Nine places across two imperial capitals: four old-city landmarks, three Bursa monuments, a Bosphorus cruise and the Spice Bazaar.
Top stops
Hippodrome Blue Mosque Hagia Sophia Topkapı Palace
Tour Overview
Cross Turkey by Road in 8 Days
This 8 days private Turkey ground trip is a seamless blend of iconic sites, bustling cities and natural wonders, connected entirely by private road travel without a single domestic flight. In seven nights you move through six contrasting regions: Istanbul, the city where East meets West; Bursa, the first Ottoman capital; Kuşadası and the Aegean coast; Pamukkale, with its white travertine terraces, ancient Hierapolis and thermal waters; Konya, the spiritual center and home of the Mevlana Museum dedicated to Rumi; and Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.
Because the tour is private, you travel with your own party in your own air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking guide throughout. Pricing is per person and decreases with group size, from $4,495 for a solo traveler down to $1,165 per person for a group of 12, so the same itinerary suits a couple, a family or a larger party of friends.
What Is a Turkey Ground Trip?
A Turkey ground trip covers the whole route by road. There are no domestic flights, so you watch the landscape change from the Marmara and Aegean coasts to the Anatolian plateau, the Salt Lake near Ankara and the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia, with your guide explaining the places along the way. It also means door-to-door transfers in new, air-conditioned vehicles, with parking fees, ferry tolls and fuel already included in the price.
Highlights of the 8-Day Private Turkey Tour
The program is packed with the sights that matter on an Istanbul to Cappadocia tour: the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace in Istanbul; the Green Mosque, Green Tomb and Grand Mosque in Bursa; the hill village of Şirince and the Isa Bey Mosque; the white terraces and ruins of Pamukkale and Hierapolis; the Mevlana Museum in Konya and the Sultanhanı Caravanserai on the Silk Road; a full day among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia; the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara; and a closing Bosphorus cruise with a stop at the Spice Bazaar.
Who Is This Private Turkey Tour For?
It is a tour for travelers who want a deep dive into Turkey's cultural and natural highlights with expert local guidance, and who prefer the road to the departure lounge. History lovers, culture and faith travelers, couples, families and groups of friends all fit the format, because the itinerary, the pace and the group size are set around your own party rather than a bus of strangers.
Accommodation, Meals and Entrance Fees
The price covers 7 nights, bed & breakfast, in your choice of 3-4-5★ hotels, including a thermal hotel in Pamukkale and a cave hotel in Cappadocia. Meals include 7 hotel breakfasts, 7 local restaurant lunches, 6 hotel dinners and 1 local restaurant dinner. Entrance fees for Topkapı Palace, Pamukkale (Hierapolis), Paşabağ, Özkonak Underground City and the regular Bosphorus boat tour are included, while Hagia Sophia, the Sultanhanı Caravanserai and Uçhisar Citadel are not.
As an Istanbul-based Turkey tour operator with 5 stars on TripAdvisor, The History Travel Agency organizes every stage personally, from the airport welcome to the final transfer. Read the day-by-day itinerary and the destination guides below, then send an enquiry or reserve online: we reply within a few hours.
Private tour, priced by group size. The per-person price falls as your group grows, from $4,495 for one traveler to $1,165 per person for twelve. See the full price table below, or tell us your group size and we will confirm an exact quote.
Why this route works
Each stage changes the landscape, the history and the pace: Byzantine and Ottoman monuments in Istanbul and Bursa, Aegean village life, the white terraces of Pamukkale, the Seljuk heartland of Konya and the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia.
Driving is part of the experience on a road trip. Some days include long transfers, so the program is built around them, with sightseeing stops along the way rather than long hours behind a window.
Tour at a glance
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Istanbul · Bursa · Kuşadası · Pamukkale · Konya · Cappadocia · Ankara · Bolu
- Entirely overland, new air-conditioned vehicles
- English-speaking guide throughout
- 7 nights, bed & breakfast, your choice of 3-4-5★ hotels
- 7 lunches and 7 dinners, in addition to breakfasts
- Listed entrance fees and Bosphorus boat tour
- No domestic flights needed
Duration
8 Days
7 nights
Style
Private Only
vehicle, driver & guide
Meals
Most Included
breakfast, lunch & dinner
Price
from $1,165
per person · solo $4,495
Your route
Six Regions, One Continuous Road Trip
From the Bosphorus to the Aegean, across Anatolia to Cappadocia and back via Ankara and Bolu, your whole route is covered by one private vehicle.
