Historical Tours & Trips in Turkey
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10 best Historical Turkey tour packages
Compiled by
SteffTurkey travel expert at TourRadar
- Fethiye to Lycian Coast and History 7 day Private Tour
- 9 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour
- From Istanbul to the Coast: An 8-Day Adventure through Turkey's Most Beautiful Landscapes
- 10 Days Wonders of Turkey
- 8 Days - Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia / by Plane
- 3 Days Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Plane
- Cycle Turkey
- Absolute Turkey
- Turkey Beauty Tour
- Aegean Prelude Tour
Ancient Turkey comes alive at Xanthos's trilingual inscriptions and Letoon ruins. The Roman architecture of Perge, Aspendos's theater, and Myra's rock tombs tell tales of bygone eras. Professional guides illuminate Lycian civilization at archaeological museums and historical sites.
Duration 7 days Destinations Fethiye, Dalyan, Gelemis, Kekova, Demre, Simena, Perga, Aspendos, Antalya Age Range 1 to 100 year olds Operator Alaturka Turkey – Tours & Blue Cruises From
- NZ$4,757
9 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The authentic Turkish cuisine at lunch were delicious and elaborate with so many choices on the buffet.”
Anna, traveled in May
Ancient wonders await at UNESCO sites including Ephesus ruins and Hierapolis ancient city. Byzantine masterpiece Hagia Sophia and Ottoman-era Topkapi Palace grace Istanbul. Cappadocia's historical Derinkuyu Underground City reveals subterranean mysteries.
Duration 9 days Destinations Istanbul, Selcuk, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator City of Sultans From
- NZ$2,335
From Istanbul to the Coast: An 8-Day Adventure through Turkey's Most Beautiful Landscapes
24 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“good experience. would recommend others/friends”
Bairanna, traveled in October
Ancient civilizations come alive from Constantinople to Roman Ephesus. The Hippodrome, Hierapolis ruins, and Goreme Open Air Museum tell their stories. Guests rest at historical properties including the Istanbul Recital Hotel, while expert guides share detailed insights.
Duration 8 days Destinations Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Cappadocia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Guide of Ephesus From $2,351
35% Off- NZ$1,529You save $823
10 Days Wonders of Turkey
26 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 10 day tour of Turkey was incredible, well organised and a lovely tour guide that was very helpful.”
Rayvelle, traveled in December
Turkey's historic treasures await, from Hagia Sophia to Ephesus's Library of Celsus. Ancient Hierapolis ruins, Goreme's cave churches, and Istanbul's Ottoman landmarks stand testament to time. Professional guides illuminate each UNESCO World Heritage site.
Duration 10 days Destinations Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Ephesus Archaeological Museum, Antalya, Cappadocia Age Range up to 99 year olds Operated in English, Spanish Operator Guide of Ephesus From $2,855
35% Off- NZ$1,856You save $999
8 Days - Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale & Cappadocia / by Plane
79 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The company was easy to get ahold of via what's app. They took a lot of the stress off of planning and organizing.”
Edward, traveled in June
Turkey's rich heritage unfolds at Topkapi Palace, Ephesus ruins, and Cappadocia's rock churches. The history of early Christians, Byzantines, and Ottomans comes alive through expert guides. Six UNESCO sites complement stays at centrally located historic hotels.
Duration 8 days Destinations Istanbul, Izmir, Pamukkale, Cappadocia Age Range 2 to 99 year olds Operator Tour Altinkum Travel From $2,664
20% Off- NZ$2,131You save $532
3 Days Pamukkale, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour from Istanbul by Plane
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very helpful, great tour guides and nice accommodation.”
Nadia, traveled in October
The historical tapestry of Turkey unfolds from Hierapolis's Necropolis to Ephesus's Temple of Artemis. Byzantine churches dot Cappadocia's Goreme Open Air Museum, while ancient thermal pools simmer in Pamukkale. Professional guides narrate the story of each archaeological wonder.
