Best of Turkey
Best of Turkey
$3395
Best of Turkey
14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TBOTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Eco Conscious, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Best of Turkey" tour, where ancient history and vibrant culture collide. Begin in Istanbul, exploring iconic sites like Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Pay homage at Gallipoli, wander through the ruins of Troy, and marvel at the ancient city of Ephesus. Relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and discover the archaeological wonders of Antalya. Experience the mystical allure of Konya and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, where you'll visit an underground city and learn traditional pottery making. Conclude your adventure in Ankara, visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, before returning to Istanbul for a final cultural immersion. With expert guidance, luxury accommodations, and immersive local experiences, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Istanbul
- Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, ancient ruins of Troy, ancient city at Ephesus, Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, Archaeological Museum in Antalya, home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, underground city of Saratli and Goreme Open-Air Museum
Make Travel Matter®
Nevsehir: Meet Ali, our local host and Cappadocian local, for a tour of his family-run farm. See the sport where his grandfather’s garden once stood, taste freshly baked bread and fresh and dried fruits grown on pigeon natural fertilizer, the traditional farming method for producing a rich and nutritious harvest. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Thanks to Ali’s work to revive the traditional farming practices unique to this region of Cappadocia, the region has regained pride in their local traditions. It also advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using exclusively traditional farming practices, the farm is one of the few to be producing traditional and rare fruits, herbs and old grains, typical of the region.
Be My Guest
Demircidere: Meet the most liberated women in Turkey in the village of Demircidere, where you’ll learn how to bake traditional bread and taste the local wine at our Be My Guest lunch.
Trafalgar Difference
Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Dinner
Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure.
Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. View the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus.
Day 3: Journey To Gallipoli And Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation: Kolin
Accommodation Name: Kolin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli – the national pride of two nations, the Turkish and Australians, were awakened at the site of the bloody WWI battlefields and are commemorated to this day. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting place of many Allied soldiers. We continue to Çanakkale where we dine at our hotel tonight.
Day 4: Off To Troy And Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the legends of Troy and see the symbolic replica of the famous Wooden Horse the Greeks used to break their siege of this ancient city. This afternoon, Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. Travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later and dine in your hotel this evening.
Day 5: Explore The Ruins Of Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact façade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry of carpet weaving. Visit the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki.
Day 6: Onwards To Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Colossae Thermal
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.
Day 7: Venture To Hierapolis And Antalya Connect With Locals
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Accommodation Name: Marmara Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, then enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Antalya Free Time
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Accommodation Name: Marmara Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your own pace, taking in the captivating seaside ambiance of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll through the charming, winding streets of the old city, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman architecture. For an Optional Experience, you may choose a yacht cruise and guided tour of Antalya's historic old town.
Day 9: On The Road To Aspendos And Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation: Dedeman
Accommodation Name: Dedeman
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
Day 10: Continue To Cappadocia Stays With Stories
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an effort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
Day 11: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture
Location: Göreme
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Onwards To Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Ankara
Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure Ankara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.
Day 13: Return To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Returning to Istanbul, Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Discover the hidden lanes and watch artisans at work while you wander the main thoroughfares. Spend some time haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. Finish the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable dinner.
Day 14: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected and trusted hotels.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of the evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
The tour includes a ferry crossing across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The itinerary includes optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included.
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Visas
Visas and other travel documentation are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and free time activities are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with a fully air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey across Turkey. Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Dardanelles and explore the country with optional rail journeys and other alternative transportation options.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations throughout Turkey, including the Arts Hotel Taksim in Istanbul, the Kolin Hotel in Canakkale, and the Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia, known for its unique rock-carved rooms and handcrafted antiques. Enjoy comfort and style in each location, with some hotels offering thermal pools and stunning views.
Dining Summary
- 10 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
Dive into Culture
- : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the Best of Turkey tour?
The tour includes a visit to the village of Demircidere where you will meet local women and learn to bake traditional bread while tasting local wine. In Cappadocia, you will visit a family-run farm to learn about traditional farming methods and taste freshly baked bread and fruits. Additionally, you will learn about pottery making in Avanos and have the opportunity to haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
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What is the significance of the visit to Gallipoli on the tour?
The visit to Gallipoli is significant as it is a site of national pride for both Turkey and Australia, commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives during the WWI battlefields. The tour includes visits to Anzac Cove and the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, which are the final resting places of many Allied soldiers.
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What can I expect from the accommodation in Cappadocia during the tour?
In Cappadocia, you will stay at the Exedra Hotel, which features rooms carved from rock with unique designs and handcrafted antiques. The hotel is named after a chapel uncovered during its construction, inspired by the ancient Roman gathering place 'Exedra'.
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How does the tour support sustainable tourism practices?
The tour supports sustainable tourism through a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King's Valley eco farm in Cappadocia. The farm uses traditional farming practices to produce rare fruits, herbs, and grains, promoting sustainable production and consumption while preserving local traditions.
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What historical sites are included in the Best of Turkey tour?
The tour includes visits to several historical sites such as the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome in Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, and the world's best-preserved theater in Aspendos.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions