Explore Turkey: 11-Day Private Tour
Home / Private Turkey Tours / Explore Turkey
OVERVIEW
A Journey Through Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Antalya
Explore Turkey is a 11-day, 10-night private guided tour from Istanbul and back, covering Istanbul, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias and Antalya. You travel with your own guide and driver for the whole trip, not as part of a shared group, and pricing starts from 1,690 USD per person for parties of 10 or more.
11 Days / 10 Nights
Duration
Istanbul
Departure
Istanbul
Return
Private, guided
Style
✓ 100% private tour, no joining a group
✓ Licensed local guides
✓ Flexible dates & group sizes
✓ Free, no-obligation quote
FROM
$1,690 per person
For groups of 10 or more. See the full price table below.
Tailored to your dates and group size
WHAT’S INCLUDED
What the Price Covers
Here is what the price includes, and what it does not.
What's Included
10 nights accommodation at selected hotels
11 breakfasts and 6 dinners at hotels, as marked B, L and D in the itinerary
Admission fees, tax and service charges
Complete program of tours as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Services of a Professional English-speaking tour guide who is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and an expert on Turkey’s history and culture
Local transportation by a private chauffeur driven deluxe van with A/C
All transfers and touring as per itinerary from arrival to departure
Airfare for the flight from Antalya to Istanbul
Flight for guide from Antalya to Istanbul
Accommodation for guide and driver at a lower category hotel including their meals
VAT
What's Not Included
International airfare and related taxes
Customary end-of-tour gratuities to the guide and drivers
Bottled beverages or alcohol
Travel insurance and visas, laundry and personal items
Final pricing depends on season, group size and hotel category.
DAY BY DAY
11 days and 10 nights from Istanbul.
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Arrival Day
Welcome to Istanbul. After clearing customs and immigration, your guide meets you at the airport and helps you transfer to your hotel. After check-in to the hotel, you can rest in your room or you can take a walk around the hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Guided Day
This morning after breakfast, we drive drive to Golden Horn. On the way we will see the ancient city walls then we will see The Saint Saviour- Chora Church which is covered with the intricate golden mosaics inspired from the Bible and the life of Virgin Mary, Jesus…Then we drive to see the Eyüp Mosque and witness the religious life and their ritual visits to tomb of beloved friend of Prophet Muhammed, then we climb up to hill to have a beautiful view over the Golden Horn in Pierre Loti Cafe.. After your lunch we go to see the life of Istanbul citizens in Taksim. We guarantee that you will gain different perspectives of the life of this fabulous city throughout the day..
Day 3: Istanbul, Gallipoli and Çanakkale
Travel + Guided Day
Today we drive to Canakkale to discover the Gallipoli Peninsula. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Cemetery, the original tunnels and trenches at Johnston Jolly, The Nek Cemetery, Chunuk-Bair New Zealand Memorial and Cemetery and Kabatepe War Museum. After Gallipoli cross the Dardanalles and overnight in Canakkale.
Day 4: Kuşadası, Troy and Pergamon
Travel + Guided Day
After breakfast drive to Homer’s Troy, and the site of King Priam’s Treasures. Probably the most famous city of classical times – who doesn’t know the story of the Trojan Horse. After Troy, you will enjoy a scenic drive through Thrace to visit the hauntingly beautiful the ancient city of Pergamon. You will visit the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library, and The Asclepieum of Pergamon. Leaving Pergamon behind us we settle at our hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 5: Kuşadası and Ephesus
Travel + Guided Day
After breakfast we drive to the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Impressive structures we will see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. We also visit the House of the Virgin Mary We stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Kuşadası and Pamukkale
Travel + Guided Day
After breakfast depart for Pamukkale – which means “Cotton Castle” – a Mineral Water Spa since ancient times. Arrive in Pamukkale and visit ancient city of Hierapolis. Then swim in the world famous calcium deposited pools called travertines. Overnight in one of the thermal hotels in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Pamukkale and Aphrodisias
Travel + Guided Day
This morning drive north through Taurus Mountains to Antalya, En route stop at Aphrodisias, the Ancient City which was dedicated to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. The Temple’s theater and stadium are excellently preserved. Visit the Museum and tour the ruins some were restored by the National Geographic Society. Then drive to Antalya where our hotel is located.