Istanbul & Bursa
Days 1–2 and 7–8 · 2 nights
The trip opens in Istanbul, the city where East meets West, with the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, all in one guided afternoon. From there the road leads to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman state, where the Green Mosque, the Green Tomb and the Grand Mosque show the empire's early architecture. The route comes back to Istanbul on Day 7 for a Bosphorus cruise and the Spice Bazaar.
Aegean Coast
Days 2–3 · 1 night
After Bursa the route drops to the Aegean and the lively resort town of Kuşadası, a relaxed overnight stop after a long drive. The next morning climbs into the hills to Şirince, a picturesque village of traditional houses and wide views, and continues to the Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk before the road turns inland to Pamukkale.
Pamukkale
Days 3–4 · 1 night
Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” is one of Turkey's most photographed landscapes: white travertine terraces built by cascading thermal springs. You walk through the ruins of ancient Hierapolis above them and finish the day with a soak in your hotel's thermal baths, the most relaxing evening of the whole trip.
Konya
Day 4 · stop en route
Konya was once the heart of the Seljuk Empire and is the spiritual center of the route. The Mevlana Museum, dedicated to Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes, is the highlight, and the 13th-century Sultanhanı Caravanserai on the way to Cappadocia shows how Silk Road merchants once travelled across Anatolia.
Cappadocia
Days 4–6 · 2 nights
Two nights in Cappadocia give you a full day among fairy chimneys, cave dwellings and rock-cut valleys: Love Valley, Paşabağ, Avanos, Devrent Valley, Ürgüp and Ortahisar. The next morning begins with the panorama from Uçhisar Castle, and optional hot-air balloon flights are available for those who want to see the landscape from above.
Ankara & Bolu
Days 6–7 · 1 night
The road home crosses central Anatolia past the striking Salt Lake to Ankara, where the Mausoleum of Atatürk honors the founder of modern Turkey. The night is spent in the green hills of Bolu, a calm stop before the final drive back to Istanbul.
8-Day Turkey Ground Trip Itinerary: Istanbul, Bursa, Pamukkale, Konya & Cappadocia
If you are searching for an 8-day private Turkey tour that stays on the ground, this overland Turkey itinerary is built for you. Instead of domestic flights, a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide connects eight stops in seven nights: Istanbul, Bursa, Kuşadası, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara and Bolu. Every transfer is part of the journey, and the sightseeing stops are placed so that the long drives are broken up.
Days 1–2: Istanbul and Bursa
The Turkey ground trip starts with the best of Istanbul's old city: the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (seen from the outside) and Topkapı Palace, followed by the transfer to Bursa. On Day 2 the Bursa Green Mosque, Green Tomb and Grand Mosque introduce early Ottoman architecture, with time for the local shops, before the drive to the Aegean coast and Kuşadası.
Days 3–4: Şirince, Pamukkale and Konya
Day 3 combines the hill village of Şirince and the Isa Bey Mosque with Pamukkale and Hierapolis, the white travertine terraces and ancient spa city, and ends with a soak in your hotel's thermal baths. Day 4 crosses Anatolia to Konya, where the Mevlana Museum honors Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes, and continues past the Sultanhanı Caravanserai on the old Silk Road toward Cappadocia.
Days 5–6: Cappadocia, Salt Lake, Ankara and Bolu
Day 5 is a full day in Cappadocia covering Love Valley, Paşabağ, Avanos, Devrent Valley, Ürgüp and Ortahisar. Day 6 begins with the panorama from Uçhisar Castle, passes the Salt Lake and visits the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara before the overnight stay in Bolu.
Days 7–8: Back to Istanbul
The last leg returns to Istanbul for a Bosphorus cruise and the Spice Bazaar, with a private airport transfer on Day 8. The result is a complete Turkey road trip itinerary in one week, from the Bosphorus to Cappadocia and back.
Why Choose a Private Ground Trip?
A private vehicle, driver and guide mean your party travels together with the route, hotels and meals already arranged. Prices fall with group size, from $4,495 for one traveler to $1,165 per person for twelve. If you would like to add a sunrise flight or more of the coast, take a look at our Cappadocia hot air balloon, Ephesus package tours and Pamukkale package tours.
