Pamukkale to Istanbul: Private 5-Day Archaeological Tour

Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy and Gallipoli

This private archaeological tour begins in Pamukkale and continues through the ancient cities of Hierapolis, Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy before ending with a guided Gallipoli tour and private transportation back to Istanbul.

The tour is operated by private minibus with an English-speaking guide. Russian, Polish and Spanish-speaking guides can be arranged at an additional cost, subject to availability.

Day 1: Pamukkale and Hierapolis – Karahayıt

The tour begins in Pamukkale. Your guide and private minibus will meet you at your hotel.

Pamukkale Travertines

Explore the famous white travertine terraces created by naturally flowing thermal waters. Enjoy time to walk through the designated areas, admire the scenery and take photographs.

Hierapolis Ancient City

Continue with a guided tour of Hierapolis, the ancient city located above the travertines. Visit:

• The ancient theatre
• Frontinus Gate
• The colonnaded main street
• The Temple of Apollo
• The Necropolis
• The ancient thermal baths
• The Plutonium

After the tour, continue to Karahayıt and check in at your thermal hotel. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the hotel’s thermal facilities.

Overnight: Karahayıt thermal hotel

Day 2: Karahayıt – Ephesus – Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası

After breakfast, depart by private minibus for the Ephesus region.

Ephesus Ancient City

Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. During the guided tour, see:

• The Grand Theatre
• Marble Street
• The Library of Celsus
• The Temple of Hadrian
• The Commercial Agora
• The Gate of Hercules
• The ancient public facilities
• The Terrace Houses, if selected

Your English-speaking guide will explain the history, architecture and daily life of this important Roman city.

Optional visits may include:

• The House of the Virgin Mary
• The Basilica of Saint John
• The Temple of Artemis
• Şirince village

After the tour, check in at your hotel in Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası.

Overnight: Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası

Day 3: Selçuk – Pergamon – Troy – Eceabat or Çanakkale

After breakfast, depart towards Pergamon and Çanakkale.

Pergamon Ancient City

Explore Pergamon, one of the most important cultural and political centres of the Hellenistic period. Depending on the route and available time, visit:

• The Acropolis of Pergamon
• The Temple of Trajan
• The ancient theatre
• The remains of the ancient library
• The Altar of Zeus area

Continue towards Troy after the Pergamon visit.

Troy Archaeological Site

Discover the legendary city of Troy, associated with the Trojan War and Homer’s Iliad. See:

• The ancient city walls
• Different archaeological settlement layers
• The remains of temples and houses
• Ancient defensive structures
• The symbolic wooden horse

After the tour, continue to Eceabat or Çanakkale and check in at TJS Hotel, subject to availability.

Overnight: TJS Hotel, Eceabat or Çanakkale

Day 4: Gallipoli Peninsula – Çanakkale

After breakfast, meet your TJS Anzac Gallipoli specialist guide and begin your detailed Gallipoli tour.

Visit the most important historical sites, including:

• Anzac Cove
• Beach Cemetery
• Shrapnel Valley
• Lone Pine Australian Memorial
• The Nek
• Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial
• Turkish memorials
• Historic battlefields and remembrance sites

Your specialist guide will explain the Gallipoli Campaign, the Anzac landing and the experiences of the soldiers during the First World War.

After the tour, return to Çanakkale and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Çanakkale or Eceabat

Day 5: Çanakkale – Istanbul

After breakfast, begin your return journey to Istanbul by private minibus.

Travel comfortably through northwestern Türkiye and enjoy the changing landscapes along the route. Short breaks can be arranged during the journey.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be dropped off at your centrally located hotel or another agreed location.

Transportation: Private minibus
Tour ending: Istanbul

Final Route

Pamukkale → Hierapolis → Karahayıt → Ephesus → Selçuk/Şirince/Kuşadası → Pergamon → Troy → Gallipoli → Çanakkale → Istanbul

Important Note

This version does not include a domestic flight. The tour starts directly in Pamukkale. If the travelers are coming from Istanbul, an additional private overland transfer from Istanbul to Pamukkale can be arranged separately.