Turkey Tour Package 15 Days: Istanbul to Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, Trabzon
Overview
Turkey Tour Package 15 Days: Istanbul to Nemrut, Gobeklitepe, Trabzon
This 15-day, 14-night package covers far more of Turkey than most trips. It starts in Istanbul and moves on to Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Pamukkale and Ephesus, then heads east to Sanliurfa, Göbekli Tepe, Harran and Mount Nemrut before ending on the Black Sea coast in Trabzon and flying back to Istanbul.
Along the way you see the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, the valleys and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, the Mevlana Museum in Konya, the Roman theatre at Aspendos, the Oludeniz lagoon, Bodrum Castle, the white travertines of Pamukkale and the Library of Celsus. In the east you visit Göbekli Tepe, a temple complex more than 12,000 years old, and watch the sun set over the statues on Mount Nemrut. The last stop is Sumela Monastery, set on a cliff above Trabzon.
A professional guide leads the tours. The price covers hotels with breakfast, every flight in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles and entrance fees to the sights (optional visits excluded). International flights to Istanbul, lunches, dinners and extra activities in your free time are not included.
Tour Info
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul and Hotel Transfer
On arrival at Istanbul airport, a driver picks you up and brings you to the hotel. No activities are scheduled for the remainder of the day. At 09:30 AM the next morning, your guide meets you.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City: Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Your guide collects you from the hotel at 09:30 AM for a full day on foot in the old heart of the Ottoman and Byzantine city.
- Topkapi Palace (optional): Walk through the former home of the Ottoman sultans and learn the story behind its fine architecture.
- Blue Mosque: One of the city’s best-known landmarks, admired for its blue tilework and its size.
- Hippodrome: Stand on the site of the old chariot-racing track and see the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the German Fountain.
- Hagia Sophia (optional): Go inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site to see its Byzantine architecture and vast interior.
- Grand Bazaar: Finish in the busy lanes of the world’s oldest covered market, a good place to buy souvenirs, spices and textiles.
At the end of the day you are driven back to your hotel in Istanbul for the night. Breakfast is included.
Day 3 – Flight to Cappadocia and North Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. These are today’s highlights:
- Goreme Esentepe – Panoramic View: The day opens at the Esentepe lookout between Uçhisar and Göreme, with wide views over the fairy chimneys, the wider Cappadocian landscape and the small town of Esentepe.
- Zelve Open-Air Museum: Zelve was once home to monks and a centre of Christian learning. Its old monasteries, churches and chapels still hold well-kept frescoes that show how people here lived and worshipped.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): Paşabağ, also known as ‘Pasha’s Vineyard’, is famous for its three-headed fairy chimneys and has some of the most striking rock shapes in the region.
- Devrent Valley: A short drive brings you to a valley that looks like the surface of the moon. Its small, pointed chimneys invite you to spot animals and mythical creatures in the stone.
- Avanos Pottery Workshop: Potters in Avanos have shaped clay from the Red River since 3000 BC. In a traditional workshop you watch local craftsmen at work.
- Love Valley: The last stop. Millions of years of erosion have carved cones, pinnacles and fairy chimneys here, some as tall as 40 meters, making this one of the strangest and most photogenic corners of Cappadocia.
The night is spent at your cave hotel, with breakfast included.
Optional evening: a Turkish Night show with traditional music and dance.
Day 4 – Cappadocia Valleys and Bus to Konya
If you wish, start the day before dawn with a hot air balloon flight (optional) and watch the sun rise over Cappadocia. The sky changes colour as you drift above the fairy chimneys and rock formations. After landing there is a champagne toast, and then you are taken back to your hotel.
The tour usually begins around 09:00 and finishes by 16:00 at the latest.
- Meskendir Valley (4.4 km Trek): A 4.4 km walk through this valley near Ortahisar leads to Meskendir Church, decorated with bold red geometric patterns and a large cross carved into the chapel ceiling. You can go inside and enjoy the scenery around it.
- Rose Valley: Tucked away behind Ürgüp, this quiet valley is known for its rock formations and churches cut into the stone out of sight. Paths run through vineyards and gardens between small villages and towns, and locals sometimes offer walkers fresh grapes, apples or apricots.
- Red Valley: Much like its neighbour, Red Valley has striking rocks and old cave churches. Its trails cross each other like a spider’s web, joining remote villages and farmland, and they show both the nature and the history of the region.
- Cavusin Valley: Çavuşin is one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia, a maze of homes cut into the rock. It also has the Church of John the Baptist, the largest cave church in the region, which dates from the 5th century.
