The Best of Turkey Tour is an 8-day journey that showcases the country's most iconic historical, cultural, and natural wonders. Perfect for travellers with limited time, this tour offers a well-balanced itinerary covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Ephesus—ensuring you experience Türkiye's breath-taking landscapes and rich heritage. After a fulfilling exploration of Türkiye's most fascinating sites, you’ll return to Istanbul, marking the end of this unforgettable journey. With expert guides, seamless transportation, and comfortable
accommodations, the Best of Turkey Tour is ideal for those seeking an immersive yet efficient exploration of
How Your Booking Makes a Difference, for every booking included is a donation to DEKAMER
This donation covers one full day of care and feeding for injured sea turtles
Contributions support medical treatment, rehabilitation, and eventual release back into the wild
• Ankara - Atatürk's Mausoleum
• Ephesus - UNESCO Heritage site
• Ephesus Archaeology Museum
• Ephesus Experience Museum
• Gallipoli - Battlefields Tour
• Gallipoli - Johnson's Jolly - original tunnels
• Gallipoli - The Nek - original trenches
• Göreme - UNESCO Heritage site
• Istanbul - Hippodrome
• Istanbul - St. Sophia Museum
• Konya - Mevlana Museum
• Pamukkale - Hierapolis
• Site of the Temple of Artemis
• Troy - Ancient City and Museum - UNESCO Heritage site
• Behramkale (Assos) Village
• Cappadocia - Kaymakli - Underground City
• Gallipoli - ANZAC Cove
• Gallipoli - Chunuk Bair - New Zealand Memorial
• Gallipoli - Lone Pine - Australian Memorial
• Göreme - Open Air Museum
• Istanbul - Blue Mosque
• Istanbul - Old City - UNESCO Heritage site
• Istanbul - Topkapi Palace (Hagia Irene and Harem)
• Pamukkale - Calcium Travertines - UNESCO Heritage site
• Sultanhani Caravansary
From our tour representatives at Istanbul airport.
To/from airport and hotel by a private air-conditioned vehicle.
Hotels as mentioned including breakfast.
As mentioned in the itinerary.
As mentioned in the itinerary.
English-speaking tour guide during your tours.
As mentioned in the itinerary.
To all sites mentioned
Before and after the tour
Tipping Kitty to be collected on Day 2 USD70
To Abu Simbel USD140 per person
Optional flight back to Istanbul
Saturday
Welcome to Istanbul.
You will be transferred to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours, free to
explore Istanbul.
OPTIONAL: The optional half day Spice Bazaar and Bosphorous tour starts at 13:00. If flying into Istanbul on this day ensure you have left enough time to clear the airport, transfer to your hotel, check-in and be ready at reception before 13:00. We recommend considering an extra night in Istanbul beforehand.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel
Meals included: No meals
Sunday Breakfast, Dinner ▼
After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1-hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.
This afternoon there is a flight to Cappadocia, upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free time to explore.
NOTE: For domestic flights please limit check-in baggage to 20KG
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Monday
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys and explore the many levels of an underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready!
Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly
dancers... a night you won't forget!
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Tuesday
We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.
Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.
Overnight : Konya Category : 4 star Hotel : Novotel Konya
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Wednesday
Today we head for Pamukkale and it's calcium travertines. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
Overnight : Pamukkale Category : 4 star Hotel : Adem Pira Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Thursday
Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. This afternoon we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : 5 star Hotel : Elite World Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Friday
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis.
Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before exploring the Ephesus Archaeology Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Türkiye, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Burdock Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast or depending on your flight times, our representative will transfer you back to Istanbul International Airport for your onward journey or return flight home.
We trust we have exceeded your expectations on this journey through Türkiye and we hope you will share your experience with your friends and family and encourage them to visit very soon.
Meals: Breakfast
Pink Lotus Tours is a privately owned and operated boutique tour company, with offices in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. Our local presence allows us to deliver seamless, thoughtfully curated experiences throughout Egypt.