Established 2001

Turkey / Small Group

Türkiye Grand Journey: 14-Day Empires, Ancient Roads & Living Traditions

A 14-Day Small Group Journey Through Türkiye’s Great Civilizations, Regional Cultures and Living Traditions

Discover the Türkiye few journeys truly reveal. Travel from vibrant Istanbul to Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia and Beypazari, following a route that weaves together iconic landmarks, hidden gems and authentic local encounters into one unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 14 Days Style: Small Group Route: Istanbul → Istanbul From: $4,911 pp
Specialist travel since 2001 Small groups & tailor-made journeys Expert Local Guides Operated with local knowledge

Why This Tour

What sets this journey apart

01

Travel in a Small, Like-Minded Group

With a maximum of 14 travelers, the experience feels more relaxed, social and personal. You have more time with your guide, easier access at each stop and none of the impersonal feel of a large coach tour.

02

Local Access with Purpose

Village stays at Urla and Beypazari, a private wine tasting at Cappadocian winery by the river, a home-cooked lunch near Pergamon, and an insightful introduction to Sufi traditions in Konya are not simply memorable moments—they are how this journey reveals the soul of Turkey. Authentic encounters throughout the itinerary offer a genuine connection to the country's people, cuisine, and living heritage.

03

Understand the Stories Behind the Places

The difference between seeing Türkiye and understanding it lies in the people who introduce it. Throughout your journey from Istanbul and Gallipoli to Ephesus, Konya, and Cappadocia, our experienced guides provide the insight, context and stories that transform iconic landmarks into unforgettable experiences.

04

Experience Türkiye as One Connected Journey

True Blue Tour has been operating in Turkey since 2001. This journey reflects years of local knowledge — the routes, timing, hotels, guides, restaurants and regional relationships that make each day work smoothly on the ground.

Route

The Journey Ahead

1
Istanbul 3 Days

Ottoman domes, lively markets & the Bosphorus

2
Canakkale 1 Day

Gallipoli’s moving battlefields and the legendary ruins of Troy

3
Urla 1 Day

Aegean gastronomy, local wines and a relaxed coastal atmosphere

4
Kusadasi 2 Days

Hillside village life, ancient Ephesus and authentic Aegean flavors

5
Pamukkale 1 Day

White travertine terraces, thermal waters and the ancient city of Hierapolis

6
Konya 1 Day

Rumi’s spiritual legacy, Sufi traditions and the cultural heart of central Anatolia

7
Cappadocia 2 Days

Fairy chimneys, underground cities, cave-style stays and local traditions

8
Beypazarı 1 Day

Ottoman houses, artisan workshops and living Anatolian heritage

9
Istanbul 1 Day

A final evening in the city where the journey began

At a Glance

Tour snapshot

Duration

14 days / 13 nights

Travel Style

Small Group Grand Cultural Journey

Group Size

Small Group of maximum 14 like-minded travelers

Pace

Moderately active, with a balanced mix of guided touring, scenic drives and slower local experiences

Accommodation

Well-located hotels, boutique stays and cave-style accommodation

Meals

Daily breakfast, welcome dinner, selected regional meals, an Aegean cooking experience and a Cappadocian wine tasting

Best for

Culturally curious travelers seeking Türkiye’s major historic sites, regional traditions and lesser-known places in one comprehensive journey

The Experience

What this journey feels like

This is the kind of journey that lingers long after the journey itself has ended.

It begins in the vibrant streets of Istanbul before unfolding through places shaped by empires, faith, and legend—from the quiet battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient stories of Troy to the marble avenues of Ephesus and the dreamlike landscapes of Cappadocia.

Along the way, the most memorable moments are often the quietest: sharing a meal with local hosts, watching the light shift across Anatolia, or finding yourself in places where history still feels remarkably present.

By the time you leave, Türkiye is no longer simply a collection of remarkable places. It becomes a country remembered through its people, its traditions, and the moments that quietly stay with you.

“When you start to walk on the way, the way appears.”

Rumi

Like what you see so far?

Check departure dates and reserve your place with a EUR 400 deposit.

