12 Days Private Turkey Tour From Istanbul

Explore Turkey in 12 Days with a Fully Guided Private Tour

The 12 Days Private Turkey Tour from Istanbul offers an in-depth experience of Turkey’s most iconic sites, all for $6,500 per person. This tour is designed for travelers who want a comprehensive journey that balances historical exploration, scenic beauty, and culture, all led by experienced guides in private air-conditioned transportation. The tour departs from Istanbul, with all transfers, guided tours, and accommodations included, making it a seamless way to see Turkey’s highlights without the hassle of planning every detail.

With a rating of 5.0 from 12 reviews, this tour receives high praise for its personalized service, knowledgeable guides like Ilker Olcaydu, and carefully curated itinerary. The duration of 12 days allows you to visit Cappadocia, Izmir, Miletus, Didyma, Hierapolis, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, and more, combining sightseeing, cultural sites, and relaxing thermal baths. While the price might seem steep, reviews confirm the quality of guiding, accommodations, and overall organization make it well worth the investment for those seeking a detailed Turkish itinerary.

This tour suits travelers who prefer private guided experiences with flexible schedules, and who enjoy walking, cruising, and exploring historic sites. It also appeals to those interested in thermal baths, panoramic views, and archaeological wonders. However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves quite a bit of walking and some long drives, so it’s best for those comfortable with moderate physical activity.

Key Points

• All-inclusive private guided tour with airport transfers, guiding, and transport
• 12 days of exploring Turkey’s top sites, including Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Istanbul
• Highlights include private boat cruise on the Bosphorus, thermal baths at Pamukkale, underground city visits, and historical ruins
• Comfortable travel in air-conditioned minivans, with most stops included in the price
• Highly rated for knowledgeable guides like Ilker Olcaydu and well-organized logistics
• Suitable for travelers seeking in-depth cultural experiences and private, tailored itineraries

Starting in Istanbul: From Sultanahmet to Historic Sites

The tour begins in Istanbul, with a warm welcome and private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Sultanahmet. Once settled, a cocktail reception introduces the group to the journey ahead, complemented by a briefing and dinner. This initial day provides a relaxed start and a chance to meet your guide and fellow travelers, setting the tone for an engaging exploration.

Visiting the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace

The second day is dedicated to Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. The Blue Mosque, built in 1616, impresses with its six minarets and stunning interior. Nearby, the Turkish Islamic Arts Museum displays exquisite carpets and antiquities. The visit continues at Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for over five centuries, offering a glimpse into royal life.

Exploring the Historic Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern

On the third day, travelers walk through Hippodrome with its ancient obelisks and statues, and then descend into the Basilica Cistern, a vast underground water reservoir with Medusa-head sculptures guarding its columns. The day culminates at Hagia Sophia, a structure dating back to 537 AD, showcasing Byzantine architecture and incredible mosaics, and the Chora Museum, with its 6th-century mosaics and frescoes.

Cruising the Bosphorus and Flying to Cappadocia

The fourth day begins with a scenic Bosphorus cruise, approximately two hours long, offering views of Ottoman palaces, summer mansions, and historic houses along the strait. After this relaxing journey, travelers transfer to Istanbul Airport for a flight to Cappadocia. The flight is included, and upon arrival, check-in at a local hotel allows for rest before exploring the next day.

Discovering the Fairy Chimneys and Cave Churches of Cappadocia

Day five introduces Devrent Valley, known for its whimsical Fairy Chimney formations, and Pasabag, with its iconic mushroom-shaped rocks. The group visits a local pottery shop in Avanos, highlighting the region’s craft traditions dating back to the Hittite period. The UNESCO-listed Goreme National Park offers a two-hour exploration of ancient cave churches from the 6th century, showcasing early Christian art.

Viewing Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley

Uchisar Castle provides panoramic views of Cappadocia, with photo opportunities at Pigeon Valley and the Goreme Panorama. These sites are perfect for capturing the unique landscape’s beauty and enjoying the stunning vistas that define the region.

