Our longest and most complete journey: Istanbul's imperial history, Cappadocia's otherworldly valleys, ancient Ephesus, Pamukkale's shimmering terraces, and the Aegean coastline of the Bodrum Peninsula. Join a small group or travel privately.
This 13-day Turkey tour is our longest and most complete itinerary, built for travellers who want to see it all at a pace that never feels rushed. It links five regions: Istanbul, the imperial capital that spans two continents; Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and underground cities; Ephesus; Pamukkale, with its shimmering white terraces; and the Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey's most beloved Aegean beach destination.
Three domestic flights link Istanbul, Cappadocia, İzmir and Bodrum, hotels are included on a bed-and-breakfast basis for 12 nights, and every guided day is led by a licensed English-speaking guide.
What sets this journey apart is the Bodrum finale. After a week and a half of history and sightseeing, you get real time to relax by the Aegean, while still taking in the region's own past: a Crusader-era castle and the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Anyone searching for the best 13-day Turkey itinerary usually wants the same thing: Turkey's great historic sites, its famous landscapes and some real time by the sea, without a rushed schedule. This Turkey tour package delivers that in 13 days and 12 nights, moving from Istanbul to Cappadocia, then to the Aegean for Ephesus and Pamukkale, and finally to Bodrum. It works as a classic two-week Turkey itinerary for first-time visitors.
The Istanbul sightseeing covers Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise. In Cappadocia, two guided days take in the fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches and an underground city, and a free day leaves room for an optional Cappadocia hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
On the Aegean coast you spend a full day at the ruins of Ephesus, visit the Pamukkale travertine terraces and Hierapolis, and finish with a Bodrum beach holiday that includes Bodrum Castle and the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Three domestic flights in Turkey are included, so you spend more time sightseeing and less time on long road transfers.
Choose a private Turkey tour for your own party or a small group Turkey tour. Both include 12 nights of bed and breakfast, licensed English-speaking guides, airport transfers and all entrance fees listed in the programme, for $2,770 per person.
Genuine free time, built in. Day 6 in Cappadocia and the final morning in Bodrum are yours. Add the optional sunrise balloon ride on Day 6, or simply rest.
Istanbul gives you Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman landmarks within a short distance of each other. Cappadocia is an entirely different landscape. Ephesus and Pamukkale bring the classical world to life, and Bodrum closes the trip with sea and sun.
Each stage changes the scenery and the pace, with genuine free time in Cappadocia and Bodrum between the longer sightseeing days.
Six stops, three domestic flights and one scenic coastal drive link Turkey's most distinctive regions.
Begin in the city that spans two continents with the Old City, the bazaars and a Bosphorus cruise.
Two guided days in the valleys, plus a free day for an optional sunrise balloon ride.
A full day among the Roman ruins, ending at the House of the Virgin Mary.
White travertine terraces, the ancient city of Hierapolis and optional time in Cleopatra's Pool.
Castle, Mausoleum site, theatre and real beach time on the Aegean.
A final night in Istanbul before your airport transfer and departure.
Every stop below is part of the standard program.
This 13-day Turkey itinerary follows a logical route from north to south and from history to coast. Two full days in Istanbul cover the Sultanahmet landmarks, the bazaars and the Bosphorus, before a flight takes you to Cappadocia for a North Cappadocia tour, a South Cappadocia tour and a free day.
A second flight brings you to İzmir and the seaside town of Kuşadası, the base for an Ephesus day tour and a Pamukkale and Hierapolis day trip. You then drive to the Bodrum Peninsula for Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus and beach time, before flying back to Istanbul for departure.
On every full touring day you visit at least four places, listed under each day below. Pace, hotel category and private or small-group format can all be adjusted when you enquire.
Welcome to Istanbul, the only city on earth to span two continents, Europe and Asia, divided by the shimmering strait of the Bosphorus. Our driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transfer you smoothly to your hotel, so you can begin settling in without a moment's stress ahead of a genuinely comprehensive journey through Turkey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to join our optional evening Dinner Cruise, drifting along the Bosphorus past illuminated palaces and mosques — a wonderful first night in a city that has served as the capital of empires for over 1,600 years.
