Are you ready to explore the wonders of Turkey?
This 11-day tour package will take you to some of the most beautiful and historical sites in the country. From Istanbul’s Old City to Cappadocia’s underground cities and fairy chimneys, you’ll get an up-close look at the culture and history of Turkey.
Your journey begins in Istanbul, a city full of history and culture. You’ll explore the Old City, where you can find ancient mosques, palaces, and markets. You’ll also visit the famous Sultanhani Caravansary, a 14th century inn where caravans used to stay on their way from Europe to Asia.
Next, you’ll head to Cappadocia, where you can explore its underground cities and fairy chimneys. These unique geological formations were formed by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. You’ll also have the chance to take a hot air balloon ride over this stunning landscape.
After Cappadocia, you’ll make your way to Pamukkale for a look at its calcium travertines. These natural wonders were formed by thermal springs that have been flowing for centuries. You can also explore nearby Hieropolis and its ancient Greek and Roman ruins.
You’ll then travel to Acropolis of Pergamum for a look at its ancient ruins from the Hellenistic period. After that, it’s off to Troy for a visit to this legendary city made famous by Homer’s Iliad. Finally, you’ll visit Gallipoli battlefield sites before heading back home with memories that will last a lifetime!
This 11-day tour package is perfect for anyone looking for an unforgettable experience in Turkey! You’ll get an up-close look at some of the country’s most iconic sites while learning about its rich history and culture along the way. From exploring Istanbul’s Old City to taking a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, this tour has something for everyone!
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
Included:
Excluded:
Accommodation
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip
Options
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you‘re visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation-based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements – full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
DAY 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Your 10 day adventure starts with your arrival in Istanbul. This is a grand and ancient city of mosques and museums, winding roads and historical landmarks.
Perched at the intersection of two continents, Istanbul features a unique blend of European and Asian culture, history, and architecture. After being transferred to your hotel, you will have the rest of the day to yourself in Istanbul.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul 4-star hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
DAY 2: Tour of Istanbul's Old City
Day two includes a tour of Istanbul’s Old City. Here we will visit some of the city's most famous and captivating sites. The Blue Mosque is world-famous and is arguably Istanbul’s most iconic landmark.
The majestic Hagia Sophia is breathtaking in its grandeur, while the Topkapi Palace and Museum is filled with fascinating relics and artefacts.
This afternoon, you have the option of experiencing a cruise on the Bosphorus River, the channel that separates Europe from Asia.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul 4-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Bosphorus Cruise. Fly to Cappadocia
This morning we'll take a 1 hour cruise along the Bosphorous River to take a view of the city from this narrow straight of water which separates Europe from Asia, along the way your guide will give you an overview of the historical sights as you pass by.
This afternoon we'll take a short flight to Kayseri and onwards by a short road transfer to Cappadocia. This magical place has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in Turkey. Its unique landscape is made up of hundreds of volcanic rock formations in strange and peculiar shapes.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia boutique hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Goreme, Pasabag, Uchisar Castle, Folklore evening
The fourth day of the tour is filled with visits to several intriguing natural and cultural sites. First, we tour the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here you will find a beautiful collection of churches and monasteries that have been sculpted into the rock formations. In many, you can still see colourful paintings and frescoes on the walls.
We then visit the aptly-named fairy chimneys of Pasabag, and the majestic castle of Uchisar. In the evening, there is an optional Turkish folklore experience, belly dancers included- a chance to end off the day in a memorable way.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia boutique hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Silk Road to Konya via Sultan Hani Caranvansary, Mevlana Museum
Today we set off towards our next destination, Konya, by taking the famous ancient Silk Road.
En-route, we stop off at the Sultan Hani Caravansary. This is a type of roadside inn, which was frequented by travellers of old as they traversed the Silk Road. This is a wonderful stop that will give us an insight into what the ancient traders might have experienced.
When we reach Konya, we pay a visit to the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of the world-famous philosopher and poet Jalaluddin Rumi.
OVERNIGHT:
Konya 4-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Temple of Apollo
Today we leave Konya and visit the travertines of Pamukkale. This remarkable natural site is made up of white calcium steps that are dotted with bright blue pools and hot springs, creating a magical contrasting landscape.
We then head to the ruins of the city of Hierapolis, which features many temples and other religious sites, earning it the name "The Sacred City". We see its impressive theatre, which is beautifully preserved, as well as the Necropolis, the enormous graveyard.
We continue to the Temple of Apollo. This was built in dedication to the famous Apollo, the Greek god of poetry, music, healing, and medicine. We can also see the beautiful leather goods that are handcrafted by the local people.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale 4-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Laodicea
Our destination today is Kusadasi, one of Turkey's most popular beach resorts. On our way, we stop to explore the ancient city of Laodicea, which was once the main city of the Lycus River Valley region. Extremely well-preserved, this city was once known as The City of Zeus - Diospolis. In the afternoon we will continue our journey to Kusadasi, where you'll have time to relax by the Aegean sea.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi boutique hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Ephesus, Temple of Artemis, carpet-weaving village and wine tasting
Today we head to the ancient city of Ephesus. This ancient landmark has been excellently preserved and restored, and you are able to walk its streets and explore it much as its original inhabitants might have done.
We also visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before stopping at a carpet weaving village. This is an important traditional craft in Turkey, and we get to see first-hand how the process works.
Later, we'll continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince where we'll have an opportunity to learn about wine production by visiting a local vineyard where you'll be able to sample 3 of the local wines before returning to our accommodation for the evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi boutique hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Mediterranean coast, Pergamum acropolis, Troy
We enjoy a scenic drive today heading north up the Mediterranean coast before we visit the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. The impressive temples and library here made this a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Our next stop is the ancient site of Troy, famous for Helen of Troy and the wooden Trojan Horse. We spend the night at a hotel overlooking the Dardanelles Strait near Cannakale.
OVERNIGHT:
Cannakale - 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 10: Gallipoli battlefield site and memorials
After crossing the Dardanelles Strait by ferry, we make a tour of the important World War 1 battlefield sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula, including ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original tunnels and trenches and the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials. We'll then drive back to Istanbul to finish the tour.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul 4-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 11: Istanbul, departure
The tour comes to an end today. After breakfast in Istanbul, your time is free until you are transferred to the airport for your departing flight.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
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