Istanbul in 11 Days for Seniors - Istanbul old city arrival and gentle orientation
In Collaboration with Shopexi. Updated on February 15, 2026.
An 11-day private tour through Turkey’s top historical and scenic sites with comfortable pacing, accessible transfers, professional guiding and domestic flights included. Starts and finishes in Istanbul and covers Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Kaş, Pamukkale, Ephesus/Selçuk, Priene/Miletus/Didyma, Pergamon, Troy and Gallipoli.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Shopexi, inspired by the tour 11 Days, Seven Wonders of Turkey Private Tour From Istanbul. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Istanbul old city arrival and gentle orientation
- Cappadocia: open-air museum, underground city and scenic villages
- Visit to Mevlana (Rumi) Museum in Konya en route to Antalya
- Coastal time in Antalya and seaside Kaş
- Pamukkale terraces and ancient Hierapolis ruins walkable routes available nearby hotel areas when needed (season permitting walk surfaces may be uneven — see tips).
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul. Meet at the pre-arranged Old City hotel, check in and short orientation time for an easy evening in Sultanahmet.
Meet & check-in at Hotel Centrum Istanbul — arrival evening
Arrive at Hotel Centrum Istanbul (Old City). Hotel check-in and short orientation. Free evening to rest or take a short walk in the Sultanahmet neighbourhood at a gentle pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep passport, flight details and hotel voucher together and hand them to reception on arrival for a faster check-in.
- Request a ground-floor room or a room with elevator access ahead of time if stairs are difficult.
- If arriving late, choose a short walk around Sultanahmet Square (flat, well-lit routes) and avoid steep streets.
Day 2
Transfer to Istanbul Airport, domestic flight to Cappadocia region and transfer to Ürgüp. Free afternoon in Ürgüp to rest and explore nearby village streets.
Transfer to Istanbul Airport and flight to Cappadocia; transfer to Ürgüp
Morning transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST). Domestic flight to Cappadocia region (scheduled to Nevşehir or Kayseri depending on availability). On arrival, private transfer to your hotel in Ürgüp and afternoon at leisure.
Tips from local experts:
- Have boarding passes and ID ready the morning of travel to reduce time standing at counters; allow 90–120 minutes at the airport before departure.
- If mobility is limited, request airline assistance (wheelchair/assisted boarding) in advance — we can note this for the group.
- Carry a small day bag with water, medications and a light layer — Cappadocia can be breezy especially in the mornings and evenings.
Day 3
Full-day Cappadocia region tour visiting an underground city, Göreme Open Air Museum, Çavuşin and Göreme. Comfortable pacing with regular rest stops.
Cappadocia full-day guided tour (Derinkuyu/Kaymaklı, Göreme Open Air Museum, Çavuşin, Göreme town)
Private guided circuit including an underground city (Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı depending on opening and accessibility), Göreme Open Air Museum, a photo stop at Çavuşin village/castle and a short stroll through Göreme town. Frequent breaks and accessible routing where possible.
Tips from local experts:
- Underground cities include uneven steps and low ceilings — use handrails and request shorter, less-steep routes where available.
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes for short uneven surfaces and bring a light jacket; temperature can be cooler underground and on open viewpoints.
- Carry bottled water and take advantage of scheduled rest stops; many sites have benches near the main viewpoints for seated viewing.
Day 4
Drive south across the Taurus range to Antalya with a stop at the Mevlana (Rumi) Museum in Konya en route. Evening guided walk in Antalya Old Town (Kaleiçi).
Drive Ürgüp → Konya (Mevlana Museum) → Antalya; evening walk in Antalya Old Town
Long scenic drive (approx. 7 hours total driving time with stops) through the Taurus Mountains. Midday visit to Mevlana Museum in Konya, then continue to Antalya with hotel check-in and a gentle guided evening walk through Kaleiçi (Old Town) after dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Long drive day — bring any necessary medications and request frequent short stops to stretch legs and use facilities.
- Mevlana Museum is a calm indoor site with steps; benches are available in the courtyard if a full interior visit is challenging.
- Evening Kaleiçi walk uses mostly flat cobblestone streets; wear low-heeled shoes and bring a light layer as coastal evenings can cool.
Day 5
Morning transfer from Antalya to Kaş on a scenic coastal road. Afternoon at leisure to explore Kaş old town and marina with restful pacing.
Drive to Kaş and free afternoon in Kaş
Depart Antalya after breakfast for a scenic ~4 hour drive to Kaş. Check into the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon to walk the harbour, visit the marina or rest at the hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Coastal roads have curves — choose a seat that feels most comfortable for motion (front passenger often preferred).
- Kaş streets include some slopes and cobbles; plan shorter walks and use benches along the waterfront for rests.
