7-Day Ancient Turkey Tour – A Journey Through Time
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Turkey’s most fascinating historical destinations. Starting in Fethiye, you’ll explore the breathtaking terraces of Pamukkale, step back in time at the legendary Ancient Ephesus, pay tribute at the Memorial Peninsula of Gallipoli, and conclude your adventure in the vibrant heart of Istanbul.
For alternative routes, check out our other itineraries starting in Fethiye, or if you prefer a more exclusive experience, explore our Private Turkey Tours for a personalized journey.
Itinerary
Today, you begin your Ancient Turkey Tour with a visit to Pamukkale, a natural thermal wonderland, and the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis before heading to Ephesus.
🚌 Morning: Transfer from Fethiye to Pamukkale
🕡 06:30 AM – Pick-up from Your Accommodation in Fethiye
🚖 A private transfer will take you to the Fethiye Bus Station.
🚌 07:00 AM – Local Bus to Pamukkale (via Denizli)
✔ Enjoy a scenic ride through Turkey’s beautiful landscapes.
✔ A brief stop in Denizli, before transferring to Pamukkale.
🕚 11:00 AM – Arrival in Pamukkale & Meet Your Private Guide
✔ Your expert tour guide and private bus will welcome you and begin the Pamukkale tour.
🏞️ Pamukkale Day Tour – The “Cotton Castle”
🌿 Explore the White Travertine Terraces
✔ Walk along the stunning white mineral terraces, created by natural thermal waters.
✔ Take in panoramic views of the valley and the cotton-like formations.
✔ Optional: Relax in the warm pools of the natural thermal waters.
🏛 Discover Hierapolis – The Ancient Spa City
✔ Visit the Grand Theatre, a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
✔ Explore the Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey.
✔ Walk through the Ancient Roman Baths, once part of a healing retreat.
🛁 Optional: Swim in Cleopatra’s Pool
✔ Take a relaxing dip in the warm mineral waters of Cleopatra’s Pool, where submerged ancient Roman columns create a unique setting.
🚗 Evening: Transfer to Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
🚖 After your Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour, you will continue your journey to Ephesus.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Selcuk or Kusadasi
✔ Check into your hotel and relax, preparing for tomorrow’s Ephesus Full-Day Tour.
Today, you will explore one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, followed by visits to sacred religious sites and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
🕘 Morning Pick-up & Start of the Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi, and meet your expert local guide for a full day of exploration.
🏛️ Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
Once a major trading port and cultural hub of the Roman Empire, Ephesus was home to over 200,000 people and stood as one of the most important cities of antiquity.
📍 Highlights of Ephesus:
✔ Harbor Road & Marble Street – The main avenue of Ephesus, lined with homes, bathhouses, and archways.
✔ Library of Celsus – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this grand library once held over 12,000 scrolls.
✔ The Grand Theatre – A massive 25,000-seat amphitheater, used for performances and gladiator battles.
✔ Temple of Hadrian – A beautifully preserved temple with intricate carvings honoring Emperor Hadrian.
✔ Public Bathhouses & Latrines – A fascinating look at Roman engineering and social customs.
✔ The Brothel & Love House – Learn about the hidden passages leading from the brothel to the library!
🙏 House of the Virgin Mary
After exploring the grandeur of Ephesus, you’ll visit a site of deep religious significance—the House of the Virgin Mary.
✔ Believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
✔ Recognized as a holy site by the Vatican, visited by several Popes.
✔ A simple, humble stone cottage, with a living area, small kitchen, and altar for prayer.
✔ Drink from the holy spring, believed to have healing properties.
✔ Leave a prayer note on the wishing wall, a tradition followed by many visitors.
🏛 Temple of Artemis – A Glimpse Into Greek Worship
🏛 The Remains of a Legendary Temple
✔ Once one of the largest and most extravagant temples in the world, dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and fertility.
✔ Though only one column remains, its history and grandeur still captivate visitors.
✔ Learn how this magnificent structure symbolized the wealth and power of Ephesus.
