Multi-day tour
Grand Journey Across Turkey: 15 days from Istanbul to the Black Sea
Fifteen days across Turkey, from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Konya, the Turquoise Coast, Ephesus, Mesopotamia and the Black Sea, with a licensed guide.
Key facts
- Duration 15 days / 14 nights
- Route Istanbul → Trabzon 16 destinations
- Quotation Quotation within 24 business hours (72 business hours for groups and MICE)
- Recommended months April–June, September, October
- Type Private
Overview
A 15-day, 14-night circuit that crosses Turkey west to east and south to north as one continuous story. It starts in Istanbul, among mosques, bazaars and the Bosphorus; flies to Cappadocia to walk among fairy chimneys and rock-cut villages; continues to Konya, the city of Rumi and the whirling dervishes, and reaches the Turquoise Coast with Antalya, Fethiye and the lagoon of Ölüdeniz.
The route then follows the Aegean with Bodrum, the white terraces of Pamukkale, Kuşadası and the ancient city of Ephesus. From there a flight leads to Şanlıurfa for Göbeklitepe and Harran, where archaeology and biblical landscape meet, and the route continues to Mount Nemrut and Adıyaman, among mountains and colossal Hellenistic statues. The last stage is the Black Sea and Trabzon, green and humid, before returning to Istanbul for a final night. The programme combines coastlines, mountains, archaeology and living culture, with domestic flights on the long legs and a licensed guide on the visits.
The route then follows the Aegean with Bodrum, the white terraces of Pamukkale, Kuşadası and the ancient city of Ephesus. From there a flight leads to Şanlıurfa for Göbeklitepe and Harran, where archaeology and biblical landscape meet, and the route continues to Mount Nemrut and Adıyaman, among mountains and colossal Hellenistic statues. The last stage is the Black Sea and Trabzon, green and humid, before returning to Istanbul for a final night. The programme combines coastlines, mountains, archaeology and living culture, with domestic flights on the long legs and a licensed guide on the visits.
Route: IstanbulCappadociaKonyaAntalyaFethiyeÖlüdenizBodrumPamukkaleKuşadasıEphesusŞanlıurfaGöbeklitepeHarranMount NemrutAdiyamanTrabzon
- Physical level: Demanding
- Languages of the guided visits: Spanish, English
Highlights
- Classical Istanbul with the imperial mosques, the bazaars and the Bosphorus.
- Cappadocia and Konya: fairy chimneys, rock-cut villages and the Sufi legacy of Rumi.
- The Turquoise and Aegean coasts: Antalya, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz, Bodrum, Pamukkale and Kuşadası on one route.
- Ephesus and Turkish Mesopotamia: first-rank archaeology and biblical landscape in a single trip.
- The Black Sea region and Trabzon, lush and humid, a complete contrast with the rest of the country.
- Domestic flights on the long legs, so the fifteen days are not spent on the road.
What is included and what is not
Included
- 14 nights’ accommodation in 3★–4★ hotels or similar, distributed among Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Fethiye, Bodrum, Kuşadası, Şanlıurfa, Adıyaman/Kahta and Trabzon (or equivalent cities, subject to availability).
- Daily breakfast at the hotels.
- Airport–hotel–airport transfers in Istanbul at the beginning and end of the trip.
- All overland journeys and sightseeing by air-conditioned tourist vehicle as per the itinerary.
- Domestic flights according to the itinerary (for example: Istanbul–Cappadocia, Aegean area–Şanlıurfa, Trabzon–Istanbul; exact combination to be specified in the offer).
- Services of a licensed English-speaking guide during sightseeing (other languages on request and subject to availability).
- Entrance fees to the monuments, museums and sites listed in the itinerary.
Not included
- International flights (home country – Istanbul – home country).
- Lunches and dinners (unless specifically stated as included).
