Western Turkey Tour From Istanbul

Embark on a captivating journey through Western Turkey, where you’ll uncover ancient cities, stunning landscapes, and a rich tapestry of history, from the poignant Gallipoli battlefields to the magnificent ruins of Ephesus.

Western Turkey Tour Itinerary

Day 1

  • Early Morning Pick-Up: Departure from your hotel between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and drive to Gallipoli.
  • Lunch in Eceabat
  • Gallipoli Visit: Explore the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, including:
    • Brighton Beach
    • Beach Cemetery
    • ANZAC Cove
    • Ariburnu Cemetery
    • ANZAC Commemorative Site
    • Respect to Mehmetcik Statue
    • Lone Pine Australian Memorial
    • Johnston's Jolly (Trenches and Tunnels of Allied and Turkish forces)
    • Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery
    • The Nek
    • Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay in Eceabat.

Day 2

  • Pick-Up for Troy Tour: Pick up around 8:00 AM for the Troy tour.
  • Troy Ancient City Visit: Visit the legendary Troy, known for its mythological and archaeological significance. Highlights include:
    • The Trojan Horse
    • Sacrificial Altars
    • The 3700-year-old city walls
    • Houses of Troy I (3000 B.C. - 2500 B.C.)
    • The Bouleuterium (Senate Building)
    • The Odeon (Concert Hall)
    • Recent Excavations
    • Ruins of cities from Troy I through Troy IX
  • Lunch in Pergamon
  • Pergamon Visit: Explore the ancient city of Pergamon, with its rich history and iconic sites:
    • The Acropolis
    • The Library of Pergamon (once home to 200,000 books)
    • Temple of Athena
    • Temple of Trajan
    • Altar of Zeus (now in Berlin Museum)
    • The Gymnasium
    • Lower Agora
    • The Hellenistic Theater (10,000 capacity)
    • Temple of Dionysus
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Day 3

  • Pick-Up for Pamukkale Tour: Departure around 7:30 AM - 8:00 AM.
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis Visit: Explore the natural beauty of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, including:
    • Hierapolis (Sacred City)
    • Necropolis (Tumulus, sarcophagi, and house-shaped tombs)
    • Domitian Gate
    • The Main Street
    • Byzantium Gate
    • Temple of Apollo
    • Plutonium Theatre
    • Travertines
    • Cleopatra’s Pool
  • Accommodation: Overnight stay in Selçuk or Kusadasi.

Day 4

  • Pick-Up for Ephesus Tour: Departure around 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM.
  • Ephesus Ancient City Visit: Visit one of the most well-preserved ancient cities, with highlights including:
    • Temple of Artemis
    • The Library of Celsus
    • The Great Theatre
    • The House of Virgin Mary
  • Transfer to Izmir Airport: After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
  • Flight to Istanbul: Fly back to Istanbul.
  • Private Transfer to Hotel: Transfer to your hotel in Istanbul upon arrival.

Price Includes

  • English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Entrance fees to the sights mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned minibus
  • 1-night bed and breakfast accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Canakkale
  • 2-nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Kusadasi
  • Domestic flight ticket from Izmir to Istanbul
  • Private airport transfer in Istanbul
  • Lunches during the tour

Price Excludes

  • Dinners
  • Beverages at lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips (optional)

Tour Highlights

Gallipoli

Walk through the historic Gallipoli Peninsula, where the ANZAC forces fought in World War I, and explore iconic sites such as ANZAC Cove and the Lone Pine Australian Memorial.

Troy

Step into the legendary ancient city of Troy, famous for its mythological history, including the Trojan Horse and the ruins of several ancient settlements spanning 3,700 years.

Pergamon

Discover the ancient city of Pergamon, known for its majestic Acropolis, the vast Library of Pergamon, and the impressive Temple of Athena that once stood in this Hellenistic city.

Ephesus

Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus, and experience its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

Pamukkale

Marvel at the surreal, white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, formed over millennia by thermal waters, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis with its sacred ruins and Cleopatra's Pool.

This enriching Western Turkey tour offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring you will have a truly unforgettable experience.