Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. You’ll be free for the rest of the day. Explore the hotel’s vicinity and try Turkish coffee at a local cafe.
Accommodation in Istanbul.
After breakfast, we’ll start our Istanbul tour at 08:45 am. First, we will visit the great Hagia Sophia (Saint Sophia), built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD as a church and was later converted into a mosque. Next, we will visit the Topkapı Palace, a giant walled complex from which Ottoman sultans ruled their great empire for more than 420 years. Afterwards, we will visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), a 17th-century Ottoman mosque renowned for its six minarets and magnificent interior, featuring blue tiles.
Then, we’ll explore the Hippodrome Square, which was used as a meeting place and for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column brought from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm.
Accommodation in Istanbul. (Breakfast)
Today, we will depart early for Çanakkale. Pick-up will be between 07:00 am from your hotel. We will drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula for about 4 hours to visit one of the most important sites of World War I.
Gallipoli is home to the remains of 500,000 soldiers and is one of Turkey's most important war memorials. We will visit the site of the Battle of Gallipoli, including the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair Atatürk Monument, Anzac Cove, and Johnston's Jolly Cemetery. We see the original trenches and tunnels where the bloodiest and most dramatic scenes of the Dardanelles wars took place, and the bayonet wars were fought hand in hand.
At the end of the tour, we’ll drive to Çanakkale.
Overnight stay in Çanakkale. (Breakfast - Dinner)
After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient city of Troia from Canakkale, 28 Km.
Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The real-life location of the legendary Trojan War is described in Homer's Iliad.
Next, we will visit the legendary Pergamon, the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon from 282 to 133 BC. We will visit the Acropolis, which is the city’s administrative centre, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, the Temple of Demeter, and the famous Pergamon Library, which housed 200,000 rolls. The Altar of Zeus, excavated during the Pergamon (Bergama) excavations. The Great Theatre of Pergamon is the world's steepest theatre, capable of entertaining up to 10,000 spectators in ancient times.
Accommodation in Izmir. (Breakfast - Dinner)
In the morning, we begin our tour by exploring the magnificent Roman Agora, located in the heart of Izmir. Smyrna Church is one of the seven churches mentioned in the Revelation of John. Then, we enjoy shopping and local flavours in Izmir's historical bazaar, Kemeraltı. Colourful shops, coffee houses and historical inns await you here.
Our journey continues to Pamukkale via Salihli and Philadelphia. Sardis was the capital of the Lydian Kingdom. Visit the Temple of Artemis, Gymnasium, Synagogue, and Royal Road, which await you. We will witness the deep traces of history in Sardis.
The Sardis Church and the Philadelphia Church are among the seven holy churches mentioned in the book of Revelation of St John.
Lunch break on the way.
Philadelphia, known as the "City of Brotherhood" in ancient times, bears the traces of the early Christian period.
Pamukkale: We walk on the white travertines of Pamukkale and enjoy the healing waters. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. We complete our tour with Roman baths, a theatre, an ancient cemetery and magnificent views.
Accommodation in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. (Breakfast - Dinner)
Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the history of ancient Ephesus.
Ephesus is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The ancient capital of Asia Minor is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman cities. It is home to the Temple of Hadrian, the marvellous Celsus Library, the Temple of Trajan, the Grand Theatre (25.000 seats), the Agora, the Gymnasium, and the Terrace House (entrance extra). While walking on the marble road, you will feel like a Roman nobleman.
The Temple of Artemis is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It was destroyed by strong earthquakes and remained underground.
Lunch Break in a local restaurant.
The House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary.
A short break for souvenir shopping and a fashion show at the leather clothing outlet centre.
Also, discover the traditional art of carpet weaving, including how it is woven by hand and what determines the value of silk production.
Accommodation in Kuşadası or Izmir (Breakfast - Dinner)
Today, fly to Kayseri Airport or Nevsehir Airport from Izmir. Transferred to Cappadocia Hotel.