- Optional activities such as hot-air balloon flights and quad tours in Cappadocia, boat trips or paragliding in Fethiye/Ölüdeniz, Turkish night shows, whirling dervish ceremonies, etc.
- Personal expenses (shopping, minibar, drinks not mentioned, laundry, room service, etc.).
- Tips for guide, driver, porters, restaurant and hotel staff.
- Visa fees and visa handling services, if required.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Any service not explicitly mentioned as included.
Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul and Transfer
Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) and meet-and-greet with our representative. After a short welcome briefing, you are transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have free time to rest, take an orientation walk in the surroundings or enjoy a first taste of Turkish cuisine nearby. -
Day 2
Istanbul City Tour
After breakfast we start exploring the historic peninsula of Istanbul: the Hippodrome square with its obelisks, the Blue Mosque (interior/exterior visit depending on current regulations), Hagia Sophia and the outer courtyards of Topkapi Palace. If time permits, we also visit the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar for a first encounter with Istanbul’s markets. There will be free time for lunch during the tour and we return to the hotel in the late afternoon.Optional activities
- Whirling dervishes sema ceremony
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Day 3
Flight to Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia (Kayseri or Nevşehir). After a short flight of about 1–1.5 hours, arrival and transfer to your hotel in the region. Depending on timings, we may enjoy a brief orientation tour with photo stops overlooking the valleys and fairy chimneys. Evening at leisure to dine in a local restaurant and get your first taste of Central Anatolia.Optional activities
- Sunset quad (ATV) ride through the valleys
- Turkish night in a cave restaurant
Notes for the day: Domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia of roughly 1–1.5 hours. The day’s programme follows the confirmed flight time.
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Day 4
Discover Cappadocia & Transfer to Konya
After breakfast we explore Cappadocia’s main highlights: Göreme Open Air Museum (entrance according to program), panoramic viewpoints around Uçhisar, the pottery town of Avanos and some of the valleys famous for their fairy chimneys. There will be free time for lunch.
In the afternoon we drive to Konya (around 3–4 hours), crossing the plains of Central Anatolia. Arrival in the city of Rumi, check-in at the hotel and evening at leisure.Optional activities
- Sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the valleys of Cappadocia
Notes for the day: Cappadocia to Konya by road, about 3–4 hours across the Central Anatolian plateau.
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Day 5
Konya Tour – Drive to Antalya
After breakfast we visit the Mevlana Museum and its surroundings, learning about Rumi’s life, teachings and the whirling dervish tradition. Depending on time, we may also walk around Alaeddin Hill and the historic market area.
Around midday we depart by road to Antalya. Leaving the Konya plain behind, we cross the Taurus Mountains and descend to the Mediterranean coast. Arrival in Antalya in the late afternoon, check-in at the hotel and free time for a first stroll through the old town or harbour area.Notes for the day: Konya to Antalya by road, over the Taurus Mountains and down to the Mediterranean coast. It is a long transfer day.
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Day 6
Antalya City Tour
After breakfast we explore Antalya, one of the main cities on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The old quarter of Kaleiçi with its restored Ottoman houses, Hadrian’s Gate, the historic harbour and clifftop viewpoints are among today’s highlights. Depending on the program, we may also visit panoramic spots such as Düden Waterfalls or Konyaaltı beach. There will be free time for lunch. Afternoon and evening at leisure to enjoy the city and its seaside atmosphere. -
Day 7
Fethiye & Ölüdeniz
Breakfast at the hotel and drive towards Fethiye. After roughly 2.5–3 hours we arrive and take a short walk around the town and marina. We then continue to the lagoon of Ölüdeniz, one of the most iconic beaches on the Turquoise Coast. Free time to swim, relax or, for the more adventurous, join optional activities such as a boat trip or paragliding. Overnight in the Fethiye area.Optional activities
- Boat trip around the coves of Ölüdeniz
- Paragliding flight over the Ölüdeniz lagoon
Notes for the day: Antalya to Fethiye by road, about 2.5–3 hours along the coast. Swimming at Ölüdeniz depends on the season and sea conditions.
