An 8-day overland loop from Istanbul, covering the ancient ruins of Troy and Ephesus, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and the old city of Konya before returning to the Bosphorus.
A rapid survey of western and central Turkey's greatest hits, designed for travelers with more ambition than time. The route connects Istanbul, the Aegean coast, and Cappadocia with a series of long overland drives, trading leisurely exploration for logistical efficiency. It's a way to see the ruins of Ephesus, the battlefields of Gallipoli, and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in a single week without having to navigate a complex web of bus schedules and domestic flights. The pace is demanding, but the payoff is scope.
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Book Highlights of Turkey by G Adventures.
From $1,327 USD $1,769 · 8 days · max 15 travelers · Standard hotels, ground transport, and select meals trip code ETIHPrices in USD. Your local currency is shown on G Adventures.
Each leg of the journey mapped out — where the day takes you, what's actually on the ground, and things to consider when planning this tour.
Day 1 of 8
Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul at any time. Settle into your hotel in the Old City, the historic heart of it all. The evening is free to get your bearings; a walk through the Sultanahmet Square reveals the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both dramatically lit after dark.
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Day at a glance
Arrive at any time.
Optional walk to see Istanbul's monuments at night.
Accommodation: Eurostar Old City Hotel & Spa.
Consider pre-booking an extra night for a walking tour and Bosphorus cruise.
Day 2 of 8
Istanbul/Çanakkale
Gallipoli's Sombre Fields
The route pushes west from Istanbul, a 260km overland drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula. The afternoon is spent on a guided walk through the battlefields, a quiet and moving landscape of memorials. The tour covers ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and the Lone Pine memorial, tracing the history of the costly WWI campaign.
From Gallipoli, a short ferry crosses the Dardanelles Strait to the harbour town of Çanakkale. It’s a busy port with a thriving student population, and the waterfront promenade is the place to be as evening falls.
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Day at a glance
Overland journey from Istanbul (260km).
Guided tour of the Gallipoli battlefields (2.5-3h).
Key sites include ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine.
Ferry across the Dardanelles to Çanakkale.
Accommodation: Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale.
Day 3 of 8
Çanakkale/Selçuk
The Walls of Troy
From Çanakkale, it's a short drive to the archaeological site of Troy, a city once thought to be pure myth. A walk through the excavated layers reveals nine different cities built on top of one another over millennia. The route continues south to the coastal town of Ayvalık, with a stop at a handicraft cooperative where local women create products from recycled materials.
The day ends further south in Selçuk, a small town that serves as the primary base for exploring the ruins of Ephesus.
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Day at a glance
Visit to the ancient city of Troy (1-2h).
Stop at the Çöp(m)adam handicraft co-op in Ayvalık.
Overland journey south along the Aegean coast.
Accommodation: Ephesus Nobel Hotel in Selçuk.
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Book Highlights of Turkey by G Adventures.
From $1,327 USD $1,769 · 8 days · max 15 travelers · Standard hotels, ground transport, and select meals
