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12 Days Turkey Tour Package – Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, and Antalya Tours with Turkey Tour Packages. Book the 12 Days Turkey Holidays & Trips with Romos Travel.
ISTANBUL → GALLIPOLI → TROY → PERGAMON → EPHESUS → PAMUKKALE → ANTALYA
Day 1 – Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! Where the continents meet.
Meet at Istanbul Airport: Once you arrive at Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, after the luggage claim, you will be greeted by a Package Tour Turkey Representative at the meeting area.
Transfer to the hotel: You will be taken to your hotel, and after check-in, you will have time for leisure, and the rest of the day is yours.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour
After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Private Istanbul Old City tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing the ancient sights of Istanbul.
Today you will explore the following highlights of Istanbul.
Hippodrome: An ancient Roman and Ottoman square where the chariot races were held. Within the square is some Roman remains, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, and Constantine Columns.
The Blue Mosque: An Ottoman Imperial mosque built by Sultan Ahmet I in 1609-1616 CE, famous for the blue Ottoman tiles.
Hagia Sophia: Once the largest cathedral of Christianity when it was built in 532-537 CE by the Roman Emperor Justinian; later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans.
Topkapi Palace: The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the palace after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapi Palace was the home of the royal family and the headquarters for the Ottoman Empire’s administrative center.
Grand Bazaar (Covered Market): The largest and oldest functioning shopping center in the world. The Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II built the Grand Bazaar in the 15th century. The market consists of 5,000 stores, 66 streets, 24 gates, and much more eye-pleasing architecture. Within the bazaar are many Turkish handicraft stores such as rugs, carpets, kilims, and beautiful Turkish tiles. Upon your request, our guide will be more than happy to help you find your masterpiece of Turkish art.
After the Istanbul Old City sightseeing tour, you will be driven back to the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Note: Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included
Day 3 – Bosphorus Cruise, Two Continents Tour
After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Bosphorus tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing you to the Bosphorus.
Today you will explore the following highlights of the Bosphorus:
Spice Market ( Egyptian Bazaar): The Ottomans built the market in the 17th century. Unlike the Grand Bazaar, the Spice market is much smaller but full of beautiful fragrances of mixed spices, herbs, and traditional sweets. It consists of around 100 stores, 2 streets, and 5 gates.
Bosphorus Cruise: The channel divides Istanbul into two continents and stretches about 32 km between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Along the Bosphorus, there are many settlements to see, such as great Palaces, hotels, yali (private houses), etc. While you are on the boat, you will see the highlights of the Bosphorus including the Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Çırağan Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, Küçüksu Palace, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge ( the second bridge on the Bosphorus), Maiden’s Tower to name a few.
Beylerbeyi Palace: After the sultans westernized the Ottoman Empire, they built some Palace’s modern-western architectural styles. The Beylerbeyi Palace is one of them, located on the Asian side by the Bosphorus. The garden is full of statues, and the rooms with handcrafted art will take you back in time to the 19th century.
Çamlıca Hill: The highest hill of Istanbul, situated on the Asian side. The walking path with 360 panoramic views will let you take the best pictures of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.
After the Bosphorus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Note: Breakfast at the hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included
Day 4 – Princes’ Island Tour
After breakfast, your pick-up will be scheduled for 8:30 am from the hotel to start the Princes’ Islands tour. Our professional tour guide will be introducing you to Princes’ Island.
Today you will explore the following highlights of Princes’ Island.
The biggest island of Istanbul amongst 4 others. The Prince’s Island is called “Büyükada” officially, which means “the Grand Island” in Turkish. The history dates back to the 6th Century, and first, it was named ‘Prinkipos,’ which means “prince.” The Prince’s island has many historical buildings, including Churches and Mosques, the island has lots of seafood restaurants and beaches to relax and admire the view. To begin, we take the boat, and after a 1-hour journey, we reach Prince’s Island. It’s not allowed to drive cars, motorbikes, or any other vehicles except ambulances or police cars, so we will be using phaetons or bikes to explore the Island. After this, we’ll have delicious seafood that comes from the Sea of Marmara, and thereafter shall be free to walk around and do some shopping if need be. After this free time, we’ll take the boat back to Istanbul, where our driver will be waiting to drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Note: Breakfast at the hotel, Lunch at a local Seafood restaurant.
