16 Days Private Turkey Tour

This 16-day journey is designed for history enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into Turkey’s rich past. From the Byzantine grandeur of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the mystical landscapes of Cappadocia, this tour will take you on an unforgettable adventure.

Istanbul: Begin your journey in Istanbul, exploring the iconic Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace.

Historical Anatolia: Delve into the heart of Anatolia, visiting the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa and the impressive Yazılıkaya Open-Air Temple.

Aegean Coast: Explore the ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, and Troy, encountering the legacies of Roman, Greek, and Trojan civilizations.

Cappadocia: Experience the surreal beauty of Cappadocia, with its otherworldly fairy chimneys, underground cities, and unforgettable hot air balloon rides.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis: Relax in the therapeutic waters of Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and marvel at the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Ottoman Legacy: Explore the Ottoman Empire’s rich history in Edirne, visiting the Selimiye Mosque and the historic city center.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the best of Turkey’s historical and cultural heritage. With expert guidance and a focus on historical and cultural immersion, this journey will be an unforgettable adventure for history enthusiasts.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Istanbul – Transfer to Bursa
You will arrive to the New Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. After completing the baggage claim process, you will meet your guide at the designated meeting point. Enjoy a pleasant 2.5-hour drive to Bursa. You will stay in Bursa for that night.

Meals : Dinner
Hotels : Sheraton Bursa Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Bursa + Iznik + Safranbolu
After breakfast, You will meet your guide and start the private tour. In this city, you will see the early 15th century Green Mosque and the Green Tomb which is the burial location of Sultan Mehmet I in 1421. This mosque is important with its imperial significance Mosque as well as its architecture with 20 domes and 12 giant pillars. You will have your lunch in a famous Kebab Restaurant to taste the authentic food. Our last stop today will be the famous Bazaar and Kozahan which are the silk caravanserais in Bursa. You will transfer to Iznik.
Iznik was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and it has been an important spot for Christianity around 325. When you arrive in this city, you will pass the ancient gates of the city to enter. The city walls surround Iznik are mostly preserved and offer an impressive scene. Then, you will visit the important ancient monuments in the city which are Hagia Sophia of Nicaea and the Mosque that has tiled minarets. When we finish our visits, you will set your journey to Safranbolu. You will stay in Safranbolu for that night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Beylerbeyi Konak Hotel or Pacacioglu Bag Evi – Special Class 

Day 3 : Safranbolu – Ankara
Our tour will continue with Safranbolu. Safranbolu is an open-air museum famous for its authentic houses which were mostly built in the late 19th century. These houses show the unique civil architectural tradition in the region. Safranbolu was an important city located on the Silkroad for more than 700 years. Here, you will see the marketplace, Fest-Hill Hidirlik and the Governmental House which represent a fine example of a typical traditional Ottoman building. You will leave for Hattusa. You will stay in Ankara for that night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Swissotel Ankara – Wyndham Ankara

Day 4 : Ankara – Hattusa
You will have your breakfast and leave for Ankara at 09:00 am. The road takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. When you arrive in Ankara, you will first have your lunch. Then, you will start your city tour. Ankara is the 2nd largest city and the capital of Turkey. In this private Turkey tour, you will go to Ataturk Museum and Ataturk mausoleum. Overnight in Corum.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Hotel Anitta or similar

Day 5 : Hattusa – Yazilikaya – Cappadocia
On the 7th day, you will visit Alacahöyük and Hattusa which are the important cities of the ancient Hittite Civilisation. Hattusa was the capital of the Hittite civilisations. Hattusa dates back to the 3rd century B.C. The city was the main settlement area of an Anatolian tribe Hatti. The origins of this tribe are unknown. The city played an important role as it connected the Egyptians with the Hittites. The historic Battle of Kadesh also took place in this city. The war resulted in truce since there was not a definite winner. This truce is believed to be the first truce in the human history. 4000 years old Hittite City Hattusa has the famous Lion Gate, the Great Temple and other grandiose structures. After visiting Hattusa, you will visit Yazilikaya Shrine which is a Hittite Pantheon dedicated to gods and goddesses of that civilisation. The shrine is built on recesses in the rock facing northeast and east to create open-air galleries. There are male figures on the west and female figures on the east of the northeast recess. The are warrior carvings on the east gallery. The opposite wall of the east gallery has a giant relief with a king in the embrace of his patron. After visiting this important shire, you will drive to Cappadocia. You will spend the night in Cappadocia.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Kemerhan Cave Suites, Acer Cave Hotel – Mustafa Resort Cappadocia

