Best of Turkey – 10 Days

Explore the Highlights of Turkey on a 10-Day Guided Tour

The Best of Turkey – 10 Days tour offers a comprehensive journey through Turkey’s most iconic sights for just $1,687 per person. This small-group experience, capped at 12 participants, combines guided walks, all-inclusive accommodations, domestic flights, and many meals, making it a convenient and immersive way to explore Turkey’s diverse landscapes and historic sites. With a rating of 5.0 from 157 reviews and 99% recommended, this tour is highly regarded for its well-organized itinerary and expert guides.

The tour starts in Istanbul, moves along the Aegean coast to Ephesus and Pamukkale, continues to Cappadocia, and concludes in Antalya. Perfect for travelers seeking a balance of sightseeing, comfort, and cultural insight, this trip is suited for those who want a thorough experience without the hassle of booking hotels and flights separately. A notable strength is the inclusion of skip-the-line tickets, ensuring smooth visits to popular attractions, while a potential consideration is the fixed pace, which may be fast for some.

Key Points

• All-inclusive package covers hotels, domestic flights, ground transfers, and many meals
• Small-group size of only 12 travelers offers an intimate experience
• Visits include Istanbul’s historic Old Town, Ephesus, Pamukkale’s thermal pools, Cappadocia’s rock formations, and Antalya’s waterfalls
• Tours feature guided commentary at each site, enriching understanding
• Most attractions are included with skip-the-line tickets, saving time
• The tour is booked on average 101 days in advance and offers free cancellation

Istanbul’s Historic Sites and the Grand Bazaar Experience

The journey begins in Istanbul, with a one-hour pick-up at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. The first full day immerses travelers in Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman marvels. Visiting the Hagia Sophia—once the largest building worldwide—and the Basilica Cistern, with its 336 columns, offers a glimpse into the city’s religious and architectural history. The Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and grand dome, provides a striking photo opportunity, while the Hippodrome showcases ancient Roman engineering.

Spanning two hours, the Grand Bazaar is a highlight for shopping enthusiasts, offering over 4,000 shops and 18 entrances. Its lively atmosphere, combined with the chance to browse traditional crafts and souvenirs, makes it a favorite stop. The Basilica Cistern’s second visit allows for additional exploration of this massive underground water reservoir, with its atmospheric lighting and towering columns.

From the Spice Market to the Bosphorus Cruise

On Day 3, the tour explores the Misir Carsisi (Spice Bazaar), a sensory feast of herbs, spices, and sweets. The two-hour visit emphasizes the vibrant aromas and traditional market culture. Following this, travelers enjoy a two-hour Bosphorus Strait cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia. Along the waterway, the boat passes Dolmabahçe Palace, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the pavilions of Yildiz Palace.

This cruise provides a relaxing perspective of Istanbul’s skyline and palaces, with panoramic views of the city’s historic waterfront. Afterward, the group departs for Izmir via a domestic flight, with a transfer to the hotel awaiting arrival.

Visiting Virgin Mary’s House and the Ancient City of Ephesus

In Kusadasi, the focus shifts to historical and religious sites. The tour visits Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House), believed by the church to be where Mary spent her final days. The site is a church built from the 6th century AD over an earlier house foundation, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

The next major stop is Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. With a history as a second-largest city in the 1st century AD, Ephesus impresses with its Roman theatre, library, and ancient streets. Walking among the ruins evokes a sense of stepping back in time, especially with the well-preserved architecture and monumental structures. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders, is also visited, offering insight into ancient religious practices.

Pamukkale’s Thermal Pools and Hierapolis Ruins

Day 5 takes travelers to Pamukkale, famous for its white terraces of calcium bicarbonate mineral-rich thermal waters. The 2-hour visit to Pamukkale’s thermal pools highlights the natural beauty and healing reputation of the site. Nearby, the ancient city of Hierapolis features a necropolis with over 1,200 gravestones and the famous Sacred Pool — shallow thermal waters that ripple over ancient Roman ruins, perfect for a leisurely walk or photo.

The day concludes with a drive to Antalya, where the group checks into a hotel for overnight rest.

