Western Türkiye Highlights
A privately guided route through western Türkiye’s classical world — from Gallipoli and Troy to Pergamon, Ephesus and Pamukkale.
Journey Overview
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 nights
- Route
- Istanbul – Gallipoli – Troy – Pergamon – Ephesus – Pamukkale
- Suggested airports
- IST – ADB
- Travel style
- Culture & Heritage
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Culture-focused travellers · Couples
Western Türkiye holds an unusual density of the ancient world. This route follows it south from Istanbul: the Gallipoli peninsula and its memorials, the layered mound of Troy, the acropolis at Pergamon, and the marble streets of Ephesus — one of the best-preserved classical cities anywhere.
The journey ends inland at Pamukkale, where thermal water has built white terraces beneath the ruins of Hierapolis. Distances are covered by private vehicle with a guide throughout, and the daily programme leaves room for the sites to be seen properly rather than ticked off.
Destinations on This Journey
Istanbul
Days 1–2
The imperial city and its Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
Gallipoli & Troy
Days 3–4
Memorial landscapes and the legendary city of the Iliad.
Pergamon
Day 5
A dramatic acropolis above the Aegean plain.
Ephesus
Days 6–7
Marble avenues, the library facade and the classical Aegean.
Pamukkale
Days 8–9
White travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis.
Izmir
Day 10
Final morning and departure from the Aegean coast.
Journey Highlights
- Gallipoli — Visit the peninsula’s memorials and battlefield landscapes with context and care.
- Troy — Stand among the layered ruins of one of the ancient world’s most storied cities.
- Pergamon — Climb to a dramatic acropolis overlooking the Aegean plain.
- Ephesus — Walk the marble avenues of one of the best-preserved classical cities.
- Pamukkale Travertines — End among white thermal terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis.
- Private Journey — Travel the classical west privately, with flexible pacing throughout.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Istanbul
Istanbul
Private welcome at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in, with an easy walk through the surrounding district if you have the energy for it.
Day 2 — Imperial Istanbul
Istanbul
A privately guided day across the historic peninsula — the great monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman capital, the covered bazaars and the lanes between them. Interior visits follow current opening arrangements.
Day 3 — Istanbul to Gallipoli
Gallipoli
Travel south-west to the Dardanelles. The afternoon is spent on the Gallipoli peninsula, where the memorials and cemeteries are visited with context and care rather than at speed.
Day 4 — Troy & the Aegean Coast
Troy – Ayvalık
Cross to the Asian side for Troy, where nine settlement layers sit on a single mound above the plain. Continue down the coast in the afternoon, arriving in the Ayvalık or Bergama area for the night.
Day 5 — Pergamon
Pergamon
Climb to the acropolis of Pergamon, one of the most dramatically sited cities of the ancient world, with its steep theatre and temple terraces. The Asklepion healing centre below can be added depending on time and interest.
Day 6 — Ephesus
Ephesus – Selçuk
A full guided day at Ephesus, walking the marble street past the theatre, the library facade and the terraced houses. Site conditions vary by season, and the programme is arranged to avoid the busiest hours where possible.
Day 7 — Sirince & Aegean Leisure
Selçuk – Şirince
A gentler day in the hills above Selçuk — the village of Şirince, local wine and produce, and time at leisure. The House of the Virgin Mary can be included for those who wish to visit.
Day 8 — On to Pamukkale
Pamukkale
Travel inland to Pamukkale, arriving with the afternoon free. The approach across the plain gives the first view of the white terraces long before you reach them.
Day 9 — Travertines & Hierapolis
Pamukkale
Walk the travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal springs, then explore Hierapolis, the ancient spa city built directly above them. The afternoon is left open for the thermal pools or rest before the final evening.
Day 10 — Departure from Izmir
Izmir
Transfer to Izmir Airport for your onward flight, with timing arranged around your departure.
What This Journey Includes
- Private transfers
- Selected accommodation
- Licensed private guides
- Private sightseeing transport
- 24/7 local assistance
Final inclusions depend on the selected programme and confirmed proposal.
Optional Experiences
- Specialist Guiding — Add archaeology-focused guiding at Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus.
- Wine-Region Excursions — Visit Aegean vineyards and taste regional wines with a local host.
- Hotel Upgrades — Boutique and higher-category properties along the classical route.
- Extra Nights — Add time in Istanbul or on the Aegean coast before departure.
Journey Gallery
Plan This Journey
Tell us your preferred dates, hotel style and interests and our local team will tailor this itinerary around your travel plans.
Plan your trip · info@allwaytour.com · +90 534 397 1515