Day 5 – Gallipoli Tour
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, at 07.00 am, we will pick you up from your hotel and then drive to Gallipoli, where World War I took place. Gallipoli is situated on the Dardanelles (Hellespont) Peninsula on the European side of Turkey. When WWI broke out, The Ottoman Empire took the Germans’ side and entered the war. The Allies failed to cross the Dardanelles but then had another plan of landing on the Peninsula. On 25 April 1915, the first Anzac troops landed on Gallipoli then another war began between Turks, Australians, and New Zealanders.
We arrive in Gallipoli by noontime, and we will have lunch at a local restaurant and then start the tour. On this tour, you will visit Anzac Cove, where the Dawn Service is held every 25 April. The Ariburnu Cemetery where the soldiers are lying side by side, The Beach Cemetery, the grave of John Simpson, The Lone Pine, the Australian memorial Johnston’ Jolly, the real trenches of the Turks and Australians 57th Regiment, the Turkish memorial, The Nek and the Chunuk Bair, the New Zealander’s Memorial.
After the Gallipoli sightseeing tour, drive to the hotel. Overnight in Çanakkale.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 6 – Troy Tour (Helen Of Troy) & Asklepion Tour
After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we drive to Troy, located by the Dardanelles (Hellespont). Troy is an ancient city, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. We know all about it from the Iliad of Homer and its main characters, such as King Priam, Helen, Paris, Hector, Achilles, and Agamemnon. Troy was firstly a Hittite settlement which was named Wilusa. The excavations have revealed nine levels starting from the Bronze Age 2920-2350 BCE. But first, it was excavated by Heinrich Schliemann in the 19th century. Even Alexander the Great came to Troy and offered sacrifices to Achilles’ tomb then his followers built a temple on behalf of Athena, which you can see today. You can also follow the footprint of those ancient people exploring Troy and imagine the story behind the Trojan War. During the visit, you will see the Defense walls, the Temple of Athena, Megaron shelters, the Palace, the defense ramp, the odeon, Roman baths, and the Trojan Horse’s replica.
Visit Asklepion, a Greco-Roman city where the dead shall not enter. There was a healing complex and hospital built in 4C BCE on behalf of Asclepius. It was one of the most important cities with its healing methods and architecture. Asklepion is also a Roman city where they built a theater with 3,500 capacity, Temples, and sanctuaries. The cut stone with two serpent reliefs has become the symbol of medicine since.
After the Troy & Asklepion sightseeing tour, drive to the hotel. Overnight in Izmir.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 7 – Izmir/Smyrna Tour
We pick you up from the hotel and drive to the Izmir City Tour situated on the western coast of Turkey, known as the Pearl of Aegean. The history dates back to the archaic era of 3,000 BC. The Greek colonists settled at Izmir (Symrna) before the second millennium. Homer, the Iliad writer, was born in İzmir, and Strabo spent his years in this city. When Alexander the Great came from Sardis to Smyrna, he rested after hunting by the Mount Pagos (Kadife Kale). When the Pergamon ruled most of the Aegean coats, Smyrnaeans resisted their hegemony for years. Eventually, after the Romans inherited the Pergoman Kingdom, Smyrna passed under the Roman Empire’s control in 133 AD.
With the growth of Christianity in the First Century, Smyrna was mentioned by St. John in the Book of Revelations as one of the seven churches of Asia. The first bishop Polycarp became a martyr in 155 AD when he was 86, and he was ordained and installed by St. John in Izmir (Symrna).
Today, Izmir is the 3rd biggest city in Turkey. Although, there are not many remainings from ancient times, with modern architecture, beautiful shore, and neighborhoods such as; Konak Square, which is not far from the Izmir Archeology Museum and the Agora. Alsancak, Bornova and Karşıyaka you can explore Izmir with Romos Travel.
After the Izmir/Smyrna sightseeing tour, drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – Ephesus Tour
After breakfast, we pick you up from the hotel. Then drive to Selçuk district, where Ephesus Ancient City is situated.
Visit Virgin Mary’s House, upon German nun Anna Katherina Emerich’s dream, the Lazarist priests followed the descriptions and the signs then discovered the house in 1891 CE. According to Catholic belief, Mary was taken here by St. John, and she spent the rest of her earthly life there. After the Virgin Mary’s House, we proceed to Ephesus Ancient City, the capital city of Asia Minor during the Roman era. According to myth, Ephesus was founded by the Greek commander Androculos around 1,000 BCE. Moreover, Alexander the Great, Lysimachus, Coressus, and Antiochus II either invaded or ruled in this city. While the excavations are still going on, you will see the ancient remains such as the State Agora (a marketplace and meeting point), Odeon (Bouleuterion) concert house and council, Town Hall and Artemis Sanctuary, Domitian Square, a complex consisting of temple fountain and a bath, Curetes Street colonnaded and monumental Street in Ephesus, The Hadrian Temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian dating to 200 BCE, Latrines the public toilets, Celsus Library proves us that how Ephesians were intellectual and dates back to 200 BCE with the library having had 12,000 scrolls, Forum a commercial center located by the port and finally The Great Theater the largest ancient theater with 25,000 capacity.