Antalya’s Coastal Beauty and Local Charm

In Antalya, the adventure continues with visits to Tunektepe Teleferik for a cable car ride to 1365 meters above sea level. The panoramic views of the coast, mountains, and the turquoise sea are a highlight, offering great photo opportunities. The Upper Duden Waterfalls provide a tranquil setting, with a walk through the park and the sound of cascading water.

The afternoon is spent exploring Caleici (Old Town), with its narrow stone streets, Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, and Kesik Minare. This area provides a relaxed atmosphere with shops, art galleries, and cafes. Travelers appreciate the authentic charm and opportunities for souvenir shopping before returning to the hotel.

Discovering Cappadocia’s Unique Landscape and Underground Cities

The journey continues with a flight to Cappadocia, where rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys define the landscape. The Rose Valley offers striking views of pink-tinted ridges especially at sunset, a visual highlight. Cavusin village features houses carved into large rock formations, with rock-churches that showcase ancient craftsmanship.

One of the tour’s standout experiences is the Kaymakli Underground City, once a refuge for 15,000 Christians. This eight-story settlement has living quarters, churches, and food storage rooms, connected by 30km of tunnels. It reveals how early inhabitants adapted to their environment and sought safety underground.

Exploring the Iconic Landmarks of Cappadocia

The Goreme Open-Air Museum stands out for its rock-cut churches adorned with colorful frescoes from the 9th century. Visitors walk through a series of chapels and monasteries, gaining insights into early Christian life in the region. The Devrent Valley impresses with animal-shaped rocks, resembling sculptures created by nature.

The Pasabag (Monks Valley), also called Hermit Valley, is famous for mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and the hermitage of Simeon monks. Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and formations, making it an ideal spot for photos.

Final Leg in Istanbul and Practical Details

After exploring Cappadocia, the tour returns to Kayseri Airport for a domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, travelers are transferred to their hotel for overnight stay. The final day involves a morning check-out and transfer to Istanbul Airport, concluding the 10-day adventure.

Throughout the trip, the group size remains limited to 12 for a more personalized experience, and all transportation is air-conditioned and non-smoking. The tour offers skip-the-line entry tickets to major attractions, managed by guides, ensuring a smoother experience at busy sites.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This comprehensive itinerary is ideal for travelers who appreciate a balanced pace, with enough time for sightseeing and relaxation. The expert guides receive praise for their knowledge, making the historical and cultural visits informative and engaging. Food and accommodations are included, removing logistical stress, especially valuable for those unfamiliar with Turkey.

The small-group format fosters a more intimate atmosphere and meaningful interactions, making it suitable for those who prefer guided tours over independent travel. However, some may find the schedule fast-paced at times, especially at popular sites, so those seeking more leisure time might need to plan additional days.

The Sum Up: The Practical Choice for a Curated Turkish Experience

The Best of Turkey – 10 Days tour delivers an organized, well-rounded exploration of Turkey’s highlights, from Istanbul’s historic core to Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes and Antalya’s coastal beauty. The inclusion of hotels, flights, ground transfers, and meals offers excellent value, especially for first-time visitors or those wanting a stress-free trip.

With expert guides, a small-group setting, and skip-the-line tickets, travelers get an engaging and efficient experience. The tour is particularly suited for those who want a rundown without the hassle of arranging logistics themselves, and who value guided commentary at every major stop. Flexibility is limited, but the overall package balances comfort, education, and adventure in a way that makes Turkey’s diverse charms accessible and memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, all land transfers, domestic flights, and transportation by air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle are included.

What is the group size?
The tour caps at 12 travelers, ensuring a small-group experience.

Are entry tickets to sites included?
Guides have pre-paid skip-the-line tickets for major attractions, but entry fees are excluded and can be paid in cash.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire tour lasts approximately 10 days, with most days packed with visits and activities.

Do I need to book hotels separately?
No, accommodation is included in the package for three nights in Istanbul, two in Kusadasi, two in Cappadocia, and two in Antalya.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfasts and several lunches and dinners are included as per the itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Children 8 years and below receive free entry to historical sites, making it suitable for families with young kids.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and any personal essentials are recommended. The tour involves walking at historical sites.

Can I cancel free of charge?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour, offering peace of mind.

How do I book this tour?
Reservations can be made through the provider, Tour Altinkum Travel, with contact details available for further inquiries.