Turkey-ancient-city-of-PergamonTurkey-Blue-Mosqueturkey-Hagia-Sophia-Museum-InsideTurkey-Hagia-Sophia-MuseumTurkey-HierapolisTurkey-Kaymakli s-Underground-CityTurkey-KusadasiTurkey-PamukkaleTurkey-Topkapi-PalaceTurkey-Troy

Highlights of Turkey

Experience Turkey’s natural beauty and history in 10 magical days. Visit sought-after destinations like Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ankara and Kusadasi.

10 Days | 1 Countries
IstanbulIstanbul
Up to $1,600
From
$1,629
View Dates & Rates
Flexible bookings: 10-day money-back guarantee

Highlights of Turkey

10 Days | 1 Countries

Summary

Türkiye is where East meets West and Europe meets Asia! Visit the ancient sites of Troy, Hierapolis and Ephesus and encounter the Battlefields of Gallipoli. Bathe in Pamukkale’s hot springs. Experience Cappadocia’s beauty and Istanbul’s buzzing bazaars. 10 days in Turkey will send you home with countless memories!

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Tour Overview

Start Point IconStart Point

Nidya Hotel Galataport

End Point IconEnd Point

Nidya Hotel Galataport

Accommodation IconAccommodation

9 Nights, (3 & 4 star hotels)

9 Nights

(3 & 4 star hotels)

Meals IconMeals

9 Breakfasts | 7 Dinners

9 Breakfasts

7 Dinners

Transport IconTransport

Air-conditioned coach

Air-conditioned coach

Tour Type IconTour Type

Fully-guided tour

Fully-guided tour

Europe tour map

Itinerary

Start Point IconStart Point

Nidya Hotel Galataport | Meet your tour leader between 05:00 PM and 07:00 PM in the hotel lobby

End Point IconEnd Point

Nidya Hotel Galataport | Tour concludes after breakfast

istanbul-highlights-of-turkey-day-1

Welcome to Istanbul and the first day of this magical trip around Turkey! If you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-accommodation through us, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Today is free to wander through this vibrant city! Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group this evening for a welcome dinner at the hotel.

mealsDinner
hotelNidya Hotel Galataport (or similar)
blue-mosque-istanbul-turkey

After breakfast, embark on an orientation tour of Istanbul. See famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. To further explore this magical city, join the Istanbul+ optional excursion! This includes visits to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to the buzzing spice bazaar and a delicious Turkish lunch!

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Included
Discover Istanbul on an orientation tour

See the famous sights of Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome on an orientation walking tour of Istanbul. Discover the city’s stories and secrets.

Included
Discover Istanbul on an orientation tour

See the famous sights of Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome on an orientation walking tour of Istanbul. Discover the city’s stories and secrets.

Optional
Istanbul+

Explore Istanbul’s top sights! See the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and Turkish lunch.

Optional
Istanbul+

Explore Istanbul’s top sights! See the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and Turkish lunch.

hotelNidya Hotel Galataport (or similar)
gallipoli-highlights-of-turkey-day-3

Today, visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. This haunting location is where 30,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives. The tour includes visits to the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorial in ANZAC Cove and the Neck and Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery. Afterwards, travel to Çanakkale for the night. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Tour the historic Battlefields of Gallipoli

Pay your respects at the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. See memorials and important sights such as Lone Pine and ANZAC Cove.

Included
Tour the historic Battlefields of Gallipoli

Pay your respects at the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. See memorials and important sights such as Lone Pine and ANZAC Cove.

hotelMD Barbaros Hotel (or similar)
troy-highlights-of-turkey-day-4

Take a step back in time and visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse and site of the 12-century Trojan War! After, head to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum. Embark on a tour of the impressive temples and library which made Pergamum a cultural and political centre centuries ago. Later, travel to Kuşadasi and enjoy a delicious dinner.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Visit Troy

Learn about the Trojan War and the legendary Trojan Horse and see remnants of the historic cities of Troy through the ages.

Included
Visit Troy

Learn about the Trojan War and the legendary Trojan Horse and see remnants of the historic cities of Troy through the ages.

