Visit Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale

Istanbul to Ephesus, Pamukkale and the Ancient Cities

Visit Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale

4-Day Private Minibus Tour with English-Speaking Guide

Discover the most impressive historical and cultural treasures of western Türkiye on this carefully planned private tour from Istanbul. Visit Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale, while enjoying comfortable private transportation, professional guiding and overnight stays in selected local hotels.

The tour begins with an early-morning pickup from your centrally located Istanbul hotel and ends in the Pamukkale–Karahayıt area.

Day 1: Istanbul – Gallipoli Tour – Overnight in Eceabat or Çanakkale

Your private tour begins with an early-morning pickup from your centrally located Istanbul hotel between 05:30 and 06:30.

Travel comfortably by private minibus towards the Gallipoli Peninsula. Upon arrival in Eceabat, meet your TJS Anzac Gallipoli specialist guide, who will accompany you throughout the Gallipoli tour.

Explore the most important historical sites of the Gallipoli Peninsula, including:

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

Your specialist guide will provide detailed but easy-to-understand information about the Gallipoli Campaign, the Anzac landing and the experiences of the soldiers during the First World War.

After the tour, check in at TJS Hotel in Eceabat or Çanakkale Hotels, depending on availability and the final accommodation arrangement. The rest of the evening is free for relaxation or an optional walk along the waterfront of Çanakkale.

Overnight: TJS Hotel, Eceabat or Çanakkale Hotels
Guide: TJS Anzac Gallipoli specialist guide
Transportation: Private minibus from Istanbul and throughout the tour

Day 2: Troy and Pergamon – Arrival in Selçuk

After breakfast, depart from Çanakkale by private minibus and visit the legendary ancient city of Troy.

Troy Archaeological Site

Explore the ruins associated with the famous Trojan War and the legendary city of King Priam. Your guide will introduce the different archaeological layers of Troy, including:

• The ancient city walls
• The remains of Troy’s settlements
• The symbolic wooden horse
• Ancient temples and defensive structures

After the Troy visit, continue towards Pergamon.

Pergamon Ancient City

Depending on the selected itinerary and timing, visit the ancient city of Pergamon, one of the most important cultural and political centres of the Hellenistic period.

Highlights may include:

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

After the visit, continue to Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası for check-in at your hotel.

Accommodation options: Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası
Overnight: Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası

Day 3: Ephesus Ancient City

After breakfast, begin your guided visit to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.

During the tour, explore the impressive streets and monuments of this former Roman capital, including:

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

Your English-speaking guide will explain the daily life, architecture, religion and history of Ephesus in an easy and engaging way.

Depending on your interests and available time, additional visits may be arranged to:

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

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

Overnight: Selçuk, Şirince or Kuşadası

Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis – Karahayıt Thermal Hotel

After breakfast, depart by private minibus for Pamukkale.

Pamukkale Travertines

Walk along the brilliant white travertine terraces created by naturally flowing thermal waters. Pamukkale is one of Türkiye’s most spectacular natural wonders and is famous for its mineral-rich pools and dramatic landscape.

Hierapolis Ancient City

Continue with a guided visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, located above the travertines. Important highlights include:

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

Your guide will explain how Hierapolis developed as a religious, therapeutic and commercial centre during the Greek and Roman periods.

After the tour, continue to Karahayıt, a nearby thermal resort famous for its red thermal springs. Check in to your selected thermal hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Karahayıt thermal hotel

Transportation and Guiding

• Private minibus transportation throughout the tour
• Pickup from centrally located Istanbul hotels
• Early-morning pickup between 05:30 and 06:30
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Comfortable route planning with overnight stays in Çanakkale, Selçuk/Şirince/Kuşadası and Karahayıt
• Private travel suitable for couples, families and small groups

Optional Guide Languages

Guiding in the following languages may be available at an additional cost, subject to availability:

• Russian
• Polish
• Spanish

Important Notes

The exact order of the visits may be adjusted according to road conditions, archaeological site opening hours and hotel location. Entrance fees, meals and hotel accommodation can be listed separately according to your preferred package. The tour can also be customized with additional visits, upgraded hotels or extra archaeological guiding.