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Day 8
Transfer to Bodrum and Tour
After breakfast we drive to Bodrum, one of Turkey’s best-known Aegean resorts. After about 3 hours we arrive and take a walking tour of the centre: the castle (from the outside), the marina and the whitewashed lanes of the old town. If time allows, we may also visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology or the ancient theatre. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy Bodrum’s atmosphere and perhaps dine by the sea.Notes for the day: Fethiye to Bodrum by road, about 3 hours. Bodrum castle is seen from outside unless the programme states otherwise.
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Day 9
Drive to Pamukkale – Kuşadası
After breakfast we leave Bodrum and head inland towards Pamukkale. Around midday we arrive at the white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis (entrances according to program). We walk along the terraces, take photos of the natural pools and visit the Roman theatre. In the afternoon we continue to Kuşadası on the Aegean coast. Arrival, check-in at the hotel and free time.Notes for the day: Bodrum to Pamukkale and on to Kuşadası, a long road day. The travertines are walked barefoot along the marked areas, on an uneven and slippery surface.
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Day 10
Ephesus & Flight to Şanlıurfa
After breakfast we drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We walk along the Marble Street, visit the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus and other key monuments while your guide explains the site’s history. Depending on the program, we may also visit the House of the Virgin Mary or the village of Şirince.
In the afternoon we transfer to the airport (usually in the İzmir area) for our domestic flight to Şanlıurfa. On arrival in the so-called City of Prophets, we transfer to the hotel for overnight.Notes for the day: Ephesus is walked on original marble paving, without shade. In the afternoon, a domestic flight from the Aegean area to Şanlıurfa.
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Day 11
Göbeklitepe – Harran – Şanlıurfa
After breakfast we head to Göbeklitepe, considered one of the oldest known temple complexes in the world. Among its T-shaped pillars with animal reliefs and circular enclosures, your guide will explain the site’s significance for human history. We then continue to Harran, famous for its beehive houses and biblical associations, where we see the remains of the ancient madrasa and city walls.
In the afternoon we return to Şanlıurfa to visit Balıklıgöl, the cave associated with the prophet Abraham and the lively local bazaar. In the evening, those who wish may join an optional ‘sıra gecesi’, a traditional Urfa night with music and regional food.Notes for the day: Göbeklitepe is visited on raised walkways under a protective canopy; Harran is open-air and unshaded. Between June and September the heat in the region is intense.
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Day 12
Mount Nemrut – Adıyaman
After breakfast we drive towards the Adıyaman/Kahta area. Crossing mountainous landscapes, we reach Mount Nemrut National Park. We ascend to the summit area, famous for its giant Hellenistic statues and the funerary mound of King Antiochus I of Commagene. If conditions allow, we aim to be there around sunset or at the best light for photography (timing adjusted to the program). Overnight in Adıyaman or Kahta.Notes for the day: The final ascent of Mount Nemrut is on foot along a stony, sloping path. On the summit, above 2,000 metres, it is considerably colder and windier than in the valley.
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Day 13
Drive from Adıyaman to Trabzon
After breakfast we begin our journey towards the Black Sea. Depending on the season and flight operations, this leg may be done partly by road and partly by domestic flight, or mainly as a panoramic overland route. Along the way we pass rivers, mountain passes and small towns of Eastern Anatolia. We arrive in Trabzon in the late afternoon, check in at the hotel and rest.Notes for the day: The leg between Adıyaman and Trabzon is covered by road, or by road combined with a domestic flight, depending on the season and flight operations. The final combination is confirmed with the quotation.
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Day 14
Trabzon Tour and Flight Back to Istanbul
After breakfast we explore some of Trabzon’s main sights: Hagia Sophia (Trabzon), viewpoints such as Boztepe and, if conditions permit, a panoramic excursion towards the Sumela Monastery area (subject to season and accessibility). The lush, humid landscapes of the Black Sea contrast sharply with the regions visited earlier.
