Highlights of Turkey - 9 days
Highlights of Turkey - 9 days
Highlights of Turkey - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Turkey, exploring its rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll marvel at the architectural wonders of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Pay homage at Gallipoli's poignant WW1 memorials before stepping back in time at the legendary ruins of Troy and the steep amphitheatre of Pergamum. Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis, and relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale. In Cappadocia, be enchanted by the surreal landscapes and rock-cut chapels of Goreme Valley. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and an included flight back to Istanbul, all while being escorted by a knowledgeable Turkish guide. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable Turkish adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Saturday. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your holiday. There's an included arrival transfer to our hotel. After check in, relax in the hotel or head out and explore the city. At 8 pm, we'll gather in the hotel to meet our fellow travellers and the guide before our adventure begins.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we'll embark on a fascinating tour through the Old City of Istanbul, we'll visit stunning examples of architecture that hail from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires eras. We’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, both inside and out. See the six exterior minarets and the famed blue Iznik tiles. Discover the Hippodrome and view the exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Finally, we explore the impressive interior of Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.
Day 3: Canakkale
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.
Day 4: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Gallipoli – Kusadasi. This morning we enjoy a short guided tour of Troy. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought to life by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed nine ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 BC. We enjoy a tour of the ruins and admire a replica of the Trojan wooden horse that, as legend goes, was filled with Aechaean soldiers who helped to sack Troy.
Driving further south we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheatres in the classical world. Pergamum was also famous for its Asclepion (medical centre). We continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast via a leather manufacturing house.
Day 5: Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we explore legendary Ephesus - perhaps the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Under Roman rule, Ephesus was a vast and prosperous city with a population nearing 250,000. It was an important centre of commerce and a popular destination for pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.
We have plenty of time to tour the marble ruins of Ephesus. Discover the famous Library of Celsus, the Stadium, the gymnasium of Vedius and the Great Theatre. We’ll see ancient public toilets, a brothel, fountains and various temples. There's also a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.
Day 6: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi – Pamukkale. Driving east, we arrive at Pamukkale - home of the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they're a natural phenomena and gift from Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs are known as travertines. Take a barefoot walk along the travertines or opt for a dip in the warm waters of the thermal pool, with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns.
Our last stop of the day is the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, famed for the curative powers of its mineral springs. These were dammed to create communal baths.
Day 7: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. This morning, we depart from Pamukkale and journey towards Cappadocia, making a notable stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a beautifully preserved example of ancient Silk Road architecture. Continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique geological formations. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel, where you'll spend the two nights.
Day 8: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Cappadocia - perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary national treasures. The utter improbability of the surreal landscape has to be seen to be believed with its ‘stuff of fables’ cave dwellings and phallic ‘fairy chimneys’ landscape. Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia.
A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. See stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples. Marvel at Zelve, with its phallic-like eroded landscape. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley, where centuries old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs. Our tour also takes in the incredible Uchisar castle-mountain. Enjoy marvelous views of Cappadocia from the summit and explore the underground city of Kaymakli.
You'll also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, which specializes in historic jewellery designs that are unique to Turkey and crafted using local materials. For those not interested in shopping, there's time to relax and grab a drink from the local cafe. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunday. Cappadocia - Istanbul. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul, arriving at IST airport by 12pm. To account for any potential delays, we recommend booking any onward flights after 3pm. Alternatively, contact us to book a night of post-tour accommodation.
The tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!
What's Included
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Breakfast daily and 7 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast and seven dinners included in the tour package.
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8 nights 4 star and special class hotels
Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 8 nights during the tour.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Receive a complimentary airport arrival transfer on the first day of the tour.
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Economy class flight from Cappadocia (Keyseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 9
An economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is included on the last day of the tour.
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Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Cappadocia
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia.
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Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
All transfers and transportation during the tour are provided in private, modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa costs are not included in the tour package.
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Tip for your tour guide and driver
Tips for the tour guide and driver are not included.
It is recommended to allow EUR €5 - 7 per day for the guide and EUR €2 per day for the driver. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees amounting to EUR €255-275 per person, paid in EUR, are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private modern air-conditioned vehicles, including an airport arrival transfer and an economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul on day 9.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, offering comfort and a touch of luxury throughout your journey in Turkey.
Age Policy
16 years with an accompanying adult
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in 4-star and special class hotels.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, there is an airport arrival transfer included on day 1 of the tour.
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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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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily and 7 dinners.
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Is there a flight included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, there is an economy class flight from Cappadocia (Kayseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 9.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the ruins of Ephesus, the ancient city of Troy, and the Roman amphitheatre in Pergamum.
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What is the recommended tipping amount for the tour guide and driver?
It is recommended to allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and EUR €2 per day for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be EUR €255-275 per person, paid in EUR.
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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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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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