This 10-day journey unites Turkey’s defining landscapes—historic battlefields, ancient cities, coastal havens, and Cappadocia’s otherworldly valleys—into one seamless and beautifully paced route.
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Overview of the Best of Turkey 10 Day Journey
This 10-day journey across Turkey follows a route carved through myth, ancient battlefields, the Aegean coast, Mediterranean towns, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia.
It is not a rushed checklist. It is a slow unfolding of history, culture, landscapes, and human stories—connecting Gallipoli’s emotional weight with Troy’s legends, the marble avenues of Ephesus with Pamukkale’s white terraces, and finally the quiet magic of the Lycian coast before landing in the cave-carved world of Cappadocia.
It is a route that begins at the edge of Europe… and ends in the heart of Anatolia.
Day by Day Program
A sweeping 10-day journey through Turkey’s most iconic battlefields, ancient cities, natural wonders, and Mediterranean coasts—culminating in the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia.
DAY 1 — GALLIPOLI (Gelibolu)
Your journey begins early in Istanbul as you drive toward the Gallipoli Peninsula, a landscape that shaped the identity of a generation.
Here, the past is still very present. You stand where ANZAC troops landed in 1915, and where thousands endured unimaginable hardship.
The tour takes you through the most meaningful memorials and battle sites:
Brighton Beach – Planned main ANZAC landing beach; calm shoreline just south of Anzac Cove.
Beach Cemetery – Small Commonwealth cemetery by the shore, near the southern tip of Anzac Cove.
ANZAC Cove – Narrow pebbly beach where Australian and New Zealand troops first landed on 25 April 1915.
Arıburnu Cemetery – Cemetery at the northern end of Anzac Cove, below steep cliffs of Ari Burnu.
Lone Pine – Plateau and cemetery where brutal trench fighting occurred during the August offensive.
The Nek – Tiny ridge-top battlefield, site of the tragic Australian Light Horse charges.
Chunuk Bair – Key high ridge briefly taken by New Zealanders; crucial viewpoint over the Dardanelles.
Johnson’s Jolly trenches & tunnels – Preserved Turkish and Allied trench lines showing how close the fronts were.
Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial – Monument honoring the Ottoman regiment that stopped the ANZAC advance with huge sacrifice.
It is an emotional introduction to Turkey—one that leaves a quiet imprint.
Overnight in Eceabat.
DAY 2 — TROY
After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles and head to the ancient city of Troy—where archaeology and mythology blend into a single narrative.
You explore:
The legendary walls – Massive fortifications that inspired the tales of Troy’s siege.
The symbolic wooden Trojan horse – Modern monument recalling the famous trick that “won” the war in myth.
Sacrificial altars – Stone platforms where ancient Trojans made religious offerings.
Layers of cities from Troy I to Troy IX – Visible archaeological strata showing nine successive settlements.
The Bouleuterion (Senate House) – Meeting hall where city leaders gathered and made decisions.
The Odeon (concert hall) – Small theater used for music, performances, and civic events.
This site is not just an excavation—it is a timeline of 5,000 years.
In the afternoon, continue to Kuşadası or Selçuk for your overnight stay on the Aegean Coast.
DAY 3 — EPHESUS
Step into the best-preserved classical city in the Mediterranean. The marble streets echo with the stories of philosophers, merchants, and apostles.
Highlights include:
Magnesia Gate entrance – Monumental city gate marking the uphill formal entrance to Ephesus.
The Odeon – Small semi-circular theater used for council meetings and intimate performances.
Celsus Library – Iconic two-story façade of the Roman library, once holding thousands of scrolls.
Temple of Hadrian – Elegant temple with richly carved reliefs honoring Emperor Hadrian.
Fountain of Trajan – Ornate fountain dedicated to Emperor Trajan, showcasing Roman engineering.
The Great Theatre – Enormous 25,000-seat theater where St. Paul preached to the Ephesians.
You also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a major pilgrimage site, and finish at the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Optional visit to the Basilica of St John.
