Brochure Charities Awards Insurance

Tailor Made Holidays: Highlights of Anatolia

Tailor Made Holidays: Highlights of Anatolia (Turkiye) - Discover the Real Turkey

Prices from £2,990 per person

Sample Itinerary Hotels to Stay Places to Visit Optional Extras

15-Day Turkey Tour & Holiday Package | Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus & Alaçatı

Discover the Real Turkey – The Ultimate 15-Day Turkey Holiday, History, Culture & Aegean Escape

Looking for the best Turkey holiday itinerary? Our expertly designed 15-day Turkey tour package combines the country's most iconic destinations, including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Ephesus and Alaçatı, creating one of the most comprehensive tailor-made Turkey holidays available.

Perfect for travellers who want to experience the authentic heart of Turkey, this unforgettable journey combines world-famous historical sites, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, breathtaking natural landscapes, fascinating underground cities, authentic Turkish culture and time to relax on the stunning Aegean Coast.

Whether you're looking for a Turkey history tour, Cappadocia holiday, Istanbul city break, Turkey cultural tour, or a complete Turkey multi-centre holiday, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of guided sightseeing, relaxation and free time.

Our experienced travel specialists take care of every detail, including domestic flights, private airport transfers, carefully selected 4-star hotels and professionally guided excursions, ensuring a seamless and stress-free holiday from beginning to end.

Discover magnificent Ottoman palaces, Byzantine churches, fairy chimneys, underground cities, Roman ruins, thermal springs, charming villages and picturesque seaside towns while enjoying the warm hospitality Turkey is famous for.

Day 1 – Fly from the UK to Istanbul

Fly from your preferred UK airport to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our local representative will meet you at the airport and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Istanbul

Days 2 – Discover Istanbul (Optional Guided Tour)

Spend two full days exploring one of the world's most fascinating cities. Discover Istanbul independently or private sightseeing tours.

Istanbul Classics Tour - Visit some of Istanbul's most iconic attractions:

Hagia Sophia
Blue Mosque
Byzantine Hippodrome
Topkapi Palace
Hagia Irene Church
Grand Bazaar

Lunch and entrance fees are included. (Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and is replaced by the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.)

Days 3 – Discover Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Two Continents Tour - (Optional Guided Tour)

Experience both Europe and Asia in one unforgettable day.

Highlights include:

Spice Bazaar
Rüstem Paşa Mosque
Bosphorus Cruise
Beylerbeyi Palace
Bosphorus Bridge
Çamlıca Hill

Lunch and entrance fees are included. (Beylerbeyi Palace is closed on Mondays and is replaced by the historic Balat district.) Overnight: Istanbul

Day 4 – Fly to Cappadocia

After breakfast, enjoy your private transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport, you'll be transferred privately to your hotel. You will now enjoy four nights in Cappadocia, allowing more time to discover this magical region at a relaxed pace. An unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Flight is available as an optional excursion and can be pre-booked. Your holiday includes three full-day guided Cappadocia tours, all with lunch included. Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 5 – Fairy Chimneys & Göreme Open-Air Museum

If you've chosen the optional Hot Air Balloon Flight, you'll be collected before sunrise for one of the world's most spectacular balloon experiences.

Later, enjoy your guided tour visiting:

Devrent Valley
Paşabağı (Monks Valley)
Avanos
Göreme Open-Air Museum
Ancient Rock Churches
Uçhisar Castle

Lunch and entrance fees included. Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 6 – Rose Valley & Kaymaklı Underground City

Explore even more of Cappadocia's extraordinary landscapes.