Included
Visit Pergamum

 Wander the Acropolis of Pergamum and see the magnificent temples and library. Cable-car to Pergamum EUR 10,  Pergamum Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 16

Included
Visit Pergamum

 Wander the Acropolis of Pergamum and see the magnificent temples and library. Cable-car to Pergamum EUR 10,  Pergamum Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 16

Included
Visit Kuşadasi

Spend two evenings in the stunning resort town of Kuşadasi situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast.

Included
Visit Kuşadasi

Spend two evenings in the stunning resort town of Kuşadasi situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast.

hotelSUHAN SEAPORT 360 HOTEL (or similar)
ephesus-highlights-of-turkey-day-5

Embark on a guided tour of Ephesus and visit the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Next, travel to the former Greek village of Şirince famous for its fruit wines. Next, visit a carpet village to experience this delicate Turkish craft firsthand. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Explore the Temple of Artemis

Tour the temple ruins in the ancient city of Ephesus. Get a glimpse of what an ancient lifestyle entailed. Ephesus entry fee: EUR 40

Included
Explore the Temple of Artemis

Tour the temple ruins in the ancient city of Ephesus. Get a glimpse of what an ancient lifestyle entailed. Ephesus entry fee: EUR 40

Included
Visit Şirince

According to legend, this former Greek village used to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) by freed Greek slaves so that others wouldn’t follow them there.

Included
Visit Şirince

According to legend, this former Greek village used to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) by freed Greek slaves so that others wouldn’t follow them there.

Included
Visit a Turkish carpet village

Experience the craft of traditional Turkish carpet hand-weaving at a carpet village.

Included
Visit a Turkish carpet village

Experience the craft of traditional Turkish carpet hand-weaving at a carpet village.

hotelSUHAN SEAPORT 360 HOTEL (or similar)
pamukkale-hot-springs-turkey-expat-explore-travel

Today, travel to Pamukkale, home to magnificent white calcium terraces, or travertines. In Roman times, the natural hot springs that flowed down the terraces were used for their therapeutic powers. Wrap up the day with a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis with an option to see a traditional Whirling Dervish show this evening. Later, enjoy an included dinner.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Explore Pamukkale

Marvel at the magnificent travertines and thermal hot springs found at Pamukkale. Pamukkale Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 30

Included
Explore Pamukkale

Marvel at the magnificent travertines and thermal hot springs found at Pamukkale. Pamukkale Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 30

Included
Hierapolis tour

Explore the museum in the ancient city of Hierapolis which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry fee 30 EUR

Included
Hierapolis tour

Explore the museum in the ancient city of Hierapolis which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry fee 30 EUR

Optional
Whirling Dervish Show

Watch a mesmerising Whirling Dervish performance and learn more about this fascinating spiritual ceremony during your evening Pamukkale.

Optional
Whirling Dervish Show

Watch a mesmerising Whirling Dervish performance and learn more about this fascinating spiritual ceremony during your evening Pamukkale.

hotelAdempira Termal & Spa Hotel (or similar)
silk-road-highlights-of-turkey-day-7

Today, travel along the ancient Silk Road! Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai - a caravanserai is a roadside inn where traders used to stopover and rest on their travels. Look forward to stopping in Konya at the Mevlana Museum along the way. This is home to the mausoleum of the famous poet, Rumi. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel in Cappadocia tonight.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai

Stop at Sultanhani Caravanserai: Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and imagine life as a trader on the silk road many, many years ago.

Included
Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai

Stop at Sultanhani Caravanserai: Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and imagine life as a trader on the silk road many, many years ago.

Included
Visit Mevlana Museum

Tour the Mevlana Museum and see the mausoleum of poet Rumi.

Included
Visit Mevlana Museum

Tour the Mevlana Museum and see the mausoleum of poet Rumi.

hotelKonak Bezirhane Cave Otel (or similar)
hierapolis-highlights-of-turkey-day-8

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s most famous destinations. These magnificent rock-cut churches are bound to leave you awestruck! Alternatively, explore the many levels of Kaymakli - an underground city! Don’t miss out on the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening tonight.

mealsBreakfast, Dinner
Experiences:
Included
Visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum

Witness the striking landscape and the famous rock-cut churches of Cappadocia. Göreme Museum entrance fee: 20 EUR, Kaymakli entrance fee: 13 EUR

Included
Visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum

Witness the striking landscape and the famous rock-cut churches of Cappadocia. Göreme Museum entrance fee: 20 EUR, Kaymakli entrance fee: 13 EUR

Optional
Traditional Turkish Folklore Evening

Enjoy a night of traditional entertainment in Cappadocia and experience local Turkish culture, music, drinks and dancing!