Duration 3 days Destinations Istanbul, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Cappadocia Age Range 7 to 80 year olds Operator Turkey Tour Booking From
20% Off- NZ$1,893
Cycle Turkey
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A excellent trip. Very pleased all round.”
Ade, traveled in September
UNESCO-listed Xanthos and ancient Tlos's bathhouses and stadium showcase Lycian grandeur. Telmessos ruins in Fethiye and Saint Nicholas's birthplace in Patara reveal historical depths. Cycling routes pass Dalyan's rock tombs for immersive archaeological exploration.
Duration 8 days Destinations Dalyan, Koycegiz, Gocek, Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge, Gelemis, Kas, Dalaman Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $2,200
7% Off- NZ$2,040You save $160
Absolute Turkey
60 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip where I was able to see so many highlights of turkey especially Cappadocia.”
Jennifer, traveled in May
Troy's ancient walls, Ephesus's Roman streets, and Gallipoli's WWI battlefields tell their tales. Hierapolis ruins, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, and Cappadocia's underground cities come alive with expert historical context.
Duration 15 days Destinations Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Kas, Pamukkale, Selcuk, Ayvalik, TroySee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $3,439
12% Off- NZ$3,026You save $412
Turkey Beauty Tour
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great trip, excellent driver, guide and accommodation.”
Grainne, traveled in January
Time stands still at UNESCO sites including Ephesus's Library of Celsus and Hierapolis ruins. Byzantine Hagia Sophia, Ottoman Blue Mosque, and Cappadocia's ancient underground cities reveal their secrets. Ataturk's mausoleum showcases Turkey's rich historical legacy.
Duration 8 days Destinations Istanbul, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Goreme, Ankara Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Fez Travel From
12% Off- NZ$3,253
Aegean Prelude Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Tour and Itinerary were comprehensive and good. The guide was extremely professional, pleasant, knowledgeable and factual.”
Trupti, traveled in October
Ottoman palaces in Istanbul and Ephesus's theater stand as testimonies to Turkey's rich heritage. Gallipoli's WW1 sites, UNESCO-listed Troy Museum, and Hierapolis ruins span 4,000 years of civilization.
Duration 7 days Destinations Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Marmaris Age Range 12 to 99 year olds Operator Fez Travel From
12% Off- NZ$2,662
What people love about Historical Tours in Turkey
I had an awesome and unforgettable experience with the City of Sultans! The tours were all jam packed with things to see and do from morning till afternoon. There was a little misunderstanding with lunch on the walking tour of Istanbul but they went over and beyond to make up for it. The hotel in Kusadasi was the best I've had, with a balcony and a front seat view of the coastline and the cruise ships docked right in front of me! ? The authentic Turkish cuisine at lunch were delicious and elaborate with so many choices on the buffet. ? My flight back to Istanbul was delayed from 8:05pm to 10:15pm. By the time we got our bags and left the airport it was already 12 midnight. The representative who coordinated my ride back to the hotel was still there waiting at the gate for me. ? After a long day of touring and traveling, it felt good to have someone else in charge at this point. I would surely be back with family & friends and book another tour with the City of Sultans! I highly recommend the City of Sultans for your first and next Turkish adventure!