Overnight in Kuşadası or Selçuk
DAY 4 — PAMUKKALE and HIERAPOLIS → FETHIYE
A scenic 3–4 hour ride takes you inland to the white cliffs of Pamukkale—calcium-rich waters that cascade into frozen-waterfall formations.
Explore Hierapolis, the Roman spa city built above the terraces:
Roman theatre – Large, steeply tiered theater used for performances and public events.
Necropolis – Vast ancient cemetery with sarcophagi and tombs lining the old road.
Ancient thermal pools – Roman baths fed by hot springs, once used for healing and relaxation.
Terraced mineral formations – White travertine “cotton” terraces created by mineral-rich thermal waters.
In the late afternoon, continue toward Fethiye, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean.
Overnight in Fethiye.
DAY 5 — FETHIYE (Free Day)
Today belongs entirely to you. Swim, wander the marina, discover hidden bays, or simply slow down and enjoy Turkish coastal life.
A second night in Fethiye.
DAY 6 — FETHIYE → KAŞ
DAY 7 — KAŞ → ANTALYA
Another relaxing morning to explore Kaş at your own pace.
In the afternoon, travel onward to Antalya, the gateway to the Mediterranean’s ancient theatres and temples.
Overnight in Antalya.
DAY 8 — ASPENDOS • PERGE • SIDE • MANAVGAT → FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA
A day immersed in ancient Pamphylia:
Perge – Once a major Pamphylian capital, it blends Hellenistic city planning, Roman grandeur, and a long tradition of early Christianity.
Aspendos – home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world
Manavgat Waterfall – a refreshing natural break; a wide, low cascade where the turquoise Manavgat River spills over limestone ledges
Side – a spectacular peninsula of temples, agora, and harborside ruins
After the tour, you will enjoy a private transfer to Antalya Airport for your evening flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, meet-and-greet transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia.
DAY 9 — SOUTH CAPPADOCIA
Arrive in Göreme and begin exploring the “valley of dreams.”
Today includes:
Derinkuyu Underground City – a massive subterranean refuge
Ihlara Valley – a lush canyon of frescoed cave churches
Selime Monastery – one of the largest religious complexes in the region
Pigeon Valley views: soft tufa cliffs, ancient dovecotes, and dreamy Cappadocia views on every turn.
Check in to your cave-style hotel. Overnight in Göreme.
DAY 10 — NORTH CAPPADOCIA
Your final day is dedicated to the region’s most iconic landscapes:
Göreme Open-Air Museum: Rock-cut churches and monasteries filled with Byzantine frescoes.
Çavuşin village: Old cave village with crumbling rock houses and a dramatic cliffside church.
Avanos pottery traditions: River town famous for red clay pottery, wheel demonstrations, and workshops.
After the tour, transfer to the airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul.
Tour ends upon arrival.
INCLUSIONS
Breakfast is always included in the hotel.
All transportation (flights as per original itinerary)
Accommodation throughout the route
All guided tours with professional guides
Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites/museum
Lunches during the tours
Full travel insurance & domestic taxes
EXCLUSIONS
The dinners are excluded every day.
Drinks – All beverages are extra.
Tips – Gratuities for guides, drivers, and staff not included.
Personal expenses – Your own shopping, snacks, and incidental costs.
Ready to Book This Journey?
Planning this 10-day adventure across Turkey is effortless with us.
Simply share your travel dates, group size, and preferred level of comfort — and our team will handle every detail from flights to hotels, guides, and seamless transfers.
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or as a family, we tailor the experience to match your pace and style. No hidden surprises, no stressful logistics — just a beautifully curated journey from start to finish.
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This 10-day Best of Turkey Tour was truly unforgettable!
From the vibrant energy of Istanbul to the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia and the peaceful shores of the Aegean, every day offered something special. The itinerary was well-balanced with a great mix of historical exploration, cultural experiences, and free time to relax.
Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and always attentive to our needs. Transportation and accommodations were comfortable and perfectly organized. We felt like we experienced the real heart of Turkey. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a comprehensive and memorable trip!