12 Days Special Turkey Tour

About this tour

**12-Day Special Turkey Tour: The Ultimate Journey Through History & Nature** 🇹🇷✨

Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the heart of Turkey? This meticulously planned 12-day journey takes you from the majestic palaces of Istanbul to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient marble streets of Ephesus, and the moving history of Gallipoli.

**Tour Highlights** 🗺️

• Istanbul: Discover where East meets West at the crossroads of Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
• Cappadocia: Get lost among fairy chimneys and witness a magical sunrise from a hot air balloon.
• Ephesus & Pamukkale: Walk through one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and relax in snow-white thermal travertines.
• Gallipoli & Troy: Journey through the legendary walls of Troy and pay your respects at the historic battlefields of ANZAC Cove.

**Your Daily Itinerary** 📋

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul!
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our friendly team will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Take your first breath of the city air and enjoy a free evening to settle in.

Day 2: Ottoman & Byzantine Heritage
Dive deep into history with visits to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. End your day with an authentic shopping experience at the world-famous Grand Bazaar. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Flight to Magical Cappadocia
Catch a morning flight to Kayseri. Explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, and visit traditional pottery workshops in Avanos, where techniques have remained unchanged for generations. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 4: Underground Wonders & Valleys
(Optional: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight). Discover the depths of Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest of its kind, followed by a scenic hike through the lush Ihlara Valley. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5: Ancient Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary
Fly to Izmir and step back in time at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in the Mediterranean. Visit the Temple of Artemis and the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 6: The White Terraces of Pamukkale
Marvel at the “Cotton Castle” travertines and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. You can even take a dip in the legendary Cleopatra Antique Pool. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7-11: Assos, Troy & Gallipoli Memories
Drive along the scenic Aegean coast to the stone-built village of Assos and the legendary ruins of Troy. Spend a moving day at the Gallipoli Battlefields and ANZAC Cove before returning to Istanbul.

Day 7: Ancient Pergamum & The Stone Village of Assos
Today, we drive to Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great’s generals. We’ll take the winding road up to the Acropolis, where the breathtaking views and the vertigo-inducing ancient theatre await. Afterward, we continue to the charming village of Assos, where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time among its traditional stone houses.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Night in Assos)

Day 8: The Legends of Troy & The Dardanelles
We travel toward Canakkale, stopping to explore the legendary ruins of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. You can climb inside the replica Trojan Horse and walk along the ancient city walls. After lunch, we cross the Dardanelles to visit the Turkish Memorial before settling in Canakkale.
(Breakfast, Lunch – Night in Canakkale)

Day 9: Free Day in Canakkale & ANZAC Cove Vigil
Enjoy a relaxing day walking along the Canakkale waterfront. In the evening, we prepare for a deeply moving experience. At 8:00 PM, we take the ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula, arriving at ANZAC Cove to spend the night under the stars, awaiting the historic Dawn Service.
(Breakfast – Overnight at ANZAC Cove)

Day 10: ANZAC Dawn Service & Lone Pine
As the sun rises over the peninsula, we participate in the emotional Dawn Service. Following this, we attend the Australian service at Lone Pine. Due to the large crowds on this historic day, we return to the hotel to rest, saving the detailed battlefield tour for tomorrow.
(Breakfast, Lunch – Night in Canakkale)

Day 11: Gallipoli Battlefields Tour & Return to Istanbul
We depart for an in-depth tour of the ANZAC Battlefields. Visiting the trenches and memorials is a powerful and emotional journey. In the afternoon, we begin our drive back to Istanbul, arriving at your hotel in the late evening.
(Breakfast, Lunch – Night in Istanbul)

Day 12: Bosphorus Cruise & The Exotic Spice Market
Our final tour day begins with the Rustem Pasa Mosque, famous for its exquisite Ottoman tiles. We then wander through the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), filled with the scents of the Orient. To top it all off, we take a Bosphorus Cruise, viewing Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Fortress, and beautiful Ottoman mansions from the water.
(Breakfast – Night in Istanbul)

**What’s Included?** ✅

• Accommodation: Hand-picked boutique and 4-star hotels in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Assos, and Canakkale.
• Domestic Flights: Istanbul to Kayseri and Kayseri to Izmir tickets included.
• Expert Guidance: 11 days with a professional, licensed English-speaking tour guide.
• Private Transport: All transfers in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver.
• Entrance Fees: All museum and site entry fees mentioned in the itinerary.

**What’s Not Included?** ❌

• Personal expenses and drinks during meals.
• Entrance to Cleopatra Antique Pool & Terrace Houses in Ephesus.
• Optional Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Tour.

Ready to explore the best of Turkey with local experts? Book your spot today and turn your travel dreams into reality! 🎒📸