After breakfast, we embark on a comprehensive guided walking tour through Sultanahmet, beginning at Topkapı Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. We continue to Hagia Sophia (interior access not included), completed by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD and, for close to a thousand years, the largest cathedral in the world, and the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its more than 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles.
Home to the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Walk through its courtyards, where the empire was ruled.
Completed by Emperor Justinian in 537 AD and for close to a thousand years the largest cathedral in the world (interior access not included).
Celebrated for more than 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles that cover its soaring interior.
The historic site of ancient chariot races, in the heart of Sultanahmet.
One of the world's oldest covered markets, with 4,000-plus shops across 61 streets since the 15th century.
We wander through the Hippodrome, the historic site of ancient chariot races, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, its 4,000-plus shops spread across 61 streets since the 15th century.
We visit the Rüstem Paşa Mosque, celebrated for its intricate İznik tilework, and the fragrant Spice Bazaar, before enjoying a scenic Bosphorus Cruise between Europe and Asia, passing landmarks like Beylerbeyi Palace and the elegant wooden yali villas lining the shore.
Celebrated for its intricate İznik tilework, tucked away above the busy market streets.
A fragrant market of spices, teas and sweets, and a favourite stop before the cruise.
A scenic cruise between Europe and Asia along the strait that divides Istanbul.
Landmarks passed on the water, with elegant wooden yalı villas lining the shore.
Fly into a region shaped by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
After the tour, we transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia, landing in a region shaped by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and carved over millennia into the surreal valleys you'll explore over the next three days.
We begin at Devrent Valley, its wind-carved fairy chimneys seeming to suggest animals and figures depending on the light, then continue to Paşabağ (Monk's Valley) for its distinctive mushroom-shaped rock formations, before visiting the riverside pottery town of Avanos, where red clay has been worked since Hittite times, over 3,000 years ago.
Wind-carved fairy chimneys that seem to suggest animals and figures depending on the light.
Distinctive mushroom-shaped rock formations rising from the valley floor.
A riverside pottery town where red clay has been worked since Hittite times, over 3,000 years ago.
Rock-cut churches whose interiors still bear vivid Byzantine frescoes painted directly onto the rock.
Panoramic views across nearly all of Cappadocia from the highest point in the area.
In the afternoon, we explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum's rock-cut churches, their interiors still bearing vivid Byzantine frescoes painted directly onto the volcanic rock, finishing at Uçhisar Castle for panoramic views across nearly all of Cappadocia.
We explore Red Valley's rock-cut churches with a 5 km hike through the Güllüdere Valley, then Çavuşin Village, continuing to Pigeon Valley, renowned for its hand-carved cliff coops. In the afternoon we descend into Özkonak Underground City, one of dozens of subterranean settlements where early Christians lived in genuine fear and faith, sealing stone doors behind them against raiders above.
Rock-cut churches and a 5 km hike through the Güllüdere Valley.
An old village of cave dwellings, visited on the way to Pigeon Valley.
Renowned for its hand-carved cliff coops, set in a quiet valley walk.
One of dozens of subterranean settlements where early Christians sealed stone doors against raiders above.
Today is the perfect day to add an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride — drifting silently over the valleys at dawn is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular experiences in all of Turkey, and today's free schedule leaves plenty of room for an early start.
Drifting silently over the valleys at dawn is regarded as one of the most spectacular experiences in Turkey.
A slower, self-guided walk through the valley at your own pace.
Time at a local workshop to see traditional crafts being made.
Simply rest and take in the view after the busy touring days.
With the main sightseeing complete, the day is yours to spend as you like: a slower, self-guided walk through Love Valley, time at a local pottery or carpet workshop, or simply relaxing at your cave hotel and taking in the view.