Open any day below to see the places you will visit, where you will sleep and which entrance fees are included or not. Day 4 is the longest drive of the tour, and the program is paced around the long transfers.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight days, six regions and one private vehicle. Tap any day to read what you will see and what is included. Every stop below is part of the standard program; timings are adjusted for traffic and opening hours.
1
You are greeted by your local guide at the airport and begin straight away with the great monuments of Istanbul's old city, before the first road transfer of the trip takes you to Bursa.
4 places you will visit today
Hippodrome Blue Mosque Hagia Sophia (exterior) Topkapı Palace
Hippodrome
Once a monumental stadium for chariot races, the Hippodrome of Constantinople is today Sultanahmet Square. Your guide explains how the arena shaped the life of the Byzantine capital.
Blue Mosque
Renowned for its six towering minarets and its exquisite İznik tiles, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was completed in 1616. It is a working mosque, so visits pause at prayer times; modest dress is required and shoes are removed at the entrance.
Hagia Sophia
Originally a church and later a mosque, Hagia Sophia has stood over the city for almost fifteen centuries. On this program it is visited with your guide from the outside; the interior visit is not included.
Topkapı Palace
The former residence of the Ottoman sultans is now a museum of royal artifacts. The entrance fee is included in your price.
Transfer to Bursa
After the sightseeing you continue by private vehicle to Bursa for the first overnight stay.
A full first day: the monuments of Istanbul, then on the road to Bursa.
Airport greeting by your guide Topkapı Palace entrance Hagia Sophia interior
2
Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman state, fills the morning before the long drive to the Aegean coast.
4 places you will visit today
Green Mosque Green Tomb Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii) Bursa local shops
Green Mosque
One of the finest early Ottoman monuments in Bursa, known for its green and turquoise tilework.
Green Tomb
The tomb of Sultan Mehmed I stands opposite the mosque, its exterior covered in turquoise tiles.
Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii)
A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture from the transition period, with an elegant fountain inside and a beautifully crafted wooden pulpit.
Local shops
Explore shops offering Turkish delight, saffron, scarves and olive oil products.
Drive to Kuşadası
Continue by private vehicle to the Aegean coast for the night.
A culture-rich morning, then a day on the road toward the Aegean.
Private vehicle & guide
3
Start in the hills above the coast, then continue inland to one of Turkey's most photographed natural landmarks.
5 places you will visit today
Şirince Village Isa Bey Mosque Hierapolis Pamukkale terraces Hotel thermal baths
Şirince Village
A picturesque hill village known for its traditional architecture and breathtaking views.
Isa Bey Mosque
A stunning example of Seljuk-influenced Anatolian architecture in Selçuk.
Hierapolis
The ancient city above the terraces of Pamukkale, with the ruins and hot springs that made it a spa town in antiquity. The entrance fee is included.
Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle”
The dazzling white terraces created by cascading thermal springs. Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish.
Hotel thermal baths
In the evening, relax with a soak in the authentic thermal baths of your hotel, plus an optional leather store fashion show.
From Aegean village life to the white terraces of Pamukkale in a single day.
Hierapolis (Pamukkale) entrance Private vehicle & guide
4
After breakfast, a scenic drive takes you across Anatolia to Konya, once the heart of the Seljuk Empire, and on into Cappadocia. This is the longest drive of the tour, broken by two cultural stops.
2 places you will visit today
Mevlana Museum, Konya Sultanhanı Caravanserai
Mevlana Museum
Dedicated to the Sufi mystic Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes he inspired, the museum is the mausoleum of Rumi and the spiritual center of Konya.
Sultanhanı Caravanserai
A 13th-century inn that once served travelers on the Silk Road. The entrance fee is not included.
On to Cappadocia
Continue your journey to the magical region of Cappadocia.
Keep water, snacks and a light layer in your day bag for the long drive.
Sultanhanı Caravanserai entrance Private vehicle & guide
5
A full day among Cappadocia's valleys, rock formations and craft towns. Optional hot-air balloon flights are not part of the price (see Not Included).
6 places you will visit today
Love Valley Paşabağ Avanos Devrent Valley Ürgüp Ortahisar
Love Valley
Begin at the valley with its extraordinary rock formations.
Paşabağ (Fairy Chimney Valley)
Home to an impressive collection of fairy chimneys. The entrance fee is included.
Avanos
A town known for its pottery and carpet-weaving traditions.
