Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Turkey grand tour itinerary
A 10-day journey across Turkey's iconic highlights
This land-only route starts in Istanbul and continues through Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Izmir, and Bursa before returning to Istanbul.
Overnights
3 Istanbul, 1 Ankara, 2 Cappadocia, 1 Konya, 1 Pamukkale, 1 Izmir
Meals
26 meals included
Guide
English-speaking throughout
Basis
Land-only
Start
Istanbul
Day-by-day route
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, meet your guide at the hotel, and finish the day with a welcome dinner.
OvernightIstanbul
MealsDinner
- Istanbul arrival
- Guide meeting
- Welcome dinner
Aim for an arrival time that leaves room for an evening welcome dinner.
Day 2
Classic Istanbul
Cover the old city icons, market streets, and a Bosphorus cruise in one full sightseeing day.
OvernightIstanbul
MealsBreakfast, Lunch
- Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Hippodrome
- Grand Bazaar
- Spice Bazaar
- Bosphorus cruise
A balanced first sightseeing day with both historic landmarks and water views.
Day 3
Istanbul to Ankara
Travel inland to Ankara for Ataturk's mausoleum, the museum, panoramic city views, and the old quarter.
OvernightAnkara
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ankara
- Ataturk Mausoleum
- Ataturk Museum
- Ankara Castle
- Old city
The drive continues after breakfast and ends with an overnight stay in Ankara.
Day 4
Ankara to Cappadocia
Stop at Salt Lake on the way to Cappadocia, then visit the Underground City and Dervent Valley.
OvernightCappadocia
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Salt Lake
- Underground City
- Dervent Valley
- Cappadocia arrival
Source route notes approximately three hours of driving from Ankara to Cappadocia.
Day 5
Cappadocia highlights
Add an optional balloon flight and visit the region's most recognizable cultural and scenic stops.
OvernightCappadocia
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Hot air balloon (optional)
- Ladies Carpet Weaving Cooperative
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Uchisar Castle
- Onyx workshops
- Pigeon Valley
This is the signature Cappadocia day and the balloon flight is optional.
Day 6
Cappadocia to Konya
Continue via a pottery workshop and Sultanhan Caravansarai before visiting the Mevlana complex in Konya.
OvernightKonya
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Pottery and ceramic workshop
- Sultanhan Caravansarai
- Mevlana Complex
- Rumi's tomb
The source route notes roughly four hours of driving on this leg.
Day 7
Konya to Pamukkale
Drive to Pamukkale, see the white terraces and Hierapolis, and enjoy free time at the site.
OvernightPamukkale
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Pamukkale terraces
- Hierapolis
- Free time at the site
Another full transfer day with a long scenic overland drive.
Day 8
Ephesus and Izmir
See Ephesus with the Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Marble Road, and the Great Theater before ending in Izmir.
OvernightIzmir
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Ephesus
- Temple of Hadrian
- Celsus Library
- Marble Road
- Great Theater
- Leather outlet
The route finishes with shopping time and an overnight stay in Izmir.
Day 9
Izmir to Bursa and Istanbul
Visit Bursa's UNESCO-listed sites, then return to Istanbul for a farewell dinner.
OvernightIstanbul
MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Bursa
- Great Mosque
- Green Mosque
- Tomb of Sultan Celebi Mehmet
- Koza Han
- Farewell dinner in Istanbul
The source route notes about five hours of driving back to Istanbul.
Day 10
Departure
Transfer to the airport and continue your journey home.
OvernightNone
MealsNot listed
- Airport transfer
- Departure flight
The source page ends with a simple transfer back to the airport.
Included
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout
- 26 meals (9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners)
- Guided sightseeing across the full route
Not included
- International flights
- Single supplement
- Optional Cappadocia hot air balloon flight
- Personal expenses
Planning notes
- The itinerary is land-only; flights are arranged separately.
- The Cappadocia balloon ride is optional.
- The source tour lists a single supplement of 459 USD per person.