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for your flight to İzmir, with a welcome and transfer to your hotel in Kuşadası on arrival. Depending on your flight time, the rest of the day is free to settle in and wander the seaside town ahead of tomorrow's full day at Ephesus.
Transfer to the airport after breakfast, with a welcome and transfer to Kuşadası on arrival.
Free time to settle in and wander the seaside town ahead of Ephesus.
Today is devoted to Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia and, at its peak, home to perhaps a quarter of a million people. Walking the marble-paved Curetes Street, past the two-story facade of the Library of Celsus and into the 25,000-seat Great Theatre, it's remarkably easy to picture the bustle of daily Roman life here two thousand years ago. We visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Walk the marble-paved main street of Ephesus, once the capital of the Roman province of Asia.
The two-story facade of the library is one of the most photographed sights in Ephesus.
A 25,000-seat theatre where it is easy to picture daily Roman life two thousand years ago.
The ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
A serene house in wooded hills, believed by tradition to be her final home.
We close the day at the serene House of the Virgin Mary, tucked into wooded hills above Ephesus and believed by tradition to be her final home.
Today we take a day trip to the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, also known as "Cotton Castle" — formed over thousands of years as mineral-rich thermal water cascades down the hillside. We explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, renowned in Roman times for its therapeutic hot springs.
Known as the "Cotton Castle", formed as mineral-rich thermal water cascades down the hillside.
An ancient city renowned in Roman times for its therapeutic hot springs.
After lunch, free time to walk the white terraces barefoot.
Optional swim among fallen ancient marble columns (entrance fee not included).
After lunch, you'll have free time to walk the terraces barefoot, and optionally swim in Cleopatra's Pool, scattered with fallen ancient marble columns. We transfer back to Kuşadası for an overnight stay.
After a relaxed breakfast, we drive south to the Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey's most beloved Aegean beach destination, roughly a three-hour journey along the coast. Known in antiquity as Halicarnassus, Bodrum was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Mausoleum built for King Mausolus, from which the very word "mausoleum" is derived.
About three hours along the coast to Turkey's most beloved Aegean beach destination.
Bodrum's ancient name, and home of the Mausoleum built for King Mausolus.
Stroll the marina lined with yachts and waterfront cafés once you arrive.
Upon arrival, we transfer to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax by the water, stroll the marina lined with yachts and waterfront cafes, or simply settle into the laid-back pace that Bodrum is famous for.
Bodrum Castle, overlooking the Aegean marina
After breakfast, we explore Bodrum Castle (St. Peter's Castle), a dramatic fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller in the early 15th century using stones salvaged from the ruined Mausoleum itself, offering sweeping views over the harbor and the Greek island of Kos just across the water. We visit the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, once standing an estimated 45 meters tall and so remarkable in its day that it gave us the modern word "mausoleum," and the atmospheric remains of the ancient Bodrum Theatre, still used for performances today.
Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the early 15th century with stones from the Mausoleum, with views toward Kos.
Once an estimated 45 meters tall, it gave us the word "mausoleum".
Atmospheric ancient remains that are still used for performances today.
Winding whitewashed streets and a bustling bazaar to explore in the afternoon.
Relax along the turquoise coast (entrance fees not included).
The afternoon is yours to explore the town's winding whitewashed streets, browse the bustling bazaar, or simply relax at one of the peninsula's many beach clubs along the turquoise coastline.
With the main sightseeing complete, the morning is entirely yours — perhaps one last swim in the Aegean, a relaxed breakfast by the water, or a final wander through Bodrum's marina. Later, we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul for your final night.
A final swim in the Aegean or a relaxed breakfast by the water.
A last wander through Bodrum's marina before the flight to Istanbul.
After a final relaxed breakfast, our tour comes to an end, with a transfer to the airport for your onward or international departure. From Istanbul's imperial grandeur, to Cappadocia's otherworldly valleys, the ancient streets of Ephesus, Pamukkale's shimmering terraces, and the Aegean coastline of Bodrum, we hope this thirteen-day journey has given you a genuinely complete and memorable discovery of Turkey.