Devrent Valley
After lunch, continue to the valley of mushroom- and animal-shaped rock formations.
Ürgüp
A handsome Cappadocian town of tuff-stone buildings, visited after lunch.
Ortahisar
Ortahisar's rock-cut castle and the old Greek houses dating to the 1800s.
A day of valleys, fairy chimneys and village crafts.
Paşabağ entrance Optional hot-air balloon
6
A day on the road with three highlights: a panoramic castle, a natural wonder and a national monument, before you reach Bolu for the night.
3 places you will visit today
Uçhisar Castle Salt Lake Mausoleum of Atatürk, Ankara
Uçhisar Castle
Start with panoramic views over the Cappadocia landscape. Entrance to the citadel is not included.
Salt Lake
Drive past the striking Salt Lake, a natural wonder on the way to Ankara.
Mausoleum of Atatürk, Ankara
A significant monument dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey.
Overnight in Bolu
Continue to Bolu for an overnight stay.
Cappadocia to Ankara to Bolu, with the last big drive still ahead.
Uçhisar Citadel entrance Private vehicle & guide
7
The final leg returns you to Istanbul for the closing highlights of the trip.
2 places you will visit today
Bosphorus Cruise Spice Bazaar
Bosphorus Cruise
Take in stunning views of the divide between Asia and Europe from the water. The regular Bosphorus boat tour is included.
Spice Bazaar
Immerse yourself in a colorful array of spices, sweets and local delicacies.
Istanbul from the water, then the oldest Istanbul habit: browsing the bazaar.
Bosphorus boat tour Private vehicle & guide
8
Your 8-day overland journey ends today. Transfer to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!
Airport transfer
Your private transfer takes you to the airport for your flight home.
Six regions, one road trip: Istanbul, the Aegean, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia and Bolu.
Breakfast Airport transfer
Destination Guides
Six Regions, 27 Places, One Road Trip
Read ahead about what you will see: the history, the culture and the reason each stop earns its place on the route. Tap a region to jump straight to its guide.
A seaside overnight in Kuşadası, a hill village and a 14th-century mosque on the road to Pamukkale.
Top stops
Kuşadası Şirince Village Isa Bey Mosque
Ancient Hierapolis, the white travertine terraces and an evening in your hotel's thermal baths.
Top stops
Hierapolis Pamukkale Terraces Hotel Thermal Baths
Rumi's mausoleum, a Silk Road caravanserai and the long drive into Cappadocia.
Top stops
Mevlana Museum Sultanhanı Caravanserai Arrival in Cappadocia
Six stops across valleys, fairy chimneys and craft towns, plus the panorama from Uçhisar Castle.
Top stops
Love Valley Paşabağ Avanos Devrent Valley
Salt Lake, the Mausoleum of Atatürk and an overnight in the green hills of Bolu.
Top stops
Salt Lake Mausoleum of Atatürk Bolu
Days 1–2 & 7–8 · Istanbul & Bursa
Istanbul & Bursa: Two Imperial Capitals
Istanbul has been the capital of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and the tour opens here with the four great landmarks of the old city: the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. Your guide meets you at the airport, so the first afternoon is spent with a local expert rather than finding your own way.
From Istanbul the road leads to Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, where the Green Mosque, the Green Tomb and the Grand Mosque show the early architecture of the empire, and the local shops sell Turkish delight, saffron, scarves and olive oil products. On Day 7 the route returns to Istanbul for a Bosphorus cruise and the Spice Bazaar, so the trip closes on the water and in the markets.
Four old-city landmarks on Day 1
Topkapı entrance included
Bosphorus boat tour included
Nights: Bursa 1, Istanbul 1
2 nightsByzantine · Ottoman
Stay
2 nights
Days
1–2 & 7–8
Must-see
Blue Mosque
Best for
History lovers
Insider tip: Visit the big mosques outside prayer times and dress modestly: carry a scarf and expect to remove your shoes. Hagia Sophia is seen from the outside on this program.
Istanbul & Bursa: places you will visit
Day 1 · Istanbul
Hippodrome
Once a monumental stadium for chariot races, the Hippodrome of Constantinople is now Sultanahmet Square. An Egyptian obelisk, the Serpent Column from Delphi and a German fountain still stand along the old track.