🚗 Return to Your Hotel & Overnight in Ephesus Region
🚖 After a full day of exploring Ephesus and its sacred sites, you will return to your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
🏨 Overnight in Selcuk or Kusadasi
Today, you will visit two historically rich cities—Pergamon, a center of learning, art, and religion, and Troy, the legendary city of the Trojan War and the famous Wooden Horse deception.
🚌 Morning: Transfer to Pergamon
🚗 After breakfast, you will depart for Pergamon, traveling through scenic countryside.
🕘 Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and begin your exploration of this magnificent historical city.
🏛️ Pergamon Tour – The City of Knowledge & Power
🍽 Lunch in Pergamon
Before beginning the tour, enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
📍 Highlights of Pergamon:
✔ Acropolis of Pergamon – A hilltop fortress offering panoramic views over the region.
✔ Library of Pergamon – Once one of the largest libraries in the ancient world, housing over 200,000 scrolls.
✔ Temple of Athena – A stunning example of classical Greek architecture, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and war.
✔ Temple of Trajan – A grand Roman temple, built in honor of Emperor Trajan.
✔ Theater of Pergamon – One of the steepest ancient theaters, with seating for 10,000 spectators and breathtaking views.
✔ The Gymnasium – A center for physical training and intellectual learning.
🚗 Afternoon: Transfer to Troy
After exploring Pergamon, continue your journey to the legendary city of Troy.
🏛 Troy Tour – Exploring the City of Myth & Legend
📍 Highlights of Ancient Troy:
✔ The Wooden Horse Replica – A tribute to the legendary Trojan Horse deception used by the Greeks.
✔ City Walls of Troy – Dating back 3,700 years, these walls once defended the city against the Greek siege.
✔ Houses of Troy – See the remains of nine layers of settlements, built on top of each other over 4,000 years.
✔ Sacrificial Altars – Where religious rituals were held for the gods and goddesses of Troy.
✔ Bouleuterion (Senate Building) – A site where city officials and leaders once held discussions.
✔ Odeon (Concert Hall) – A well-preserved small theater used for musical performances and speeches.
✔ Troy Museum (Optional Visit) – A museum displaying artifacts excavated from Troy, including pottery, weapons, and jewelry.
🚗 Evening: Transfer to Gallipoli Region (Eceabat or Canakkale)
🚖 After the tour, you will continue your journey north to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of historical and military significance.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Eceabat or Canakkale
Check into your hotel and relax, preparing for tomorrow’s Gallipoli Battlefield Tour.
Today, you will visit the historical battlefields of Gallipoli, a place of remembrance, heroism, and sacrifice. This WWI battleground holds memorials for ANZAC, Turkish, and Allied soldiers, providing a space for reflection on the past and the friendships formed since.
🚌 Morning: Travel to Gallipoli Peninsula
🚗 Early morning departure from your accommodation in Eceabat or Çanakkale.
🕘 Upon arrival, enjoy a local Turkish lunch before starting the fully guided tour.
🏛️ Gallipoli Battlefield Tour – A Tribute to Fallen Soldiers
📍 Sites You Will Visit in Gallipoli:
✔ ANZAC Cove – The landing site of Australian and New Zealand forces in April 1915.
✔ Lone Pine Cemetery & Memorial – Honoring the Australian troops who fought here.
✔ Chunuk Bair Memorial – Dedicated to the New Zealand forces who made a heroic stand.
✔ The Turkish Martyrs’ Memorial – Commemorating the bravery of the Ottoman soldiers.
✔ Johnston’s Jolly Trenches – Walk through preserved trenches and tunnels, where the battles were fought.
✔ The Beach Cemetery – A peaceful yet somber resting place of many Allied soldiers.
✔ Gallipoli Memorial Museum – A collection of wartime artifacts, letters, and photographs, providing insight into the battle and its impact.
🌿 A Place of Reflection & Peace
✔ Learn about the failed Gallipoli Campaign, one of WWI’s most significant battles.
✔ Hear stories of bravery and tragedy from both Allied and Turkish perspectives.
✔ Understand how Gallipoli has become a place of unity and respect between former enemies.
🚗 Afternoon: Transfer to Istanbul
🚖 After the Gallipoli tour, you will travel to Istanbul, marking the end of your historical journey through Turkey’s ancient and modern past.
