Turkey

Istanbul & the West

Explore the wonders of Istanbul

  • Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and intricate blue tiles.
  • Wander through Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.
  • Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets.
  • Take a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy stunning views of the city and its iconic landmarks.
  • Experience a traditional Turkish bath (hamam).
  • Visit the Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir.
  • Explore the colorful Balat and Fener districts, with their historic architecture and diverse cultural heritage.
  • Enjoy the views from Galata Tower.

Explore the Aegean Coast: Izmir & Ephesus

  • Explore Izmir, a vibrant city with a rich history and beautiful waterfront.
  • Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and see its impressive ruins like the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
  • Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence.
  • Explore the charming village of Şirince, known for its wine production and traditional architecture.

Discover ancient history in Gallipoli & Troy

  • Visit Gallipoli, the site of a major World War I campaign, and explore its memorials and cemeteries.
  • Explore the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its legendary past.

Marvel at Pamukkale's travertines

  • Visit Pamukkale, a natural wonder with its white travertines and thermal pools, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Relax and explore the Turkish Riviera

  • Experience the vibrant town of Bodrum, with its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and lively nightlife.
  • Explore Antalya, a major city on the Turkish Riviera, known for its stunning coastline, ancient ruins, and waterfalls.
  • Visit the ancient city of Perge near Antalya.
  • Explore the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail with stunning coastal views.

Central & Eastern Regions

Explore the unique landscapes of Cappadocia

  • Experience a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys and unique rock formations.
  • Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cave churches and frescoes.
  • Explore the underground cities of Derinkuyu or Kaymakli.
  • Hike through the stunning valleys, such as Pigeon Valley or Love Valley.

Discover the capital city of Ankara

  • Visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
  • Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with its extensive collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations.
  • Visit Ankara Castle for panoramic views of the city.

Visit Konya, home of the Whirling Dervishes

  • Visit the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the dervishes and the tomb of the Sufi mystic Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.
  • Experience a Sema ceremony, a traditional Sufi whirling dervishes performance.
  • Explore the Seljuk-era mosques and theological schools.

Explore Eastern Turkey

  • Visit Mount Nemrut to see the ancientCommagene royal tomb and its colossal statues.
  • Explore Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake, and visit Akdamar Island with its Armenian church.
  • Discover the historical city of Mardin, with its unique architecture and strategic location.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Turkey - 4 Weeks

Days 1-5: Istanbul

  • Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
  • Explore the Blue Mosque, famous for its intricate blue tiles.
  • Wander through Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans.
  • Dive into the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
  • Take a Bosphorus cruise.
  • Experience a traditional Turkish bath (hamam).
  • Visit the Basilica Cistern.
  • Explore the colorful Balat and Fener districts.
  • Enjoy the views from Galata Tower.

Days 6-8: Gallipoli & Troy

  • Visit Gallipoli, the site of a major World War I campaign.
  • Explore the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Days 9-12: Izmir & Ephesus

  • Explore Izmir and visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
  • Explore the charming village of Şirince.

Days 13-15: Pamukkale

  • Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Days 16-19: Cappadocia

  • Experience a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys.
  • Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum.
  • Explore the underground cities.

Days 20-22: Ankara

  • Visit Anıtkabir and explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
  • Visit Ankara Castle.

Days 23-28: Turkish Riviera - Antalya

  • Explore Antalya and relax in its beautiful beaches.
  • Visit the ancient city of Perge.
  • Explore the Lycian Way, a long-distance trail with stunning coastal views.