Optional
Traditional Turkish Folklore Evening

Enjoy a night of traditional entertainment in Cappadocia and experience local Turkish culture, music, drinks and dancing!

Included
See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia

Discover Cappadocia’s surreal “fairy chimneys” - towering, whimsical rock formations shaped by nature. These magical landscapes create a dreamlike setting unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Included
See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia

Discover Cappadocia’s surreal “fairy chimneys” - towering, whimsical rock formations shaped by nature. These magical landscapes create a dreamlike setting unlike anywhere else on Earth.

hotelKonak Bezirhane Cave Otel (or similar)
ankara-highlights-of-turkey-day-9

Leave for Ankara, Turkey’s capital, early this morning. Arrive and visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the famed President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. This bustling capital is famous for its performing arts with a variety of cultural sights to experience. After exploring the last stop on this Highlights of Turkey tour, head back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour.

mealsBreakfast
Experiences:
Included
Visit Ankara

Explore the bustling capital of Turkey. Ankara is home to the State Opera and Ballet as well as the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.

Included
Visit Ankara

Explore the bustling capital of Turkey. Ankara is home to the State Opera and Ballet as well as the Presidential Symphony Orchestra.

hotelNidya Hotel Galataport (or similar)
istanbul-turkey

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast together with the group as the tour comes to an end this morning. After an incredible 10 days on tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your new travel friends. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you onto a tour again soon!

mealsBreakfast

Tour Highlights

Optional Experience
Istanbul+
Istanbul+

Explore Istanbul’s top sights! See the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and Turkish lunch.

Included Experience
Tour the historic Battlefields of Gallipoli
Tour the historic Battlefields of Gallipoli

Pay your respects at the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. See memorials and important sights such as Lone Pine and ANZAC Cove.

Included Experience
Explore the Temple of Artemis
Explore the Temple of Artemis

Tour the temple ruins in the ancient city of Ephesus. Get a glimpse of what an ancient lifestyle entailed. Ephesus entry fee: EUR 40

Included Experience
Explore Pamukkale
Explore Pamukkale

Marvel at the magnificent travertines and thermal hot springs found at Pamukkale. Pamukkale Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 30

Included Experience
See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia

Discover Cappadocia’s surreal “fairy chimneys” - towering, whimsical rock formations shaped by nature. These magical landscapes create a dreamlike setting unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Highlights

You'll Love

15 Included Experiences!

  • Discover Istanbul on an orientation tour
  • Tour the historic Battlefields of Gallipoli
  • Visit Troy
  • Visit Pergamum
  • Visit Kuşadasi
  • Explore the Temple of Artemis
  • Visit Şirince
  • Visit a Turkish carpet village
  • Explore Pamukkale
  • Hierapolis tour
  • Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai
  • Visit Mevlana Museum
  • Visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum
  • See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
  • Visit Ankara

Optional Experiences

Enhance your tour with these carefully selected optional experiences. Each one is designed to add depth and excitement to your journey, allowing you to customize your adventure according to your interests.

Book On Tour
Istanbul+€150

Explore Istanbul’s top sights! See the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and Turkish lunch.

Book On Tour
Whirling Dervish Show€25

Watch a mesmerising Whirling Dervish performance and learn more about this fascinating spiritual ceremony during your evening Pamukkale.

Book On Tour
Traditional Turkish Folklore Evening€65

Enjoy a night of traditional entertainment in Cappadocia and experience local Turkish culture, music, drinks and dancing!

Dates & Rates

You are viewing the unfiltered Dates and Rates

If you are planning to travel a different year, please select here to view the relevant itinerary:

Exclude Sold Out Dates
Show Special Offers
Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$1,629
Total Price US$1,629

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$1,629
Total Price US$1,629

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$1,765
Total Price US$1,765

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Price Breakdown
Standard Tour Cost US$1,765
Total Price US$1,765

Price is based on a sharing twin room. Single room (optional).