Why it matters
- Sets the scene for Byzantine Constantinople
Day 1 · Istanbul
Blue Mosque
Completed in 1616 and renowned for its six minarets and thousands of blue İznik tiles. It is a working mosque, so visits pause at prayer times.
Why it matters
- Dress modestly; shoes come off at the entrance
Day 1 · Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Built as a church in the 6th century and later a mosque, its great dome has dominated the skyline for almost fifteen centuries. On this program you see it from the outside with your guide.
Why it matters
- Interior visit is not included
Day 1 · Istanbul
Topkapı Palace
From the 15th century the residence of the Ottoman sultans and the administrative heart of the empire, now a museum of royal artifacts.
Why it matters
- Entrance fee included
Day 2 · Bursa
Green Mosque
An early 15th-century mosque and one of the finest early Ottoman monuments, famed for its green and turquoise tilework.
Why it matters
- A highlight of the first Ottoman capital
Day 2 · Bursa
Green Tomb
The tomb of Sultan Mehmed I stands opposite the mosque, its exterior covered in turquoise tiles.
Why it matters
- Visited together with the Green Mosque
Day 2 · Bursa
Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii)
Built at the end of the 14th century and topped with twenty domes, with an elegant fountain inside and a beautifully crafted wooden pulpit.
Why it matters
- A masterpiece of the transition period
Day 7 · Istanbul
Bosphorus Cruise
Take in stunning views of the divide between Asia and Europe from the water, passing the waterfront of both continents.
Why it matters
- Regular boat tour included
Day 7 · Istanbul
Spice Bazaar
A colorful 17th-century market beside the New Mosque in Eminönü, full of spices, sweets and local delicacies.
Why it matters
- Easy souvenirs to carry home
Days 2–3 · Kuşadası & Şirince
The Aegean Coast: Kuşadası, Şirince & Selçuk
After Bursa the road drops to the Aegean, where Kuşadası, a lively seaside resort, is your base for the night. It is a welcome change of pace after the long drive and the big-city monuments.
On Day 3 the route climbs into the hills to Şirince, a village of traditional houses surrounded by orchards and vineyards, and stops at the Isa Bey Mosque in Selçuk before heading inland to Pamukkale. It is a short but atmospheric stretch of village life between two very different highlights.
1 night in Kuşadası
Şirince hill village
Isa Bey Mosque, Selçuk
1 nightAegean coast
Stay
1 night
Days
2–3
Must-see
Şirince
Best for
Village life
Insider tip: Wear comfortable shoes for the village lanes and bring sun protection; Day 3 continues inland to Pamukkale.
The Aegean Coast: places you will visit
Day 2 · Overnight
Kuşadası
A lively Aegean resort town and port, where the long drive from Bursa ends with sea air and a seaside evening.
Why it matters
- Overnight: Suhan Seaport Hotel or similar
Day 3 · Morning
Şirince Village
A picturesque hill village known for its traditional architecture and breathtaking views, with narrow lanes and small local shops.
Why it matters
- The first stop of Day 3
Day 3 · Selçuk
Isa Bey Mosque
A stunning example of Seljuk-influenced Anatolian mosque architecture in Selçuk, built in the 14th century.
Why it matters
- A short stop before the road to Pamukkale
Days 3–4 · Pamukkale
Pamukkale: The Cotton Castle & Ancient Hierapolis
Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish, and the name fits: calcium-rich thermal springs have coated the hillside in white travertine terraces and pools. Above them lies Hierapolis, an ancient spa city whose ruins and hot springs make this one of Turkey's most distinctive UNESCO-listed sites.
You visit Hierapolis and the terraces on Day 3, then end the day with a soak in the authentic thermal baths of your hotel, plus an optional leather store fashion show. After breakfast the next morning the road continues to Konya.
Hierapolis entrance included
Hotel thermal baths
1 night at Adem Pira Thermal Hotel
1 night · Thermal springs · Travertines
- Hierapolis entrance included
- Hotel thermal baths
- 1 night at Adem Pira Thermal Hotel
Stay
1 night
Days
3–4
Must-see
Terraces
Best for
Nature & spa
Insider tip: Pack swimwear for your hotel's thermal baths, and bring sun protection because the white terraces reflect strong light.
Pamukkale: places you will visit
Day 3 · Afternoon
Hierapolis
The ancient city above the terraces, founded in the Hellenistic period and later a Roman spa, with ruins and hot springs to explore.