- Underground City: Early Christians dug 36 underground cities in Cappadocia to escape persecution. You visit the largest and best known of them, spread over eight levels, and walk through parts of it, including old wineries, kitchens and living rooms.
- Pigeon Valley: On the edge of Göreme, this valley takes its name from the dovecotes carved into its cliffs over the centuries. Farmers once used the droppings to fertilise their fields. Today it is a fine spot for wide views and photos.
- Uchisar Castle Panorama: The final stop is Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. Its rock castle once served as a fortress, and from the top you look out over the whole region, with Mount Erciyes on the horizon.
When the tour ends, you board a bus to Konya, a ride of about 4 hours. Overnight in Konya.
Day 5 – Konya Mevlana Museum and Drive to Antalya
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and see the main sights of Konya:
- Mevlana Museum: The tomb of the great mystic Rumi, and the place to learn about the Whirling Dervishes.
- Karatay Medrese: A school from the Seljuk era, known for its detailed tiles and its place in history.
- Alaeddin Hill: Walk to the top for a view over the whole city.
You then drive to Antalya, about 3 hours away, and spend the night there.
Day 6 – Antalya: Perge, Aspendos, Kursunlu Waterfall, Kaleici
A full day around Antalya and its best-known sights:
- Perge Ancient City: Walk among the ruins of this Roman city.
- Aspendos Theatre: One of the best-preserved Roman theatres anywhere.
- Kursunlu Waterfall: A calm, green spot to relax.
- Kaleici (Old Town): Cobbled streets, Ottoman houses and lively shops.
- Hadrian’s Gate: The well-kept Roman gate that once led into the old city.
Overnight in Antalya.
Day 7 – Fethiye, Oludeniz Lagoon and Kayakoy
After breakfast, drive from Antalya to Fethiye, which takes about 2.5 hours. The day includes:
- Fethiye Museum: Ancient finds that tell the story of the region.
- Oludeniz: A blue lagoon and beach often named among the most beautiful in Turkey.
- Kayakoy: A ghost town left empty in the 1920s. Walk between its stone houses and hear its history.
After the tour, check in at your hotel and spend a free evening. Overnight in Fethiye.
Day 8 – Drive to Bodrum: Castle, Mausoleum and Marina
Leave Fethiye after breakfast for the drive to Bodrum, usually around 3 hours. In Bodrum you visit:
- Bodrum Castle: A medieval fortress with wide views over the harbour.
- Mausoleum of Halicarnassus: Walk among the remains of one of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders.
- Bodrum Marina: Free time at the lively marina to shop or sit down for a coffee at a waterfront café.
After the tour you are taken to your hotel in Bodrum for the evening. Overnight in Bodrum.
Day 9 – Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis and Kusadasi
Check out of your hotel and travel to Pamukkale.
- Travertines of Pamukkale: Walk on the white terraces and enjoy the thermal pools.
- Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the ruins of this Roman spa town.
The road then continues to Kusadasi, where you check in at your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 10 – Ephesus and Flight to Sanliurfa
After checking out, head to Ephesus for a guided visit. The highlights:
- Library of Celsus: Its grand facade is one of the best-known sights of Ephesus.
- Temple of Hadrian: Built for the Roman emperor Hadrian, the temple still has fine columns and detailed reliefs.
- Terrace Houses (optional): Step inside the luxurious homes where the wealthy families of Ephesus once lived.
- Hercules Gate: A monumental gateway decorated with carvings of the legendary hero.
- Grand Theatre: It once seated up to 25,000 people, and performances are still staged here today.
- The Snake Cult of Asklepios: Hear about the ancient cult of Asklepios, god of healing, and see what is left of his temple.
- Herm (Marker) of Hermes: Old stone markers that guided travellers and marked boundaries in the city.
- Artemission: The place where the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient world’s Seven Wonders, used to stand.
- Stone-carving of the goddess Nike: A finely worked relief of Nike, the winged goddess of victory.
- Fountain of Trajan: The well-kept remains of a monumental fountain raised in honour of Emperor Trajan.
- House of Virgin Mary (optional): The tour can end at the house where, it is believed, the Virgin Mary spent her final days and was laid to rest.
When the tour is over, you transfer to Izmir Airport and fly to Sanliurfa. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 11 – Gobeklitepe, Harran and Sanliurfa Bazaar
- 10:00 AM – Departure from Sanliurfa: A private transfer takes you to Göbekli Tepe, often called the zero point of history (about 30 minutes).
