13-Day Natural Highlights of Turkey
If you are a nature enthusiast, this tour would be perfect for you to explore the wondrous beauty of Turkey. At the same time, experience the rich and exotic history and culture of this country.
Days
13
Price
from US$4,080 p/p
Best For
First-timers, Photographers
Best Time
Apr. to Oct.
Tour Highlights





China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


![]() ![]() |
Our trip to Li Jiang and Shaxi Yunnan
We arrived at Lijiang on 9/8. We enjoyed the time in Lijiang a lot with good hotel selection and a well planned program. We went onto Shaxi for the local singing festival of the local minority groups. It was a fantastic experience. What makes the trip most memorable is our guide Alice. She took excellent care of us, anticipating our every need. She was personable, warm and very knowledgeable. We shared many laughters and traded stories. She brought smiles to us during the entire trip. We will specifically ask for her again when we come back to Yunnan. Five star service. More
Consumer,
Sep 2023
|
Great trip around Shanghai
This was our first time ever visiting Shanghai so we wanted to see good places to go to and good food to eat in Shanghai. That's why we booked with China Highlights. They're very responsive and quick to arrange our 3 day trip. Our guide name is Qi and she is a very sweet and helpful person. She knew we wanted to explore many local foods, so she brought us some local breakfast foods when she picked us up from our hotel, just so we can try everything! She was knowledgeable as well about the culture and history of the places we went to. Will definitely recommend this tour and use China Highlights again for our next trip to China! More
Sherry,
Sep 2023
|
Great way to see the city
Private tour with China highlights made seeing Xi'an super easy. We saved a lot of time with a private driver, and our guide Jenny took really good care of us, sending instructions for where to meet once getting off the train and made everything feel really safe and easy. She also accommodated a number of last minute changes to our itinerary without batting an eye. She was very patient, knowledgeable and friendly. It was great having a guide who grew up locally in the area to show us around (which is not always the case, from my previous experiences elsewhere). Would definitely recommend! More
Stephanie N,
Sep 2023
|
One Day Beijing Trip (Great Wall, Summer Palace) With Jennifer
My tour guide Jennifer made this quick one day trip to Beijing great! The day started out a bit overcast and rainy when I landed, but Jennifer’s positive attitude and kind communication (along with her being able to keep up/put up with my jokes) made it fine.Despite this, Jennifer and our driver Chen were able to swing an extra photo shoot stop at the Olympic Stadium. I guess it gives me an excuse to come back to visit again, and when I do - I will use China Highlights and this great fantastic team. More
Alan Landau,
Sep 2023
|
Mervyn is what we call a perfect tour guide!
Mervyn is what we call a perfect tour guide! She is extremely informative all the way through. She knows hers stuff and she is also enthusiastic, knowledgeable, personable and very willing to help. The whole day was perfect. A great amount of walking and a lots of physical activity ( hiking) and she was all smiling, accommodating and keeping us informative. She was absolutely the best tour guide we've ever encountered in China. Her English is perfect! Everything was so well organized. Her knowledge of the local culture and history is impressive. Fantastic More
pdaroundthewrorld,
Sep 2023
|
Best Great Wall experience
Used China Highlights for a private all-day tour of Jinshanling portion of the Great Wall. One of the best days of my life! Tour guide Alan and a driver met me at my hotel and the ride was very comfortable. Alan was extremely knowledgable and friendly, I really enjoyed talking with him. The scenery was astoundingly beautiful; this is a less touristy portion of the Wall. The hiking was fun, Alan brought plenty of water, and showed me things I would not have noticed by myself. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch that Alan had arranged - delicious! Once in a lifetime experience. More
LZviajera,
Sep 2023
|
Wonderful experience!