Optional daily activities in Cappadocia
- QTW Quad Safari Sunset view 2 Hr.
- Jeep Safari 2 Hr.
Note: In group tours (Minimum 6 Pax) Pamukkale Cappadocia transportation is done by vehicle. Konya Mevlana Museum and Sultanhani Caravanserai are visited on the route.
Accommodation in Cappadocia. (Breakfast - Dinner)
Hot Air Balloon Tour (optional) 04:30 - 09:00 Experience the privilege of watching the magnificent sunrise view of Cappadocia in the sky in the Hot Air Balloon basket. After breakfast, start the day tour.
Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to fantastic monasteries and chapels like the Dark Church ( Extra), Apple Church, Snake Church, and Saint Barbara Church. You will see the scenery and figures from the Old and New Testament on well-preserved frescoes from the iconoclastic period.
Uçhisar Castle is situated on the highest hill of Cappadocia and is shaped by flowing volcanic lava. From the Uçhisar viewpoint, you can see the outstanding natural beauty of Pigeon Valley and the pigeons' nests carved into the rocks.
Pasabağı Valley. ( Monks Valley ) Some of the mushroom-shaped rock formations here are several meters high. For many years, fairy chimneys shaped by erosion were used as houses by various religious groups, also known as the Monks Valley.
Devrent Valley is renowned for its rock formations that resemble animal figures.
Lunch break in a local restaurant in Avanos
Avanos is a town in Cappadocia, located on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, and is famous for its pottery tradition, which dates back thousands of years from the Hittite era to the present.
Visit the ceramic pottery atelier and observe the production process for famous ceramics and pottery.
Özkonak Underground City is one of the most interesting underground shelters in Cappadocia, 17 km from Avanos. Built to protect against enemy attacks, this city offers the opportunity to discover the mysterious life underground with its passages, ventilation holes and defence systems constructed in layers.
Accommodation in Cappadocia. (Breakfast - Dinner)
Early departure from Cappadocia through Mt. Nemrut via Hatay. Approximately 7 hr drive. Short visit to the Seljuk Karatay Caravanserai. Built in 1240 by the Seljuk, it is one of the most beautiful caravanserais on the Silk Road.
Lunch break on the way with local dishes.
Visit the ancient city of Arsameia, the Karakus Tumulus, a burial mound of the women of the Commagene Royal family, and the Roman Bridge (Cendere Bridge), one of the oldest bridges in the world. It was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus (193-211) in the name of his two sons and his wife. This 120-meter-long, 30-meter bridge was constructed with cut stones, without the use of mortar.
After a challenging climb, we will reach the house of the gods at the summit of the mysterious and magnificent Mount Nemrut. We will see the statues of Zeus, Apollo, Heracles, Antiochus, Commagene, the Eagle, and the Lion on the summit of Nemrut, and the tumulus of King Antiochus I of Commagene is located there. Enjoy the enchanting landscape of sunset and sunrise among the giant statues of the Gods.
Accommodation is at Euphrat Hotel, located on the slopes of Mount Nemrut, so close that you can almost reach the stars in the sky and the hay road. ( Dutluca Village ). The hotel is not available, so drive to Adıyaman for an overnight stay.
Accommodation in Nemrut Euprat Hotel or Adıyaman. ( Breakfast - Dinner )
Today, we drive to Sanliurfa and first visit Göbeklitepe, located 19 km from Sanliurfa.
Göbeklitepe is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A unique destination for history and archaeology enthusiasts. Considered the oldest temple complex in the world, Göbeklitepe is a pivotal discovery that has radically changed human history. This monumental area was built by hunter-gatherer communities 12,000 years ago. The giant T-shaped stone obelisks found at Göbeklitepe feature reliefs, predatory animal figures, and abstract symbols carved on them.
Continue Harran 60 Km from Göbeklitepe.