In the afternoon we transfer to Trabzon Airport for our flight back to Istanbul. On arrival we transfer to the hotel and you have your last night in Turkey at leisure.Notes for the day: The panoramic excursion towards the Sumela Monastery area depends on the season and on accessibility that day. In the afternoon, a domestic flight from Trabzon to Istanbul.
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Day 15
Farewell Turkey & Departure Transfer
Breakfast at the hotel (depending on flight time) and final free moments in Istanbul. You may take a short farewell walk or simply relax until your transfer. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your international departure flight. End of our services after a 15-day journey that has shown you many faces of Turkey: Mediterranean, Aegean, Anatolian, Mesopotamian and Black Sea.
How the rate is calculated
Rate tailored to the season, the hotel category and the number of travellers. Request a quotation.
Departures
Tailor-made departures: any date
The programme is operated privately for your group: you choose the starting day and the itinerary is built around that date. There is no fixed departure calendar and no outside group to join.
Route map
Istanbul → Cappadocia → Konya → Antalya → Fethiye → Ölüdeniz → Bodrum → Pamukkale → Kuşadası → Ephesus → Şanlıurfa → Göbeklitepe → Harran → Mount Nemrut → Adiyaman → Trabzon
Operational notes
- The order of the visits may change according to opening hours, traffic and the day’s operation. The content of the programme stays the same.
- Domestic flights are issued in economy class and the checked and cabin baggage allowance depends on the airline and the fare issued; the exact allowance is shown on the ticket. Schedules may be rearranged and the day’s programme follows the confirmed flight.
- The itinerary strings together several domestic flights and long road days (Konya–Antalya, Antalya–Fethiye, Fethiye–Bodrum and Bodrum–Pamukkale–Kuşadası). A manageable suitcase and early starts should be expected.
- The leg between Adıyaman and Trabzon is covered by road, or by road combined with a domestic flight, depending on the season and flight operations. The final combination is confirmed with the quotation.
- Mosques require shoes to be removed and shoulders and knees covered; women are required to cover their hair. Bringing your own scarf is advisable, although the busiest mosques usually lend one at the entrance.
- Working mosques close to visitors during the five daily prayers and, in particular, around the Friday midday prayer. When a visit coincides, the commentary is given outside or the day is reordered.
- Hagia Sophia is a working mosque. Foreign visitors follow a separate tourist route through the upper galleries, while the ground floor is reserved for prayer. That route closes during the five daily prayers and, at Friday midday, for a longer period. The visiting arrangement and opening hours depend on current regulations and may change without notice; if access is restricted on the date of the visit, the monument is explained from outside.
- Museums and archaeological sites may have a weekly closing day and different summer and winter opening hours. The final itinerary is adjusted to the opening calendar in force on the travel dates.
- During the religious holidays (Ramazan Bayramı and Kurban Bayramı, whose dates move with the lunar calendar) museum and shop hours change, monuments are busier, and domestic flights and roads fill up.
- The Cappadocia balloon flight is an optional activity and is not part of the programme. Flights are confirmed before dawn and are cancelled by the operator for wind or visibility, so booking it for the first available sunrise is advisable. The programme does not hold a spare morning in reserve; if the transfer or return-flight schedule allows, the next sunrise can be attempted, and the quotation states the real margin for each departure.
- The final approach to the summit of Mount Nemrut is on foot along a stony, sloping path at a moderate walking level. On the summit, above 2,000 metres, temperatures are noticeably lower and the wind stronger than in the valley, even in summer.
- Access to the summit of Mount Nemrut may be closed by snow or ice between late autumn and spring. Accessibility is checked for each departure date before the programme is confirmed.
