Highlights of Turkey – Winter Season

Highlights of Turkey (Winter Holiday Departure) — 14 Days

From the Byzantine domes of Istanbul to the lunar valleys of Cappadocia and the marble cities of the Aegean, this winter holiday journey weaves together Türkiye’s most iconic landscapes and civilizations. Expect a rich blend of UNESCO-listed monuments, living bazaars, Roman theatres, Seljuk caravanserais, and warm Anatolian hospitality—crafted for travelers who want culture, history, and unforgettable scenery across two continents.

Winter travel collage of Türkiye: Istanbul skyline and Bosphorus at blue hour, Cappadocia fairy chimneys with soft winter light, ancient Ephesus marble streets, Pergamon acropolis panorama, and Antalya old town by the Mediterranean

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul – A First Taste of the Bosphorus

Touch down in Istanbul, the city that has served as a crossroads of empires for nearly two millennia. After a warm welcome by your guide at the airport, enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to unwind and begin exploring at your own pace—perhaps with a gentle stroll through nearby streets, a first Turkish coffee, or a sunset view over the shimmering Bosphorus.

Meals: None | Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul Old City – Byzantine Grandeur & Ottoman Splendour

Step into the heart of historic Sultanahmet, where Byzantium and the Ottoman world meet. Begin at the Hippodrome, once the roaring arena of chariot races and imperial ceremonies, still marked by ancient obelisks. Visit the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of late antiquity whose vast dome defined Byzantine architecture and later became an emblem of Ottoman Istanbul. Continue to the Topkapi Palace, the legendary residence of Ottoman sultans, with opulent courtyards, treasury collections, and panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Admire the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), famed for its elegant silhouette and blue Iznik tiles that glow softly in the light. Descend into the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici), an atmospheric underground reservoir supported by forest-like columns—a hidden marvel of Byzantine engineering.

Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Istanbul

Day 3: Layers of Istanbul – Chora, the Bosphorus & Living Bazaars

Explore the Chora (Kariye) area, celebrated for its extraordinary Byzantine mosaics and frescoes that narrate sacred stories in jewel-like detail. Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise, drifting between Europe and Asia while palaces, fortresses, and waterfront neighbourhoods glide past—one of Istanbul’s signature experiences. In the afternoon, walk from lively Taksim Square toward the historic Galata district, where elegant 19th-century avenues meet the iconic Galata Tower skyline. Delight in Istanbul’s legendary markets: the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of centuries-old caravan trade, and the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), fragrant with saffron, teas, and lokum.

Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Istanbul

Bosphorus cruise at blue hour with Istanbul’s waterfront palaces and minarets glowing

Day 4: To Ankara – The Republic’s Heart

After breakfast, travel by coach to Ankara, Türkiye’s modern capital and a city of deep national significance. Visit Anitkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Republic—an inspiring complex combining solemn ceremony with sweeping views. Continue to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, widely regarded as one of the country’s finest museums, where Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and other treasures trace Anatolia’s story from prehistory onward.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: Ankara

Day 5: Into Cappadocia – Valleys, Rock Castles & Sunset Hues

Depart Ankara after breakfast and journey into the dreamlike region of Cappadocia, shaped by volcanic landscapes and centuries of human ingenuity. Arrive near Uchisar, crowned by a natural rock citadel that once served as a strategic lookout and refuge. Walk along Pigeon Valley, named for the dovecotes carved into cliff faces—a reminder of local life and the region’s symbiosis with nature. Enjoy a local lunch, then pause at scenic viewpoints for panoramic photo stops across fairy chimneys and undulating ridgelines. End the day in Red Valley, famous for its rose-coloured rock that glows at sunset, revealing a painterly palette across the canyon walls.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | Overnight: Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s Red Valley at sunset with layered ridgelines and rose-colored rock formations

