5 Day Turkey Tour (Istanbul-Ephesus-Pamukkale)

Your 5 day tour of Turkey starts with a walking tour through the heart of Istanbul’s Old City (Sultanahmet).

Begin at the Byzantine Hippodrome, once the site of public entertainments during the Byzantine era, where emperors hosted chariot races and grand events.

Next, visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, famous for its striking blue tiles and impressive architecture.

Continue to the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of Ottoman sultans, where you’ll explore the lavish courtyards and collections of royal artifacts.

Then, head to the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum, once the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world.

Finish your day at the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and largest covered market in the world, where you can shop for everything, from spices to handcrafted goods.

After a day filled with history and culture, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

You will continue your 5 day trip to Turkey with another walking tour in Istanbul.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to explore more of the city’s treasures.

Start with a visit to the Archaeology Museum, where you’ll see a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts.

Next, discover the Basilica Cistern, the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in the city, known for its serene and mysterious atmosphere.

Later, enjoy a relaxing Bosphorus boat trip, offering stunning views of Istanbul’s famous bridges, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, the historic Anadolu and Rumeli Fortresses, and charming houses along the strait.

Finish the day at the Spice Market, a 17th-century structure that once served as the heart of Istanbul’s spice trade.

After a day full of discovery and beautiful sights, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most important archaeological sites.

Your tour begins with the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, followed by a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll explore well-preserved ruins such as the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre.

Next, visit the House of Virgin Mary, a quiet pilgrimage site believed to be the final residence of Mary, mother of Jesus. For lunch, head to the village of Sirince, where you’ll be welcomed into a local villager’s home to enjoy a traditional Aegean meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

After the tour, transfer to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

On the final day of your private 5 day Turkey tour, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for the journey to Aphrodisias, an ancient city famous for its well-preserved stadium and stunning marble sculptures.

After exploring this historical site, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your journey to Pamukkale, a 1-hour drive away.

Upon arrival, you’ll have 2-3 hours to visit Pamukkale’s incredible white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, along with the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city.

Here, you can explore the Roman theatre, ancient baths, and other well-preserved structures while taking in the beauty of the natural wonder.

After your visit, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of your unforgettable Turkey 5 days itinerary.