Overview
Journey through the contrasting landscapes, ancient traditions and cultural heritage of Turkey on an eight-day adventure from the country’s historic eastern regions to Istanbul.
Beginning in Mardin and Şanlıurfa, this journey introduces you to some of southeastern Turkey’s most atmospheric cities, where ancient Mesopotamian history, religious heritage and traditional architecture come together. Continue through Adıyaman and the dramatic landscape surrounding Mount Nemrut before travelling towards the extraordinary rock formations of Cappadocia.
From Cappadocia, the journey continues west through Konya, Pamukkale and Bursa before returning to Istanbul, creating a fascinating cross-country experience that connects Turkey’s eastern heritage with its celebrated western landmarks.
Along the way, discover ancient cities, historic mosques, traditional bazaars, archaeological treasures and spectacular natural landscapes, complemented by authentic Turkish culinary and craft experiences.
Why You'll Love This Journey
- Discover the atmospheric old city of Mardin and its panoramic views across Mesopotamia.
- Explore the historic and spiritual heritage of Şanlıurfa.
- Experience the extraordinary landscapes surrounding Mount Nemrut at sunset.
- Discover Cappadocia's underground cities, valleys and distinctive rock formations.
- Visit Konya and the Mevlana Museum, associated with the great Sufi mystic Rumi.
- Marvel at Pamukkale's brilliant white travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis.
- Experience Bursa's Ottoman heritage and traditional Silk Bazaar.
- Return to Istanbul for historic landmarks, the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus.
- Discover Turkey's renowned craftsmanship through carpets, textiles, leather and traditional pottery.
Itinerary
Arrive at Istanbul Airport for your onward flight to Mardin, where your journey through eastern Turkey begins.
Upon arrival, explore the atmospheric Old City of Mardin, renowned for its honey-coloured stone architecture, historic streets and sweeping views across the Mesopotamian plains. Visit the Old Bazaar and the historic Kasimiye Madrasah, an important example of the region’s Islamic architecture and heritage.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Şanlıurfa.
Known for its deep religious and cultural heritage, Şanlıurfa offers a fascinating introduction to southeastern Turkey. Visit Balıklıgöl, the Pool of Sacred Fish, along with the Rizvaniye Mosque, Halil-ur Rahman Mosque and Maqam-i Ibrahim.
Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, continue exploring the heritage of Şanlıurfa with a visit to the Maqam of Prophet Ayyub and the historic town of Harran.
Discover Harran’s distinctive traditional houses and learn more about this ancient settlement, which has played an important role in the history of Mesopotamia.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling towards Adıyaman.
Later, journey by minibus towards the summit of Mount Nemrut, one of Turkey’s most remarkable archaeological landscapes. At the summit, discover the monumental remains associated with the ancient Kingdom of Commagene and enjoy an unforgettable sunset overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Return to Adıyaman for your overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart Adıyaman and travel towards Kahramanmaraş.
Explore the city centre and discover one of the region’s best-known culinary traditions – traditional Turkish ice cream. Enjoy a taste of the famous local speciality alongside another Turkish favourite, baklava.
After lunch, continue towards Cappadocia.
As the landscape changes, the distinctive volcanic formations of central Anatolia begin to emerge. Arrive in Cappadocia and settle into your hotel before dinner.
For those wishing to experience Cappadocia from above, an optional early-morning hot air balloon flight provides a spectacular perspective over the region’s valleys and fairy chimneys.
After breakfast, begin exploring Cappadocia’s distinctive cultural and natural heritage.
Visit a traditional carpet centre before discovering one of the region’s remarkable underground cities, carved deep into the volcanic landscape. Continue to Derbent Valley before visiting Avanos, famous for its traditional pottery craftsmanship.
Enjoy lunch in a local cave restaurant before continuing to Göreme and its panoramic viewpoints.
Discover the striking Uchisar Citadel and Pigeon Valley before visiting a local turquoise workshop.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
Those wishing to experience Cappadocia by hot air balloon may have another opportunity for an optional early-morning flight, subject to weather and operational conditions.
After breakfast, depart Cappadocia and travel towards Konya.