After Ephesus ancient city, we drive to lunch at a local restaurant, and thereafter, the next stop is Isa Bey Mosque, built-in 1375 by the Anatolian Seljuks. Unlike Modern Ottoman architecture, it has a geometrical architecture roof and two minarets. The mosque is still functioning today for the five-time prayers. After Isa Bey Mosque, we drive to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven ancient wonders of the World.
After the Ephesus sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 9 – Pamukkale Tour
We will pick you up from the hotel after check-out and drive to Pamukkale or Cotton Castle, one of Turkey’s most popular and beautiful spots. The town is located in Denizli province, southern Turkey. Pamukkale has hot springs that have come from underground for 14,000 years. The hot springs color the slopes in white because the water consists of calcium and carbonate. This site not only attracts tourists, but many people visit Pamukkale with Doctors’ advice. The spring water is good for the skin and bones. It is believed that Cleopatra and Marcus Antonio also came to Pamukkale and swam in the ancient pool together.
Pamukkale also has an ancient city which is called Hierapolis. This city was founded by the Pergamon king Eumenes in 2 BCE. When the city passed to the Romans, they built ancient theatres, baths, forums, agora, and many waterways. Hierapolis has the largest ancient cemetery of all time. After the apostle Philipe was martyred in 80 CE, the city became a pilgrimage center for Christianity. Today, apostle Philipe has a monumental tomb in Hierapolis/Pamukkale.
After the Pamukkale sightseeing tour, we will drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 10 – Antalya Old City Tour
After check-out and breakfast, we will drive to Antalya. We will arrive in Antalya by noon time and will promptly begin the Antalya Old City Tour.
The Pergamon King Attalos founded Antalya, and it is believed that the name of the city derives from Attalos. We’ll be walking among the ancient streets, and the first spot is The Hadrian Gate, built by the Romans on behalf of Emperor Hadrian upon his visit to Antalya in 130 CE. The gate has three arches and Corinthian style Hıdırlık Tower, built-in the 2nd Century CE by the Romans, and it is located in the southwest of the Old Town, by the dominating spot of the cliffs. The tower has a small room on the first floor, and in the upper gallery, there is an observation spot where they could follow the ships or any reaching invasion to the city. Once Antalya is surrounded by a defense wall, the Clock Tower is a small part of today. They renovated the last part of the defense wall and added a clock in honor of Sultan Abdulhamid to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ascent to the throne. While walking down to the water, near the ancient port, we will stop for a while and rest whilst following the ships and breathing the fresh Mediterranean air.
After the Antalya Old City tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 11 – Aspendos, Perge, Side Tour
After breakfast, we shall drive to Aspendos Theatre, built by Emperor Aurelius, designed with a U-shaped style and leaning slopes. It has 5 gates, and it still protects its acoustic ability, and with 20,000 person capacity, the theatre is still used today to host concerts. Perge was founded as a colony of the Pergamum Kingdom around 300 BCE. During Alexander’s invasion of Anatolia, the residents of Perge served him as his guide. The mathematician Apollonius was born in Perge around 200 BCE. The city passed under Roman control in 188 BCE after Romans inherited the Pergamum Kingdom. Side, the naval city was founded by the Anatolian indigenous people who spoke a local dialect that was different from Greek. The side never passed under the control of the Pergamum Kingdom. The city’s name means pomegranate, which locals are still growing today. The site is situated by the Mediterranean Sea, and most of the remains date back to 1-4C CE.
After the Aspendos, Perge, and Side tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 12 – Transfer to Airport
Breakfast at the hotel, Pick up from the hotel, and transfer to Antalya Airport for the flight back to Istanbul for your International flight.
After completing the amazing 12 Days Turkey Tour Package, Package Tour Turkey wishes all guests a very healthy and wonderful life ahead…
Please Note: This tour package does not include hotel accommodation and only offers land service. For hotel accommodation, we recommend you choose the central and tourist places of the cities, which are suitable for your taste. Global hotel booking systems will assist you in your hotel choice with better promotions and prices.
12 Days Turkey Tour Package Details
Departure & Return Location
Istanbul Airport & Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Can be supplied depending on your International flight details.