✔ Transport from the airport to your accommodation is included.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul.
Today, you will explore Istanbul, a city that has been the capital of empires, a crossroad of cultures, and a historical wonder. From grand mosques and palaces to bustling markets, you will witness the beauty of this ancient yet modern city.
🕘 Morning Pick-up & Start of the Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your accommodation in centrally located areas:
✔ Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, or Taksim.
❗ If staying outside these areas, an extra charge may apply—please check with our team.
🕌 Blue Mosque – The Ottoman Architectural Gem
✔ One of the most famous mosques in the world, with six towering minarets.
✔ Admire the stunning blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior.
✔ Learn about the importance of the mosque in Islamic culture.
✔ Walk through the spacious courtyard and take in the impressive dome structure.
❗ Note: On Fridays, due to prayers, the mosque will be closed for visitors during certain hours.
🏛 Hagia Sophia – The Icon of Byzantium & Ottoman Heritage
✔ Originally built as a Byzantine church in the 6th century.
✔ Converted into an Ottoman mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II.
✔ Now a historical monument, showcasing both Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.
✔ Stand beneath its massive dome, an architectural marvel of its time.
❗ Note: Hagia Sophia
🏰 Topkapi Palace – The Heart of the Ottoman Empire
✔ Once the residence of Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.
✔ Visit the Imperial Treasury, displaying jewels, swords, and historical artifacts.
✔ Walk through the Sacred Relics Room, home to items believed to belong to the Prophet Muhammad.
✔ Enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Bosphorus Strait.
✔ Optional: Explore the Harem Section (extra entrance fee required), where the Sultan’s wives, concubines, and royal family lived.
❗ Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
🛍 Grand Bazaar – A Shopping Paradise
✔ One of the largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops.
✔ A maze of jewelry, carpets, spices, antiques, and souvenirs.
✔ Experience the art of Turkish bargaining with local merchants.
❗ Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
🌿 Our Recommendation: Visit the Spice Bazaar (Optional Free Time)
After your guided tour, we highly recommend visiting the Spice Bazaar, where you can:
✔ Immerse yourself in the aromatic scents of Turkish tea, saffron, and spices.
✔ Sample Turkish delight, nuts, and dried fruits.
✔ Pick up authentic Turkish coffee and sweets as souvenirs.
📍 This visit is not part of the guided tour, but you will have free time to explore before returning to your hotel.
🚖 Evening Drop-off & Overnight in Istanbul
🚗 Return to your hotel in the evening after a full day of sightseeing.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul.
Today, experience Istanbul from both land and sea, with a Bosphorus cruise showcasing the city’s stunning palaces, fortresses, and bridges, followed by panoramic views from Pierre Loti Hill.
🏰 Dolmabahce Palace – The Last Residence of Ottoman Sultans
🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Accommodation
🚖 Transfer to Dolmabahçe Palace, the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire’s final years.
🏛 Inside Dolmabahce Palace
✔ Built between 1842 and 1853 in Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo styles.
✔ Home to six Ottoman Sultans and later Mustafa Kemal Atatürk during the early Republic period.
✔ Explore the opulent Crystal Staircase, the lavish Ballroom, and the Imperial Halls.
❗ Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday, it will start two hours later at 11:30 AM.
🚢 Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Between Two Continents
Board a luxury boat for a Bosphorus cruise, where you’ll glide between Europe and Asia, witnessing Istanbul’s grand waterfront landmarks.
📍 Sites You’ll See Along the Way:
🗼 Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary islet tower that has served as a lighthouse, hospital, and radio tower, now a restaurant and museum.
🏰 Walls of Constantinople – The fortified walls built to protect Byzantine Constantinople, breached only twice in 1,600 years.
🚢 Passing by Iconic Palaces & Mosques:
✔ Ciragan Palace – A former Sultan’s palace, now a luxurious hotel.
✔ Ortakoy Mosque – Famous for its pink mosaics and stunning Bosphorus backdrop.
✔ Beylerbeyi Palace – The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, offering breathtaking views.
✔ Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – One of Istanbul’s three main bridges connecting Europe & Asia.
✔ Rumeli Fortress – Built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452 before the fall of Constantinople.
