info @ packagetourturkey.com
info @ packagetourturkey.com
Ancient Sites of Turkey Tour – 10 Days Ancient Sites of Turkey Tour, starting from Istanbul to Cappadocia and Konya, Pamukkale & Ephesus Turkey Ancient Sites Tour Package. Explore Turkey by Package Tour Turkey.
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ISTANBUL → CAPPADOCIA → KONYA → PAMUKKALE → EPHESUS
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 Romos Travel 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 the 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 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 arts 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 hotel and lunch at a local restaurant is included
Day 4 – Flight to Cappadocia/ Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, we pick you up from the hotel. Then, transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Cappadocia. Meet at Cappadocia (Kayseri) Airport with your professional guide and start the tour.
Devrent Valley, known as imagination valley or pink valley. The geological situation of Cappadocia gives different shapes and colors to the rocks. Some of them look like animals or humans. In here, prominently, there is a camel-shaped rock formation. Derwent valley is located in the North of Cappadocia between Urgup and Avanos road.
Love Valley the valley is situated a few kilometers away from Goreme. Mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys are located here. Some of those cones split into several cones on the upper side of the valley.
Avanos is situated on the North of Cappadocia by the Red River, the longest river in Turkey. The river’s name derives from its red clay, which still makes the most beautiful potteries in Turkey. Avanos is a local town where you can see ancient streets, dwellings, and artisans.
Goreme Open-air Museum dates back to the 2nd century where the ascetic monks who adopted seclusion lived. They had their own independent churches and monasteries where they created a community. Today, the museum houses St. Basil’s Church, Elmalı Church, Boys and Girls, St. Barbara Church, Serpent Church, etc.…
Esentepe Hill, located on the way to Goreme and Avanos road. As an observation hill, it allows you to explore the landscape of Cappadocia, where you can see the fairy chimneys and take remarkable photos.
Uchisar Castle, almost the peak point of Cappadocia, which can be seen miles away, about 60 meters high and located on the edge of Goreme. It served as a residential place to the locals for many years. The caves and the dwellings still exist on the slopes.
After the Cappadocia sightseeing tour, we will drive you back to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 5 – Cappadocia Day Tour
After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and then start the Cappadocia Day Tour.
We will now be visiting other highlights of Cappadocia.
Fairy Chimneys: What makes Cappadocia so popular are those rock formations, called “ fairy chimneys” by the people. Those different rock formations result from millions of years of natural events, such as; rain, wind, erosion. The fairy chimneys had been dwellings, churches, shelters, and natural fortresses for many years. Although the locals live in the town today, the fairy chimneys can be visited by travelers/tourists.
Red Valley: a hiking trail and famous for its red-rose color. The valley is located in the middle of Goreme town, where they appreciate sun-rise and sun-set. The Red Valley houses some abandoned churches, Uzumlu Church, Hacli Church, and Direkli Church, with murals and frescoes.
Cavusin Village: located on the way to Avanos. The rarest residents were still some people follow the ancient attitudes by using the old stuff. You can see those villagers farming, making potteries, and carving. Cavusin Village houses two churches; one dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the other Nicephorus Phocas. Until the 1920’s the Turks and The Greeks were living there together. After the exchange population, The Greeks left the village.
Kaymakli Underground City: rather than Derinkuyu and the other underground cities, Kaymakli Underground City is different as it has much lower and narrower passageways. But it has more levels than the others. In recent years, four other floors have been unearthed, and some chapels, wineries, kitchens stalls have also been discovered.
Pigeon Valley: one of the panoramic spots of Cappadocia, which is located between Uchisar and Goreme. Since ancient times, there has been feeding the pigeons resulting in the carved soft tuff on the slopes to make dovecotes. You can also see Uchisar Castle from a different perspective and may feed the pigeons around you.
After the Cappadocia sightseeing tour, we drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 6 – Konya Tour & Transfer to Pamukkale
We pick you up from the hotel after breakfast and check-out, then drive to Konya. Our first stop is Sultanhanı Karavansarai which the Seljuks built in 12C AD. The ancient travelers and the merchants used to stay at those ancient hotels safely. After the break, we drive to Konya Mevlana/Rumi Museum; the Islamic philosopher, theologian, and poet Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was born in 1207 Khorassan. The meaning of Mevlana is “our master and president” and implies the love of people for him.
Although he lived in Konya, also went to Damascus and Tebriz, he attended different scholars’ lectures. Mevlana is known as the founder of Mesnevi and the leaders of the Dervishes. After his death, they built a tomb in 1274 where the other dervishes are also buried. The Mausoleum consists of a library, madrasah, kitchen, graves, and rooms of dervishes. After lunch, we drive to Pamukkale.
After the Konya sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 7 – Pamukkale Tour
We pick you up from the hotel 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 hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – Drive to Kusadasi/ Ephesus Tour
After breakfast, we pick you up from the hotel. We will drive to Selçuk town, where Ephesus is located.
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 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 Greek commander Androculos around 1,000 BCE.