9 Days Highlights of Turkey Tour
- 10 Days Wonders of Turkey
It's been 3 weeks since our 10-day trip through Turkey and until now I kept thinking about it. Though I booked this trip 1 week before our intended travel, the trip was meticulously organized. One of the standout aspects of our trip was the impeccable communication from our tour operator, Kurt. Right from our initial inquiry, he was prompt, thorough, and incredibly helpful, ensuring all our questions were answered and our expectations were set. He provided us with a detailed itinerary well in advance, which allowed us to fully anticipate each day’s adventures. Throughout the trip, his support was always just a message away, making us feel secure and well-informed. Our accommodations were another highlight of the trip. Each hotel we stayed in was not only comfortable but also thoughtfully chosen for its location and amenities. Whether we were in bustling Istanbul or the serene landscapes of Cappadocia, the hotels provided a wonderful balance of luxury and local charm. Food is such an integral part of traveling, and Turkey did not disappoint. The tour guide's selection of dining options was superb. We enjoyed a rich array of authentic Turkish cuisine. The local recommendations were spot-on, allowing us to savor traditional dishes that truly enhanced our cultural immersion. Last but not the least is our local tour guide and our driver. Gamgam provided clear instructions, answered all our questions, and her insights made the experience all the more engaging. The transportation provided was seamless and reliable. All drivers were punctual and always willing to accommodate our needs. Overall, we highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to experience the beauty of Turkey!
- From Istanbul to the Coast: An 8-Day Adventure through Turkey's Most Beautiful Landscapes
We had Abe as our tour guide for the 8-day trip from Istanbul to Kusadasi. He was excellent at making sure our domestic travels — which included taking Mercedes sprinter vans with (much needed) AC to various flights — ran smoothly, even when unplanned things came up. Abe had immense insight on Turkish history, and he was able to make it interesting and relatable for our group, in which members’ ages ranged from 18 to 56. We felt that we spent a good amount of time in each city and were given the opportunity to have both touristy and non-touristy experiences, including personalized shopping experiences per our request. Although the majority (if not all) of the restaurants on the tour catered to tourists, the meals remained traditional and were delicious. This trip makes us want to come back to the beautiful country!
What our customers ask about Historical Tours & Trips in Turkey
When is the best time to visit Turkey's historical sites?
The most favorable months to explore Turkey's historical sites are April to May and September to October. During these periods the weather is mild which makes walking through places like Ephesus and Cappadocia comfortable. Temperatures typically range between 65-75°F (18-24°C). A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The weather was perfect for exploring the ancient ruins and our guide His incredible knowledge."
What are the must-see historical highlights in Turkey for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors should focus on key historical landmarks starting with Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. The ancient city of Ephesus shows Roman architecture at its peak while Cappadocia's Goreme Open Air Museum features churches carved into rock formations. Mount Nemrut's giant stone heads Hierapolis at Pamukkale and Gobekli Tepe round out the essential sites. A TourRadar traveler noted "All the sites visited are incredible. The guides are wonderful and very knowledgeable about the history." Many tours include stays at notable hotels like MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia and Erboy Hotel in Istanbul's historic center.
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive historical tour of Turkey?
To see Turkey's major historical sites plan for 8-12 days. The 12-day Glories of Turkey Tour represents a good timeline covering Istanbul's Ottoman sites Cappadocia's underground cities and Ephesus's ancient streets. Accommodations often include distinctive properties like Arte Cave Hotel in Cappadocia and Efe Boutique Hotel in Kusadasi. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The 12-day tour was perfect - enough time to really absorb the history and culture of each location without feeling rushed."
What unique historical experiences does Eastern Turkey offer?
Eastern Turkey presents lesser-known but significant sites including Mount Nemrut's ancient stone heads from 109 BC and Göbekli Tepe the oldest known temple complex in the world. The region features Mardin's medieval streets and Harran's distinctive beehive houses. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The statues at Mt. Nemrut's terraces are fascinating enough to be included in the UNESCO world heritage list." Visitors often stay at local establishments like Park Dedeman Hotel in Adiyaman and Gazi Konagi Hotel in Mardin.
How are the accommodations on historical tours in Turkey?
Tour accommodations blend 4-star hotels with unique properties such as Cappadocia's cave hotels. Properties are selected based on their location near historical sites and authentic Turkish character. A TourRadar traveler noted: "All the hotels were very good especially the MDC Cave Hotel in Cappadocia and El Ruha Hotel in Sanliurfa." The Erboy Hotel in Istanbul and Park Dedeman Hotel in Adiyaman offer modern amenities while maintaining traditional hospitality.