A closer look at where the 13 days take you and which sights you will visit in each region.
Days 1–3 and 12–13 · 3 nightsThe only city on earth to span two continents is the starting point and the finale. Imperial history sits side by side with busy bazaars, and the Bosphorus ties it together. Explore the Sultanahmet landmarks on foot, then see the city from the water.
Days 3–7 · 4 nightsA landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and carved over millennia into surreal valleys. Two guided days cover the north and south of the region, and a free day leaves space for an optional sunrise balloon ride or a slow walk.
Days 7–10 · 3 nights in KuşadasıFrom the seaside base of Kuşadası you spend a full day in Ephesus, once home to perhaps a quarter of a million people, and a second day at the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis.
Days 10–12 · 2 nightsKnown in antiquity as Halicarnassus, Bodrum was home to the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today it pairs a Crusader-era castle and an ancient theatre with turquoise bays, a yacht-filled marina and genuine beach time.
Walk through Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, then see the city from the water on a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia.
Explore Devrent Valley, Paşabağ and the Göreme Open-Air Museum, then enjoy a free day built into the schedule, perfect for an optional sunrise balloon flight.
Descend into Özkonak Underground City and step inside rock-cut churches where Byzantine frescoes are still visible on the volcanic stone, painted centuries ago.
Spend a full day among marble streets, the Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seat Great Theatre, and finish at the House of the Virgin Mary in the hills.
Walk the dazzling white travertine terraces known as the Cotton Castle, explore the Roman-era spa city of Hierapolis and swim, if you wish, in Cleopatra's Pool.
Visit the Crusader-era fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller in the early 15th century, with sweeping views over the harbor and the Greek island of Kos.
See the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the tomb of King Mausolus, which gave the English language the word mausoleum.
After a week and a half of sightseeing, relax on the Aegean coast with beach clubs, a yacht-filled marina and whitewashed streets to wander at your own pace.
Flights link Istanbul, Cappadocia, İzmir and Bodrum with 15 kg of luggage each, so long road transfers are replaced by more time at the sights themselves.
Best for:
Cappadocia
Ephesus
Your route runs Istanbul, Cappadocia, Kuşadası (for Ephesus and Pamukkale), Bodrum, then back to Istanbul for your final night.
2 nights at the start, 1 night at the end, breakfast included.
Including your free day, breakfast included.
For Ephesus and your Pamukkale day trip, breakfast included.
For the castle, ancient sites and genuine beach time, breakfast included.
The tour is priced at $2,770 per person. You can join a small group or arrange a private tour for your own party; tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Reserving requires a 40% deposit.
The balance is payable on arrival.
Send an enquiry and we will reply within a few hours.
Green valleys and mild days make spring ideal for long sightseeing days in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus, with comfortable temperatures for walking the ruins.
Hot and sunny, with the best sea weather for the Bodrum beach days. Start early at Ephesus and in Istanbul to avoid the midday heat and the largest crowds.
Warm sea, thinner crowds and soft light for photography. It is a favourite season for combining sightseeing with swimming on the Aegean coast in Bodrum.
Cool and quiet in Istanbul and Cappadocia, with fewer visitors at the major sites. Beach time in Bodrum is less suited to this season, so pack warm layers.
Good to know: a moderate amount of walking is involved across all five regions, so comfortable shoes matter more than anything else on the list.
Every itinerary is a starting point we are happy to adjust to you, from hotel category to pace, and we plan each stage personally with your travel dates and interests in mind.
Reach a real person on WhatsApp before, during and after your trip, so questions about flights, transfers or meeting points never go unanswered while you travel.
Every guided day is led by a professional, licensed English-speaking guide who brings the history of each site to life and knows how to avoid the biggest crowds.
Book with confidence: your voucher and itinerary arrive by email right away, and confirmation is received at the time of booking, so you can plan the rest of your trip.
