TUI Tours | Turkish Cities & Culture, Small Group Tour

This seven-night classic tour lives up to its name with an itinerary packed full of Turkey’s must-sees, from the mosques and museums of Istanbul to the ancient city of Ephesus. Stroll beautifully arranged streets and visit fascinating ruins and museums, get closer to history and culture, indulge in delicious foods and enjoy panoramic views during this fascinating round-trip tour.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Istanbul: a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here.

Pamukkale: (Cotton Castle) is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. 

Hierapolis: an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.

Antalya: Before Antalya became one of Turkey’s top summer resort towns, it was the ancient city of Attalia, founded during the Hellenistic period, later becoming part of the Roman Empire. As such, Antalya’s old town is one of its most important sights harking back to its rich past. 

Ancient cities: Explore the mesmerising ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus, and visit their impressive temples and monuments, while learning about fascinating legends.

Day 1: ARRIVAL ANTALYA

Upon arrival at the Antalya Airport hop on a transfer to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the area. At the end of the day enjoy dinner at the hotel. 

Overnight in Antalya.

Day 2: ANTALYA – EPHESUS – IZMIR

Today revolves around Ephesus – Turkey’s largest archaeological area. During the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city in the world after Rome, boasting a population of over 250,000 citizens. You’ll learn all about it on a tour before heading to Izmir. Cross the Taurus Mountains and drive through the fertile valley to reach the largest archaeological site in the country, Ephesus. There, you will explore the theatre, the marble street, the Library of Celsus, Hadrian's Temple, and many other historic structures.

Overnight in Izmir.

Day 3: IZMIR – PERGAMON – TROY – CANAKKALE

After a tasty breakfast, we will visit two more UNSECO-stamped ancient cities – Pergamon and Troy. In Pergamon once stood the famous altar of Zeus. On the Acropolis Hill, you will see the steep theatre, the ruins of the library and the partially rebuilt temple of Trajan. Next, drive on to Troy along the charming coastal landscape. The afternoon is dedicated to Troy and Homer. Discovered by Heinrich Schliemann, it is considered the most famous of the ancient sites in Turkey. Dinner and overnight stay in Canakkale.

Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 4: CANAKKALE – ISTANBUL

Today, you will leave the ancient world behind, as you travel by car and ferry to the cosmopolitan Turkish city of Istanbul. After crossing the legendary Dardanelles by car ferry, you will reach your new destination: Istanbul the cosmopolitan city on 2 continents. You will visit one of Istanbul's greatest sights, the Topkapi Palace, which was the seat of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. The individual parts of the palace are today a museum. Among other things costume, porcelain and weapons collections. In the early evening, you will have free time to stroll through the "Grand Bazaar", one of the oldest and biggest covered markets in the world made up of 61 streets and over 4,000 shops.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 5: ISTANBUL

Today after breakfast enjoy a full-day city tour through the lively metropolis, which was once called Byzantium. First stop at the Hippodrome, the ancient horse racecourse. This ancient arena in Sultanahmet Square was mainly used for chariot races. It was the centre of everyday life for men in the Byzantine period. You will then visit the "Blue Mosque" – named after the blue tiles that decorate its interior. Built in the early 1600s, it’s the only mosque in Istanbul with six minaret towers. At the end, we visit the UNESCO-listed Hagia Sophia. This renowned building began as a church approximately 1,500 years ago, later transitioned into a mosque, and eventually became a museum. The afternoon is free at your leisure.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 6: ISTANBUL – PAMUKKALE

Welcome to Asia! Today you will leave the European continent and reach Asia via the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world. After a drive through the Central Asian highlands, you arrive in Pamukkale. Treat yourself to a thermal bath at your hotel. 

Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7: PAMUKKALE – ANTALYA

Today we will visit Pamukkale’s thermal pools and stop at an ancient Roman city before making tracks back towards Antalya. The limestone terraces of Pamukkale, today a UNESCO natural monument, are the result of thousands of years of millennia of sedimentation. Next, on to the Ancient Hierapolis which offers the best-preserved necropolis from the Roman period. On the way to Antalya, you will visit a carpet weaving workshop, where the women of the surrounding villages learn the traditional craft.

Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8: ANTALYA DEPARTURE

After breakfast transfer will be waiting to take you to Antalya Airport. It’s time to say farewell to Turkey today as your tour comes to an end.

Comfortable and warm clothing for the mountains and comfortable summer clothes & shoes. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.