Top Turkey Archaeology Tours

Explore the Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis in southwest Antalya. The ancient holy city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on natural hot springs which are thought to have healing properties and have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC. Visit the unusual landscape at Pamukkale, also called the Cotton Castle—a unique natural site known for the carbonate mineral deposits left by thermal water. The small-group tour includes lunch, round-trip transportation, and entrance fees to Pamukkale and Hierapolis.

Get a comprehensive tour of the ancient city of Ephesus during this 6-hour outing from Izmir. In the company of your guide, visit sights such as the Temple of Artemis, the Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrianus, and the Heracles Gate.

Ephesus is one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world, but it can be difficult to plan on your own. With this private shore excursion, let someone else handle the logistics when you book this hassle-free shore excursion. Enjoy skip-the-line admission and take guided tours of the ancient city, the terraced houses of Ephesus, and the Basilica of St. John (can be replaced with the House of the Virgin Mary upon request), plus learn about Turkey's rich handicraft culture. Upgrade to included an authentic Turkish lunch.

See more of Cappadocia on a full-day tour that visits both historical and natural attractions. Check out the views from Göreme Panorama and Yaprakhisar Panorama, enter the subterranean chambers of Derinkuyu Underground City, and see ancient rock-cut churches at Selime Monastery. Also, take a leisurely 1-hour walk through the scenic Ihlara Valley, and check out Pigeon Valley. Includes lunch, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Experience Istanbul’s timeless sights on a full-day tour of the city’s history, with lunch and transfers. Listen for the ancient echoes of pounding hooves at the Hippodrome and admire the distinctive tiles of the Blue Mosque. See the Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia, then follow in the footsteps of powerful sultans, courtiers, and generals at Topkapi Palace. Finish your tour in the vibrant Grand Bazaar, browsing handicrafts, carpets, and souvenirs.

Fit all of Istanbul's attractions at the top of your bucket list into one packed day, with the help of an expert local guide. Stroll Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, brimming with iconic buildings and storied streets. Tour the Blue Mosque, one of the most important sites in the Muslim world. Delve into history of the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Istanbul Hippodrome as well as the 'sunken palace' of Basilica Cistern. And you won’t want to miss the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Explore the top attractions in Sultanahmet (the old city) on a full-day tour with a knowledgeable guide. Take in UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous monuments in Istanbul including the stunning Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Then follow your guide through the Grand Bazaar, browsing the shops of hundreds of vendors with an array of textiles, jewelry, perfumes, spices and more. Your guide shares the long history of Istanbul with your small group, which is limited to 10 participants to ensure a more intimate experience.

Instead of driving around Istanbul all day in a stuffy tour bus, discover the city’s beauty in style on this relaxing sunset cruise down the Bosphorus, the waterway that marks the border between Asian Turkey and European Turkey. From the open-air deck of your luxury yacht, see riverside landmarks like the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the Rumeli Fortress, all lit by the beautiful dusk light.

Prepare to be awed by Istanbul’s magnificent architecture, rich history, and eclectic bazaars as you discover the unmissable highlights of the Old City on this 1-, 2-, or 3-day private tour. Marvel over the glorious Hagia Sophia, learn how the Blue Mosque earned its famous nickname, and see the ancient Basilica Cistern. Tour Topkapi Palace to gain an insight into the lavish lifestyles of the Ottoman sultans and their harem, and browse the legendary Grand Bazaar, where you find everything from carpets to Turkish delight. Flexible daily itineraries: Day 1 - Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome Square, German Fountain, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar. Day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise by Public Ferry, Dolmabahce Palace, Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, Cicek Passage, Galata Tower (from outside), Spice Market. Day 3 - Suleymaniye Mosque, Fener and Balat Districts, St. Stephen Church (Iron Church), Pierre Lotti Panoramic Hill by Cable Car, Kadıkoy Market (or alternative sites).

Want to take in the highlights of Cappadocia in just one day? Maximise your time with a full-day small-group tour, including lunch, and cherry-pick the most popular attractions. Start with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, then visit the ancient cave village of Cavusin and Pasabag (Monks Valley), home to some of the most photogenic fairy chimneys. Enjoy a traditional pottery demonstration in Avanos, then venture below ground for a tour of the Kaymakli Underground City. Finish your day admiring the view from Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s highest point.

Explore the historical attractions in Turkey during this 7-day Turkey tour that begins and ends in Istanbul. You will traverse Istanbul with an expert guide aboard a comfortable air-conditioned coach to visit the poignant battlegrounds of Gallipoli, the mesmerizing Roman-Greco remnants of Ephesus, and the other-worldly geology in Cappadocia. Along the way stop at Pamukkale to marvel at the cream colored rock plateaus, take a dip in the hot Hierapolis natural springs and discover the history of Troy. Enjoy the peace of mind of six nights accommodation and daily breakfast and dinner meals, all included and planned for your convenience.