Day 6 : Cappadocia
After breakfast, You will start your tour with Kaymaklı Underground City. This underground city is considered as an interesting underground settlement in Cappadocia. From there, you will go to Sahinefendi (Sobesos). Here, you will see Mosaic Art and Archaeological excavation site from the Byzantine Period. The valley villages with mountains around them gives us a spectacular view. Our next stop will be Keslik Monastery near Cemil. The ancient frescos are hidden behind a smoke layer. Here, you will visit Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) which is an old Roman town with its old houses. These houses are the great examples of late Roman settlements and architecture in the region. Our next stop will be the Red Valley. The valley consists of incredible volcanic rock formations. This valley is at the centre of Cappadocia. Still, the valley is not overcrowded by tourists. You will spend the night at Cappadocia.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Kemerhan Cave Suites, Acer Cave Hotel – Mustafa Resort Cappadocia

Day 8 : Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale
You will have a regional breakfast at your hotel. After your breakfast, you will leave for Konya. On your way, you will visit Sultanhani Caravanserai. Caravanserais were important structures to support the commerce and people travelling on commercial routes across Asia, North Africa and South-Europe. These roads were known as the legendary silk road and the spice road. When you arrive in Konya, you will see the Mevlana Sufi Temple. Mevlana is the founder of Sufism and whirling dervishes. After that, you will transfer to your luxurious hotel. You will spend the night in Pamukkale.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Doga Thermal Health & Spa – Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal

Day 9 : Pamukkale – Kusadasi
On this day, you will continue your travel to Turkey with travertine terraces and Hierapolis city. The travertine terraces are located in Pamukkale. These terraces are among the spectacular wonders of nature with their white colour. The terraces are formed by the minerals in the springs. They form a 200 m calcite waters ponds in the terraces. This look gives a fairyland-like look with different terrace levels and shell- shaped basins. This scene looks like a snow-covered hills or cotton cover terraces. This is why this region is called Pamukkale which means cotton castle in Turkey. The colour of the basin changes depending on the angle of the sunrays. After Pamukkale, you will drive for Ephesus. On your way, Aphrodisias is one the places you will see. Aphrodisias cist is famous for being a centre for arts. Especially, sculpture was a top characteristic. The Aphrodisias School of Sculpture had a unique style and was well-known across the Greek and Roman world. You will move to Priene. Although Ephesus is the most famous cities in the Aegean region, Priene which is not as popular is an important ancient settlement in this region. Priene is located to view the Meander Valley and the amazing temple in the city is in a good condition. You will stay in Kusadasi for the night as it is close to Ephesus.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Charisma De Luxe Hotel – LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa – Boutique Class

Day 10 : Ephesus
On this day, you will visit Ephesus. You will follow the footsteps of famous ancient individuals such as Alexander the Great, Caesar, Cicero, Apostles Paul and John and many others in this city. Terrace Houses which require an extra entry fee shows the wealthiest Roman. The terrace houses are in an amazing condition. The mosaics and frescos in these houses are incredible. It is believed that the Virgin Mary was brought here by St John after the Crucifixion. It is believed that she spends her last years near Ephesus on an isolated mountaintop. For commemorate her, Franciscans constructed a chapel. The chapel is open for visitors. Pope has designated this chapel as a pilgrimage site for the Christians. You will visit the Temple of Artemis which is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will stay in Kusadasi for the night as it is close to Ephesus.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Charisma De Luxe Hotel – LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa – Boutique Class

