21-Day Archaeological Road Trip in Turkey Itinerary

Begin your second day with a visit to Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii). Known for its stunning blue tiles and impressive architecture, this mosque is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Be sure to dress modestly as it is still an active place of worship.

Next, explore the bustling Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi). With over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to jewelry, it's one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Take your time browsing through the stalls and maybe pick up some souvenirs.

End your day with a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus. The Istanbul: Bosphorus Yacht Cruise with Stopover on Asian Side offers stunning views of both European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Enjoy snacks and drinks as you sail past some of the city's most iconic landmarks.

Start your third day with a visit to Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri). This complex houses three museums filled with artifacts from various periods of history. It's a must-visit for any archaeology enthusiast.

After lunch, head over to Basilica Cistern Tour and Skip The Line with Guide. This ancient underground water reservoir is both eerie and beautiful. Learn about its history from your guide as you explore its dimly lit chambers.

In the evening, take part in an authentic Turkish experience at Istanbul: Turkish Dance Show at Hodjapasha Cultural Centre. Enjoy traditional music and dance performances that showcase Turkey's rich cultural heritage.

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide provides an excellent start to your day. Skip the long lines and delve straight into exploring this iconic landmark with an informative audio guide that explains its rich history and architectural marvels.

Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour with Ticket offers an immersive experience into the opulent world of Ottoman sultans. Spend your afternoon exploring the grand rooms and courtyards of Topkapi Palace, including the Harem section for an insight into their private lives.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment is a perfect way to end your day. Enjoy a delightful dinner cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with stunning views of Istanbul's skyline while being entertained by traditional music and dance performances.

Start your day with a visit to Istanbul Museum of Modern Art (Istanbul Modern Sanat Müzesi). This museum showcases contemporary Turkish art and offers a refreshing contrast to the historical sites you've been exploring. Take your time to appreciate the diverse collection of artworks and enjoy the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the museum's terrace.

After lunch, head over to Istiklal Street (Istiklal Caddesi). This bustling pedestrian street is lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings. Stroll down the avenue, soak in the lively atmosphere, and perhaps stop for a coffee at one of the charming cafes.

Istanbul: Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets offers a delightful end to your day. Sample delicious local street food while exploring bustling markets filled with vibrant colors and aromas. This guided food tour provides an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine and culture.

Istanbul: Basilica Cistern Tour and Skip The Line with Guide is an excellent way to start your day. Explore this ancient underground water reservoir with its eerie yet beautiful atmosphere. Learn about its history from your guide as you navigate through its dimly lit chambers.

Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi) is one of Istanbul's most famous landmarks. Spend your afternoon wandering through this vast market, which boasts over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to jewelry. Take your time browsing through the stalls and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide offers a relaxing end to your day. Enjoy stunning views of both European and Asian sides of Istanbul as you sail along the Bosphorus Strait during sunset. The live guide will provide interesting insights into the landmarks you pass by.

Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii) is a great place to start your day. This grand mosque, designed by the famous architect Sinan, offers breathtaking views over Istanbul from its hilltop location. Explore its beautiful interior and learn about its historical significance.

Spice Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) is perfect for an afternoon visit. This vibrant market is filled with stalls selling spices, sweets, dried fruits, and more. Immerse yourself in the rich aromas and colorful displays as you wander through this historic bazaar.

Istanbul: Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Mevlevi Sema provides a mesmerizing end to your day. Witness this traditional Sufi ceremony that combines music, dance, and spirituality in a captivating performance that reflects Turkey's rich cultural heritage.

Hagia Sophia Skip-the-Line Ticket with Audio Guide provides an excellent start to your day. Skip the long lines and delve straight into exploring this iconic landmark with an informative audio guide that explains its rich history and architectural marvels.

Topkapi Palace and Harem Guided Tour with Ticket offers an immersive experience into the opulent world of Ottoman sultans. Spend your afternoon exploring the grand rooms and courtyards of Topkapi Palace, including the Harem section for an insight into their private lives.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise w/ Drinks & Entertainment is a perfect way to end your day. Enjoy a delightful dinner cruise along the Bosphorus Strait with stunning views of Istanbul's skyline while being entertained by traditional music and dance performances.

