Private 12 Day Tour of Turkey From Istanbul

Discover the fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that Turkey offers on this private 12-day tour from Istanbul. Priced at $5,900 per person, this all-inclusive experience features luxury transportation, accommodations, and over twenty meals arranged in advance, ensuring you spend less time worrying and more time exploring. With a highly personalized approach, this tour is perfect for those eager to see Turkey’s most iconic sites in a compact schedule, with excellent reviews backing its quality.

The tour starts with a warm airport pickup in Istanbul and seamlessly guides you through key historical landmarks, bustling markets, and natural wonders across Turkey. A standout feature is the 5-star cave hotel stay in Cappadocia, combined with carefully curated activities like the Bosphorus cruise and visits to ancient sites such as Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon. The tour’s professional guides and well-organized logistics make it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Private tour offering personalized attention and flexibility
• Includes luxury accommodations and all transportation
• 23 meals included, covering breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
• Visits to Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, and Cappadocia
• Tour duration of 12 days, with most attractions and sites covered
• Highly praised for professional guides and smooth logistics

Starting Point: Istanbul’s Historic Landmarks and Markets

The tour begins with a full day exploring Istanbul’s historic heart, including Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome. The guides lead you through the opulent Imperial Treasury, showcasing sultans’ robes and jewels, and the Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning architecture. Travelers appreciate the admission to key sites included in the price, making this introductory exploration both comprehensive and straightforward.

The day continues with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can browse jewelers, textiles, and souvenirs for around 90 minutes. It’s an excellent opportunity to see Istanbul’s vibrant market life and perhaps pick up a unique keepsake. The tour offers a pickup at your hotel, making transportation simple, and the entire day is designed to give a well-rounded introduction to this historic city.

Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Market: Istanbul’s Scenic and Cultural Highlights

On the third day, the tour shifts to a Bosphorus Strait cruise, which provides a panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline, including palaces, mosques, and bridges that span the waterway between Europe and Asia. This 2-hour boat trip, combined with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, offers a sensory overload of sights, smells, and sounds.

The Spice Market, also called the Misir Carsisi, is a busy hub where vendors sell spices, teas, and local delicacies. The admission is free, and the cultural experience is complemented by the scenic cruise that captures Istanbul’s unique geography. The combination makes for a relaxing yet immersive day, appreciated for the balance of sightseeing and leisure.

Gallipoli Battlefields and Canakkale City

Leaving Istanbul early in the morning, the tour heads to the Gallipoli National Park, a site of significant historical importance. The visit begins around noon, after a scenic 6-hour drive with a lunch break en route. The battlefield tour is free of charge but delivers an impactful insight into Turkish and Allied history.

Later, the group stays overnight in Canakkale, a charming city that serves as a base for exploring nearby sites. The full day includes a visit to Gallipoli battlefields, allowing for reflection on past conflicts. This part of the tour is perfect for history enthusiasts interested in World War I and Turkish military history.

Troy: Myth and Archaeology

The journey continues with a 30-minute drive to Troy, the legendary ancient city famed for the Trojan War. The site features archaeological ruins and the famous Trojan Horse, correctly identified as a mythological symbol. Visitors spend about an hour wandering the excavation areas and hearing stories about Helen of Troy and the legendary siege.

This stop offers a blend of myth and history, appealing to those fascinated by classical stories and ancient civilizations. Afterward, the tour visits the Pergamon Acropolis, exploring its amphitheater and ancient ruins, before heading to Kusadasi for the night.

Ephesus, Virgin Mary House, and Sirince Village

One of the most celebrated stops on the itinerary is the Ancient City of Ephesus, where visitors can explore well-preserved Roman ruins, including the theatre, library, and streets. The tour includes a visit to Meryemana, the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where Mary spent her last days.

Later, travelers can stroll through Sirince Village, known for its cobblestone streets and local wine, spending around two hours soaking in the scenic, authentic Turkish countryside. The day ends with a brief visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, although only its remains are visible.

Pamukkale: Natural Wonder and Ancient Ruins

Departing early from Kusadasi, the tour arrives at Pamukkale, famed for its white calcium terraces resembling cotton candy. The thermal pools allow guests to bathe in the mineral-rich waters, which are believed to have healing properties. The Hierapolis ruins also add to the historical appeal, with well-preserved structures dating back to Roman times.