Day 11 : Pergamon – Canakkale
On this day, you will drive to Pergamon or also known as Pergamum. This place was an important kingdom during the Hellenistic period. Pergamon is known to have the second-best library after the library of Alexandria during the ancient Greek period. The library was called the ancient Library of Pergamum. When papyrus export was halted by the Ptolemies which is caused by competitors and shortages, the people of Pergamon invented a new substance to be used as a paper in the codices. This substance was called pergaminus or parchment as you know it. Fine calf skin which was the predecessor of vellum was the main ingredients. Asclepion is located in the loyour city on the southwest of the lower city and there is a sanctuary for God of Health. Asclepics was one of the largest hospitals in ancient times. The hospital was on the west part of the city. The city was an important culture, art and medicine centre in the ancient days. You will go to Canakkale to spend the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Kolin Hotel – Büyük Truva Oteli

Day 12 : Canakkale – Troy – Dardanalles – Gallipoli – Edirne
On your private Turkey Tour, your next stop will be Troy. The city is famous for the wooden horse and the epic war in the ancient times. Next, you will drive to Gallipoli. Here, you will cross the Dardanelles, an important water way and reach to Edirne to stay for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Hilly Hotel – Boutique Class – Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Edirne

Day 13 : Edirne – Istanbul
After having your breakfast in your hotel, you will discover the Edirne city centre. You will visit the famous Selimiye Mosque that has a magnificent large dome and 4 narrow minarets. The mosque is an important work of art in the former Ottoman capital. The embellished interior area shows the meticulous and detailed craftsmanship. The marble courtyard and high-quality Iznik tiles are the best example of manufacturing of those times. This mosque is the amazing architectural success of the famous Architect Sinan and one of the best examples of an Ottoman Islamic Social Complex. One of the landmarks of UNESCO World Historical Site List, the old city centre as well as the old mosque, Ali pasha Arasta bazaar and Sultan Beyazid II complex are the places you will see. You will also visit Darüssifa which was a mental treatment centre in the Ottoman times that used water and sound to calm the sick people. You will have your lunch in a traditional Turkish restaurant in the old city centre. Then, you will visit Edirne grand synagogue which is a historical Sephardi synagogue. The synagogue is considered to be the third largest in Europe and the largest in Turkey. After this visit, you will drive back to Istanbul.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Barcelo Hotel Istanbul Taksim

Day 14 : Istanbul
On this day of your private tour, you will visit the Byzantine Relics. When you travel to Turkey, you can see different cultures across the country. Byzantine culture is one of them. You will start your tour with the Hippodrome at the middle of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Cisterns. Here, you will see the Serpentine Columns and Egyptian Obelisk. You will also visit the nearby Wilhelm German fountain. You will take your lunch in a local restaurant. Next, you will go to Chora Museum also known as Kariye Museum to see the amazing Byzantine frescoes. Your tour will end in the Basilica Cistern known as the Yerebatan Cistern. Istanbul to stay for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Barcelo Hotel Istanbul Taksim or similar

Day 15 : Istanbul
Your private guided Turkey tours will start with the Ottoman heritage in Istanbul. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and start the tour from Blue Mosque completed in 1616. Next, you will visit the famous Topkapi Palace. This palace has a comprehensive collection of the belongings of the sultans for the last five centuries. You can visit the Harem to witness the imperial lifestyle. You will walk the road to the Imperial Council called Divan Yolu. Next, you will have your lunch in a local restaurant. You will walk on the cobble stones streets to see the Rustem Pasha Mosque completed in 1561 by Sinan the Architect. Next, you will go to the famous Spice Market where the goods of the Venetians and Genoese and eastern spice were sold in the ancient times. Your tour will end at Grand Bazaar which was the most important shopping area of the ancient todays. You can shop in this amazing bazaar. After having your dinner, you will spend the night in Istanbul.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Barcelo Hotel Istanbul Taksim or similar

Day 16 : Departure
This is the last day of your private travel Turkey . You will transfer you to the New Istanbul Airport three hours before your international flight.

Meals : Breakfast