Highlights include:

Rose Valley
Güllüdere Valley
Çavuşin Village
Pigeon Valley
Kaymaklı Underground City
Ortahisar Castle

Lunch and entrance fees included. Overnight: Cappadocia

Day 7 – Ihlara Valley & Derinkuyu Underground City

After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel for another unforgettable journey through Cappadocia's spectacular landscapes and ancient history. Discover Derinkuyu Underground City, the largest and deepest underground city in Turkey, where early Christians created an extraordinary refuge carved deep into the volcanic rock. Continue to the breathtaking Ihlara Valley, one of Cappadocia's most beautiful natural wonders. Enjoy a scenic 4-kilometre walk through the lush canyon, passing hidden rock-cut churches decorated with centuries-old frescoes. The tour concludes with a visit to the impressive Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia, offering spectacular panoramic views across the valley. Lunch and entrance fees are included before returning to your hotel at approximately 5:00 pm. Overnight: Cappadocia

Days 8 & 9 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Today you'll fly via Istanbul to Denizli before transferring privately to your hotel in Pamukkale. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing in your hotel's thermal pools or exploring the peaceful village. The following day, visit the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pamukkale, famous for its dazzling white travertine terraces.

Explore at your own pace:

White Travertine Terraces
Thermal Pools
Ancient City of Hierapolis
Roman Theatre
Roman Baths
Necropolis

Return to your hotel. Overnight: Pamukkale

Day 10 – Aphrodisias & Ephesus

After breakfast, travel towards Ephesus, visiting the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aphrodisias, one of Turkey's finest Roman archaeological treasures.

Highlights include:

Temple of Aphrodite
Tetrapylon Gateway
Ancient Stadium
Roman Baths
Ancient Theatre

Continue to the Ephesus region. Overnight: Ephesus

Day 11 – Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary & Şirince

Today, discover one of the world's greatest archaeological sites.

Your guided tour includes:

Ancient City of Ephesus
Library of Celsus
Great Theatre
Marble Streets
Temple of Artemis
House of the Virgin Mary
Traditional Turkish handicraft workshops

Lunch and entrance fees are included.

After exploring Ephesus, return to your hotel. In the evening, you may wish to visit the charming hillside village of Şirince, famous for its cobbled streets, local wines and traditional Turkish restaurants, or simply relax at your hotel after a memorable day of sightseeing. Overnight: Ephesus Region

Days 12–14 – Relax in Beautiful Alaçatı

After breakfast, travel to your boutique hotel in Alaçatı, where you'll spend three relaxing nights in one of Turkey's most picturesque coastal towns. (you can extend your stay in Alacati if you want to stay longer)

Famous for its:

Beautiful stone houses
Boutique hotels
Cobbled streets
Excellent restaurants
Stylish cafés
Boutique shopping
Stunning beaches
World-class windsurfing
Relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere

Alaçatı provides the perfect ending to your unforgettable Turkey holiday.

Day 15 – Return Flight Home

After breakfast, enjoy your private transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight home.

Why Choose This 15-Day Turkey Holiday?

Explore Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Ephesus and Alaçatı
Visit some of Turkey’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Spend 4 nights in Cappadocia in an authentic cave hotel
Enjoy 3 full-day guided Cappadocia tours
Discover Derinkuyu and Kaymaklı Underground Cities
Walk through the spectacular Ihlara Valley
Explore ancient Ephesus and Aphrodisias
Experience the famous thermal terraces of Pamukkale
Finish with 3 relaxing nights on Turkey’s Aegean Coast
Private airport transfers throughout
Carefully selected 4- and 5-star accommodation
Domestic flights included
Professionally guided sightseeing
Expertly planned multi-centre itinerary
Excellent value with personal service from our experienced Turkey specialists

Nowy Efendi Hotel - Istanbul old city

4* - Bed & Breakfast

This lovely boutique hotel is located in the heart of Istanbul's historical old city and within a very short walking distance to all of the major historical sights. The hoteloffers an excellent level of service and a very relaxed atmosphere for you to enjoy your holiday. Read more...

Hera Cave Suites -Cappadocia

4* - Bed & Breakfast

Live the holidays of a lifetime in ultimate private getaways in Cappadocia, Göreme.
A labyrinth of narrow passageways and curved stone stairways lead to unique rooms that are tastefully decorated in warm traditional style. Terraced above the village of ‘Goreme’, the Hera hotel offers the modern travellers a unique cave hotel experience

Richmand hotel

Pamukkale - 5* - Bed & Breakfast

Richmond Pamukkale Thermal 315 invites you to renew both spiritually and physically within its health-filled thermal waters, in the confines of its garden and Pine trees.

