This 12-day Classical Turkey tour offers an in-depth journey through the country’s most iconic historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. Beginning in İstanbul, the crossroads of civilizations, the tour combines Byzantine and Ottoman heritage with vibrant local life. Traveling through Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus, guests explore the foundations of Western civilization and UNESCO World Heritage Sites with expert guiding. The route continues to Aphrodisias and Pamukkale, showcasing Anatolia’s artistic excellence and natural wonders. Along the Mediterranean coast, ancient Lycian cities blend seamlessly with dramatic landscapes and turquoise waters. Carefully balanced driving times ensure comfort while covering Turkey’s most comprehensive classical route. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a well-paced, culturally rich, and immersive Turkey experience. The tour concludes in Antalya with smooth airport transfers and lasting memories of Anatolia.

DAY 1 – Arrival in İstanbul

Arrival, airport transfer, optional historical orientation

Upon arrival at İstanbul Airport, you are welcomed by your professional guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. This smooth airport transfer allows you to relax after your flight and start your Turkey journey comfortably. Depending on arrival time, you may enjoy an optional orientation walk around the Historical Peninsula, offering a first glimpse into the city's layered past. İstanbul's unique position between Europe and Asia immediately sets the tone for this cultural tour. The rest of the day is free to recover from travel.
Overnight in İstanbul.

DAY 2 – Ottoman & Byzantine Highlights of İstanbul

Topkapı Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia

Today you explore the iconic monuments of Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of İstanbul. You begin at Topkapı Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, where imperial life, governance, and ceremony were shaped for centuries. The visit continues to the Blue Mosque, admired for its elegant proportions and famous İznik tiles, still functioning as an active place of worship. After lunch at a local Ottoman-style restaurant, you visit Hagia Sophia, one of the most influential monuments in world architecture. Its transformation from church to mosque reflects the city's complex history. The afternoon offers free time to absorb the atmosphere of old İstanbul.
Overnight in İstanbul.

DAY 3 – Bazaars & Daily Life of İstanbul

Grand Bazaar, Süleymaniye Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Eminönü

Today focuses on İstanbul's vibrant bazaars and living traditions. You start at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, where trade customs dating back centuries are still visible. Walking through historic streets, you reach Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece by Sinan overlooking the Golden Horn. The mosque complex reveals how religion, education, and social life were integrated in the Ottoman era. You continue toward the Spice Bazaar, passing a historic han and enjoying a rooftop view of the Bosphorus. Free time allows you to experience the colors, aromas, and local rhythm of the city.
Overnight in İstanbul.

DAY 4 – Gallipoli Battlefields & Çanakkale (4 hrs)

Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, War Museum

You drive toward the Dardanelles to explore the Gallipoli Peninsula, one of the most significant battlefields of World War I. Visiting sites such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair provides insight into the scale and human cost of the campaign. The tour highlights the strategic importance of the region and the rise of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. A visit to the Gallipoli War Museum deepens understanding through artifacts and personal stories. After the tour, you cross the strait by ferry to the Asian side.
Overnight in Çanakkale.

DAY 5 – Troy & Pergamon | Drive to Selçuk (4.5 hrs)

Troy Ancient City, Pergamon Acropolis

The day begins with a visit to Troy, the legendary city known from Homer's Iliad, featuring archaeological layers spanning thousands of years. Walking through the ruins reveals how myth and history intertwine at this UNESCO-listed site. You then continue to Pergamon, one of the most important cities of the Hellenistic world. Ascending by cable car to the acropolis offers spectacular views and access to temples, the ancient library, and the dramatic hillside theatre. Pergamon's role in science, culture, and medicine made it a rival to ancient Alexandria. You then drive south toward the Aegean coast.
Overnight in Selçuk.

DAY 6 – Ephesus & Temple of Artemis

Ephesus Ancient City, Temple of Artemis, Ephesus Museum

Today is dedicated to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Walking along its marble streets, you explore highlights such as the Library of Celsus, Grand Theatre, fountains, and Roman houses. Ephesus was not only a major commercial center but also an important early Christian city visited by St. Paul. After lunch, you visit the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The day concludes at the Ephesus Museum, displaying artifacts uncovered during excavations.
Overnight in Selçuk.

DAY 7 – Aphrodisias & Pamukkale (3 hrs)

Aphrodisias Ancient City

You depart toward Pamukkale with a visit to Aphrodisias, one of Anatolia's most impressive archaeological sites. Famous for its sculpture school, the city produced masterpieces distributed throughout the Roman Empire. You explore the stadium, Tetrapylon, Temple of Aphrodite, and Sebasteion, all remarkably well preserved. The site offers deep insight into ancient art, religion, and urban life. After the visit, you continue to Pamukkale.
Overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 8 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis & Drive to Kaş (4 hrs)

Pamukkale Terraces, Hierapolis Ancient City

In the morning, you visit the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters over thousands of years. Walking barefoot on the terraces allows you to experience this natural wonder up close. Above the terraces lies Hierapolis, an ancient spa city famous for its theatre, necropolis, and Roman streets. The city flourished as a healing center during Roman times. After the visit, you drive along scenic mountain roads toward the Mediterranean coast.
Overnight in Kaş.

DAY 9 – Xanthos & Saklıkent Gorge (2 hrs)

Saklıkent Gorge, Xanthos Ancient City

You begin the day at Saklıkent Gorge, one of the longest canyons in Turkey, offering a refreshing walk through dramatic natural scenery. Lunch is enjoyed at a riverside restaurant surrounded by nature. In the afternoon, you visit Xanthos, the ancient capital of Lycia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city reflects the political and cultural identity of the Lycian League, one of the earliest democratic systems in history. After exploring the ruins, you return to Kaş.
Overnight in Kaş.

DAY 10 – Olympos & Chimera | Drive to Antalya (3 hrs)

Chimera Eternal Flames, Olympos Ancient City

You drive to Çıralı to visit the eternal flames of Chimera, burning naturally for thousands of years and linked to ancient myths. An optional hike leads you to the flames set against a rugged landscape. Later, you explore Olympos, an ancient Lycian city once known as a pirate stronghold. Ruins scattered along the river lead to a beautiful beach, also a nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles. After time to relax by the sea, you continue to Antalya.
Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 11 – Antalya City Tour

Düden Waterfalls, Tünektepe Cable Car, Kaleiçi Old Town

Today you discover Antalya's highlights, starting with Lower Düden Waterfalls where the river dramatically meets the Mediterranean. You then visit the Düden springs and enjoy a coffee break surrounded by nature. A cable car ride takes you to Tünektepe, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline. The tour continues in Kaleiçi Old Town, where Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage coexist. Walking through Hadrian's Gate, Hıdırlık Tower, and historic streets concludes the journey.
Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 12 – Departure from Antalya

Hotel transfer, Antalya Airport

After breakfast, you are transferred to Antalya Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final glimpse of the Mediterranean coastline during the drive. Your 12-day classical Turkey tour comes to an end with professional assistance and smooth airport transfer services.