Our tour guide was Mervyn, and she was amazing! She had great knowledge of Xi'an and the silk road, and we learned so many things we didn't know before. The Muslim quarter is a must-see, with so many streets of food. Terracotta warriors were breathtaking. We did a Hanfu experience and enjoyed walking the city at night in our tang Dynasty outfits. We wish we spent more than 2 days here as there's so much to do. Definitely recommend this tour and will be visiting again! More
Laura A,
Sep 2023
|
Unforgettable trip to Guilin
We enjoyed an incredible two day trip in Guilin, taking a brief half-day boat cruise on the Li River and cycling around Yangshuo in the afternoon with our guide Gary. Gary met us at the airport and made us feel very welcome, providing us with five-star service. He gave us a lot of insight about Guilin and the Guangxi region and even gave us a tai chi lesson on the boat. He provided us excellent dining suggestions for the evening as well as suggestions of things to do. Thank you Gary for making our trip to Guilin so memorable! More
Regis B,
Sep 2023
|
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
We were paired with great guides on every city, very knowleadgeble and hardworking people that made our trip fabulous. Jack in Beijing was brilliant and very resourceful making sure we enjoyed the city even when he wasn't with us. In Xi'An we were paired with Crystal that was incredibly smart and made sure we felt we had not only a guide but a friend to rely on in Xi'An, we loved how she made sure we tried the best food and fruit available and helped us from arrival to departure from Xi'An. Finally, kudos to Gary (Wei Li) that worked with us in Guiling and Yangshuo. Gary is a local to Guiling and truly proud of his city and origins. We learned a lot from him and he trully went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time in Guiling adjusting the itinerary to our liking and taking time to explain everything. On our flight out of Guiling we had a bit of an issue with our tickets (booked by ourselves) and Gary promptly lent a hand to help us sort it out with the airport staff, trully a champion. If you are heading to Guiling with Chinahighlights, make sure to have Gary as your guide. More
Moises,
Sep 2023
|
Amazing tour!
Our guide, Linda, was by far the best person to have for our tours of The Forbidden City, Tianamen Square, and Mutianyu Great Wall. She was an encyclopedia with great knowledge of Chinese History and was able to explain every detail of what we were seeing. She picked us up with a very nice car and driver from our hotel both days, at the time most convenient to us, and dropped us back off wherever we wanted at the end of our tours. Both the Forbidden City and the Great Wall are marvels of human and Chinese achievements and are a must to see in Beijing. Visiting them both with a tour guide that feels more like a friend was certainly helping enjoying it even more. More
Robin Z,
Sep 2023
|
Stunning Yellow Mountain and beautiful Ancient Villages
We had the most fantastic experience with our tour guide, Jack Fan, who is very knowledgeable about the Yellow Mountain and was able to get us quickly to the most stunning highlights. He was our "photographer" anytime we wanted a photo and that was very often. We made the most of our time having him guiding us. He was truly the mountain man as he is a local there. He is very passionate about what he does. He loves history, nature, and travel, which is a must for a guide. He provided historical facts about the stunning Ancient villages at Hong Cun and Xidi. He answered any questions we had about history, nature, and current things we had. I felt like he was a professor, and we were his students in a very good way. He was NEVER late, and neither was our driver. They never bought us anywhere to "sell" us things. He took us to buy tea only when we asked to buy a specific tea, staying much later than he should have! I wanted to check out lotus and rice fields, which was not on the itinerary, but he squeezed it in for us. We were very well taken care of. I highly recommend Jack for a tour guide who speaks English. More
annemompt,
Sep 2023
|
An Unforgettable Tibetan Adventure - Qinghai Train Ride Y971
I recently embarked on an unforgettable journey to Tibet, a land steeped in mysticism and rich cultural heritage. My train trip on the famous scenic Qinghai route on train Y971 Lhasa played a significant role in making this trip an extraordinary experience.Upon my arrival in Lhasa via an overnight train, I was warmly welcomed by the guide assigned Tenzin Lhatse. He had waited for more than 3 hours as he was not informed there was a change in the train schedule. Nontheless, it did not dampen his warm attitude and the seamless transferfrom the train station to the hotel set a positive tone for my stay.The highlight of my stay was undoubtedly the visit to the iconic Potala Palace. The sheer grandeur and architectural brilliance of this historic site left me in awe. The guidance of my knowledgeable tour guide, who revealed the stories behind each shrine, enriched my experience. However, the strict visitor limits and rules underscored the importance of preserving this ancient marvel. The Old Barkhor Street Walking Tour was a journey through time. From Jokhang Temple to the bustling local market, each stop offered insights into Tibetan daily life and folk customs. The Pandatsang Compound's history and the cup of Tibetan sweet tea at Ani Tsangkhung Nunnery added unique flavors to the tour.Overall, my journey through Tibet was an incredible odyssey into a world of spirituality, culture, and natural beauty. I'm glad to have taken this step with my wife to challenge the train ride which was totally worthy of this lifetime. More