Why it matters
- Entrance fee included
Day 3 · Afternoon
Pamukkale Terraces
Dazzling white terraces created by cascading thermal springs, shaped over thousands of years by mineral-rich water.
Why it matters
- Bring sun protection; the white surface reflects the light
Day 3 · Evening
Hotel Thermal Baths
A relaxing evening soak in the authentic thermal baths of your hotel, with an optional leather store fashion show.
Why it matters
- Pack swimwear
Day 4 · Konya
Konya: Rumi, the Whirling Dervishes & the Seljuk Heartland
Konya was the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum in the 12th and 13th centuries and remains a deeply religious city. It is the home of Jalal ad-Din Rumi, the Sufi poet and mystic whose followers became known as the Whirling Dervishes.
The Mevlana Museum, Rumi's mausoleum, is the highlight of the stop. Further along the road to Cappadocia, the Silk Road caravanserai at Sultanhanı shows how medieval merchants travelled across Anatolia. This is the longest drive of the tour, so the cultural stops are well placed.
Mevlana Museum
Silk Road caravanserai
Longest drive of the tour
Day 4Rumi · Seljuk heartland
Stay
Day visit
Days
4
Must-see
Mevlana Museum
Best for
Culture & faith
Insider tip: Dress modestly for the Mevlana Museum, a place of pilgrimage as well as a museum. Day 4 is the longest drive, so keep water and snacks in your day bag.
Konya: places you will visit
Day 4 · Konya
Mevlana Museum
Dedicated to Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes he inspired, the museum is Rumi's mausoleum and the spiritual center of Konya.
Why it matters
- The reason to stop in Konya
Day 4 · On the road
Sultanhanı Caravanserai
A 13th-century Seljuk inn that once served merchants and travelers on the Silk Road, known for its monumental stone gateway.
Why it matters
- Entrance fee not included
Day 4 · Evening
Arrival in Cappadocia
The rest of the day crosses central Anatolia into Cappadocia, where you stay two nights at Konak Bezirhane Cave Hotel or similar.
Why it matters
- Keep water and snacks in your day bag
Days 4–6 · Cappadocia
Cappadocia: Fairy Chimneys, Cave Dwellings & Rock Valleys
Cappadocia was shaped by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and by wind and water ever since, leaving soft tuff carved into fairy chimneys, cones and valleys. People have cut homes, churches and storerooms into the rock for centuries, which is why the region is famous for its cave dwellings.
Two nights here give you a full day of sightseeing on Day 5 and a scenic start on Day 6 at Uçhisar Castle. Optional hot-air balloon flights are available for travelers who want to see the landscape from above; they are not included in the price.
2 nights in a cave hotel
Paşabağ entrance included
Uçhisar citadel entrance not included
Optional balloon flights
2 nightsFairy chimneys · Cave hotel
Stay
2 nights
Days
4–6
Must-see
Paşabağ
Best for
Photographers
Insider tip: Hot-air balloon flights are optional and not included in the price. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven valley paths and bring a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings.
Cappadocia: places you will visit
Day 5 · Morning
Love Valley
Begin the full day among extraordinary rock formations: tall, rounded columns of tuff rising from the valley floor.
Why it matters
- A classic Cappadocia photo stop
Day 5 · Morning
Paşabağ
Also called Fairy Chimney Valley, with an impressive collection of fairy chimneys, many topped by mushroom-like caps.
Why it matters
- Entrance fee included
Day 5 · Midday
Avanos
A town on the Kızılırmak River, known for its pottery and carpet-weaving traditions.
Why it matters
- Craft traditions and shopping
Day 5 · Afternoon
Devrent Valley
A valley of mushroom- and animal-shaped rock formations, sometimes called Imagination Valley because the cones resemble camels and other animals.
Why it matters
- Visited after lunch
Day 5 · Afternoon
Ürgüp & Ortahisar
Ürgüp is a handsome town of tuff-stone buildings, and Ortahisar has a rock-cut castle and old Greek houses dating to the 1800s.
Why it matters
- Old Cappadocian village architecture
Day 6 · Morning
Uçhisar Castle
Panoramic views over the Cappadocia landscape from the rock fortress above the village of Uçhisar.
Why it matters
- Citadel entrance not included
Days 6–7 · Ankara & Bolu
Ankara & Bolu: Modern Turkey and the Road Home
On Day 6 the route leaves Cappadocia and crosses central Anatolia, passing the striking Salt Lake before reaching Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey since 1923. Here you visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, a significant monument dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey.