Family tour to Turkey
“We had a wonderful family trip to Turkey. Mr Sebahettin of The History Tours planned and organised it. He knows Turkey well, provided detailed itinerary unlike other travel agents. All domestic bookings, transfers, guides, day trios were organised by him. He kept in touch throughout the trip for updates. Highly recommend him for any travel to Turkey”
Excellence holiday in Turkey with family
“We had heard about the beauties of Turkey from friends who had visited, and then we booked a 10-day family package tour with Mr. Sebahattin, owner of History Travel, which was recommended by friends. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable. All the service was very well organized. We liked our tour very much. I recommend Mr. Sebahattin and The History Travel Agency to everybody.”
Top Tour Operator in Turkey
“We bought a 7-day Cappadocia vacation package from The History Travel Istanbul as a thank you gift for my girlfriend and her family. Our tour was incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, and Mr. Sebahattin and his staff delivered an absolutely amazing service. I want to sincerely thank Sebahattin and the entire staff of The History Travel for their fantastic service. I would adore returning to Turkey and using this company's services. I advise everyone to use The History Travel Agency.”
A thrilling visit to a glorious country
“Our visit to turkey was filled with incredible experiences and long lasting memories. Mr Sebahattin was very helpful throughout out planning stages and in the process created a personalised itinerary that fit our needs. Even while in Turkey he was extremely prompt and professional in all his dealings. And enabled us to navigate through the trip effortlessly. The English speaking guides organised by him were very knowledgeable and friendly. The transport and the hotels provided were also of top quality and we were very pleased with the service. Overall a great visit curated by a gem of a person.”
Perfect customised Istanbul itinerary
“Sebahattin meticulously planned our customised itinerary at Istanbul perfectly. The arrangement from the first to the last attraction just simply made sense the way he planned it. In addition, when one of our family members was unwell and he found out about it, he immediately sprang into action and made changes to our itinerary to allow for more rest, yet we were able to cover all the attractions after he had made changes to the plan. Finally, we always enjoyed having our wonderful conversations at his office over his delicious Turkish tea. Thank you, Sebahattin, for making our first visit to Turkey such a memorable one. We loved it so much that we are planning to contact you again for an encore!”
Fantastic services 5* rating for cappadocia tour
“Our tour organizer Mr. Sebahattin was very professional in his services. He came down to our Airbnb to meet us in day 1. Organised our superb cappadocia tour. Our tour guide in Cappadocia Mr. Mustafa was very friendly and professional. Since our hot air balloon was cancelled due to bad weather Mr. Sebahattin came back to our airbnb to return the money. He kept in constant touch through what's app through the tour until we boarded the flight out of Istanbul . We are going back with fond memories of Turkish food, Turkish culture and turkish heritage. Over all I would rate it 5/5 starts. Thank you Mr. Sebahittin got organising a perfect trip for us.”
Explore Istanbul through History Travel
“The History Travel Agency is a professional one with exemplary tour itinerary. Mr Sebahattin Selam from the Agency remained in constant touch with us starting our departure from India till we landed back home. He took care of minute details. Like we are vegetarians and were worried about the food. History Travel had organised exceptional vegetarian continental lunch for us. Our guide Mr Mehmet Nehir is an exceptional person with a very calm composure. City tour involves plenty of walking. So, do wear a comfortable sport shoes. Keep a bottle of water with you and carry small change. Overall it is an exceptional experience touring Istanbul through The History Travel Agency.”
More than a tour guide, a friendly host
“Mehmet and Sebahattin were more than tour guides, they were hosts showing the beauty of their country. My wife and I had a full day tour of Istanbul. We had a great lunch and toured all of the main mosques and Topkapi. It was a truly memorable day. The price was fair and I recommend them wholeheartedly.”
Mesmerising experience
“We had a wonderful time in Turkey . We booked through Sebahattin and he made sure we have an experience of lifetime. Our trip was customised to our ask and Sebahattin extended all the hospitality one could. I would strongly recommend to book through him and you won't regret.”
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Reserving requires a 40% deposit; the balance is payable on arrival.
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