View Available Dates

What’s Covered

Included & not included

Included

  • 13 nights hotels and cave accommodation
  • Daily breakfast
  • Welcome dinner in Istanbul
  • Women’s cooperative lunch in Cappadocia
  • Aegean cooking class & dinner in Sirince
  • Local wines tasting in Cappadocia
  • Expert, licensed English-speaking guide throughout the journey
  • Private air-conditioned transportation during tours and transfers
  • Arrival transfer in Istanbul
  • Included sightseeing and local experiences listed in the itinerary
  • All entry fees to the sights
  • True Blue support before and during travel

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Optional Cappadocia hot air balloon flight
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Drinks with meals unless specified
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guide and drivers
  • Any services not listed as included
  • Room service at hotels

Before You Book

Good to Know Before You Book

This journey is designed for travelers who want Turkey’s highlights with better pacing, local access and expert guidance. You’ll experience Istanbul, Çanakkale, Urla, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Beypazari without trying to squeeze too much into each day.

Is this journey right for you?

This journey is for travelers who want to experience Türkiye beyond its famous landmarks. From the battlefields of Gallipoli and the ruins of Troy to the valleys of Cappadocia and the timeless streets of Beypazarı, every destination has been chosen for its character, stories and sense of place.

Along the way, history is balanced with the rhythms of local life. Share regional cuisine, meet artisans, taste local wines and discover traditions that continue far beyond the guidebooks. Rather than rushing from one highlight to the next, this journey creates space to experience each region in a more meaningful way.

The pace is active yet comfortable, with walks through archaeological sites, historic villages and natural landscapes. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, along with a curiosity for culture, conversation and discovery.

More than a sightseeing itinerary, this is a journey through the many layers of Türkiye—designed for travelers who believe the most memorable experiences are the ones that reveal the spirit of a place.

Book Your Place

Dates & prices

All prices are per person in USD

Small group experience Carefully paced departures
Exceptional value More of what matters, included
Flexible booking Easy changes & support
Good availability Limited spaces Filling fast Sold out
2027 Departures
Start Date End Date Price per person Availability
3 Apr 2027
16 Apr 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
1 May 2027
14 May 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
29 May 2027
11 Jun 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
12 Jun 2027
25 Jun 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
28 Aug 2027
10 Sep 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
11 Sep 2027
24 Sep 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
25 Sep 2027
8 Oct 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
9 Oct 2027
22 Oct 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
23 Oct 2027
5 Nov 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left
6 Nov 2027
19 Nov 2027
$4,911
Deposit: $457
Good availability 10+ spots left

A deposit of $457 secures your place. Full payment due before departure according to your confirmation terms. Single room supplement available on request. Prices include land content as specified; international flights are not included. Prices are charged in USD.

Enrich Your Journey

Optional experiences

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight

A dawn balloon flight over Cappadocia’s valleys can be arranged, weather permitting. This is one of the region’s most iconic experiences and should be booked in advance where possible.

Please consult

Hagia Sophia Interior Gallery Visit

The interior visitor route at Hagia Sophia can be arranged as an optional visit, subject to current regulations, ticketing and availability.

25 €

Ebru Master Class

Master class with a local artist. Learn the delicate techniques behind this traditional craft and create your own unique artwork to take home as a lasting memory of Türkiye.

Please consult

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes. This journey is ideal for first-time visitors who want to discover the many faces of Türkiye through a thoughtfully designed route. From imperial Istanbul and the battlefields of Gallipoli to the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus, the spiritual heritage of Konya, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and the living traditions of Urla and Beypazarı, this itinerary offers a rich introduction to the country's history, culture and local way of life.

The pace is moderate and carefully managed. The itinerary covers several regions in 10 days, but domestic flights are used to reduce long drives and the route includes time for local experiences, village atmosphere and free time.

No. The journey is fully operated by the road.

No. The balloon flight is optional and weather-dependent. It can be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

Hagia Sophia is included as an exterior visit within the guided Istanbul program. The interior gallery visit can be arranged as an optional visit, subject to current visitor regulations and ticketing.

The journey uses boutique hotels and cave-style properties selected for comfort, location and character. Final hotels may vary by departure and availability.

Yes. A private version can be arranged around your own dates, pace, hotel preferences and interests.

It can be suitable for many senior travelers, but guests should be comfortable with walking in historic areas, archaeological sites and uneven surfaces. Private versions can be adjusted more closely around pace and mobility.

True Blue Tour · Türkiye

Join a Small Group or Make It Private

Join a scheduled small group departure or ask our team to create a private version around your preferred dates, pace and travel style.

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