Istanbul: Best of The City Full-Day Tour with Transfers is an excellent way to start your final day in Istanbul. This comprehensive tour covers several key sites including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and more. With transfers included, it's a convenient way to see all these landmarks without any hassle.

Istanbul: Taste of Two Continents Food Tour offers an afternoon filled with culinary delights as you explore both European and Asian sides of Istanbul through its food markets and eateries. Sample delicious local dishes while learning about their cultural significance from your guide.

Istanbul: Bosphorus Sunset Cruise on Yacht with Live Guide provides a relaxing end to your trip as you sail along Bosphorus Strait during sunset while enjoying stunning views accompanied by insightful commentary from your live guide.

Start your day with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Begin at the Ephesus: Half-Day Tour from Kusadasi or İzmir. This guided tour will take you through some of the most well-preserved ruins in Turkey, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of these ancient structures.

After lunch, continue exploring Ephesus by visiting the House of Virgin Mary. This sacred site is believed to be where Mary spent her last days. The peaceful surroundings and historical significance make it a must-visit location. Take your time to reflect and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

In the evening, head back to Kusadasi for a relaxing dinner at Kazim Usta Restaurant. Enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine while reflecting on your day's adventures. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade before heading back to your accommodation.

From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers offers an in-depth exploration of Ephesus with a private guide. Start your morning with this tour, which includes visits to key sites such as the Temple of Artemis and Terrace Houses. The personalized experience allows you to delve deeper into the history and culture of this ancient city.

Kusadasi: Buggy Safari Experience with Hotel Pickup provides an exciting change of pace for your afternoon. Explore the beautiful countryside around Kusadasi on a thrilling buggy safari adventure. This off-road experience offers stunning views and a fun way to see more of Turkey's natural beauty.

Kusadasi: Boat Tour with Lunch is a perfect way to unwind after an action-packed day. Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the Aegean coast, complete with lunch on board. Relax on deck, soak up the sun, and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery as you sail past picturesque bays and beaches.

Start your day with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Begin at the Ephesus: Half-Day Tour from Kusadasi or İzmir. This guided tour will take you through some of the most well-preserved ruins in Turkey, including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of these ancient structures.

After lunch, continue exploring Ephesus by visiting the House of Virgin Mary. This sacred site is believed to be where Mary spent her last days. The peaceful surroundings and historical significance make it a must-visit location. Take your time to reflect and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

In the evening, head back to Kusadasi for a relaxing dinner at Kazim Usta Restaurant. Enjoy delicious Turkish cuisine while reflecting on your day's adventures. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade before heading back to your accommodation.

From Kusadasi: Private Ephesus Tour for Cruise Passengers offers an in-depth exploration of Ephesus with a private guide. Start your morning with this tour, which includes visits to key sites such as the Temple of Artemis and Terrace Houses. The personalized experience allows you to delve deeper into the history and culture of this ancient city.

Kusadasi: Buggy Safari Experience with Hotel Pickup provides an exciting change of pace for your afternoon. Explore the beautiful countryside around Kusadasi on a thrilling buggy safari adventure. This off-road experience offers stunning views and a fun way to see more of Turkey's natural beauty.

Kusadasi: Boat Tour with Lunch is a perfect way to unwind after an action-packed day. Enjoy a leisurely boat tour along the Aegean coast, complete with lunch on board. Relax on deck, soak up the sun, and take in the breathtaking coastal scenery as you sail past picturesque bays and beaches.

Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch is an excellent way to start your exploration of Catalhoyuk's archaeological wonders. This full-day tour includes visits to key sites such as New Mosque (Yeni Cami), providing valuable context for understanding Catalhoyuk's historical significance.

Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri) offers an extensive collection of artifacts that shed light on Catalhoyuk's rich history. Spend your afternoon exploring these museums, learning about ancient civilizations that once thrived in this region.

Istanbul: Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets provides a delightful end to your day in Catalhoyuk. Sample delicious local street food while exploring bustling markets filled with vibrant colors and aromas. This guided food tour offers an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine and culture.

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri). This museum complex houses an extensive collection of artifacts that provide a deep insight into the ancient civilizations of Turkey, including Catalhoyuk. Spend your morning exploring the exhibits and learning about the historical significance of this region.