- 10:30 AM – Göbekli Tepe: Explore what is thought to be the oldest known temple complex in the world, with carved stones more than 12,000 years old.
- 12:00 PM – On to Harran: Leave Göbekli Tepe for Harran, known for its beehive-shaped mudbrick houses and long history.
- 12:45 PM – Harran: Visit the old village and its buildings, including the famous mudbrick houses, and learn why it mattered in the ancient world.
- 15:00 – Sanliurfa Bazaar: Back in Sanliurfa (about 1 hour from Harran), browse the busy markets of a city known for its history and local food.
Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 12 – Mount Nemrut Sunset and Adiyaman
- 09:00 AM – Road to Nemrut: After breakfast, set off from Sanliurfa towards the Nemrut Mountain area (about 3 hours) by private vehicle or guided transfer, with an optional breakfast stop on the way.
- 12:00 PM – Kahramanmaraş (optional): Stop in Kahramanmaraş to try its famous ice cream and rest for a while before the road continues.
- 02:30 PM – Arrival in Adıyaman: This is the gateway to Mount Nemrut. Have lunch at a local restaurant and freshen up before the mountain.
- 04:00 PM – Drive to Nemrut National Park: The road passes through scenic country and historical sites on the way to the mountain.
- 05:30 PM – Start of the ascent: From the base of Mount Nemrut, go up to the summit on foot, or by shuttle if one is running.
- 06:30 PM – The summit: Spend time among the ancient statues of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and hear the story of the Commagene Kingdom.
- 07:00 PM – Sunset at Mount Nemrut: Golden evening light falls on the statues and across the land around the peak.
- 08:30 PM – Descent and drive to Adıyaman: Head back down the mountain and on to the centre of Adıyaman.
- 09:30 PM – Hotel check-in: Check in at your hotel in Adıyaman and rest after a long day.
Day 13 – Long Drive from Adiyaman to Trabzon
This is a travel day: you go by bus from Adiyaman to Trabzon, which takes around 9 hours.
On arrival in Trabzon you are transferred to your hotel. Once checked in, you are free to relax for what is left of the day.
Day 14 – Sumela Monastery, Trabzon and Flight to Istanbul
Check out after breakfast and start your Trabzon tour.
- Sumela Monastery: A striking monastery built into the side of a cliff.
- Ataturk Pavilion: A fine villa on a hillside with views over Trabzon.
After the tour you fly back to Istanbul. Spend your free time resting or doing some final shopping. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 15 – Departure Transfer from Istanbul
Check out of the hotel after breakfast. Our representative will take care of your transfer to the airport for your departure flight, which ends our services.
Would you like more time in Istanbul? Extra nights can be added to your stay.
Important Notes
Optional extras
- Cappadocia hot air balloon flight (GOREME): $310
- One extra night at an Istanbul hotel, before or after the tour: $65
- Upgrade to a private tour: $750
Inclusions & Exclusions
- ✓Accommodations with breakfast
- ✓Professional guide
- ✓All flights in the itinerary
- ✓Air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓Admission Fees to enter sights (Except optionals)
- ✕International flights to Istanbul
- ✕Dinner and lunch
- ✕Optional additional tours or activities during free time
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Turkey in 15 days from Istanbul to Nemrut and Trabzon: the key facts
This group package is one of the widest routes we sell. You fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia and then travel by road through Konya, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum and Pamukkale to Kusadasi for Ephesus. From there you fly east to Sanliurfa for Göbekli Tepe and Harran, drive to Mount Nemrut, cross to Trabzon on the Black Sea, and fly back to Istanbul from there. Three flights are included. Most of the other legs are by road.
It suits travellers who want to see the east and the Black Sea as well as the classic sights in one trip, and who are fine with several long road days. The price is from $4,880 per person. A private upgrade is listed at $750.
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 days / 14 nights |
| Route | Istanbul – Cappadocia – Konya – Antalya – Fethiye – Bodrum – Pamukkale – Kusadasi (Ephesus) – Sanliurfa – Göbekli Tepe – Harran – Mount Nemrut – Adiyaman – Trabzon – Istanbul |
| Style | Group tour (private upgrade $750) |
| Start / end | Airport pickup in Istanbul / departure transfer on Day 15 |
| Included | Hotels with breakfast, professional guide, all flights in the itinerary, air-conditioned vehicles, entrance fees except optional sights |
| Extra | International flights, lunches and dinners, optional activities, balloon flight ($310), extra Istanbul night ($65) |
Which legs are flights and which are by road?