Get a whole new perspective on Oludeniz—and some incredible photos—by booking this tandem paragliding experience. Under the careful watch of your private guide, you'll feel your adrenaline pumping as you launch yourself off Mt. Babadag and soar over the turquoise waters, sandy beach, and forested mountains far below your feet.

Enjoy a 3-day tour of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, underground cities and rock-cut churches from Antalya, as well as visiting Konya, Turkey spiritual center and home to the famous Mevlana Museum. Prepare for an action-packed itinerary, as you visit Cavusin village, the pottery town of Avanos and the iconic Three Beauties of Urgup, then get your camera ready for a drive through the dramatic landscapes of Devrent, Pasabag and Lovers Valleys. For the most spectacular views, climb to the top of Uchisar castle or soar overhead on an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon ride (optional).

Say no to self-drive hassles and yes to the ease of a guided door-to-door tour when you prebook this full-day Antalya highlights trip. Explore the city’s scenic old town, including Roman-era Hadrian’s Gate, and feast on a classic Turkish lunch. Ride the Tunektepe Teleferik cable car for dramatic views, visit the lower Duden Waterfalls, and feel the breeze in your hair on a Mediterranean boat trip.

Prepare for a day of adrenaline-fuelled activity as you tear down the rapids of the Koprulu Canyon, then hike or swim in the Koprucay Canyon National Park. This full-day white-water rafting excursion from Alanya includes lunch and is suitable for everyone, so it’s ideal for families or groups to enjoy together.

The white limestone terraces of Pamukkale have long been a drawcard for visitors to the region, and this full day tour gives you the opportunity to walk the terraces and experience its refreshing hot springs for yourself. After visiting Pamukkale, spend the rest of the day touring the nearby ruins of ancient Hierapolis. Enjoy the convenience of complimentary round-trip hotel transfers, saving you the hassle of booking a rental car and relying on local maps.

Enjoy soaring, bird’s eye views over Cappadocia’s iconic fairy tale landscapes during this sunrise hot air balloon tour. Travel comfortably to the flight site in an air-conditioned vehicle, with round-trip hotel transfers. A light pre-departure breakfast is included, plus a complimentary Champagne toast and flight certificate after your ride.

Take a break from the crowded beaches of Antalya and set sail on a pirate boat.  A driver will collect you from your hotel before taking you to the harbor. You and fellow passengers will visit a number of secluded beaches.  This Mediterranean day-trip further includes sightseeing, water activities, swimming, and sunbathing. You even get an included lunch, with beverages available for purchase.

See the glittering lights along the Bosphorus Strait on a 3-hour cruise with dinner and a cultural show in Istanbul. Kick off the night with a welcome cocktail on deck, and enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline. Relax over Turkish appetizers and grilled entrees as belly dancers and folk dancers take the stage to the haunting sounds of traditional music. Sip a cup of Turkish coffee or a drink from the open bar, listen to music from a live DJ and soak up stunning nighttime views of Istanbul.

Depart from Antalya for a full day of outdoors activities in Koprulu Canyon. Zip down the Köprüçay River while whitewater rafting, fly through the air on a zipline course, and go canyoning in a scenic section of the canyon. Instruction, use of equipment, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included for a comprehensive day of active fun.

Antalya is surrounded by sandy beaches, soaring mountains, and picturesque waterfalls, and this tour takes in some of the most scenic spots. Ride the cable car to the top of Tünek Tepe Mountain for a magnificent view along the coast. Afterwards, visit two different waterfalls—Düden Falls and Kursunlu Waterfall—and enjoy plenty of time to explore and take photos.

Join the gliders circling the skies above Ölüdeniz when you book this private paragliding adventure. Drive through the forested slopes of Mt. Babadağ to the launch site. After a briefing from your experienced pilot, step into the shared harness and race off the mountain: soak up sweeping views of the Blue Lagoon as you float on the thermals. Upgrade to include photos and video, shot by 360-degree action camera.

Although many cross-country tours in Turkey only allocate a day to Cappadocia’s preternatural landscape and innovative architecture, most travelers find that a two-day tour strikes the right balance between seeing the region’s highlights and sacrificing time elsewhere in the country. See all of the highlights of Cappadocia comfortably during this two-day tour departing from Istanbul. Don’t risk running out of time to see all of the region’s unique natural heritage; instead, make sure you get to experience all of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes, its cave churches, and the underground city.