- If dining out, ask for a table on the ground floor and mention any dietary restrictions — many seaside restaurants can accommodate simple requests.
Day 6
Drive to Pamukkale. Afternoon visit to the white travertine terraces and the ruins of Hierapolis close to the hotel area.
Drive Kaş → Pamukkale; Hierapolis & Pamukkale terraces visit
Morning transfer to Pamukkale (approx. 4 hours). After hotel check-in, guided afternoon visit to Hierapolis archaeological site and the travertine terraces (Pamukkale). Routes include walking across natural limestone terraces — suitable shoes required and travel at a gentle pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip for the travertine paths; some areas require bare feet but there are accessible routes near the main terraces and adjacent walkways.
- There are steps and uneven ground at Hierapolis — use handrails where provided and sit frequently to rest while touring.
- Carry bottled water and a sun hat for the exposed afternoon walk; shaded seating is limited on the travertine plateau.
Day 7
Drive to Selçuk (Ephesus area). Afternoon guided visits to Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis site and the Basilica of St. John.
Transfer to Selçuk; afternoon Ephesus, Temple of Artemis & St. John Basilica visit
Morning transfer (approx. 3 hours) to Selçuk. After check-in, guided visits to Ephesus Ancient City (main highlights route with benches and shaded stops), the nearby Temple of Artemis ruins and the Basilica of St. John.
Tips from local experts:
- Ephesus has extended walking on uneven stone roads — use supportive shoes and take breaks at shaded resting points.
- Temple of Artemis site is compact and largely open-air; bring sun protection and sit in shaded areas between viewpoints.
- If mobility is restricted, request a shortened Ephesus route focusing on the Library of Celsus and main colonnaded streets to minimize walking distances.
Day 8
Full-day archaeological circuit visiting Priene, Miletus and Didyma (Temple of Apollo). Return to Selçuk for overnight.
Full day: Priene → Miletus → Didyma (Temple of Apollo) — guided archaeological tour
Private guided day visiting three ancient Ionian sites: Priene (hilltop city), Miletus (theatre and ruins) and Didyma (Temple of Apollo). The route includes short walks at each site with seating and shaded stops arranged where available.
Tips from local experts:
- Sites are spread out and include some uphill walks (Priene in particular) — request a reduced-walk option at Priene if stairs are difficult.
- Pack a small day bag with water, snacks and sun protection; shaded picnic spots may be limited between sites.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat for the open stretches; the archaeological sites have limited shelter and midday sun can be strong in May.
Day 9
Drive northwest with stops at Pergamon (Bergama) and Troy en route to Çanakkale. Overnight near the Dardanelles / Çanakkale.
Pergamon → Troy guided visits; drive to Çanakkale for overnight
Morning visit to Pergamon (Bergama acropolis and Asclepion area where accessible). Continue to Troy (Hisarlık) for a guided visit. Arrive in Çanakkale / Dardanelles area for evening rest. Driving segments include scheduled rest breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Pergamon includes steep sections to the acropolis; take the shorter accessible route or use shaded rest stops at the Asclepion.
- Troy site has an elevated wooden walkway and some uneven ground; use comfortable shoes and avoid unsteady edges.
- Carry any required medications and have them easily accessible during the day — transfers between sites can be longer without immediate pharmacy access.
Day 10
Guided Gallipoli war cemeteries and memorials visit, followed by return drive to Istanbul (approx. 5 hours). Overnight in Istanbul Old City.
Gallipoli battlefield guided tour; transfer back to Istanbul
Morning guided tour of Gallipoli battlefields and war cemeteries, focusing on principal memorial sites with frequent stops and seating. After the visit, transfer to Istanbul (approx. 5 hours) with an evening hotel check-in in the Old City.
Tips from local experts:
- Gallipoli sites feature outdoor memorials on uneven ground — use shaded areas and sit frequently; bring a sun hat and water.
- Wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time when moving between memorials; pace will be adjusted for the group's comfort.
- For the long return drive, keep a small kit with medications, water and snacks within easy reach and inform the guide of any comfort needs in advance.
Day 11
Breakfast at the hotel and tour conclusion in Istanbul. Transfer to airport or next destination as needed.
Farewell breakfast and tour conclusion in Istanbul Old City
After breakfast the program concludes. Hotel check-out assistance and transfers to onward services can be arranged separately. Time provided for last-minute packing and a short stroll nearby if flight schedules permit.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your departure transfer time at reception the evening before and have passport/boarding pass ready at breakfast.
- If you have a late flight, request a luggage hold at the hotel and a quiet space to rest before departure.
- Arrange for assistance at the airport in advance if mobility support is needed; hotels can help with requests and paperwork.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 11 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 9 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Outdoor, Break |
