This 7-day Classical Turkey tour offers a carefully balanced journey through the cultural, archaeological, and natural highlights of western Turkey. Starting in İstanbul, the tour introduces the legacy of Byzantine and Ottoman empires through world-famous monuments. Traveling south, ancient cities such as Pergamon and Ephesus reveal the foundations of classical civilization and early Christianity. The itinerary continues to Pamukkale, combining natural wonders with Greco-Roman heritage at Hierapolis. Along the Mediterranean coast, Antalya blends archaeology, history, and coastal scenery. Comfortable driving times and expert guiding ensure a smooth and immersive travel experience. The tour concludes in Antalya with seamless airport transfers.

DAY 1 – Arrival in İstanbul

Arrival, airport transfer, leisure time

We arrive at İstanbul Airport and meet our guide and driver for a smooth airport transfer to the hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to relax after the journey or take a short walk around the hotel area. İstanbul's unique location between Europe and Asia immediately introduces us to the cultural richness of Turkey. This gentle start to our 7-day Classical Turkey tour allows us to adjust comfortably before sightseeing begins. The evening is ideal for enjoying the city's atmosphere at our own pace.
Overnight in İstanbul.

DAY 2 – Imperial İstanbul Highlights

Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia

Today we explore the iconic monuments of Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of İstanbul and a key stop on any Istanbul city tour. We begin with Topkapı Palace, once the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. We then visit the Blue Mosque, admired worldwide for its harmonious design and famous İznik tiles. After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that later shaped Ottoman mosque design. Together, these landmarks represent the essence of a classical Istanbul sightseeing experience. Free time in the afternoon allows us to enjoy the old city at our own pace.
Overnight in İstanbul.

DAY 3 – Drive to Selçuk via Pergamon (5 hrs)

Pergamon Ancient City, scenic Aegean drive

After breakfast, we depart İstanbul and drive south toward the Aegean region, following one of the most scenic routes of a Western Turkey itinerary. En route, we visit Pergamon, one of the most important ancient cities of the Hellenistic world. Ascending to the acropolis, we explore temples, the ancient library, and the dramatic hillside theatre, considered the steepest of antiquity. Pergamon's achievements in science, medicine, and culture made it a major rival to Alexandria and Athens. Continuing through changing landscapes and countryside views, we arrive in Selçuk in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Selçuk.

DAY 4 – Ephesus, Ephesus Museum, Temple of Artemis, St. John Basilica & Şirince Village

Ephesus, Ephesus Museum, Temple of Artemis, Basilica of St. John, Şirince

Today we explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Mediterranean and a key highlight of any Ephesus guided tour. Walking along marble-paved streets, we visit the Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, monumental fountains, and well-preserved Roman houses that reflect the city's former wealth and sophistication. Ephesus was not only a major trade center of Asia Minor but also an important early Christian city visited by St. Paul. We then visit the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, symbolizing the religious and economic power of ancient Ephesus. Continuing to the Basilica of St. John, we explore one of the most significant early Christian monuments in western Turkey, traditionally believed to mark the burial site of St. John the Evangelist. After exploring the ruins, we visit the Ephesus Museum, where original artifacts provide deeper insight into daily life, art, and religion in antiquity. In the afternoon, we travel to Şirince, a charming hillside village known for its preserved architecture and local wines, offering a peaceful contrast to the ancient sites.
Overnight in Selçuk.

DAY 5 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis | Drive to Antalya (3hrs)

Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis Ancient City

After breakfast, we drive to Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most famous natural wonders and a must-see on a Pamukkale tour itinerary. The white travertine terraces, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, create a unique landscape unlike anywhere else in the world. Walking barefoot on the terraces allows us to experience this UNESCO-listed site up close. Above the terraces lies Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman spa city with monumental streets, a vast necropolis, and an impressive theatre. After the visit, we continue driving toward the Mediterranean coast, transitioning from inland Anatolia to southern Turkey.
Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 6 – Perge & Antalya City Tour

Perge Ancient City, Düden Waterfalls, Kaleiçi Old Town

Today we explore the cultural and historical highlights of Antalya, one of the most popular destinations on a Turkey Mediterranean coast tour. We begin with Perge, one of the most important ancient cities of Pamphylia, known for its colonnaded streets, stadium, and monumental gates. The site offers an excellent introduction to Roman urban planning in southern Anatolia. We then visit the Lower Düden Waterfalls, where the river dramatically flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The tour concludes in Kaleiçi Old Town, walking through Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman landmarks including Hadrian's Gate and Hıdırlık Tower.
Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 7 – Departure from Antalya

Hotel transfer, Antalya Airport

After breakfast, we are transferred to Antalya Airport for our onward flight. Enjoying final views of the Mediterranean coastline during the short drive, our 7-day Classical Turkey tour itinerary comes to an end. The journey concludes with professional assistance and smooth airport transfer services, leaving lasting memories of Turkey's cultural and historical richness.