9-Day Turkey: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Capadocia

Discover Turkey’s captivating history and diverse landscapes on this 9-day tour. Explore iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, pay respects at the Gallipoli battlefields, and uncover ancient ruins in Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus. Marvel at Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale. This carefully curated itinerary includes domestic flights, 3-star accommodations, meals, and guided tours for a seamless and enriching travel experience. With a maximum group size of 20, you’ll enjoy a personalized journey through Turkey’s cultural heritage. There’s much more to uncover about this fascinating tour.

About Your Stay

• Comprehensive 9-day tour of Turkey’s iconic destinations, including Istanbul’s historical sites, Gallipoli battlefields, ancient ruins of Troy and Pergamon, and the natural wonders of Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.
• Package includes domestic flights, 3-star hotel accommodations, meals, and guided tours, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience highlighting Turkey’s cultural heritage.
• Accommodations and group size (maximum 20 travelers) designed for comfort and personalized experience, with various room arrangements to suit different group sizes.
• Explore Istanbul’s Old City, the historic Gallipoli battlegrounds, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, each offering unique insights into Turkey’s captivating history and natural beauty.
• Unwind at the UNESCO-recognized Pamukkale, known for its milky-white travertine terraces and therapeutic thermal pools, including the famous Cleopatra Thermal Pools.

Tour Overview and Highlights

Spanning 9 days, this comprehensive Turkey tour immerses travelers in the country’s rich history and diverse landscapes.

Explore the iconic landmarks of Istanbul’s Old City, including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Venture to the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli and uncover the ancient ruins of Troy.

Marvel at the well-preserved Greco-Roman city of Ephesus and the surreal fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. This multi-day package includes domestic flights, three-star hotel accommodations, meals, and guided tours, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Highlights also include the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the archaeological site of Pergamon, offering a glimpse into Turkey’s diverse cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Accommodations

Included in this 9-day Turkey tour are two domestic flights, one from Izmir to Cappadocia and another from Cappadocia to Istanbul.

Accommodations are in 3-star hotels for 8 nights. Meals include 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, with drinks provided during the meals, excluding breakfast.

The package also covers transportation, professional licensed guides, airport transfers, and all fees and taxes.

Optional activities like visiting the Ephesus Houses, Cleopatra Swimming Pool, and taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia are available at an additional cost.

Luggage restrictions apply, with a total weight limit of 23 kg.

Transportation and Pickup Details

The tour includes door-to-door transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for pickup.

Travelers can expect a smooth arrival and departure, as the package includes all necessary transportation. The luggage limit is 15 kg for checked bags and 8 kg for hand luggage, totaling 23 kg. Excess baggage will incur additional fees.

Group sizes are capped at 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

With the transportation and pickup details taken care of, travelers can focus on enjoying the sights and experiences of this comprehensive 9-day Turkey tour.

Group Size and Accommodation Options

Accommodations for this 9-day Turkey tour are tailored to group size. The tour accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers. Singles get their own room, while groups of 2, 3, or 4 travelers share Double/Twin or Triple rooms.

For larger groups, the accommodations are split across multiple rooms to ensure comfort and privacy.

• Groups of 5-12 travelers are assigned a combination of Double/Twin and Triple rooms.
• Parties of 13-15 get a mix of Double/Twin and Triple rooms.
• Groups of 6-8 and 14 are allocated 2-4 Double/Twin rooms respectively.

Regardless of group size, the tour provides three-star hotel stays throughout the journey, ensuring a consistent and comfortable experience.

Explore Istanbul’s Old City

Kicking off the 9-day Turkey tour, travelers will explore the captivating Old City of Istanbul.

This historic district is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia and the striking Blue Mosque.

Visitors will wander through the bustling Sultanahmet Square, marveling at the intricate Ottoman architecture that surrounds them.

The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, offers a vibrant shopping experience, with its endless array of stalls selling traditional Turkish crafts, spices, and textiles.

Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul’s Old City, gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s storied past.

Discover Gallipoli Battlefields

After exploring the captivating Old City of Istanbul, the tour moves on to the historic Gallipoli Peninsula.

This region is renowned for its pivotal role in World War I, where the iconic Battle of Gallipoli took place in 1915.

Visitors will:

• Walk the battlegrounds and visit memorials honoring the fallen soldiers from both sides.
• Gain insight into the strategic importance of Gallipoli and the significant events that unfolded here.
• Stand in awe at the stunning natural landscapes that provide a poignant backdrop to this historic site.

The tour guides will share the harrowing stories and critical details of this landmark battle, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of Gallipoli’s enduring significance in world history.

Experience Surreal Cappadocia

Leaving the remarkable battlegrounds of Gallipoli behind, the tour journeys into the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. This unique region is known for its otherworldly rock formations, cave dwellings, and hot air balloon rides over the striking scenery.

Visitors can explore underground cities, hike through valleys, and marvel at the fairy chimneys – towering cone-shaped rock pillars. The itinerary includes a guided tour of the region, allowing travelers to fully enjoy this captivating destination.

With its dramatic landscapes and rich history, Cappadocia offers a truly unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Unwind at Pamukkale

From Cappadocia, the tour next ventures to Pamukkale, a stunning natural wonder renowned for its milky-white travertine terraces and warm, mineral-rich springs.

Visitors can’t resist relaxing in the thermal pools, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. The terraces, formed by the depositing of carbonate minerals, create a surreal, otherworldly landscape that draws visitors from around the world.

Key highlights of Pamukkale include:

• Touring the ancient ruins of the city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved Roman amphitheater
• Exploring the Pamukkale Travertine Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Relaxing in the Cleopatra Thermal Pools, named after the famous Egyptian queen

This natural oasis provides a peaceful respite before the tour continues on to its next destinations.

Questions About Staying Here

What Is the Recommended Attire for the Tour?

The tour operator recommends comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing such as lightweight, breathable fabrics, closed-toe walking shoes, and sun protection. Dressing in layers is advised to accommodate the varied climates encountered during the tour.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Vegetarian, vegan, and halal meals are available upon request. Guests should notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs prior to the trip.

Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. Prices are based on group size, with accommodation options ranging from single rooms to multiple double/twin rooms to accommodate different party sizes.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy, so there are no refunds if a traveler cancels. However, the price can be guaranteed to be the lowest available.

Can the Tour Itinerary Be Customized?

The tour itinerary cannot be customized as it’s a pre-set package. However, travelers can opt for additional activities like visiting the Ephesus Houses, Cleopatra Swimming Pool, and taking a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, which are available at an extra cost.

Worth The Stay

This immersive 9-day tour of Turkey offers an unparalleled exploration of the country’s iconic landmarks and captivating natural wonders. From the historic grandeur of Istanbul, Gallipoli, and ancient Ephesus to the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, the journey promises an unforgettable experience that delves into Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. With seamless logistics and expert guidance, travelers can expect a truly immersive and memorable adventure.