Glorious Turkey Tour Package Itinerary

Travellers’ Route is pleased to present Glorious Turkey Tour Package which includes Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Izmir, Canakkale, Troy together with the most exclusive local guides such as Mr. Mahir throughout the program.

The program is applicable all year around with the minimum of 6 attendees for the shared programs. For the private requests, please let us know the specs via Please let us know via [email protected] OR via WhatsApp +90 507 348 32 22. 

Please kindly do not hesitate to contact us and we shall draw the itinerary together with you.

Let’s dive into the details of Glorious Turkey Tour Package!

Glorious Turkey Tour Package by Traveller’s Route

Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel.

The remaining of the day is at leisure. (B)

Overnight in Istanbul at 5-star Crowne Plaza Old City Hotel or similar hotel

After breakfast, drive to old town and visit Hippodrome Square, in the begining of Glorious Turkey Tour Package.  The scene of Chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life which was originally built by Roman Emperor Septimus in 203 AD. Then visit Blue Mosque, built in early 17^th century and known as Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration with blue Iznik tiles. It is also unique in the world to have 6 minarets.

Continue to Hagia Sophia, built by Emperor Constantius is 360 AD. St. Sophia was for many centuries the world’s largest church and today is the fourth largest one after St. Paul’s in London, St. Peter’s in Rome and Duomo in Milan.

Throughout its Byzantine history, St. Sophia served as the cathedral of the city where emperors were crowned and victories celebrated.

Hagia Sophia in Glorious Turkey Tour Package by Traveller’s Route

After his conquest of the city in 1453, Sultan Mehmet II ordered for the building to be converted into a mosque by the addition of Islamic elements such as a mihrab, a mimber, minarets etc. After having served this time as a mosque for 481 years, the building become a museum in 1934 by the order of Ataturk, the founder of the Repuplic of Turkey.

After lunch visit Topkapi Palace, built by Sultan Mehmet II after the conquest of Istanbul in 15^th century. The palace housed the sultans and their exotic entourage until mid 19^th century. The complex is a group of structures which i ncorporates works from successive periods of Ottoman reign. Today the museum displays priceless collections of the imperial treasury, numerous pieces of Chinese porcelain, traditional costumes of the sultans and their families and special section for the preservation of the relics of Prophet Mohammed.

Topkapi Palace in Glorious Turkey Tour Package by Traveller’s Route

Last stop of the 1st day of Glorious Turkey Tour Package will be at famous historical Grand Bazaar, the largest “souk” covered oriental shopping mall in the world, where you will find 4,400 shops under one roof where each trade has its own street. There is a wide selection of leather, jewelry, antiques, copperware, souvenirs, and famous hand-made Turkish carpets displayed in this historical shopping center. Drive back to the hotel. (B)

Overnight in Istanbul at 5-star Crowne Plaza Old City Hotel or similar hotel

Start a leisurely day for the 2nd day of Glorious Turkey Tour Package, drive to pier in Eminonu area for a short visit to historical Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). This bazaar was built in 1664 as a part of Yeni Mosque complex situated nearby and named Egyptian Bazaar because spices and herbs brought from or via Egypt were sold in it.

Then, board a public boat for the cruise along the Bosphorus, a narrow strait between the continents of Europe and Asia connecting Black Sea in the north to the Sea of Marmara in the South. In the Byzantine and early Ottoman days, there was little settlement on either sides of the Bosphorus but as of the 18^th century, it became a favorite place for the sultans and their entourage where they built their kiosks and waterside residence.

Bosphorus cruise in Glorious Turkey Tour Package by Traveller’s Route

Drive to the Asian Side of Istanbul via transcontinental Bosphorus Bridge, unique in the world connecting two continents Asia and Europe. The bridge was built in 1973, the 50^th anniversary of the Republic of Turkey. It’s length is 1.560 meters (1,074 meters is over the sea) and height from the sea is 64 m. It is the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. Climb to Camlica Hill, and drive back to the hotel.

Special for Glorious Turkey Tour Package, depart from the hotel to watch the ceremony of Whirling Dervishes called “Sema”. Sema ceremony is a mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to the “Perfect”. A Sufi order founded in Konya, Turkey Mevlevi Order was established by the followers of Mevlana Celaledding Rumi, a 13th century Islamic poet and theologian.