Harran is an ancient settlement located south of Sanliurfa, famous for its traditional conical-domed Harran houses and for hosting the first university in the Islamic world. Located on the historic Silk Road, this ancient city played a pivotal role in the history of astronomy and science.
We arrive at Sanliurfa and take lunch in a local restaurant.
Şanlıurfa Archaeology and Mosaic Museum is one of the largest museum complexes in Turkey. Historical artefacts belonging to civilisations that lived in Mesopotamia, as well as artefacts unearthed from important archaeological sites such as Göbeklitepe and Nevali Çori, are also exhibited here. The Balıklıgöl Man statue, which dates back 11,500 years and is the oldest known statue in human history, is located here.
Visit Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the Prophet Abraham Cave, and the Pools of the Holy Carp surrounding it, Ayn-el Zeliha Lake (the pit where the Prophet Abraham was thrown into the fire), then wander around the oriental covered bazaar.
Accommodation in Sanliurfa. ( Breakfast – Dinner )
After breakfast in Şanlıurfa, drive through to Gaziantep. (200 Km)
Gaziantep is the largest and most modern industrial and agricultural city in the Southeastern region of Turkey. First stop at the Halfeti dam, on the way.
Halfeti has a rich history dating back to 855 BC. It was once ruled by cultures such as the Assyrians, Byzantines, Romans, Armenians, and Ottomans. One of its unique features is that it's the only place in the world where black roses grow. We take a boat trip to visit the old city of Halfeti, now submerged beneath the Euphrates River due to the construction of the Birecik Dam. Along the way, you'll see Rumkale, the former centre of the Armenian Bishopric, the half-submerged village of Savaşan, and the sunken minaret, all offering exciting and beautiful views.
Arrive at Gaziantep, and we have a lunch break in a local restaurant. Get experience with the renowned Gaziantep gastronomy, including the famous and delicious baklava. Afterwards, visit the fantastic Zeugma Mosaic Museum.
Zeugma Mosaic Museum is the largest Mosaic Museum in the world. The famous 'Gypsy Girl' mosaic is exhibited in this museum. It also showcases hundreds of magnificent floor and wall mosaics discovered in the Roman settlement of Belkıs-Zeugma before the Birecik Dam flooded most of the site. Fly to Istanbul from Gaziantep airport. Then transfer to the Istanbul hotel.
Accommodation in Istanbul ( Breakfast )
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight. Hope to see you on another holiday in Türkiye.
Note. If you want to extend your holiday, an excellent tour program is recommended, including the Bosphorus boat tour, the Spice Bazaar, Dolmabahçe Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Archaeological Museum.
Customised Tours
We can customise this tour program to suit your personal, educational, cultural, flight dates, and budgetary preferences. Contact us to request a new itinerary.
| People | Per person in Double |
Single Room | Extra Bed | Children Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Pax | 4876.00 | 5631.00 | 4876.00 | |
| 4 Pax | 4272.00 | 5027.00 | 4272.00 | |
| 5 Pax | 3974.00 | 4729.00 | 3974.00 | |
| 6 Pax | 3650.00 | 4405.00 | 3650.00 | |
| 7-9 Pax | 3348.00 | 4103.00 | 3348.00 | |
| 10-14 Pax | 2948.00 | 3703.00 | 2948.00 | |
| 15-19 Pax | 2678.00 | 3433.00 | 2678.00 | |
| 20-24 Pax | 2581.00 | 3336.00 | 2581.00 | |
| 25-29 Pax | 2441.00 | 3196.00 | 2441.00 | |
| 30-40 Pax | 2365.00 | 3120.00 | 2365.00 |
| People | Per person in Double |
Single Room | Extra Bed | Children Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Pax | 5185.00 | 5940.00 | 5185.00 | |
| 4 Pax | 4581.00 | 5336.00 | 4581.00 | |
| 5 Pax | 4283.00 | 5038.00 | 4283.00 | |
| 6 Pax | 3959.00 | 4714.00 | 3959.00 | |
| 7-9 Pax | 3657.00 | 4412.00 | 3657.00 | |
| 10-14 Pax | 3257.00 | 4012.00 | 3257.00 | |
| 15-19 Pax | 2987.00 | 3742.00 | 2987.00 | |
| 20-24 Pax | 2890.00 | 3645.00 | 2890.00 | |
| 25-29 Pax | 2750.00 | 3505.00 | 2750.00 | |
| 30-40 Pax | 2674.00 | 3429.00 | 2674.00 |
Tip policy for the group
The minimum recommended daily tip for tour guides, drivers, waiters, and hotel staff on the tour is 7 € per person. It is paid in cash to the Travel Agency officer and distributed to the tour operators upon arrival in Turkey.
