This private 15-day journey is designed for travelers who want comfort, flexibility, and authentic discovery. With your own dedicated guide, private vehicle, and carefully selected boutique hotels, you’ll enjoy the highlights of Turkey without the rush of large groups.
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What Makes the Trailblazer Different?
Most Turkey tours focus on a well-worn circuit: Istanbul → Cappadocia → Ephesus → Pamukkale → Antalya. These routes cover incredible highlights but often at a hurried pace, blending into one another across mass-market itineraries. The Trailblazer was built to go beyond that, curating an experience that still embraces Turkey’s icons while unlocking regions rarely touched by international travelers.
Introduction
Embark on a 15-day private journey across Turkey, combining the iconic wonders of Istanbul, the Ottoman heritage of Bursa, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the breathtaking Black Sea coast. This carefully designed itinerary blends history, culture, and natural beauty, offering you an authentic experience of Turkey’s diverse regions with the comfort of private transportation, expert guidance, and hand-picked accommodations.
Beyond the Standard Route
This itinerary is truly unique—crafted for travelers eager to immerse themselves in Turkey’s authentic, uncommercialized soul.
Black Sea Coastline Exploration
Instead of ending in the Aegean or Mediterranean resorts, this journey pushes northward into the lush Black Sea region—places like Sinop, Amasra, Kastamonu, and Safranbolu. These towns combine Ottoman architecture, small-port charm, and natural wonders (like Erfelek Waterfalls), showing an entirely different Turkey.
Hittite Heartland
Typical tours skip Hattusa, Yazılıkaya, and Alacahöyük—yet these Bronze Age capitals reveal the roots of Anatolia’s first empire. Here, travelers step into an archaeological world as significant as Troy or Ephesus, but without the crowds.
Pontic & Ottoman Valleys
The Yeşilırmak Valley and Amasya highlight Turkish heritage often hidden from mainstream itineraries: rock-cut tombs of the Pontic kings, riverside Ottoman mansions, and a dramatic mountain backdrop.
From Istanbul’s Ottoman treasures and the ancient capital of Bursa to Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, the Hittite heartland of Hattusa, and the lush Black Sea coast, this itinerary brings together history, culture, and nature in a seamless flow. Every step is curated for a personal and immersive experience.
Tour Highlights
Here are the key stops in the tour:
🕌 Explore the iconic Old City of Istanbul – Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace
🌲 Wander through the green landscapes of Bursa and its historic bazaars
🏛️ Discover Gordion and the legend of Alexander the Great’s Gordian Knot
⛪ Visit Ankara’s Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and Atatürk’s Mausoleum
🏜️ Experience the surreal valleys & underground cities of Cappadocia
🐂 Step into the ancient Hittite capital Hattusa and Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary
🌊 Stroll the Black Sea charm of Sinop & Amasra
🏡 Stay in Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage town of Ottoman houses
🏰 Explore castles, waterfalls & villages on the scenic Black Sea route
✨ Enjoy authentic Turkish culture, local cuisine & warm hospitality throughout the journey
Detailed Itinerary
Every day of this 15-day private tour brings you closer to the heart of Turkey. Wander through ancient cities, explore breathtaking landscapes, and connect with timeless traditions.
From Istanbul‘s iconic landmarks to Cappadocia‘s fairy-tale valleys and the hidden beauty of the Black Sea, this itinerary is designed to inspire, surprise, and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a first stroll through Sultanahmet or relax after your flight.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Wonders
Full-day exploration of Istanbul’s Old City. Visit the Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine marvel that has inspired generations; the majestic Blue Mosque with its famous six minarets; the Hippodrome, once the center of chariot races; and the Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. In the evening, enjoy a Bosphorus stroll or optional dinner cruise.
Day 3 - Iznik & Bursa
Today we leave Istanbul and head south towards Bursa, passing through Iznik (ancient Nicaea), known for its blue tiles and as the site of the first Ecumenical Council. Continue to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Highlights include the Green Mosque, Green Tomb, Grand Mosque, and the historic Silk Bazaar (Koza Han).
Overnight in Bursa
Day 4 – Gordion & Ankara
Depart Bursa and travel inland to Gordion, the ancient Phrygian capital where Alexander the Great famously cut the Gordian Knot. Explore its burial mounds, including the great tumulus believed to belong to King Midas. Arrive in Ankara, the modern capital, for a panoramic city tour and a visit to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Overnight in Ankara
Day 5 – Ankara & Hacibektas – Cappadocia
This morning, visit the world-class Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing thousands of years of history. Then continue to Hacibektas, home of Haji Bektash Veli, a renowned mystic and philosopher. Visit his tomb and museum before arriving in magical Cappadocia.
Overnight in Cappadocia
Day 6 – Cappadocia Wonders
A full day exploring Cappadocia’s surreal landscape. See the rock-hewn churches at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, marvel at the fairy chimneys, and descend into one of Cappadocia’s fascinating underground cities. Optional hot air balloon ride available early in the morning for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overnight in Cappadocia
Day 7 – Hattusa, Yazilikaya & Alacahöyük
Journey north to the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, once a great Bronze Age city. Visit the impressive city gates, the Great Temple, and nearby Yazilikaya, an open-air sanctuary with rock carvings of Hittite deities. Continue to Alacahöyük, famed for its sphinx gate and royal tombs.
Overnight in Çorum
Day 8 – Çorum & Amasya
Drive to Amasya, a picturesque town set in a narrow valley along the Yeşilırmak River. Famous for its dramatic cliffside tombs of the kings of Pontus, Amasya also boasts Ottoman-era mansions and rich cultural heritage.
Overnight in Amasya
Day 9 – Vezirköprü, Durağan & Sinop
Today’s journey takes you through the charming towns of Vezirköprü and Durağan before arriving at Sinop, a serene Black Sea port city with a rich maritime history.
Overnight in Sinop
Day 10 – Monday: Sinop & Erfelek Waterfalls
Explore the natural beauty of Akliman Cove and Hamsilos Bay, often called the fjord of Turkey. Later, walk among cascading falls at the Erfelek Waterfall National Park, a hidden gem of the Black Sea region.
Overnight in Sinop
Day 11 – Tuesday: Ayancık, Abana, İnebolu & Kastamonu
Follow the Black Sea coast through Ayancık and Abana, small towns with charming seaside views. Continue to historic İnebolu, noted for its wooden Ottoman houses and its title “Gazi” for heroic resistance during the War of Independence. Finally, reach Kastamonu, one of Anatolia’s oldest cities.
Overnight in Kastamonu
Day 12 – Kastamonu & Safranbolu
Visit the highlights of Kastamonu, then drive to UNESCO-listed Safranbolu, a perfectly preserved Ottoman town famous for its wooden houses, bazaars, and saffron heritage.
Overnight in Safranbolu
Day 13 – Thursday: Safranbolu & Amasra
Start the day in Safranbolu, exploring Hıdırlık Hill, the Cinci Inn & Bath, the clock tower, and traditional craft shops in the Arasta Bazaar. In the afternoon, drive to the coastal town of Amasra, known for its Roman castle, woodcarving artisans, and twin harbors.
Overnight in Safranbolu
Day 15 – Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Contact us for bookings
Join us on a 15-day private journey across Turkey—where ancient cities, Ottoman bazaars, fairy-chimney landscapes, and Black Sea harbors create an unforgettable mosaic of history and nature.
Contact us today to design your bespoke adventure with seamless transfers, expert guides, and hand-picked stays.