Underground Cities and the Ihlara Valley

Day six features a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, revealing how early Christians hid from invasions. A scenic drive to Nar Lake offers a peaceful photo break, followed by a hike through Ihlara Valley, a 3.8 km walk along the river with lush scenery. The day ends at Selime Monastery, the largest religious building in Cappadocia, and the Sarihan Caravanserai, a 13th-century stop for merchants and travelers.

Exploring Soganli Valley and Ancient Sites

On Day seven, the tour visits Soganli Valley, a monastic site with rock-cut churches, before driving to Sobesos, an ancient Roman city with recent excavations revealing floral mosaics. The group explores Keslik Monastery and visits the Greek village of Sinasos, re-inhabited after 1927. The day concludes with a two-hour hike through the Red Valley, enjoying its striking red-hued landscape.

Traveling to Izmir and Visiting Ephesus

The journey continues with a flight from Cappadocia to Kusadasi or Selcuk, where the group checks into a hotel for rest. The next day features a guided tour of Ephesus, where impressive ruins like the Library of Celsus and Theater are explored. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and Saint John’s Basilica are also on the itinerary, along with a visit to Meryemana (House of the Virgin Mary) and the Ephesus Museum.

Exploring Ancient Ionian and Miletus

Day ten takes travelers to the ancient city of Priene, established in the 7th century B.C., and the historic site of Miletus, famous for philosophers like Thales. The day concludes at Didyma, home to the Temple of Apollo, the site of the famed oracles and prophecies, offering a glimpse into ancient Greek religious practices.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis: Natural and Archaeological Wonders

On Day eleven, the tour visits Aphrodisias, a well-preserved city dating back to 5000 B.C., then continues to Hierapolis and Pamukkale. Hierapolis features ancient ruins and a necropolis, while Pamukkale offers striking travertine terraces formed by calcium-rich waters, providing both a natural spectacle and a chance for relaxation in thermal pools.

Departing from Denizli

The final day involves a transfer to Denizli Çardak Airport for departures. The tour includes all private transfers and guides, with meals and personal expenses separate. Most reviews highlight the professionalism of guides like Ilker Olcaydu and Edip Aslan, emphasizing their knowledge, patience, and ability to tailor experiences.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This private 12-day journey is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and personalized experience of Turkey’s most famous sites. The pace involves walking, cruising, and sightseeing, so good mobility is recommended. The tour’s flexibility and expert guidance make it perfect for those who value detailed explanations and comfortable transportation, but it’s not designed for travelers seeking a very relaxed or slow-paced trip.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

The 12 Days Private Turkey Tour from Istanbul offers a deep dive into Turkey’s cultural, historical, and natural highlights, led by knowledgeable guides in a private setting. The high ratings and positive reviews confirm the value of the carefully planned itinerary, especially for those interested in archaeological sites and scenic landscapes. Although the price is on the higher side, the inclusion of private guiding, airport transfers, and a well-curated schedule justify the cost for those wanting an immersive experience.

This tour aligns well with travelers who prefer guided tours with flexibility and comfort, and who want to see a broad spectrum of Turkey’s treasures in just over a week. It is best suited for those ready for a physically active trip with a keen interest in history and scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is airport pickup included?
Yes, private airport transfers are included at the start and end of the tour.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $6,500 per person.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 days, including flights within Turkey.

Are guided tours private or group-based?
All guiding is private, solely for your group.

What transportation is used during the tour?
Travel is in an air-conditioned minivan, offering comfort and flexibility.

Does the tour include meals?
Lunches are included, but dinners and personal expenses are not.

What are some key sites visited in Istanbul?
You visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Spice Market among others.

Are thermal baths part of the itinerary?
Yes, the Pamukkale thermal pools are included as a calming and refreshing stop.

How physically demanding is the tour?
The itinerary involves walking, hiking, and some stairs, so good mobility helps.

Can the itinerary be customized?
This is a private tour, so guides can tailor the experience within the planned framework.