The evening brings you to Bolu, a green mountain town roughly midway between Ankara and Istanbul, for an overnight stay at Elifim Resort Hotel or similar. On Day 7 the final drive returns you to Istanbul.
Salt Lake drive-by
Mausoleum of Atatürk
1 night in Bolu
1 nightBolu mountains
Stay
1 night
Days
6–7
Must-see
Anıtkabir
Best for
Modern history
Insider tip: Anıtkabir is a national memorial, so expect a respectful atmosphere and dress modestly. Bolu sits in forested hills and can be cooler than the coast, so keep a light layer handy.
Ankara & Bolu: places you will visit
Day 6 · On the road
Salt Lake
Turkey's second-largest lake is a vast, shallow salt lake, seen from the road as you drive toward Ankara.
Why it matters
- A natural wonder on the way
Day 6 · Ankara
Mausoleum of Atatürk
Anıtkabir, completed in 1953, stands on a hill above Ankara and holds the tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with a museum beside it.
Why it matters
- A significant national monument
Day 6 · Overnight
Bolu
A forested mountain province between Ankara and Istanbul, and a calm overnight stop before the last day's drive.
Why it matters
- Overnight: Elifim Resort Hotel or similar
Topic Highlights
What Makes This Overland Turkey Tour Special
Istanbul's Old City
The Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace, led by a local guide from the moment you land.
Bursa, First Ottoman Capital
The Green Mosque and Green Tomb and the Grand Mosque with its fountain and carved wooden pulpit.
Şirince & the Aegean
A traditional hill village, the Isa Bey Mosque and a night on the lively Kuşadası coast.
Pamukkale & Hierapolis
Ancient ruins, white travertine terraces created by thermal springs, and an evening soak in your hotel's thermal baths.
Mevlana Museum, Konya
The museum dedicated to Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes he inspired, plus a Silk Road caravanserai.
A Full Day in Cappadocia
Love Valley, Paşabağ's fairy chimneys, Avanos pottery, Devrent Valley, Ürgüp and Ortahisar.
Atatürk Mausoleum, Ankara
A significant monument dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey, with Salt Lake on the drive.
Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar
Finish in Istanbul with views across two continents and a colorful bazaar of spices and sweets.
Private Vehicle, Guide & No Flights
Six regions connected entirely by road in your own air-conditioned vehicle, with an English-speaking guide throughout.
Best for:
History lovers Culture and faith travelers Private groups of 1–12 Couples Photographers Travelers who prefer the road to flights
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation: 7 Nights, Breakfast Included
Your hotel changes almost every night on this route, following the itinerary closely across six regions.
Bursa — 1 Night
Tiera Thermal Hotel or similar.
Kuşadası — 1 Night
Suhan Seaport Hotel or similar.
Pamukkale — 1 Night
Adem Pira Thermal Hotel, with on-site thermal baths.
Cappadocia — 2 Nights
Konak Bezirhane Cave Hotel or similar.
Bolu — 1 Night
Elifim Resort Hotel or similar.
Istanbul — 1 Night
Ramada Encore Bayrampaşa or similar.
Hotel category. The price covers your choice of 3-4-5★ hotels, and the hotels above are examples marked “or similar.” Hotel category can be upgraded on request: tell us your preference when you enquire or reserve.
Services
What Is Included and Not Included
Included in the price
- English-speaking guide throughout the trip
- 7 nights accommodation at your choice of 3-4-5★ hotels
- All transport in new, air-conditioned vehicles
- All airport transfers throughout the trip
- All parking fees, ferry tolls and petrol
- 7 hotel breakfasts, 7 local restaurant lunches, 6 hotel dinners and 1 local restaurant dinner
- Entrance fees: Topkapı Palace, Pamukkale (Hierapolis), Paşabağ, Özkonak Underground City and the regular Bosphorus boat tour
Not included
- Flight tickets
- Drinks, personal expenses and porters
- Optional tours (including hot-air balloon flights)
- Entrance fees: Hagia Sophia, Sultanhanı Caravanserai and Uçhisar Citadel
Entrance fees: Topkapı Palace, Pamukkale (Hierapolis), Paşabağ and the regular Bosphorus boat tour are included. Hagia Sophia, Sultanhanı Caravanserai and Uçhisar Citadel are not, and Hagia Sophia is visited from the outside only.