GOH-family-tours,
Sep 2023
|
Wonderful trip to the Chinese Silk Road
Special shout out to our guide for the Gansu leg, Helen, who was the most caring guide we have come across in all of our travels. Make sure you ask for her! More
ED,
Sep 2023
|
Fantastic first trip in Shanghai
My partner and I were visiting China for the first time. Our tour guide was Martin, who was friendly and very knowledgeable. He adjusted the tour to our needs and gave us an extensive tour of Shanghai as well as many fascinating insights on China. He also went above and beyond and offered us plenty of recommendations on what to do in the evenings, how to get there, and even made bookings for us. Martin, thanks again! More
Regis,
Sep 2023
|
Yangshuo is magical from the misty…
The guide Lily has a great knowledge in hidden gems and the history about the places. Very memorable experience that i have thanks to them. More
Dony Yugo,
Sep 2023
|
Beijing is AMAZING
Linda Wang our amazing tour guide helped us to have an unforgettable trip to all the best of Beijing. From organizing the driver (also excellent) to drop us/pick us up exactly when we were leaving busy tourist sites, excellent food recommendations, fascinating knowledge relevant to us and our children (13yo and 11yo) making The Forbidden City, Tiannamen Square, Great Wall, Beijing Zoo and The Hutongs thoroughly enjoyable. Handling all the entrance/exit passport and ticket requirements, interpreting, answering any questions we had about local culture, we were so comfortable and happy, never rushed, everything you could want and more. More
Michelle A,
Sep 2023
|
Incredible 2 day tour of Jiuzhaiguo
Our tour guide Mary spoke perfect English, was so nice to us and took us to all the best sights in Jiuzhaiguo. It was an unforgettable tour with incredible views! More
Declan O,
Sep 2023
|
Helen is the best Panda tour guide going around!
I had a fantastic Panda tour with Helen in Chengdu City. From the moment she picked me up, my energy was low from a heap of travelling, but Helen quickly brought me up a notch with her breathtaking passion for Pandas. Not only did she provide a fantastic experience accommodating my every need, but she was also a genuinely kind and joyful company to tour the city with. I can't recommend Helen enough - you won't regret it! More
Isaac C,
Sep 2023
|
Two days in Xi’an
What an amazing few days in Xi’an! Our guide Jenny was first class - very knowledgeable and very helpful, she went out of her way to make sure we had the best experience like ordering us coffees & food and booking dinners for us. The highlight was of course visiting the Terracotta Warriors, but we also really enjoyed visiting a local family to make dumplings. Can’t recommend this trip and Jenny enough! More
Marvin K,
Sep 2023
|
Fantastic experiences in Guilin and the beautiful surroundings together with Vincent.
Lib230524097 More
Go44854472794,
Sep 2023
|
Itinerary Details
The itinerary below is only a sample, and you may alter any part of it to suit your interests. Tell us your needs, and our travel advisor will customize the tour plan to meet your requirements.
Welcome to Turkey. Meet your private guide at the arrival hall of the airport and transfer to your hotel comfortably by private car. Enjoy your free time at the hotel or take a walk around the area.
Hotel Options:
Best Western Empire Palace (4 star)
Legacy Ottoman Hotel (5 star)
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Enjoy an exotic breakfast in the morning and start your day exploring the Old City area, which is dotted with Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architectural styles. It is the best way to learn about Turkey's history and culture.
Next, your guide will take you to the Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square. Walk down the recreated chariot racing track, though the actual remains are still underground. Admire the columns, obelisks, and statues that have survived for over 1,500 years.
A short walk away is the Blue Mosque, which is the only mosque in the world with six minarets. You will love the blue-white tiles on its walls that give it its distinctive appearance. Across the street from the Blue Mosque is Hagia Sophia, constructed in the Byzantine architectural style. Take a moment to admire the elegant murals on the walls.
Take a break and treat yourself to some delicious Turkish cuisine. After lunch, take a tour of the opulent pavilions and royal treasury of Topkapi Palace. Do not miss views of the Golden Horn estuary and Bosporus Bay. Linger in the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. The thousands of colorful products on display will pique your curiosity. Enjoy shopping at the market, but don't forget to bargain. Finally, head back to your hotel and rest up for the night.
Optional Trip to Enrich Your Tour
Bosphorus night cruise with dinner: Enjoy Istanbul at night from the Bosphorus Bay. A sumptuous Turkish meal will be served for dinner.
Meals included: breakfast
You have the morning free to explore the city on your own. Your private guide will then drop you at the airport. Catch a flight to the pleasant coastal town of Fethiye. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will pick you up and help you check-in to the hotel. All you need to do is enjoy the vibrant harbor city.