🏛 Stop at Kucuksu Palace – A Hidden Ottoman Gem (1 Hour Visit)
During the cruise, you’ll disembark for a short visit to Kucuksu Palace, a small but exquisitely designed Ottoman hunting lodge.
✔ Built by Sultan Abdulmecid, Kucuksu means “small water”.
✔ A hidden gem of Ottoman architecture, with intricate carvings and elegant interiors.
🚍 Bus Tour & Panoramic View from Pierre Loti Hill
🚌 Bus Tour Through the Old City
After your cruise, switch to a guided bus tour, driving through Istanbul’s historic district and past the Old City Walls.
🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – A Stunning View of the Golden Horn
✔ Take a cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill, named after a French novelist who loved Istanbul.
✔ Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Istanbul & the Golden Horn.
✔ Try Turkish coffee at a café perched atop the hill.
🚠 Cable Car Descent – A scenic ride back down, offering more spectacular views of the city.
🚍 Drive Past the Ancient City Walls
✔ The Byzantine Walls, built to protect Constantinople, have stood for over 1,600 years.
✔ The bus tour continues through Sultanahmet, bringing the day to a relaxing end.
🚖 Evening Drop-off & Overnight in Istanbul
⏰ Return to your hotel between 17:00 – 18:00 PM.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Istanbul.
📌 Important Notes:
✔ Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays – On this day, the tour starts later at 11:30 AM.
✔ Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill are the only stops visited on foot. All other landmarks will be seen from the boat or bus.
🚖 Private Transfer to Istanbul Airport
As your incredible 7-day journey through Turkey comes to an end, we provide a comfortable and hassle-free transfer to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, based on your flight details.
✈️ Departure from Istanbul
Take one last moment to reflect on the amazing experiences you’ve had—walking through ancient cities, exploring historic battlefields, and witnessing Turkey’s stunning landscapes.
💬 Need Assistance?
✔ If you require additional travel arrangements within Turkey, including:
✔ Domestic flights or transport
✔ Hotel bookings & accommodation
✔ Day trips or extended tours (Cappadocia, Troy, or Gallipoli)
✔ Local recommendations for dining & sightseeing
📞 Our team is happy to assist!
✨ Thank You for Exploring Ancient Turkey with Us!
We hope you had an unforgettable journey and look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in Turkey.
Includes
- Accommodations
- Hotel transfers
- Entrance tickets
- City transfers
- Ferry Ticket
- Guided tours
Rates and Room Options
Rates are calculated per person based on shared accommodations in double, twin, or triple private rooms.
Steps to Inquire or Book:
Press “BOOK NOW” above to submit an inquiry or book your package tour. The package includes standard-range accommodations by default.
Once your inquiry or booking is completed, you can email us to request upgrades or adjustments, such as:
Upgrades to ‘Top End’ or ‘Premium’ accommodations
A single private room
Dorm rooms for budget travelers
For details on included accommodation options, visit the ‘Accommodation Options’ tab above.
Deposit Payment:
A 30%–40% deposit is required for most tours.
Some tours may require a higher deposit or full payment.
Balance Payment:
The remaining balance is due upon arrival in Turkey.
Luggage Allowance on Flights (if included in your tour):
Domestic flights in Turkey include a 15 kg baggage allowance per person.
If additional luggage allowance is needed, an extra charge may apply. Please contact us for details before booking your tour.
Standart
Ephesus: Ephesus Centrum, Ephesus Palace, or similar
Gallipoli: Anzac House Hostel, Crowded House, or similar
Istanbul: Olimpiyat Hotel, Fehmi Bey Hotel, or similar
Top End
Ephesus: Hotel Carina, Celsus Boutique Hotel, or similar
Gallipoli: Grand Anzac Hotel, Hotel Akol, or similar
Istanbul: Golden Royal Hotel, Walton Hotel Galata, or similar
Premium
Ephesus: Cella Boutique Hotel, Akanthus Hotel, or similar
Gallipoli: Limani Hotel, Kolin Hotel, or similar
Istanbul: The Elysium Istanbul, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Sirkeci, or similar
Ephesus 2 Night
Gallipoli 1 Night
Istanbul 3 Night