They are known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their famous practice of whirling as a form of dhikr (remembrance of God). Dervish is a common term for an initiate of the Sufi path; the whirling is part of the formal Sema ceremony and the participants are properly known as semazens. Turning towards the truth, the follower grows through love, deserts his ego, finds the truth, and arrives at the “Perfect”. He then returns from this spiritual journey as a man who has reached maturity and a greater perfection, able to love and to be of service to the whole of creation. After the ceremony, transfer back to the hotel.  (B)

Overnight in Istanbul at 5-star Crowne Plaza Old City Hotel or similar hotel

Drive to Bursa – 2 hours – the first capital of Ottoman Empire between the years of 1326 and 1364. The city derives her name from her founder King Prusias of Bithynia. Bursa subsequently came under Roman, then Byzantine rule before falling to Ottoman Sultan Orhan Gazi in 1326, when it became the first capital of Ottoman Empire.

The city, also called as “Green Bursa” because many of its 15^th century buildings were painted in this color. Bursa has many thermal springs, and also is the center of Turkish silk industry.

Bursa Grand Mosque in Glorious Turkey Tour Package by Traveller’s Route

Bursa portion of Glorious Turkey Tour Package begins with the Green Mosque which was built between 1419 – 1424 by Sultan Mehmet I. It is a mosque of “Zaviye” plan, which is a kind of  multi-functional mosque having the inverted “T” plan with additional rooms for travelling dervishes.  The name of the mosque comes from the green tiles which at one time covered the dome and the tops of the minarets.

Then continue to Green Tomb, set in a garden and distinguished by its walls covered with turquoise colored tiles and the monumental entrance gate.

Drive to Grand Mosque, which was built by Sultan Beyazit I between the years 1396-1400. This mosque is constructed in Selcuk style and unlike many other mosques, this one does not have a big, central dome. It is covered with 20 equally-sized domes which are carried by 12 pillars inside. Mihrab, the prayers niche is a fine example of Ottoman stone work and dates from 1571. The finely carved walnut mimber (the speaker’s platform) and the impressive calligraphic panels decorate the mosque.  Then, continue to silk market “Koza Han” and “Ipek Han“ which was built in 1451.

Uludag (Mt. Olympus)  is 36 km from Bursa and is the largest center for winter sports in Turkey. We take cable car (teleferik) up to the first stop to enjoy the beautiful view of the area.

Bursa Uludag in Glorious Turkey Tour Package by Traveller’s Route

Locally created “Iskender Kebab”, a dish of bread, tomato sauce, strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yogurt is very famous in Bursa.  Dinner and overnight at Bursa. (B/D)

Overnight in Bursa at 5-star Almira Hotel or similar hotel

Morning drive to Gordion, which was the capital of Phrygia under its most renowned ruler, King Midas (725-675 BC). The town and its fortress guarded the only practicable trade route between Troy and Antioch (Antakya) where it crossed the Sangarius (Sakarya) River. You had to get past the citadel of Gordion to trade with—or to conquer—Asia. The flat terrain around Gordion is littered with tumuli, or mounds, about 80 of them. Archeologists have uncovered something like 18 layers of civilization from the Bronze Age through the Hittite, Phrygian, Persian, Greek and Roman periods.

In the largest tumulus they discovered a 2700-year-old tomb that may be Midas’s. The log-cabin-like tomb and its grave goods of coffin, furniture and food offerings, all buried beneath an arficial hill, are Gordion’s main attraction. (B)

Overnight in Ankara at 5-star Ankara HiltonSA Hotel or similar hotel 

Start the Ankara portion of Glorious Turkey Tour Package with the to visit Anitkabir – Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. Completed in 1953, it is an impressive fusion of ancient and modern architectural ideas and remains unsurpassed as an accomplishment of modern Turkish architecture. There is a museum housing writings, letters and items belonging to Ataturk as well as an exhibition of photographs recording important moments in his life and the establishment of the republic. An important exhibition of the War of Liberation is also open to the public.

Anitkabir in Glorious Turkey Tour Package of Traveller’s Route

After lunch break drive to Cappadocia for pottery making atelier visit at Avanos and Red River sightseeing.

Overnight in Cappadocia at Boutique category of Yunak Hotel or similar hotel 

Optional hot air balloon experience before the breakfast.

After breakfast, start the visits of Cappadocia portion of Glorious Turkey Tour Package with Goreme Valley (also called Goreme Open Air Museum) consists of steep cliffs and many hidden churches dating from second half of 9^th C.

Then visit Pasabag in Cappadocia is located on the road coming from Goreme. Highly remarkable earth pillars can be seen here, in the middle of a vineyard, hence the name of the place which means: the Pacha’s vineyard. Pacha means General”, the military rank, in Turkish and it is a very common nick name. This site is also called Monks Valley. The name was derived from some cones carved in tuff stones which stand apart. Currently, there is a vineyard and a number of tuff cones standing right next to the road.

Fairy chimneys in Cappadocia in Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Continue to Uchisar Castle and Love Valley. Those who want may enjoy famous “testi kebab”. After lunch, visit traditional pottery making house where guests will see their own talents in producing their own potteries.