Price & Booking
Tour Price and Booking Terms
This is a private, vehicle-based tour, so the price per person is set by group size rather than a single flat rate. Prices are in US dollars, per person.
1 Traveler
$4,495
per person
- $4,495 total for the group
- Private vehicle & English-speaking guide
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Listed entrance fees and meals
2 Travelers
$2,680
per person
- $5,360 total for the group
- Private vehicle & English-speaking guide
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Listed entrance fees and meals
4 Travelers
$1,775
per person
- $7,100 total for the group
- Private vehicle & English-speaking guide
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Listed entrance fees and meals
6 Travelers
$1,470
per person
- $8,820 total for the group
- Private vehicle & English-speaking guide
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Listed entrance fees and meals
8 Travelers
$1,315
per person
- $10,520 total for the group
- Private vehicle & English-speaking guide
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Listed entrance fees and meals
12 Travelers
$1,165
per person
- $13,980 total for the group
- Private vehicle & English-speaking guide
- 7 nights with breakfast
- Listed entrance fees and meals
Reservation & other group sizes
Reservation
A 40% deposit is required to reserve your tour.
Balance
The balance is payable on arrival.
Other group sizes
Travelling with 3, 5, 7 or 9–11 people? Send us your group size for an exact quote.
Cancellation
Cancellation terms are set out in our Terms & Conditions.
AI-Powered Travel Recommendations
The History Travel Tips for Your 8 Days on the Road
Practical suggestions based on the route, the season and the way the itinerary is paced.
First road trip in Turkey?
Expect real driving days. The longest is Day 4, from Pamukkale via Konya to Cappadocia, so keep water, snacks and a light layer in your day bag.
History lovers
The route runs from Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul and Bursa, through ancient Hierapolis, to Seljuk Konya and Cappadocia's rock-cut landscape.
Photography lovers
Plan for Cappadocia's valleys and the view from Uçhisar, the white terraces of Pamukkale and the Bosphorus. Bring a spare battery.
Mosque etiquette
Several stops are working mosques. Dress modestly, carry a scarf and expect to remove your shoes at the entrance.
Choose the right shoes
Expect stairs and cobbles in Istanbul and Bursa, ancient stone at Hierapolis and uneven valley paths in Cappadocia. Comfortable walking shoes matter most.
Travel season
Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable for sightseeing. Summers are hot on the Aegean coast and at Pamukkale, while Cappadocia, Konya and Bolu can be cold in winter.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Sun hat
Comfortable clothes and a light jacket
Swimwear for the hotel thermal baths
Camera or smartphone
Reusable water bottle
Passport and booking confirmation
Best time to go
Spring (Apr–May) & Autumn (Sep–Oct)
The most comfortable seasons for sightseeing: mild to warm days, green valleys in spring, soft light and thinner crowds in autumn.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot on the Aegean coast and at Pamukkale. Start sightseeing early and keep water and sun protection with you.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool and quiet. Cappadocia, Konya and Bolu can be cold, so pack warm layers.
Local tip: Day 4 is the longest drive of the tour. Rest well the night before, and keep water, snacks and a light layer in your day bag.
Guest Reviews
5 Stars Excellent Service · The History Travel Agency
5.0
★★★★★
33 reviews on TripAdvisor
Rated 5.0 from 33 reviews on TripAdvisor. Read all reviews on TripAdvisor.
Guests of The History Travel Agency consistently praise personal planning, quick communication and smoothly organized transfers. The nine reviews below are real TripAdvisor reviews of our tours, reproduced as written, and they cover private city tours, family packages and multi-day trips across Turkey, the same kind of service you receive on this 8-day ground trip.
Reading across them, the same themes come up again and again: itineraries tailored to the traveler, constant contact by WhatsApp before and during the trip, knowledgeable English-speaking guides, comfortable vehicles and hotels, and special requests such as vegetarian meals handled without fuss.
Personalised itineraries Constant WhatsApp contact Knowledgeable guides Comfortable transport and hotels Special requests handled
B
★★★★★
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”
S
★★★★★
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.”
H
★★★★★
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.”
N
★★★★★
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.”
I
★★★★★
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!”
D
★★★★★
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.”
D
★★★★★
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.”
C
★★★★★
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.”
S
★★★★★
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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