After lunch, head over to New Mosque (Yeni Cami). This beautiful mosque, with its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere, offers a glimpse into the religious history of Turkey. Take your time to admire the detailed craftsmanship and learn about its historical context.

In the evening, enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch. This comprehensive tour covers several key sites in Istanbul, providing valuable context for understanding Catalhoyuk's place in Turkish history. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Begin your day with a visit to the renowned Istanbul Archaeological Museums (Istanbul Arkeoloji Muzeleri). This museum complex houses an extensive collection of artifacts that provide a deep insight into the ancient civilizations of Turkey, including Catalhoyuk. Spend your morning exploring the exhibits and learning about the historical significance of this region.

After lunch, head over to New Mosque (Yeni Cami). This beautiful mosque, with its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere, offers a glimpse into the religious history of Turkey. Take your time to admire the detailed craftsmanship and learn about its historical context.

In the evening, enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul: Full-Day Highlights Tour with Guide and Lunch. This comprehensive tour covers several key sites in Istanbul, providing valuable context for understanding Catalhoyuk's place in Turkish history. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Start your day with an early morning hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia. The Canyoning Tour in Subiaco offers breathtaking views of the fairy chimneys, rock formations, and valleys from above. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is a must-do when visiting Cappadocia.

After your balloon ride, explore the Zelve Open-Air Museum. This fascinating site features ancient cave dwellings and churches carved into the rock. Wander through the different sections of the museum and learn about the history and culture of the people who once lived here.

In the evening, visit Guray Ceramic Museum. This unique museum showcases beautiful ceramics and pottery from different periods. Take a guided tour to learn about the traditional techniques used in creating these masterpieces. End your day with a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.

Canyoning Tour in Riancoli offers an adventurous start to your day. This thrilling tour takes you through narrow canyons, waterfalls, and natural pools. It's a great way to experience Cappadocia's rugged beauty up close.

Özkonak Underground City (Ozkonak Yeralti Sehri) is a must-visit attraction in Cappadocia. Spend your afternoon exploring this fascinating underground city, which was used as a refuge during times of invasion. Learn about its intricate network of tunnels, rooms, and ventilation systems.

Monks Valley (Pasabag Vadisi) is perfect for an evening stroll. Also known as Pasabag Valley, this area is famous for its fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley as you take in the surreal landscape.

Devrent Valley (Devrent Vadisi) is known for its otherworldly rock formations that resemble animals and objects. Start your day with a visit to this enchanting valley and let your imagination run wild as you explore its unique landscape.

Fairy Chimneys are one of Cappadocia's most iconic features. Spend your afternoon exploring these natural wonders up close. Learn about how they were formed over millions of years by volcanic activity and erosion.

Cavusin is an ancient village with rock-cut dwellings and churches that date back to Byzantine times. End your day by exploring this historical site, taking in its rich history and stunning views.

Canyoning Tour in Subiaco offers an adventurous start to your day. This thrilling tour takes you through narrow canyons, waterfalls, and natural pools. It's a great way to experience Cappadocia's rugged beauty up close.

Özkonak Underground City (Ozkonak Yeralti Sehri) is a must-visit attraction in Cappadocia. Spend your afternoon exploring this fascinating underground city, which was used as a refuge during times of invasion. Learn about its intricate network of tunnels, rooms, and ventilation systems.

Monks Valley (Pasabag Vadisi) is perfect for an evening stroll. Also known as Pasabag Valley, this area is famous for its fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley as you take in the surreal landscape.

Canyoning Tour in Subiaco offers an adventurous start to your day. This thrilling tour takes you through narrow canyons, waterfalls, and natural pools. It's a great way to experience Cappadocia's rugged beauty up close.

Özkonak Underground City (Ozkonak Yeralti Sehri) is a must-visit attraction in Cappadocia. Spend your afternoon exploring this fascinating underground city, which was used as a refuge during times of invasion. Learn about its intricate network of tunnels, rooms, and ventilation systems.

Monks Valley (Pasabag Vadisi) is perfect for an evening stroll. Also known as Pasabag Valley, this area is famous for its fairy chimneys and unique rock formations. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley as you take in the surreal landscape.