About this trip
This is a long, ground-covering journey through Turkey and into Northern Cyprus, moving from Istanbul's grand monuments to the volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient cities of the Aegean coast and on to Cyprus's harbour towns and ruins.
You start in Istanbul with its historic core and a Bosphorus cruise, then head inland to Cappadocia and along the old Silk Road route to Konya. From there it's on to the terraces of Pamukkale and the classical sites of Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy, with a stop at the Gallipoli battlefields.
The second half takes you across to Northern Cyprus, exploring Nicosia, Famagusta and the ruins at Salamis, with time to slow down in the coastal town of Kyrenia.
What you'll do
- Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul
- Cruise the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia
- Travel the old Silk Road route through Cappadocia to Konya
- See the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale
- Walk the ancient sites of Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields
- Visit Nicosia, Famagusta, Varosha and the Salamis ruins in Northern Cyprus, with time in Kyrenia
- A long, moderately paced trip covering two countries, with a lot of ground and history packed in
- You change location frequently, especially through the Turkey leg
- Private rooms throughout, and the mix suits families as well as groups
Worth it if you want stellar ancient sites and knowledgeable guides. Think twice if Istanbul is your main draw.
- Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia deliver; guides Ege and Can Kurtulay are genuinely knowledgeable and organised.
- Istanbul underwhelms relative to hype; some Byzantine church frescoes too faded to justify extended stops.
- Hotel quality varies noticeably; smaller properties outperform larger ones on this route.
- Small group sizes (two reported) allow flexible pacing at each site; comfortable transport throughout.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
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Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Istanbul · 30 Jul – 31 Jul
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