Price Include
Flight tickets from Antalya to Istanbul
Entrance fees, mentioned in the itinerary
Professional tour guide at tours
Air-conditioned vehicle for tours and transfers
10 Lunch at the tour
Price Exclude
Gratuities to guide and driver
Personal expenses
Visa & International flight tickets
Hotel Accommodations
Dinners
Breakfasts
Reservation Request Form
Turkey is a country of striking contrasts, where historic sites mixed with contemporary settlements and breathtaking natural settings may be found not far from busy towns. It’s understandable why Turkey has grown to be a well-liked travel destination for people from all over the world given the wide variety of experiences it has to offer. We’ll look at some of Turkey’s best sites in this post and offer advice on how to pick the ideal tour of Turkey for your upcoming getaway.
Istanbul, which spans the Bosphorus Strait and connects Europe and Asia, is a metropolis that offers the best of both worlds. It is a memorable place to visit because of its vibrant culture and rich history. Istanbul’s must-see attractions include things like:
Hagia Sophia: This architectural wonder, which has at various times been both a church and a mosque, is today a museum featuring the finest examples of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
Topkapi Palace: Previously the home of Ottoman sultans, this vast palace complex provides a window into the rich lifestyles of bygone tyrants.
Anyone visiting Istanbul must see the Blue Mosque, which stands out for its magnificent blue Iznik tiles.
The Grand Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise where you can purchase anything from Turkish carpets to spices and jewelry. It is one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world.
A prosperous metropolis and the hub of trade and religion once occupied the ancient city of Ephesus. It is now an archaeological site that provides an intriguing look into the past. In Ephesus, some of the places you really must see are:
The Library of Celsus, a magnificent two-story building that formerly housed thousands of scrolls and manuscripts, was once the third-largest library in the ancient world.
2. The Temple of Artemis, which, although just a few of its original columns remain, was originally one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a symbol of the magnificence of the former metropolis.
The Great Theatre: At its height, this historic amphitheater staged plays, concerts, and gladiator fights for its 25,000 spectators.
The Cotton Castle of Hot Springs is Pamukkale.
Examining Pamukkale’s Natural Wonders
Pamukkale, which translates to “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a special natural marvel renowned for its surreal white travertine terraces filled with warm, mineral-rich springs. These hot springs provide visitors the chance to unwind while taking in the gorgeous scenery. The historic city of Hierapolis, which has well-preserved ruins, a Roman theater, and an archaeological museum, is nearby.
Gallipoli is a historical area well known for the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. Visitors from all around the world come here today to remember and ponder. Gallipoli’s significant sites include:
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed in this tiny cove during the campaign. Today, it serves as the location for annual Anzac Day ceremonies.
Thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died in the conflict are remembered at Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, a moving memorial and cemetery.
The majestic “Çanakkale Martyrs’ Memorial” celebrates the remembrance of the Turkish troops who fought and lost their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign.
The fabled city of myth and history known as Troy
Since Homer’s Iliad immortalized the fabled city of Troy, history buffs and book lovers have been enamored with it. Nine levels of ancient cities, dating to the Bronze Age, have been discovered through excavations. The Trojan Horse replica and the remains of Troy’s ancient city walls are the site’s principal draws.
This spectacular archaeological site once served as the seat of the ancient Pergamon monarchy and is home to a variety of well-preserved structures. The Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan, and the Pergamon Theatre, which provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, are noteworthy attractions.
On Turkey’s southern coast, Antalya is a well-liked vacation spot with a combination of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and contemporary conveniences. Top places to visit and things to do in Antalya include:
Old Town (Kaleiçi): Stroll around the lovely Old Town of Antalya, which is dotted with old buildings, quaint shops, and inviting cafes.
Düden Waterfalls: These lovely waterfalls, which are close to Antalya, are a well-liked location for picnics and strolls.
The Aspendos Theatre is still in use today for shows and concerts, providing tourists with a distinctive cultural encounter.
Consider things like the length of your trip, your spending limit, and the precise locations and sites you wish to visit when selecting the ideal Turkey tour package. To make the most of your time in Turkey, look for packages that include lodging, transportation, guided tours, and entrance costs. Additionally, it’s crucial to pick a reliable tour company with excellent reviews and a track record of giving its customers outstanding experiences.
Turkey is a captivating location with a distinctive blend of history, culture, and unspoiled beauty. Discovering Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, and Antalya will allow you to fully immerse yourself in this amazing nation’s rich tapestry. You can make priceless memories and take advantage of all that Turkey has to offer with the perfect Turkey tour package.