- Göbeklitepe is visited on raised walkways under a protective canopy, and Harran is open-air and unshaded. Between June and September the heat in Şanlıurfa and around Adıyaman is intense and visits are concentrated early and late in the day.
- The Pamukkale travertines are walked barefoot along the marked areas. The surface is uneven and slippery, and there is no shade along the route.
- The panoramic excursion towards the Sumela Monastery area depends on the season and on the day’s accessibility; access can be closed for works or because of weather.
- A valid passport, the visa or electronic authorisation and compliance with entry requirements are the traveller’s responsibility. They depend on nationality and should be checked well in advance.
Best time to travel
Recommended months: April, May, June, September, October
This is the most season-sensitive itinerary in the catalogue, because it crosses four different climates. From April to June and from September to October the coast is pleasant, the plateau is mild and the southeast still allows open-air visits. In July and August the heat in Mesopotamia and inland is strong, although it is the best time for swimming at Ölüdeniz and Bodrum. Between late autumn and spring access to the summit of Mount Nemrut may be closed by snow or ice, and Cappadocia often wakes up under snow. The Black Sea is rainy all year: in Trabzon, expect rain in any month.
Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is this trip very tiring? What is the walking level?
It is a wide-ranging itinerary covering many regions, so the programme is full, although it is balanced by domestic flights on the long legs. You walk on uneven ground in the old towns, at Ephesus, in the Cappadocia valleys and on the final climb to Mount Nemrut; the level is moderate. Closed shoes and season-appropriate clothing are recommended.
How is the tour operated?
It is designed to be run privately, with a vehicle and guide for your party. The hotel category, the included services and the exact conditions are set out in the quotation.
What baggage allowance applies on the domestic flights?
It depends on the airline and the fare issued, and is shown on the ticket. It is worth staying within it and travelling with a manageable suitcase, as the tour strings together several domestic flights and transfers.
Is the hot-air balloon flight in Cappadocia included?
No. It is an optional activity. It is confirmed before dawn and is cancelled by the operator for wind or visibility, so it is best booked for the first available sunrise in the region.
When is the best time of year for this trip?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures on a route that moves from the Mediterranean to the plateau and the southeast. In July and August the heat is strong inland and in Mesopotamia; in winter access to the summit of Mount Nemrut may be closed by snow.
How do you get from Adıyaman to the Black Sea?
That leg is covered by road, or by road combined with a domestic flight, depending on the season and flight operations. The final combination is stated in the quotation.
Do you visit the Sumela Monastery?
A panoramic view towards the monastery area is included whenever the season and the day’s accessibility allow. Access in that area can be closed for works or because of weather.
Can the itinerary be shortened or reordered?
Yes. Fifteen days is a lot and not every traveller wants the same regions; the route can be shortened or reordered. Tell us your dates and the areas that interest you.
Booking conditions
- Deposit
- 30% of the total when the booking is confirmed. For bookings made 30 days or less before departure, the full amount at confirmation.
- Balance
- The remaining 70%, no later than 31 days before departure.
- Payment methods
- Bank transfer or credit card. Card payments carry a 3% surcharge; charges applied by the issuing bank are borne by the client.
- Cancellations
- More than 90 days before departure: handling fee only, plus penalties on services already issued · 89–61 days: 25% · 60–31 days: 50% · 30 days or less and no-show: 100%. Reductions in places follow the same scale. Refunds within 10–14 business days of written cancellation.
Credentials
- Legal name
- Colorido Tours Turkey Turizm Ticaret Ltd. Şti.
- TÜRSAB licence
- A-12116
- Office
- Istanbul
- Operating scope
- Turkey only. Egypt, Jordan and the Greek islands only as extensions of a Turkey itinerary.
- Guides
- Licensed guides in Spanish and English
- 24/7 emergency line during the trip
- +90 544 533 53 55
- Who handles your request
- Your request is handled by our reservations team, and the same person follows the file from quotation through to operation on the ground.
