Christmas Turkey - 12 days
Christmas Turkey - 12 days
Christmas Turkey - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Canakkale, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Perge, Cappadocia, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
167/CTU
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day cultural journey through Turkey with the "Christmas Turkey" tour, exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of this fascinating country. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll visit iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Pay homage at the Gallipoli battlefields, and step back in time at the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Experience the natural wonders of Pamukkale's thermal pools and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Celebrate Christmas Eve in Demre, visiting the Church of Saint Nicholas, and enjoy a festive dinner overlooking the Mediterranean in Antalya. On Christmas Day, explore the Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos. With guided sightseeing, comfortable accommodations, and a special Christmas Eve dinner, this small group tour offers an unforgettable holiday experience in Turkey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
18 December. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a tour of old Istanbul. The only city to span two continents sits on the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life.
Sultanahmet, the compact old city of Istanbul, is full of parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. Here, explore the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, constructed in the 6th century and considered by some to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque.
Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Rest of day free. Tonight, we are free to explore or relax in our hotel.
Day 3: Canakkale
Location: Canakkale
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul – Canakkale. Today, we enjoy a visit to battle-scarred Gallipoli. On the 25th April 1915, under the guidance of the British Command, the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand, otherwise known as the ‘ANZACs’, mounted an assault at a beach in North-Western Turkey. The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history due to the enormous loss of lives and the impossibly hopeless situation faced by these brave young soldiers, many of whom had left home for the first time, destined never to return. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. As always in war, common men died, cruelly robbed of their potential because of actions and decisions of military leaders.
Day 4-5: Troy & Legendary Ephesus
Location: Canakkale
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Canakkale - Kusadasi. Step back in time as we visit the legendary Roman ruins of Pergamum and Troy - inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy. On day 5, we explore ancient Ephesus. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel! Afterward, we stop at a local leather manufacturer. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy.
Day 6: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi – Pammukale. Today we visit the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools of Pamukkale. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they are a natural phenomena and gift of Mother Nature. We can also opt to enjoy a unique and very pleasant dip in the warm waters at the Pamukkale Thermal with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns near the centre of the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, which was a was a Roman curative centre.
Day 7: Xmas Eve At St Nic's
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pammukale - Demre - Antalya. The legend of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) began in Turkey! St Nicholas - a 4th century bishop gave anonymous gifts to dowryless village girls. He would drop bags of coins down the chimneys of their houses and this ‘gift from heaven’ would allow them to marry. We visit the church and tomb of St Nicholas in Demre before continuing to coastal Antalya for a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner on a hilltop restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Day 8: Christmas Day & Roman Ruins
Location: Perge
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kemer - Konya. Merry Christmas! En route to Konya we tour the incredible Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos. Settled first by the Hittites around 1500 BC, Perge was an important city in Pamphylia (today’s Mediterranean region). The ruins of the ancient theatre (capacity 12,000 people) boasting marble reliefs depicting the life and times of Dionysos along with the remains of the first church built in Perge, and various temples can be seen. Nearby Aspendos is famous for its well-preserved theatre of antiquity.
Day 9-10: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Konya – Cappadocia. Day 9 we tour Konya and the Mevlana monastery before heading north east to Cappadocia. We stop en route at an ancient caravanserai and later take a short walk through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. In the evening, opt for a traditional Turkish dinner and folklore evening. On day 10, we explore the stunning Goreme Valley, fairy chimneys, amazing troglodyte villages, Uchisar Castle and Derinkuyu underground city.
Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley where century’s old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs, the pigeon droppings that litter the area have been used as fertilizer on crops for generations. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, specialising in historic jewellery designs unique to Turkey and using local materials and craftsmen. For those not interested in shopping spend a little time relaxing and grab a drink from the local cafe.
Day 11: Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cappadocia - Istanbul. Today we head back to Istanbul, stopping en route for lunch (payable locally).
If you'd prefer to avoid the long journey over land today, we also offer the opportunity to fly from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
Day 12: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
29 December. After breakfast our tour concludes with an onward departure transfer to the airport. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas in Turkey!
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 - 5 star -
Guided sightseeing in Istanbul
Guided sightseeing includes visits to the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and Hagia Sofia.
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Guided sightseeing in Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, and more
Guided sightseeing includes Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis, Perge, Aspendos, Konya, and Cappadocia.
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English speaking tour guide
The tour is escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide.
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Airport transfers
Includes airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer to Istanbul International Airport on day 12.
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Private transportation
Relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Tips for guide and driver
Tip for your tour guide and driver is not included.
It is recommended to allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller for the guide and EUR €2 per day for the driver. -
Entrance fees
Entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be EUR €280-300 per person, payable in EUR.
Age Policy
16 years with an accompanying adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private modern air-conditioned vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation, including airport arrival and departure transfers in Istanbul.
Accommodation
Enjoy 10 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, with an additional night in a luxurious 5-star hotel, providing comfort and elegance throughout your journey in Turkey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 10 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, and 1 night in a 5-star hotel.
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Is there a special event planned for Christmas Eve?
Yes, on Christmas Eve, you will visit the Church and Tomb of Saint Nicholas in Demre and enjoy a special dinner in Antalya overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
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What is included in the meals during the tour?
Breakfast is provided daily, and there are 6 dinners included, one of which is a special Christmas Eve Dinner.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer to Istanbul International Airport on day 12.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
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Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be EUR €280-300 per person, payable in EUR.
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What historical sites will be visited in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you will visit the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, and Hagia Sophia.
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What activities are planned in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will explore the Goreme Valley, fairy chimneys, troglodyte villages, Uchisar Castle, and Derinkuyu underground city. There is also an opportunity to visit Pigeon Valley and an Onyx shop.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Thursday - Monday
Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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