible town of Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey, famous for its baby-blue, mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces. Meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, this unreal landscape is made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and a series of terraced basins. Pack your swimsuit, as you can swim in some of the hot springs, which are rich in minerals like sulfur and silica, said to be beneficial for the skin.
Perched high above the travertines is Hierapolis, the ruins of a Roman spa city founded around 190 BCE. Explore the incredibly well-preserved theater that once seated thousands, a necropolis adorned with intricate tomb monuments, and the Antique Pool, full of submerged Roman columns due to an earthquake. Stop at the Plutonium, also known as Pluto's Gate, believed to be the portal to the underworld in Greco-Roman mythology. In the afternoon, settle into your spa hotel and enjoy the amenities before sitting down for a delicious dinner.
Day 10: Transfer to Antalya, Guided Tour of Kaleiçi, Visit the Archaeological Museum
Head three hours south to the largest city on the Turquoise Coast this morning, Antalya. Check into your hotel, then venture out on a guided tour of Kaleiçi, the city's historic district. Start at Hadrian's Gate, the grand entrance to the old town, built to honor the Roman emperor of the same name. Then, stroll down the narrow, cobblestone streets, admiring the Ottoman-era city walls, charming courtyards, and landmarks like the Yivli Minaret Mosque and the Kesik Minare Mosque.
After a stroll around the old town, head to the Antalya Archaeological Museum to view artifacts and sculptures from ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians, and Romans. Make sure you visit the Hall of Gods to stand face-to-face with colossal statues of ancient deities, many of which came from the ancient cities of Perge and Side. Following the educational visit, end the day with a delicious dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants, watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Day 11: See the Roman Theater of Aspendos & the Ancient City of Perge
Head one hour out of the city this morning to the Greco-Roman ruins of Aspendos, renowned for having one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. As soon as you enter the ruins, you'll be greeted by the second-century CE theater, which used to accommodate thousands of spectators. Admire the sheer size of this architectural wonder, stand in the rows of seats, and listen to the impressive acoustics to imagine the dramatic performances that occurred here. Beyond the theater, the archaeological site unveils additional wonders, such as an ancient aqueduct and towering basilica.
Day 12: Visit the Ruins of Termessos, Explore Mount Gulluk National Park
Trade the city for the quaint Turkish countryside this morning as you venture 45 minutes to the ruins of Termessos, perched high in the Taurus mountains. Walk along the ancient pathways to discover temples, fortifications, and necropoleis set amid the rugged landscape and lush greenery. The hilltop location, strategically chosen for defensive purposes, also offers a panoramic view of the lush greenery and glittering sea for you to enjoy.
Then, head down the mountain to discover Mount Güllük National Park. Follow your guide through the park's lush forests, where native flora and fauna thrive, passing by hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. The crisp mountain air will rejuvenate you as you keep your eyes peeled for animals like colorful birds, European badgers, or even wildcats. After an action-packed day, return to your hotel in Antalya to rest.
Day 13: Depart Antalya
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