Neo Efessos Boutique Hotel

Ephesus - 4* - Bed & Breakfast

This exceptional boutique hotel offers true personal service and amazing architecture representing old glory days of Ephesus.

Istanbul

Istanbul is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of the Orient and the Occident, with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia. For the perfect Two-centre holiday, combine a stay in Istanbul with a Turkish coastal resort or Cappadocia or just the city break alone.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia’s landscape was formed around 30 million years ago when volcanic activity left the region blanketed with ash. The ash solidified into what is known as ‘volcanic tuff’, this is an easily eroded material and as it wore away over many years, it left the distinctive rock formations seen in Cappadocia today.

Pamukkale

Literally translated as ‘Cotton Castle’, this unique natural wonder appears from a distance as a shimmering white fairytale castle. Its limestone-laden thermal spring waters have created a magical landscape of white rocks and warm shallow pools, which are said to cure all types of ailments.

Ephesus

Drive to Ephesus to visit this ancient Roman city, one of the best preserved and most visited in the world, with its grand marble streets and imposing library. Once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, it was also here that St Paul preached some of his most famous sermons, and where the Virgin Mary spent her last days.

Istanbul Daily Tours

Day 1 - Istanbul Classic Tour
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm.
Visit the most important popular sites of Istanbul in one full day tour.
St Sophia Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar.

Day 2 - Istanbul Two Continents Tour
Duration: 9 am to 4 pm
One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus, is the strait separating two continents Europe and Asia. This tour includes a Bosphorus Cruise and visits the Spice Bazaar, Rustempasa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorous Bridge and Camlica Hill

Hot-air Balloon Tours

Cappadocia is known around the world as one of the best places to fly with hot-air balloons. The spectacular surrealistic landscape, combined with excellent flying conditions, allows the balloons to gently drift over and between fairy chimneys and pigeon houses hewn from the unique rock formations, through beautiful orchards and vineyards and impressive valleys with distinctive rock formations and features – and then float up over rippled ravines for breath-taking views across the region.

Prices per person from	Apr, May, Oct	Jun, Sep	Jul, Aug
Tailor Made Holidays	£2,990	£3,198	£3,490

Price Includes:

Return flights (where applicable)
Domestic flights within Turkey
Private airport transfers
Minimum 4-star accommodation, 3 nights 4* BB in Istanbul, 4 nights 4*BB Cave Hotels BB in Cappadocia, 2 nights 5*HB Pamukkale, 2 nights 4*BB in Ephesus, 3 nights 4*BB in Alacati (can be extended on request).
English-speaking guides and local representatives where mentioned
3 full-day Cappadocia guided tours
Full-day Ephesus tour
Guided visit to Aphrodisias
Selected lunches during touring
Entrance fees as stated

Optional Extras

Hot Air Balloon Flight in Cappadocia
Private Istanbul sightseeing tours

Flight Information

All international and domestic flights are included in the above prices. However, prices may vary depending on your preferred nearest airport, airline availability and flight schedules at the time of booking.

We can arrange flights from virtually any international airport upon request and will always endeavour to secure the most convenient flight options for your holiday.

Once your flights are confirmed, we will issue your ATOL Certificate for all applicable flight-inclusive packages, providing you with 100% financial protection in accordance with the ATOL scheme, including protection in the unlikely event of an airline or travel company failure.

Early booking discounts & loyalty discounts

Call 0330 390 0999 Request Quotation

"Our holiday in Turkey exceeded our expectations. Cappadocia was interesting and beautiful. It was exciting staying in cave. Istanbul was amazing. We had very little previous experience of Turkey and Turkish people, so we enjoyed the beauty of the country and friendly hospitality of the people. We felt safe and not at all threatened in the city. The quality of food and service in restaurants was good. Efes beer is very tasty. We were a little confused on our first day in Istanbul as the tour details implied a bus tour, but all become clear when we realised how close all the sights were to our hotel. We had a memorable holiday. Thank you Akin."