Along the route, enjoy a photo stop at Sultanhan Caravanserai, a remarkable reminder of the historic trading routes that once connected Anatolia with the wider Silk Road.
Continue to Konya, a city renowned for its spiritual heritage and connection with Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing towards Pamukkale.
Arrive at your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to a traditional textile outlet.
Continue to Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city overlooking Pamukkale, before exploring the extraordinary white travertine terraces known as the Cotton Castle. The mineral-rich terraces create one of Turkey’s most distinctive natural landscapes.
Continue towards Selçuk after lunch, stopping at a traditional leather outlet before visiting the historic Isa Bey Mosque.
Later, travel onwards to Bursa, one of the most important cities in Turkey’s Ottoman history.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner before your overnight stay.
After breakfast, continue exploring Bursa’s rich Ottoman heritage.
Visit a traditional Turkish Delight shop before discovering the Grand Mosque and historic Silk Bazaar. Continue to the Green Mosque and its surrounding complex, appreciating the elegant architecture and craftsmanship that have made Bursa an important cultural destination.
Enjoy lunch before departing Bursa and travelling towards Istanbul via the impressive Osman Gazi Bridge.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, enjoy free time around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the city’s most vibrant pedestrian areas.
Dinner and overnight at your Istanbul hotel.
After breakfast, begin your final day in Istanbul with an included Bosphorus Cruise, offering a memorable perspective of the city from the water.
Continue to Topkapi Palace and explore its historic courtyards and collections, including the celebrated Holy Relics.
After lunch, visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, experiencing some of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul’s historic peninsula.
Enjoy free time in the Grand Bazaar for last-minute shopping and the chance to browse traditional Turkish crafts and souvenirs.
Later, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your onward journey.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned coach
- Wi-Fi and parking fees
- Professional tour guide services
- Full-board meals as specified in the itinerary
- Museum and attraction entrance fees included in the programme
- Water during meals and on the coach
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Public boat for the Bosphorus Cruise for groups of 10 passengers or fewer
- Private boat for the Bosphorus Cruise for groups of 5 passengers or more
- One complimentary place for groups of 15 passengers or more, subject to the stated conditions
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Drinks during meals other than water
- Personal expenses
- Airport porterage
- Travel insurance
- Guide and driver gratuities
- Topkapi Palace Museum entrance fee where not covered by the group programme
- Hagia Sophia entrance fee where not covered by the group programme
- Optional hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia
Check Availability
FAQs
East & West Turkey focuses more heavily on southeastern Turkey and its Mesopotamian heritage before travelling through Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Bursa and Istanbul.
Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to Mount Nemrut by minibus, with time at the summit to experience the spectacular sunset.
No. The hot air balloon experience is optional and available at an additional cost, subject to weather and operational conditions.
International and domestic flights are excluded from the package unless specifically arranged as part of your booking.
The itinerary uses selected 4-star and 5-star hotels, or similar properties, across the destinations visited.
Yes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided according to the itinerary.
Yes. The journey concludes in Istanbul with a Bosphorus Cruise and visits to Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.
Yes. The itinerary includes ancient settlements, archaeological sites, historic mosques, traditional bazaars, Mount Nemrut and important cultural landmarks across eastern and western Turkey.
Important notes
- The itinerary is subject to local operating conditions, traffic, weather and access restrictions.
- Accommodation may be substituted with properties of a similar standard depending on availability.
- International and domestic flights are not included unless specifically stated in the booking arrangements.
- Some sightseeing requires walking over uneven terrain, particularly at archaeological and historic sites.
- The Mount Nemrut visit involves travel by minibus to the summit and may involve walking over uneven surfaces.
- The hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia is optional and dependent on weather and operational conditions.
- Travellers should ensure that passports, visas and other travel documents meet Turkey’s entry requirements before departure.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- The order of sightseeing may be adjusted by the local guide while maintaining the principal programme inclusions.
Optional activities
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience
- Take to the skies at sunrise for an unforgettable view over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys and extraordinary volcanic formations.
- The hot air balloon experience is optional and subject to suitable weather conditions, operational availability and additional cost.
