15-Day Discover Turkey Tour – Istanbul to Black Sea & Cappadocia

Discover the heart of Turkey on this epic 15-day guided tour, covering Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, Cappadocia, the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa, the Black Sea coast, and the UNESCO heritage town of Safranbolu. This journey takes you beyond the usual tourist routes into Eastern Anatolia, where you’ll experience the culture, traditions, folklore, and hospitality of this unique region firsthand.

Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival
Airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore at your leisure.

Day 2: Istanbul Old City
Guided tour of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome.

Day 3: Iznik & Bursa
Drive to Bursa through beautiful Marmara landscapes. Stop in Iznik (ancient Nicaea), famous for its historic blue tiles. In Bursa, visit the Green Tomb, Green Mosque, Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), and Koza Han silk bazaar.

Day 4: Gordion & Ankara
Visit ancient Gordion, capital of Phrygia where Alexander the Great cut the legendary knot. See the tumulus tomb of King Midas. Continue to Ankara for a scenic city tour and visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Day 5: Ankara & Cappadocia
Tour the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations near the ancient Citadel of Ankara. Drive to Cappadocia via Hacibektas, visiting the Bektashi Order Museum and the Tomb of Haji Bektash Veli.

Day 6: Cappadocia – Goreme & Underground City
Explore the lunar landscape of Cappadocia: Goreme Valley Open Air Museum with its cave churches and Byzantine frescoes, the iconic fairy chimneys, and the multi-level Kaymakli Underground City.

Day 7: Hattusa, Yazilikaya & Alacahoyuk
Visit the ancient Hittite capital of Hattusa: the Great Temple, Lions’ Gate, Royal Gate, and Hittite summer mansion. See the rock carvings of Hittite gods at Yazilikaya open-air temple, and the Sphinx Gate and Royal Tombs at Alacahoyuk.

Day 8: Amasya
Drive to Amasya, a stunning city set in a narrow valley along the Yesilirmak River. Once home to the kings of Pontus and birthplace of the geographer Strabo, this city has served as a provincial capital for centuries.

Day 9: Vezirkopru, Duragan & Sinop
Drive along the Black Sea route through Vezirkopru and Duragan to Sinop, Turkey’s northernmost city on the Black Sea coast.

Day 10: Akliman, Hamsilos Bay & Erfelek Waterfalls
Visit Akliman Cove and the hidden Hamsilos Bay with its green forests, colorful flora, and secluded inland bays. Trek through Erfelek Waterfall park with its many cascading waterfalls and beautiful natural scenery.

Day 11: Ayancik, Abana, Inebolu & Kastamonu
Drive along the Black Sea coast through charming towns: Ayancik, Abana (seaside tea stop), and historic Inebolu with its traditional wooden houses. Continue to Kastamonu.

Day 12: Kastamonu & Safranbolu
Explore Kastamonu, one of Turkey’s best-preserved cities for traditional Turkish houses. Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Safranbolu.

Day 13: Safranbolu & Amasra
Tour Safranbolu from Hidirlik Hill: well-preserved Ottoman wooden houses, Cinci Inn & Bath, Clock Tower, and Arasta bazaar. Afternoon drive to Amasra to visit the Roman Castle, wood-carving bazaar, and harbour piers.

Day 14: Akcakoca & Istanbul
Visit Akcakoca’s old town with its traditional wooden houses and the Genoese castle overlooking the Black Sea. Drive back to Istanbul.

Day 15: Istanbul – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.