Explore Turkey's Ancient Wonders - 16 Days

Day 1: Arrive in İstanbul, Boat Tour Along the Bosphorus Strait

Welcome to Turkey and the ancient city of İstanbul, a sprawling metropolis that spans two continents. Meet your driver at the airport to transfer to your hotel. After settling in and refreshing, venture out on a boat tour down the Bosphorus Strait. Head to the pier, jump in a public boat, and start the cruise along the shores of both the Asian and European sides of the city.

Get a different perspective on popular landmarks, like the Ortaköy Mosque and Golden Horn, and take in the city's skyline, dotted with ancient minarets and modern skyscrapers. Following the 1.5-hour boat tour, disembark and walk along the strait to find some delicious Turkish food for dinner. If you're not too tired after your flight, meander to the Beyoğlu district on the European side of the city, as it's the epicenter of nightlife. Choose from an array of bars, clubs, and live music venues to dance the night away before returning to your hotel. 

Day 2: Guided Tour of Sultanahmet, the City's Historic District

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast at the hotel to prepare for a full day of sightseeing in 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, taking in the towering spires and domed roofs. Head into this historic building, built in the 17th century, and look around to see the intricate blue tiles that gave the mosque its name.

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, return to your hotel to rest before venturing out for a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Guided Tour of Eminönü, Transfer to Çanakkale

Spend another day exploring the city, starting in the commercial waterfront area of Eminönü. Begin your guided tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, with an impressive 4,000 stalls sprawled across 61 streets. You can find an array of goods here, including jewelry, ceramics, lanterns, and clothing. Pick up some souvenirs or stop for a bite of Turkish delight and tea to keep you going as you walk through the lively market. Continue your shopping at the Spice Bazaar to browse the 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. In the afternoon, return to the hotel to grab your bags, then set off on a 4.5-hour transfer 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 4: Discover the Ancient Ruins of Troy & Assos

Head 30 minutes out of the city this morning to the ancient city of Troy, famed for its prominent location in ancient myths. Scholars even regarded Troy as legendary until they excavated the area in 1870 and found remains of the city. You can now step back in time by visiting the archaeological site and exploring remnants of city walls, dwellings, and temples. Check out the museum to learn more about Troy's rich history and view over 2,000 excavated artifacts. Continue to another iconic archaeological site next to see the ruins of Assos, perched on the Aegean coast.

Step inside the ancient city walls, passing the remnants of stone houses and intricate statues to get to the centerpiece of this site, the well-preserved Temple of Athena, standing proudly on the hilltop. Admire the towering columns and take in the panoramic view of the sea and the island of Lesbos in the distance, then head to the nearby village of Behram, nestled amid rolling hills and lush olive groves. Pop into the boutique shops to look for souvenirs or enjoy a Turkish coffee by the sea before returning to your hotel in Çanakkale with a 1.5-hour transfer.

Day 5: Visit the Ancient City of Pergamon, Transfer to Şirince, Wine Tasting

Bid farewell to Çanakkale as you transfer two hours south to Bergama this morning, home to the ancient ruins of Pergamon, one of the most important ancient Greco-Roman cities in the world. Enter the archaeological site and walk among monuments like the Altar of Zeus, the large theater, or the ruined library that's said to have rivaled the historical Library of Alexandria. The main attraction is the Pergamon Acropolis, the most intact structure here, helping you truly appreciate the architectural achievements of this once-great metropolis. 

After exploring the ruins of this advanced civilization, set off on another two-hour transfer, this time to the village of Şirince, sitting atop Ephesus Mountain. Once you're settled into your hotel and refreshed, head to Yedi Bilgeler Vineyard for 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 meticulous winemaking process before visiting 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 6: Visit the Ancient City of Ephesus & the House of the Virgin Mary

Today's adventure takes you to another iconic ancient city, Ephesus, which the Greeks established in the 11th century BCE before it fell under Roman rule in 129 BCE. You can tell this is one of the most well-preserved classical-era cities in the world because as soon as you enter, you're greeted by the towering facade of the Celsus Library, which could hold up to 15,000 scrolls. Walk along the marble roads lined with intricate statues to see other preserved monuments, like the Temple of Artemis and the Great Theater.

Stop in the Ephesus Archaeological Museum on your way out to see some of the items excavated from the site. In the afternoon, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, perched atop the lush Bülbül Mountain. It's believed that Mary came to the area and lived here with Saint John, who spent several years spreading Christianity in Ephesus. Today, many people visit the house to pay their respects and visit the sacred spring nearby, which is said to possess healing properties. In the evening, return to Şirince for an early dinner.

Day 7: Fly to Cappadocia, Watch the Sunset & Enjoy a Glass of Local Wine

Trade the charming cobblestone streets of Şirince for the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia today as you fly 1.5 hours east to central Turkey. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax until the evening, when you set off to an enchanting valley to enjoy a glass of local wine and watch the sunset. Savor the wine while you look over the landscape, admiring the ancient caves and "fairy chimneys," erosion-shaped rock formations you can only find in this region. When the sun sets and darkness starts to fall, return to the hotel to rest. 

Day 8: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum

Wake up before dawn for what's sure to be a highlight of your trip—a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's windswept landscape at sunrise. Enjoy a small breakfast and transfer to the launch point to watch the crew inflate the massive balloons. When they're ready, hop into the basket and hold on tight as you rise into the air. Take in the breathtaking views below as the valleys transform the soft morning light. When you land, the adventure doesn't stop as you head to the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its collection of rock-cut churches.

Walk among the churches, chapels, and monasteries, some dating back to the 10th century. Admire the frescoes lining the walls narrating stories of early Christianity as you wander through the maze of cave complexes. Then, visit the valleys of Avcılar, Çavuşin, and Paşabağ to see more of the iconic fairy chimneys. Stroll through the valleys, admiring these geological wonders and learning about the processes that have shaped the iconic landscape. Return to your hotel to rest after the early start this morning, then venture back out for dinner.