Read more about Pottery Making

Then continue to visit  Kaymakli Underground City made to accommodate several thousands of people with seven subterranean floors. So far 36 underground cities have been discovered some of them being very recent. It is also estimated that most of them are connected to each other. But it is difficult to identify these connections.

After lunch visit Cavusin village, a Greek town whose history goes back to the Early Christian Period. The rock cut buildings have collapsed because of erosion but the churches are still in place and being used as dovecotes. Overnight at Cappadocia. (B)

Optional hot air balloon tours are available during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Overnight in Cappadocia at Boutique category of Yunak Hotel or similar hotel 

After breakfast, drive to Konya as the new destination of Glorious Turkey Tour Package, in the days of Roman Empire, Konya was called Iconium “the city of icons”. Visit Sultanhan Carvansarai on the way. Konya has become a place of pilgrimage for Moslems because the leader of Mevlevis, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was buried there.

Today we will visit the most important place to visit in Konya is Mevlana’s Mausoleum, the mystic poet on the way of Sufism and the founder of the Whirling Dervish order. (B/D)

Read more about Rumi

Overnight in Konya at 5-star Anemon Hotel or similar hotel 

After breakfast, drive to Antalya to keep enjoying Glorious Turkey Tour Package.

Although established by the King of Pergamum as far back as in the 2^nd century BC, until recently Antalya remained a small city. The pine-clad Taurus Mountains sweep down to the sparkling clear sea resulting in an irregular coastline of rocky headlands and secluded coves.

The region, bathed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and sports activities like windsurfing, waterskiing mountain climbing and spelunking.

Taurus mountains silhouette view from Mediterranean Sea, Antalya

Tourism made Antalya one of the largest and most beautiful spots of interest with sandy beaches extending along the bays on each side.

The historic part of the city which is called “Kaleici”, houses ruins that are thousands of years old and protected by two thick walls in the shape of a horseshoe dating back thousands of years.

Kaleici is also Antalya’s liveliest area where you’ll find many entertainment spots, clubs, traditional live music restaurants, cafes, bars, tiny art galleries and workshops.

One of the city’s most well-known areas is Konyaalti Beachpark which has two-mile long “Blue Flag” beach and contains many restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, beach-clubs with sunbeds….

The tour of Antalya during Glorious Turkey Tour Package includes famous Duden Waterfalls and famous “Kaleici” which means “inner castle” in Turkish where the original facades of houses were preserved to keep the original appearance of these fine buildings.

Kursunlu Waterfall in Antalya during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

This historic part of the city, which houses ruins that are thousands of years old, is protected by two thick walls in the shape of a horseshoe dating back thousands of years.

Kaleici is also Antalya’s liveliest area where you’ll find many entertainment spots, clubs, traditional live music restaurants, cafes, bars, tiny art galleries and workshops. (B/D)

Overnight in Antalya at 5-star Porto Bello Hotel or similar hotel 

Morning visit the Pamphilian city of Perge. Enter the city through the famous Hellenistic Gate and visit the Agora, the Bath Complex and the Nymphaeum. The city was first captured by Alexander the Great and it was dominated by the Selouks, the Kingdom of Pergamum and Rome respectively. Its Theater of Hellenistic-Roman type which was constructed in the 2^nd  century is capable of accommodating 15,000 people. Here, the gladiator fights had taken place during the late Roman period.

Continue to Aspendos as a part of Glorious Turkey Tour Package to admire the magnificent theater with its unique acoustics and Roman Aqueduct.

Perge Ancient City in Antalya for Glorious Turkey Tour Package

The city founded by colonist who came from Argos, has the best-preserved ancient theatre in Turkey. This famous theatre, dedicated to Emperor Markus Aurelius is without doubt one of the most magnificent Roman buildings in Pamphilia and it is still useable today with a seating capacity of 20,000 poeple. Aspendos had the distinction of being the only city besides Side that coined money in its own name at that early period. (B/D)

Overnight in Antalya at 5-star Porto Bello Hotel or similar hotel 

Continue to Glorious Turkey Tour Package with Pamukkale, translates as “COTTON CASTLE” as it seems as you approach across the valley where calcareous hot springs descending over hundred meters have created fascinating travertine in the form of white terraces and basins. Free time to walk through the travertines.

Pamukkale Travertine during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Morning visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded by Eumenes II in the 2^nd century BC. Visit the theater and famous Necropolis which is the largest one in the Asia Minor. Continue to Cleopatra Pools for free time there.

Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B/D).

Overnight in Pamukkale at 5-star Colossae Hotel or similar hotel 

After breakfast, drive to visit Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia minor which remains to be the best preserved ancient city in the world. During the golden age of the Roman Empire (2^nd century AD), Ephesus was an important commercial and cultural center. The protector of the city was Artemis, the Goddess whose temple was one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World”. The Ephesians still worshipped Artemis when St. Paul came to the city to win converts.