Cancellation Policy
For cancellations made 45 days or more before the tour, a 100% refund will be provided. (Except per person 225 € for register, bank commission, and domestic flight ticket cost)
- For cancellations made 44 - 30 days before the tour, a 50% refund. (Except for the Bank Commission)
- For cancellations made 20-29 days before the tour, a 20% refund will be provided.
- No refunds for reservations made 19 days before the tour. %100 Penalty is applied.
Remarks
- Please note that travel health insurance is mandatory.
- The guide reserves the right to modify the tour program due to adverse weather conditions, traffic congestion, or similar unforeseen circumstances.
If any location on the itinerary is closed, we will arrange to visit alternative places.
- During the tours, you will walk approximately 2 km daily on uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines, and steps.
During the summer, wear comfortable clothing, flat walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Please bring a raincoat, warm clothes, winter walking shoes, and an umbrella to stay comfortable in the winter.
- When visiting churches and mosques, it is recommended to wear plain clothing, including closed and long skirts
- The order of the sites visited may change to avoid crowds.
- Please ensure that you carry your passport for all domestic flights. Domestic flights are economy class, and the luggage limit is 15 Kg.
- If Alsero Tours changes the itinerary or hotels, Alsero Tours will cover any incidental expenses.
- Alsero Tours is not financially responsible for any additional tour and journey costs that may arise due to travel program changes or force majeure circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions, passenger health issues, earthquakes, fires, roadblocks, or flight cancellations.
Individual Domestic Flight ticket information.
We endeavour to provide our esteemed guests with the highest level of comfort during intercity travel over extensive distances by facilitating direct flights whenever possible. This arrangement ensures that no time is wasted during flight transfers at Istanbul Airport. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that direct flights between Cappadocia and Ephesus, as well as between Cappadocia and Antalya, are only available on select days of the week from May to October. Daily direct flights are not on offer. Guests may need to adjust their travel dates by one to two days to align with these direct flight schedules. It may be necessary to incorporate a connecting flight to Istanbul to complete the tour if this adjustment proves unfeasible. Any requisite modifications to the tour itinerary can be addressed by submitting the passengers' information.
Flight ticket group reservation policy
Please note that flight ticket prices included in tour packages are only valid for individual passengers. If you are travelling in a group, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets well in advance to avoid any significant price increases. For domestic flights, such as those from Istanbul to Cappadocia, booking your group tickets at least 5-6 months in advance is recommended. Failure to do so may result in limited availability and higher prices. Once your group reservation is confirmed, you must pay 30% of the ticket price within two days to secure your booking. The airline company may cancel your group request and ticket prices if payment is not received within this timeframe.
On the West to Cappadocia, Mesopotamia tour, you will embark on a trip to Turkey that is a visual feast beyond your wildest expectations. The Aegean region, Cappadocia, and Mesopotamia are legendary places, including the Hagia Sophia Museum, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy, Pamukkale, Mt. Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, and Zeugma, all of which are listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Discover the magnificent heritage of ancient civilisations that lived thousands of years ago in Asia Minor, with the 12-Day Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia, and Mesopotamia tour.
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