Hotel Options:
Nautical Hotel (4 star)
Liberty Hotels Lykia (5 star)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wake up to the sound of waves and a gentle breeze. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and the views of the spectacular coastline. You will have the rest of the morning to trace the scattered ruins of the ancient Lycian civilization.
Walk up to the Fethiye Ancient Tombs that were carved out of mountainous rock. The Lycians believed that the dead were carried away by angels, and hence, they placed the dead in geographically high places. There is much to discover about the history of this lost civilization. Catch a last glimpse of Amyntas Tomb and make your way back.
Head to the deserted ghost town of Karakoy. Once a prosperous city during the Lycian period, it is now uninhabited. The city was abandoned for years as a result of World War I evictions and earthquakes thereafter. Traces of the prosperity and life of Lycian are visible from the broken walls of the houses and the well-preserved church.
Afterward, set off to the most beautiful and famous beach along the Mediterranean coast — Oludeniz Beach. Take some time to relax and while away a few hours.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Take the ancient Lycian Way walking trail from Ovacik. Make your way through pine forests, flower-filled fields, and Babadag mountain to arrive Kirme, a peaceful little village far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Climb uphill and reach Faralya, which offers fantastic views of the Mediterranean coast. Do not miss the stunning sunset over Butterfly Valley. Unwind and stay overnight in a scenic hotel on the top of the mountain.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Mornings in the mountains are always refreshing and energizing. Take a deep breath, wander around, enjoy the sunrise, or simply sit back and look at the coastline. Enjoy a unique breakfast prepared by the rustic house owner and get ready for your next adventure.
Faralya is a small village in Butterfly Valley. As it is a wild and steep trail, the walk up to Faralya can be daunting. Use your hands to grasp the rope and slide down the cliffs. Your experienced guide will lead you slowly and show you where to pause for stunning views of Butterfly Valley, Aktas Beach, Sombeki Cove, and Cukuryurt.
Reach Kabak Bay. Linger for a while and head back to Fethiye for overnight stay.
Hotel Options:
Nautical Hotel (4 star)
Liberty Hotels Lykia (5 star)
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Reach the harbor by 9:30 a.m. and start your 4-day cruise trip. Don't forget to take your swim clothes with you, as you will have many opportunities to dive into the blue water. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen will provide excellent protection for your skin. You will meet many people from all over the world — share your travel experiences, try out fun activities, and eat together.
Sail to Samanlik Bay, where you can swim for a while and enjoy a nice Turkish lunch. Next, head to Butterfly Valley. The landscape there is beautiful with picturesque cliffs and a deep blue, quiet sea. Walk on the soft sand or take a swim to relax. The cruise will next stop at the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz Beach. The sea water there is blue-green in color.
Dinner is served on the cruise. Have a nice meal and retire to bed.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Admire the golden sun rising over the horizon and sail to Firnaz Bay. After breakfast, go for a swim or sit back and enjoy the sea view. You will continue to Kas, which is a small fishing village dotted with remnants of the ancient Lycian civilization. Pay a visit to Antiphellos, the Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi, and the old Roman theater. Resume your cruise and stop near Kekova. Swim and dive into the water to search for ancient ruins.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Kekova is a charming island, bay, and ancient city. An earthquake flooded the island city more than 1,500 years ago, creating a strange sight, with half of the city underwater and half above. Simena was a Lycian settlement in olden times. Stroll around the Ottoman castle and ancient tombs. The ship will dock at Gokkaya Bay. There are many water sports activities there for you to try out.
Meals included: breakfast
Enjoy your last morning on the cruise. The tour will end at Andriace Harbour. Say goodbye to your newfound friends and meet your guide, who will transfer you to the coastal city of Antalya. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own, or you may choose to rest in the hotel.
Hotel Options:
Holiday Inn Antalya - Lara 4 star
Akra Hotel, Deluxe Sea View Room - 5 star
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Meet your guide and driver at the hotel lobby. They will escort you to Cappadocia.
On the way, you will stop at Sultanhan Caravanserai in Konya, which used to be a famous stopover for armies and vendors on the ancient Silk Road. Spend some time at Mevlana Museum, one of the most important pilgrimage centers for Turkish Muslims. Mevlana is home to the tomb of Rumi and was a former lodge of whirling dervishes. One of the chambers of the museum contains a copy of the tiniest Koran in the world.