There are three flights, and all of them are included. On Day 3 you fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia. On Day 10, after Ephesus, you fly from Izmir Airport to Sanliurfa. On Day 14, after Sumela Monastery, you fly from Trabzon to Istanbul. The rest is by bus or tour vehicle. The page gives these times: about 4 hours from Cappadocia to Konya, about 3 to Antalya, about 2.5 to Fethiye and around 3 to Bodrum. Day 13 is about 9 hours from Adiyaman to Trabzon. The page gives no flight times, so ask for them.
How hard is the long drive to Trabzon?
Day 13 is a travel day with no sightseeing. You go by bus from Adiyaman to Trabzon, which the page puts at around 9 hours. It follows Day 12, which ends with the Nemrut sunset and a hotel check-in in Adiyaman at about 21:30. So you have a late night followed by a full day on the road. Bring water, snacks and something to do. On Day 14 you visit Sumela Monastery on its cliff and the Atatürk Pavilion, then fly to Istanbul. Our Black Sea destination guide covers the region.
What is the Day 12 timetable to Mount Nemrut?
Please confirm this day in writing. The page says you leave Sanliurfa at 09:00 for the Nemrut area, "about 3 hours". But the timetable then lists an optional breakfast stop, a 12:00 stop in Kahramanmaraş for ice cream and arrival in Adiyaman at 14:30. This looks like it was copied from a version of the tour that starts in Cappadocia. Ask for the real departure time and stops. The evening part is clearer: you climb at 17:30, watch the sunset at about 19:00 and drive back to Adiyaman. Snow usually closes the Mount Nemrut summit road in winter, so check your dates.
Is the balloon flight possible?
Yes, but you have only one try. The balloon costs $310 per person and is booked as an extra. You spend one night in Cappadocia, after flying in on Day 3, and the page offers the flight before dawn on Day 4. The guided tour starts at about 09:00, and the bus to Konya leaves after it. If wind cancels flights that morning, there is no second morning in Cappadocia on this plan. Our balloon price guide explains the options.
What do we see in the east?
On Day 11 a transfer leaves Sanliurfa at 10:00 for Göbekli Tepe, about 30 minutes away. There you see a temple complex with carved stones over 12,000 years old. At 12:00 you go on to Harran and its beehive mudbrick houses, and at 15:00 you are back in Sanliurfa for the bazaar. Day 12 brings the statues and sunset on Mount Nemrut. Lunch in Adiyaman is at a local restaurant at your own cost, since lunches are excluded. Our Eastern Turkey guide explains the sites.
What does the coast section include?
On Day 6 in Antalya you visit Perge, the Aspendos theatre, the Kursunlu Waterfall, Kaleiçi and Hadrian's Gate. Day 7 covers the Fethiye Museum, Oludeniz lagoon and Kayakoy, followed by a free evening. Day 8 is Bodrum Castle, the Mausoleum and free time at the marina. Day 9 brings the Pamukkale terraces and Hierapolis, where you walk barefoot on the white rock, so bring a bag for your shoes. That night you stay in Kusadasi, and Ephesus follows on Day 10.
What should we wear, and which meals are covered?
Only breakfast is included. Lunches and dinners are at your own cost. At the Blue Mosque on Day 2 you take off your shoes. Everyone covers shoulders and knees, and women also cover their hair. Mosques close to visitors at prayer times. Entrance fees are included "except optionals", so Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Terrace Houses and the House of the Virgin Mary are at your own cost if you go in. Bring good walking shoes for Ephesus and the 4.4 km Meskendir Valley walk on Day 4.
Can we shorten the tour or add nights?
You can add Istanbul nights at $65 each, before or after the tour. The group order is fixed. Our 14-day Wonders of Turkey tour covers a similar route in a different order, by road from Istanbul via Troy, with one flight at the end. It is listed at $5,785, so ask us to explain the difference in price. If you would rather skip the southeast and spend time on a gulet, compare the 15-day Best of Turkey package with a gulet cruise from $4,435.
How do I book this 15-day package?
Choose your date and number of guests in the booking form on this page and send it, or message us on WhatsApp. We check the three flights and the hotels for your dates. Then we send the full plan in writing, with hotel names, flight times and the corrected Day 12 schedule. You pay only after you have read it and confirmed it. The tour is run by Get Turkey Tours, TÜRSAB licence A-15751.
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