Moreover, Alexander the Great, Lysimachus, Coressus, Antiochus II either invaded or ruled in this city. While the excavations are still going on, you will see the ancient remains such as 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 hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 9 – Izmir/Smyrna Tour
We pick you up from the hotel and drive to Izmir where situated on Turkey’s western coast, 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 and 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 back to the hotel. Overnight in Izmir.
Note: Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel, Lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 10 – Transfer to Airport
Breakfast at the hotel, Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Izmir Airport for the flight back to Istanbul for your International flight.
After completing the amazing 10 Days Ancient Sites of Turkey Tour, Package Tour Turkey wishes all guests a very healthy and wonderful life ahead…
Ancient Sites of Turkey Tour Details
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Departure & Return Location
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Istanbul Airport & Sabiha Gokcen Airport – Can be supplied depending on your International flight details.
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Price Include
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Flight tickets from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Flight tickets from Izmir to Istanbul
Entrance fees, mentioned in itinerary
Professional tour guide at tours
Air-conditioned vehicle for tours and transfers
Accommodation is as below:
Istanbul: Albatros Hagia Sophia Hotel or a similar hotel
Cappadocia: Diamond of Cappadocia or a similar hotel
Kusadasi: Hotel By Karaaslan Inn, Ilayda Hotel or a similar hotel
Pamukkale: Pam Termal Hotel or a similar hotel
Izmir: Blanca Hotel or a similar hotel
9 Breakfast at Hotel
8 Lunch at tour
6 Dinner as mentioned
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Price Exclude
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Gratuities to guide and driver
Personal expenses
Visa & International flight tickets
Reservation Request Form
A 10-day tour of Turkey’s historic places is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Every traveler can find something to enjoy in Turkey because of its extensive history, varied landscapes, and magnificent architecture. This thorough travel manual will take you on an unforgettable adventure through Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Ephesus, and Pamukkale. So prepare to explore the amazing tales and wonders of these historic locations by packing your bags.
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, a city where the East and the West collide, is where your journey starts. The renowned Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage monument, should be visited first. This architectural wonder has been a church, a mosque, and is currently a museum, reflecting the varied history of the city.
Topkapi Palace
After that, proceed to Topkapi Palace, which served as the sumptuous home of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. See the wonderful collection of relics and treasures as you stroll through the ornately painted corridors and courtyards.
Blue Mosque
See the magnificent Blue Mosque, which is noted for its six minarets and cascading domes, to cap up your exploration of Istanbul. More than 20,000 blue “Iznik” tiles are used throughout the interior, resulting in a captivating ambiance that you won’t want to miss.
Göreme Open Air Museum
See the Göreme Open Air Museum, a collection of historic rock-cut churches and monasteries, as soon as you reach Cappadocia. These unusual buildings are made of soft volcanic rock native to the area and are decorated with exquisite frescoes that provide a window into the daily lives of the earliest Christian communities.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Don’t pass up the chance to fly high over Cappadocia’s surreal scenery in a hot air balloon. You’ll come to appreciate this magical area more as you soar over the granite formations and fairy chimneys.
Underground Cities
Investigate Derinkuyu and Kaymakli, two enigmatic underground cities, before departing Cappadocia. These amazing underground buildings, created by ancient civilizations as a form of defense, have several levels that house residences, warehouses, and even churches.
Mevlana Museum
Visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, where the illustrious Sufi poet and philosopher Rumi was laid to rest. The Green Mausoleum, a revered location, is home to a collection of Islamic artwork, books, and artifacts that shed light on Rumi’s life and the mystical Sufi order he founded.
Alaeddin Mosque
Make sure to visit the Alaeddin Mosque, a work of art from the Seljuk era, before departing Konya. Appreciate the rich decorations and dexterous woodwork that make this mosque a genuine example of medieval Islamic art.
The Temple of Artemis
See the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as soon as you get to Ephesus. The historical significance of the location and the tales it carries are breathtaking, despite the fact that nothing of the once-grand temple survives.
The Library of Celsus
See the magnificent Library of Celsus, a huge building that formerly housed thousands of scrolls. The exquisitely restored façade is evidence of the ancient city’s strength in the arts and sciences.
The Terrace Houses
See the Terrace Houses, a residential area that has been conserved and provides a window into the wealthy residents of Ephesus. The elaborate frescoes and mosaics that cover the homes demonstrate the craftsmanship and opulence of the time.
Hierapolis
When you go to Pamukkale, take some time to explore Hierapolis, an important Roman medical hub. Explore the remains, which include the magnificent theater and the imposing Domitian Arch.
The Travertines
The travertines, a collection of naturally occurring hot springs and stunning white terraces created by calcium deposits, will surely be the highlight of your trip to Pamukkale. While admiring the breathtaking views of the surroundings, unwind in the warm waves.
Consider the great experiences and memories you’ve made as your 10-day vacation draws to a conclusion. You’ve seen the greatest of Turkey’s historic landmarks, from the chaotic city of Istanbul to the tranquil landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
This extensive 10-day tour of Turkey’s historical monuments provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that combines history, culture, and unspoiled scenery. You’ll experience amazing experiences at each location and leave with a fresh appreciation for this remarkable nation and its intriguing past.