Contact Us

Full payment is required on tours starting within the next 60 days

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

nidya-hotel-galataport-roomnidya-hotel-galataport-breakfast-room
Accommodation Icon Nidya Hotel Galataport
MD-City-Barbaros-Hotel-roomMD-city-barbaros-hotel-bathroom
Accommodation Icon MD Barbaros Hotel
Suhan-Seaport360-Hotel-Spa KusadasiSuhan-Seaport360-Hotel-Spa-Kusadasi-bathroom
Accommodation Icon SUHAN SEAPORT 360 HOTEL
Adempira-Termal-Spa-Hotel-roomAdempira-Termal-Spa-Hotel-lobby-turkey
Accommodation Icon Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel
Konak-Bezirhane-Hotel-Cappadocia-cave-roomKonak-Bezirhane-Hotel-Cappadocia-lobby (1)
Accommodation Icon Konak Bezirhane Cave Otel

Reviews

Overall RatingRatings Star4.7/5123 Reviews
N
Verified Traveller Nikki
3 Jun 2025
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
It was wonderful ?

It was not enough,I wanted to take a trip again to other areas of Turkey.

G
Verified Traveller Godinho
3 Jun 2025
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
I recommend

The guide was great !

S
Verified Traveller Shenny
1 Jun 2025
Ratings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings StarRatings Star
Amazing!

Every day was filled with interesting sites, activities, food and bus drives. Ege was a very kind, understanding and knowledgeable guide. He was very inclusive; we all started as s...

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Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights. Please click here to visit Skyscanner - a useful tool for comparing prices from the vast majority of airlines.

When you book for more than one person, we will by default group you together in the same room(s), unless you request single supplements or specifically request us not to. 

If there are unequal numbers (3, 5, 7 etc.) then the remaining traveller will be roomed with another passenger of the same gender. Please note that minors under the age of 18 cannot share with another traveller outside of your group's booking.

If you are making separate bookings and would like to share the same room(s), please send us an email with the booking references for each of the travellers and the details of your preferred rooming allocation.

Yes, and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Passengers and their personal property travel with Expat Explore solely at their own risk. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday, and loss of holiday monies through cancellation or curtailment of the holiday or other insurable reasons. Clients should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour. 

For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries. To receive a quote from our preferred travel insurance partner please visit World Nomads*.

For more information on what to look for in a travel insurance policy, click here.

While Expat Explore cannot assist with booking pre or post-tour accommodation, we have partnered with Booking.com for affordable accommodation options prior to and after the tour. 

If you would like to receive the hotel list in advance so that you can book accommodation at or nearby the start hotel, please request this by sending an email to info@expatexplore.com with your booking reference.

Expat Explore can provide travellers requiring visas with visa support documents on a request basis. Please note that you are required to pay for your tour in full in order to receive the documents. This is an embassy/consulate requirement by law. Once you have received confirmation that your booking has been paid in full, you can request your visa support documents by emailing info@expatexplore.com - please allow up to 10 working days to receive these documents.

All travellers are required to carry their own bags. Our walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down stairs. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.

Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email for consideration. Expat Explore reserves the absolute right to accept or decline a booking at our discretion.

Your deposit secures your spot on tour and locks in the price you pay. Although the deposit you pay at the time of booking is non-refundable, you're protected by our 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee – a full refund if you cancel within 10 days of making your booking.

For more information, please refer to the 10-Day Money-Back Guarantee in our Terms & Conditions.

Before the tour starts, you will receive an email from us requesting your dietary requirements. There is always a vegetarian option available. We try as much as we can to offer you the traditional local cuisine.

No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. We have partnered with Welcome Pickups to secure a hassle-free service. You will be met at the arrivals gate by your driver. Your driver will track your flight, so they'll wait for you even if it's delayed. Please click here to book an airport transfer.

This is up to you and will vary depending on how much you wish to spend on snacks, drinks, souvenirs etc. We do not include entrance fees to attractions and museums. We do, however, provide you with free time to see everything you want, and our tour leaders will have all the information on pricing and locations so you can manage your own budget. Please refer to your tours specific pre-departure information and optional excursions guide for further details.