Guests typically spend about 4 hours at Pamukkale, enjoying both the natural pools and the archaeological site. Dinner and overnight accommodations are arranged nearby, making this a relaxing and scenic highlight of the trip.

Antalya and the Ancient Cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side

From Pamukkale, the group travels by public bus to Antalya, a vibrant Mediterranean city. The following day is dedicated to exploring Perge, an ancient city with well-preserved ruins, and Aspendos, famous for its Roman theatre still used for performances today.

The Side Ancient City provides a final look at Hellenistic architecture and historical ruins. These sites offer a clear picture of Turkey’s extensive ancient history while providing plenty of opportunities for photos and walking.

Cappadocia: Unique Landscapes and Cave Dwellings

The journey from Antalya to Cappadocia involves a domestic flight, specifically arranged as part of the package. Once in Cappadocia, visitors encounter remarkable geological formations like fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and rock-cut churches.

The Goreme National Park and Uchisar Castle are key highlights, offering panoramic views of the surreal landscape. The Uchisar Castle is the highest point, where visitors can see the entire region’s distinctive terrain.

Cappadocia’s Cave Churches and Pottery Workshops

A full day dedicated to exploring Cappadocia’s rock-hewn churches and burial sites is a highlight. The Goreme Open Air Museum showcases frescoes dating to the 10th century, illustrating early Christian art.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to a pottery workshop in Avanos, where craftsmanship has persisted for centuries. Stops at Pasabagi, with its famous three-headed fairy chimneys, and Devrent Valley, known for its imaginative rock formations, round out the day.

Ease of Logistics and High-Quality Accommodations

Every aspect of this tour is designed for comfort and simplicity. Transfers are included throughout, with hotels in Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Antalya, and Cappadocia rated as 4-star and 5-star, including a luxurious cave hotel in Cappadocia.

The tour includes breakfasts (11), lunches (8), and dinners (4), allowing for diverse dining experiences across Turkish cuisine. The domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is arranged to maximize time on the ground, and all transportation is covered.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This private tour suits travelers who want a rundown of Turkey without the hassle of planning every detail. The personalized service and well-organized itinerary make it ideal for first-time visitors or those eager to see both cultural and natural highlights in a short period.

While the tour is not suitable for travelers seeking deep archaeological or hiking experiences, it offers a practical, comfortable way to enjoy Turkey’s top sights with expert guides. The inclusion of luxury accommodations and organized logistics ensures a smooth journey, especially for those who value convenience and quality.

The Sum Up: A Well-Curated Journey Through Turkey’s Rich Heritage

This 12-day private tour from Istanbul offers a balance of history, natural beauty, and modern Turkish culture, all with the comfort of all-inclusive logistics. The highly praised guides and carefully selected sites make it a reliable choice for travelers looking for a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.

The luxury accommodations, combined with over twenty meals, allow guests to indulge in Turkish hospitality while exploring iconic sites like Ephesus, Troy, and Cappadocia. The tour’s high rating and positive reviews reflect its excellent organization and professional service.

This itinerary prioritizes iconic attractions and offers a personalized, flexible experience that appeals most to those who want a structured yet intimate journey through Turkey’s diverse landscape. It’s a solid option for anyone seeking a luxurious, efficient way to discover Turkey’s history, scenery, and culture in just over a week and a half.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are international flights included?
No, international flights are not included in this package.

What accommodations are provided?
Guests stay in 4-star hotels in Istanbul and Canakkale, a 5-star hotel in Kusadasi and Antalya, and a luxury cave hotel in Cappadocia.

How many meals are included?
A total of 23 meals are included, covering breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Can this tour be customized?
Since it is a private tour, it can be tailored to some extent, but the itinerary is fixed as per the package.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

How do I book this tour?
Bookings are typically made 126 days in advance, through the provider Ada Vegas Travel or the platform hosting this experience.

What is the guide’s role in this tour?
Guides lead you through each site, providing insights and context for the attractions visited, with a focus on professional service.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, all transportation is all-inclusive and designed for comfort and convenience across all destinations.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include Istanbul’s historic sites, the Bosphorus cruise, Gallipoli battlefields, Troy and Pergamon, Ephesus and Virgin Mary House, Pamukkale’s natural pools, Antalya’s ancient cities, and Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes and cave dwellings.