Ancient City of Ephesus during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

St. John brought Virgin Mary to Ephesus after the death of Jesus Christ and she lived until the age of 101 in a small house built for her on Mt. Koressos. Now, the popular place of pilgrimage for Catholics and Muslims, the house received the official sanction of the Vatican and a commemoration ceremony is held every year on August 15^th. The third church council in 431 was held in the Basilica of Virgin Mary in Ephesus.

Continue to Glorious Turkey Tour Package with the visit of  House of the Virgin Mary where it’s believed that she passed last years of her life and died. She came to Ephesus together with St.John and taken up to Panaghia Kapulu Mountain to survive the Roman persecutions.

The House was destroyed by many earthquakes and not discovered until 1951 thanks to a German Nun Catherine Emmerich who saw its location in her visions. It is recognized as a shrine by Vatican. Now the House of Virgin Mary is renovated by George Quatman Foundation from Ohio and serves as a small church which attracts many Christians as well as Muslims coming to pray for her.

House of Virgin Mary during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Overnight Izmir. (B)

Overnight in Izmir at 5-star Movenpick Hotel or similar hotel 

After breakfast drive to Pergamum, the capital of large and powerful pre-Roman Kingdom and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Visit the Acropolis of Pergamum, built by the Greeks and later expended by the Romans boasted one of the largest libraries in the ancient world. Visit includes the Theater, the Altar of Zeus, and the temples of Tragion & Athena. Then continue to Glorious Turkey Tour Package with south, to the Ascelpion known as the world’s first health center, a sanctuary to the God of Medicine, Asclepios!

Ancient City of Pergamum during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Pergamum’s place in the religious history is also very important because of the paragraph addressed to its Christians by St. John in the Book of Revelation (Rev. 2:12-17). He characterized Pergamum as the place where Satan was enthroned.

Continue to Glorious Turkey Tour Package with the ancient Troy famous for the legendary Trojan Horse from the times of an equally legendary couple Helen & Paris. The remains of the city were excavated by Heinrich Schliemann, the pioneer in the field of archaeology, who used Homer’s Illiad to locate the site, and who also took many of the valuable treasures he found there back to Germany with him.

Ancient City of Troy during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Dinner and overnight Canakkale. (B/D)

Overnight in Canakkale at 5-star Kolin Hotel or similar hotel 

After crossing the Dardanelles visit Anzac Cove, on the Gallipoli peninsula, where the Australian and new Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) landed during the First World War on April 25, 1915.

The cove is a mere 600 m long, bounded by the headlands of Ari Burnu to the north and Little Ari Burnu, known as Hell Spit, to the south. Following the landing at Anzac Cove, the beach became the main base for the Australian and New Zealand roops for the eight months of the Battle of Gallipoli..

Memorial of Anzac Cove; commemorating the loss of thousands of Turkish and Anzac soldiers in Gallipoli follows as;

Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives… you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You the mothers who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears. Your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. Having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well. – Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (The founder of Rep. of Turkey)

Beach cemetery in Anzac Cove during Glorious Turkey Tour Package

Continue to Glorious Turkey Tour Package with the visit Lone Pine Australian Memorial. The importance of the Lone Pine area prompted the Allies to mount, on 6th August, a major attack on these positions. At 1730 hours the New South Welshmen of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions charged across 60 metres of open ground (now covered by the graves in the cemetery) to reach the Turkish trenches which were in the area now occupied by the Australian Memorial. The Turks had covered their trenches with pine logs to reduce casualties from Allied shelling.

Visit Chunk Bair and drive to Istanbul for the last overnight of Glorious Turkey Tour Package. (B)

Overnight in Istanbul at 5-star Crowne Plaza Old City Hotel or similar hotel

Departure transfer to Istanbul Airport to fly back home as the last day of Glorious Turkey Tour Package.

Maiden’s Tower in Istanbul

Glorious Turkey Tour Package Draft Itinerary Map

 Including

• Transportation by recent model minivan
• All tours & transfers with permanent English speaking guide
• Entrance fees of the museums as per above program
• 14 breakfast, 6 dinners in the hotels as per mentioned in above program
• Whirling dervishes ceremony on Day 4 inclusive of roundtrip transfers
• Tips to hotels
• Accommodation & meals of guide and driver
• VAT charges

Not Including

• Beverages during the meals
• Lunches
• The gratuities of the local guide and driver
• Hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia
• Any expense of personal nature such as hotel extras, medical expenses, health insurance

Please let us know for your requests for Glorious Turkey Tour Package via [email protected] OR via WhatsApp +90 507 348 32 22