Mr David Hyam

"Dear Mr. Koc,I've been meaning to write to you for some time, to say thank you for arranging such a wonderful holiday for us. We had 4 nights B&B at the Empire Palace Hotel in Istanbul, which was wonderfully central - with friendly, helpful staff - and then flew to Cappadocia, staying at the MDC Cave Hotel in Urgup, which was delightful. The location was outstanding and the hotel quite unique. We have travelled all over the world and I can safely say that this holiday was one of the best - full of new experiences including a trip in a hot-air balloon, visiting underground cities, ancient cave dwellings with amazing frescoes and fabulous landscapes. It was fun and exciting. For the first two days of tours in Cappadocia we went with the local representatives, who were excellent and our guide, Mustafa Sahin was outstanding. Thank you again for a brilliant trip and we will recommend your company. We may be interested in Croatia next year. Yours sincerely,"

Barbara Lewis

General Travel Information Booking Conditions COVID-19 Information

Speak to a Specialist

Akin has been to all these places and experienced all these holidays.

Give him a ring to discuss your holiday in detail on 0330 390 0999 or send an email.

Get in touch

Why Book with Diamond Star Experience...

Looking for something different?

Personal service tailored to you

30 years knowledge & experience

Quality customer care

All products personally inspected

100% financial protection

"We just returned from a week in Cappadocia Turkey. Diamond star Experience were really helpful and friendly throughout our experience with all aspects of the holiday. Our flight was delayed and I received contact from Oguzhan and Rica telling me that they had arrange later pick up from the airport when arriving in Turkey. Mustafa our driver was warm and friendly throughout our stay .The transfer and 3 day tours were fantastic , Our guide was really knowledgeable and looked after us while we toured this remarkable place The highlight was the Balloon ride in the morning a truly magical experience . I can not fault any part of the holiday and the service of Diamond Travel Experience . Easy to contact through what’s app anytime which was a great touch . I would strongly recommend Diamond star Experience for booking a holiday , We will def book again with them when returning to Turkey. Thanks and well done ! A truly wonderful Break" Mrs Wilson - 21 Aug 2025

"A week's trip on Perla del Mar captained by Mustafa, with chef Dohan, and crew Cem, Emre and Meric turned out to be the best family holiday we had ever booked. Akin's recommendation of the boat was spot on. Dohan's menu and cooking was absolutely excellent. The crew went out of their way to assist us at every opportunity and their care and attention to the children on the trip was exemplary. There wasn't a single fault that on the whole trip, the transfers worked perfectly, the crew were there to greet us at Marmaris and led us through the alleys to the waterside where the amazing boat in front of us was to be ours for a week. We were all taken aback and realised that Mum's mad dream was coming to fruition. A holiday found by google, sold to us by Akin who took the trouble to explain everything turned out to be beyond the dreams of all of us. Canoeing in quiet coves, swimming and snorkelling to our hearts content then served with drinks and snacks before amazing meals and enjoying the trips between coves became the order of each day. I can firmly recommend this holiday to anyone. It was simply amazing." Christine - 25 May 2025

" We went to Diamond Star experience because they offer multi-centre holidays and had good ratings. We were in no way disappointed with what was organised. We said that we wanted a few days in Athens and then a week on a relatively quiet island. Akin made a proposal (Athens then Naxos) and then, when we agreed, organised everything. The Athens hotel was central and accessible to the main sites and to restaurants, and was of very good quality. The choice of Naxos for the island was equally good and we stayed in an excellent three star hotel on the edge of the town within easy reach of the beach and restaurants. All transfers were efficiently organised and even when there was a transport hiccup (our fault!) there was a phone call from the Athens back-up team within the hour to find out what had happened.
Thank you very much, Akin and staff, for a really enjoyable holiday and for service which can be easily be recommended. " Mr Alan Fraser - 19 May 2025