Day 8: Antalya
Guided Day
Antalya, first a Pamphylian, and later a Roman city. This morning visit the Antalya Regional Archaeological Museum and an orientation tour of the city. Then continue to explore the ancient Pamphylian, Hellenistic and Roman cities of Perge and Aspendos. The theater at Aspendos has a capacity of 15,000 people and is the best preserved in the Mediterranean Basin. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 9: Antalya and Istanbul
Travel + Guided Day
After breakfast you will be transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul, our first stop will be the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans housing richness of 700 years. Then you will enjoy a Bosphorus tour by boat along the waterway separating Europe from Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace.
Day 10: Istanbul
Guided Day
Today you will visit the Hippodrome, where chariot races were held and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Then world famous St. Sophia – the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century – following the Blue Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior blue tiles. Later on you will be browsing the Grand Bazaar. Rest of the day is free at leisure to explore the city on your own and overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 11: Departure from Istanbul
Departure Day
This morning your guide meets you and pick you up from the hotel and transfer to the airport End of our services…
TOUR MAP
Where This Tour Takes You
The route of the Explore Turkey on the map.
PHOTO GALLERY
Moments From the Route
A few photographs from the places this tour passes through.
ACCOMMODATION
Where You’ll Stay
The hotels named for this route. Your exact rooms depend on your dates and availability.
Sultanhan Boutique Hotel
Istanbul
A museum hotel in Istanbul’s Historic Peninsula, built to preserve its historical architecture and texture.
PRICING
Prices
2 Participants
$3,990
4 Participants
$2,590
6 Participants
$2,090
8 Participants
$1,830
10+ Participants · Best Value
$1,690
Prices change with the season and the month of travel. Please ask for the real price valid for the time you are planning to travel.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Quick answers about what is included, how the days run and how to adjust this trip to you.
What does the price cover?
The price covers: 10 nights accommodation at selected hotels; 11 breakfasts and 6 dinners at hotels, as marked B, L and D in the itinerary; admission fees, tax and service charges; complete program of tours as specified in the day-by-day itinerary; services of a Professional English-speaking tour guide who is licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and an expert on Turkey’s history and culture; local transportation by a private chauffeur driven deluxe van with A/C; all transfers and touring as per itinerary from arrival to departure; airfare for the flight from Antalya to Istanbul; flight for guide from Antalya to Istanbul; accommodation for guide and driver at a lower category hotel including their meals; vAT.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Your own guide and driver travel with just your party for all 11 days, with no joining a shared bus or group itinerary.
Are internal flights included?
Yes. The price includes the flights Antalya to Istanbul. Your guide’s flights are covered too.
How is the price calculated?
Price depends on group size, from 1,690 USD per person for 10 or more travelers up to 3,990 USD per person for a party of 2. Prices vary by season, so ask for the exact rate for your travel dates.
What is not included?
International airfare and related taxes; Customary end-of-tour gratuities to the guide and drivers; Bottled beverages or alcohol; Travel insurance and visas, laundry and personal items.
Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts in Istanbul and ends back in Istanbul. Your guide meets you at the airport on arrival.
Which hotels are used on this route?
Named hotels on this route include Sultanhan Boutique Hotel (Istanbul), Marina Residence Boutique Hotel (Antalya), Hotel Colossae (Pamukkale), Hotel Charisma (Kuşadası), Kolin Hotel (Çanakkale). Your exact rooms depend on your dates and availability.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. This is our standard plan, and dates, pace and stops can be adjusted around your interests. Tell us what you want when you request your quote.
Ready to See Explore Turkey Your Way?
A private guide and driver, your own pace for all 11 days. Tell us your dates and group size and we’ll send a tailored quote.