Day 6: Cappadocia Classics – Open-Air Museum, Underground City & Pottery Town

Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO-listed ensemble of rock-cut churches whose frescoes offer a vivid window into early Christian art in Anatolia. Descend into Kaymakli Underground City, an astonishing multi-level refuge carved beneath the earth with corridors, ventilation shafts, and communal spaces built for protection over centuries. Continue to Avanos on the Kizilirmak River, renowned for its red clay pottery tradition. Enjoy time to observe local craftsmanship and soak up the relaxed riverside atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 7: Cappadocia to Antalya – Seljuk Roads & Konya’s Spiritual Legacy

After breakfast, travel toward the Mediterranean coast. En route, stop at the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, a magnificent Seljuk-era inn where Silk Road merchants once rested with their caravans. In Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum, centre of the Mevlevi (Whirling Dervish) tradition and a place of quiet beauty dedicated to the poet-mystic Rumi (Mevlana). Arrive in Antalya in the evening and settle into your hotel for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: Antalya

Day 8: Antalya Region – Roman Theatres, Ancient Cities & Old Town Charm

Explore the classical treasures of the Antalya region. Begin at Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, still celebrated for its near-perfect acoustics. Continue to Perge, once a flourishing Pamphylian city, where colonnaded streets, gates, and bath complexes evoke the civic pride of the Roman era. Visit Side, a harbour town layered with antiquity, with temple ruins by the sea and a Mediterranean atmosphere that feels timeless. In the afternoon, enjoy an Antalya city tour, including the old town (Kaleiçi) with its Ottoman-era houses, harbour views, and inviting lanes.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: Antalya

Aspendos Roman theatre

Day 9: To Pamukkale – Cotton Castle & Sacred Springs

After breakfast, travel to Pamukkale, famed for its gleaming white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Walk along the terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded as a spa centre in antiquity, with its grand theatre, necropolis, and sacred pools that have drawn travellers for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: Pamukkale

Day 10: To İzmir via Ephesus – Marble Streets of the Ancient World

Depart for İzmir, stopping en route at Ephesus, one of the Mediterranean’s most spectacular Greco-Roman cities. Stroll along its marble avenues to landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the remains of temples and public squares that once served a thriving port city. Continue to Şirince, a charming hillside village known for stone houses, small artisan shops, and a gentle Aegean rhythm—an ideal contrast to monumental antiquity. Arrive in İzmir for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: İzmir

Day 11: İzmir & Pergamon – From Lively Markets to Hilltop Sanctuaries

After breakfast, discover İzmir’s vibrant Kemeraltı Bazaar and city highlights, where modern coastal life meets layers of Levantine and Ottoman heritage. Then set out toward the Aegean north to visit Pergamon (Bergama), an ancient powerhouse of culture and learning. Its dramatic acropolis, once crowned by temples and palaces, recalls a city famed for its library and medical sanctuary traditions. Continue to Ayvalık, a seaside town known for its olive groves, island views, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner | Overnight: Ayvalık

Day 12: Troy & Return to Istanbul – Epic Legends and Imperial Nights

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Troy, where archaeological layers echo the legends of Homer’s Iliad and the long history of settlement at this strategic gateway between the Aegean and Anatolia. Continue by coach to Istanbul. On arrival, check into your hotel in the Taksim area for an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Istanbul (Taksim)

Day 13: Leisure Day in Istanbul – Your Own Finale

Enjoy a full free day in Istanbul to savour the city in your own style. You might choose to revisit favourite neighbourhoods, explore the art galleries and cafes of Karaköy and Beyoğlu, discover the Asian side in Kadıköy, or indulge in a traditional Turkish hammam for a relaxing finale. Your guide will be happy to offer tailored suggestions depending on your interests.

Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: Istanbul (Taksim)

Day 14: Departure – Farewell to Turkey

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure. Leave with beautiful memories of Türkiye’s timeless cities, warm hospitality, and the remarkable civilizations that shaped this land.

Meals: Breakfast | Overnight: —

Hotels

The following hotels are planned for this tour. Please note that accommodations may be subject to change depending on availability and specific client requests. In all cases, hotels of equal or higher category will be provided.