Continue on your journey, and check-in at a cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Hotel Options:
Urgup Evi Cave Hotel - 4 star
Taru Cave Suites - 5 star
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Put on your walking shoes and climb uphill to enjoy panoramic views of Goreme. Head to Ortahisar, another higher town nearby, which is full of stalagmite pillars. The locals hollowed out the center to create rooms to live in and store things. Climb up to Ortahisar Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surroundings. Take a stroll and head to the Pasabag and Devrent Valleys for their famous mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.
Stop at Avanos on the banks of the Red River and enjoy lunch there. Take a short walk around this beautiful and peaceful town. Walk into the local shops and admire the ancient ceramic hand art. Catch a glimpse of Love Valley before heading back to your hotel.
Meals included: breakfast and lunch
Enjoy the buffet breakfast and admire the view of hot air balloons rising into the sky.
Later in the morning, explore the expansive Kaymakli Underground City. Follow the honeycomb tunnels and witness the incredible complex network of rooms, including a church, school, storage rooms, living rooms, and a stage. Marvel at the technical skill, planning, and resources required for such a massive project. Check out Pigeon Valley for the countless humanmade dovecotes and take in a bird's-eye view of the colorful rock caves. Make a last stop at Uchisar Castle and take a final look at this unique landscape. Set your mind free and feel the beauty of the place.
Your journey will end at the airport. We hope you head back with unforgettable experiences and memories.
Optional Addition to Enrich Your Tour
In the morning, you have the option of taking a hot air balloon ride over the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia. See panoramic views of the valley with fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave homes. Celebrate the experience with champagne to conclude your adventure with a happy ending.
Trip Notes
Each part of the above itinerary can be customized. Tell us about your interests, and we will customize the tour for you.
Extend the Tour
- Gallipoli and Troy: Add 2 days to your tour and include Memorials of Dardanelles, Brighton Beach, and Pergamon.
- Ankara: Add 2 days to your trip to include Ataturk Mausoleum and Lake Abant.
- More destinations: There are many more destinations to see, like Bursa, Cesme, Alacati, Bodrum, and Safranbolu. Tell us which places interest you, and we will provide you with more information.
Accommodation
Many types of accommodation are at your service, right from 5-star hotels, superior 4-star hotels, best value 3-star hotels, or popular boutique hotels. We will book the perfect one for you as per your preferred choice.
Transportation
We recommend flights to connect destination cities, as you will be more comfortable and will save time. Feel free to tell us if you prefer to travel on trains or buses.
Meals
Lunch is usually in a local restaurant so that you can taste authentic Turkish food.
Tell us about your special food requirements, and your private guide will take care of it.
Price: from US$4,080 p/p, Tour code: gh-tk-nt
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day. Over 50% of our clients complete their bookings within 10 days of submitting their inquiry.
Why Travel with Global Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
- Cappadocia Panoramic Adventure
- 16-Day Turkey Great Circle Tour
- Turkey Food Tour
- 9-Day Turkey Bible Legacy Tour: 7 Churches from the Book of Revelation
- Mount Nemrut Miracle from Cappadocia
- Istanbul Land & Sea Combo with Food Tasting
- 15-Day Morocco and Egypt Highlights Tour
- Middle East Tours 2023/2024: Personalized and Stress-free
- 24-Day Panoramic Middle East Bible Journey
- 12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands
- 2-Week Egypt and Jordan Family Adventure Tour
- 18-Day Egypt Jordan and Israel's Treasures Discovery Tour
- Plan Your First Trip to Turkey in 5 Easy Steps
- How to Apply for a Turkey Visa?
- Top 10 Things to Do in Cappadocia
- The Best Time to Visit Turkey
- The Top 7 Places to Visit in Turkey
- The 10 Dishes You Must Try in Turkey
- Top 10 Reasons to Visit Turkey
- Top 9 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Istanbul
- Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul
- 12 Facts You May Not Know about Turkey
- Where Is Turkey?
- 10 Best Turkish Souvenirs to Take Home
- Turkey Weather in January: Cold to Mild, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in February: Cold to Mild, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in March: Mild, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in April: Mild to Warm, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in May: Warm, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in June: Warm to Hot, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in July: Hot and Dry, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in August: Hot, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in September: Warm, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in October 2023: Warm, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in November 2023: Warm to Cool, Places to Go
- Turkey Weather in December 2023: Mild to Cold, Places to Go