Day 9: Enjoy a Free Morning in Cappadocia, Transfer to Gaziantep

The morning is yours to spend as you wish. You can enjoy the hotel's facilities or venture out to explore the area on your own. Consider a trek up to Uçhisar Castle, an ancient fortification built in the fourth century CE by Byzantine settlers. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of Cappadocia's valleys and distinct rock formations. Then, enter the castle grounds and discover the intricate network of tunnels and rooms carved directly into the rock.

After exploring, return to the hotel to grab your bags, and set off on a five-hour transfer to Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey. On the way, stop in the city of Kahramanmaraş for a delicious lunch. When you arrive in Gaziantep, check into your hotel, then meander to the historic neighborhood of Bey Mahallesi to wander the charming streets and find an authentic Turkish restaurant for dinner. 

Day 10: Visit the Zeugma Museum, Gaziantep Castle & Elmacı Pazarı

After breakfast, venture out on a full-day tour of Gaziantep, starting at the Zeugma Museum, to discover the unparalleled collection of Roman mosaics, meticulously preserved and displayed with care. Admire intricate works of art depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, and the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Continue to the city center to meander through the bustling streets adorned with Ottoman-era buildings. Pop in and out of boutiques and markets before stopping at Gaziantep Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking the city.

Once you ascend the ancient stone steps, you'll be greeted by the remains of the fortress, offering a glimpse into the city's storied past. Take in the panoramic views of the labyrinth streets, the sprawling cityscape, and the distant Taurus mountains, then end your tour at Elmacı Pazarı, the city's spice bazaar. As soon as you enter, the aromatic symphony of spices, dried fruits, and herbs hits you. Browse the array of stalls and sample local snacks, like a sweet treat of baklava or just some delicious pistachios, as they're grown in this region.

Day 11: Boat Tour to Old Halfeti, Transfer to Şanliurfa

Day 12: Visit the Ruins of Göbekli Tepe & Harran, Transfer to Mardin

Head just 20 minutes out of the city this morning to Göbekli Tepe, often hailed as the world's oldest known temple complex as it dates back to around 9600 BCE. Enter the archaeological site to discover the intricately carved stone pillars, each weighing several tons, revealing the ancient mastery of craftsmanship and engineering that challenged our understanding of early human societies. Try to make out the reliefs of animals and symbols adorning the pillars, hinting at the ancient city's sophisticated spiritual and social organization.

In the afternoon, venture one hour south toward the Syrian border to the ancient city of Harran, established between 2,500 and 2,000 BCE. Walk around the archaeological site, renowned for its beehive-shaped mud-brick houses, a testament to traditional Mesopotamian architecture. Wander through the narrow alleys of the old city, looking for the remnants of the ancient university and iconic city walls. After exploring the city, believed to be the site where Abraham spent a considerable part of his life, set off on a 2.5-hour transfer to Mardin, perched on the Mesopotamian plains of southeastern Turkey.

Day 13: Guided Tour of the Mesopotamian Plains & Mardin's Old Town

Today, you get to discover the vast Mesopotamian plains, a canvas of golden fields interspersed with ancient ruins from the Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian civilizations. Start your journey at Deir al-Za'faran Monastery, an ancient Syriac Orthodox monastery perched on the hills overlooking the plains. Admire the panoramic view of the fields and ruins below before entering to see the Syriac Christian art adorning the interior walls. In the afternoon, return to Mardin to tour the old town. Wander along the labyrinthine streets and take in the harmonious blend of Turkish, Kurdish, and Arab influences.

Head to the Grand Bazaar next to browse the stalls full of colorful textiles, aromatic spices, and local delicacies. End your tour at the 12th-century Ulu Mosque, which blends Artuqid, Seljuk, and Persian architectural styles. As you approach the mosque, you'll be greeted by the stunning courtyard adorned with intricately carved stone details. Walk through the grand entrance to see the prayer hall lined with ornate tiles, elegant calligraphy, and towering minarets before returning to the hotel to rest after the action-packed day.

Day 14: Fly to Antalya, Guided Tour of Kaleiçi, Visit the Archaeological Museum

After breakfast, set off for the largest city on the Turquoise Coast, Antalya, on a 3.5-hour flight with a short layover in İstanbul. Meet your driver at the airport to transfer to your hotel. Check in and refresh, 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. Enter the walled city and stroll down the narrow, cobblestone streets, admiring the Ottoman-era city walls, charming courtyards, and landmarks like the Yivli Minaret 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 tour, end the day with a delicious dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants, watching the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 15: Visit the Ancient Ruins of Aspendos & Perge

Venture 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.

Next, drive half an hour to the ancient city of Perge, founded around 188 BCE by Greek colonists. Walk down the ancient streets lined with colonnades to get to the grand theater, which was capable of seating 12,000 spectators. Continue to the agora, baths, and fountains, revealing the opulence of the city's past. The Greeks appreciated artistic and cultural richness, which you can see in the elaborate sculptures and intricate detailing on each structure. After a day of exploring these ancient ruins, return to your hotel in Antalya for the night. 

Day 16: Depart Antalya

Say goodbye to Turkey and the Turquoise Coast as you depart today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore more of Antalya on your own. Visit one of the golden-sand beaches, such as Lara Beach, to relax, shop for souvenirs at the boutiques in the old town, or stroll through Düden Park to see Düden Waterfall cascading into the Mediterranean Sea. You could even join a boat tour if your schedule allows it to see the falls up close. Just keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will be meeting you back at the hotel to transfer to the airport. Safe travels!