Best of Turkey (Base, Summer, 14 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 14-day journey through the ancient lands of Turkey, where Europe and Asia intersect. This multi-day tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant city of Istanbul to the other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia, you'll delve into the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire, explore ancient cities, and pay tribute to the brave souls of Gallipoli. Along the way, you'll connect with locals, learn about traditional crafts, and enjoy regional cuisine. Whether you're haggling in the Grand Bazaar, soaking in the thermal pools of Pamukkale, or admiring the architectural wonders of Ephesus, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Included
10 Dinner (D)
13 Breakfast (B)
2 Lunch (L)
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Antalya: Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya.
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.
: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
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.
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 Göreme Open-Air Museum
Cappadocia: Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, feature unique designs and display handcrafted antiques. During construction of the hotel, a chapel was discovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra' -- a meeting place in ancient Rome.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Arts Hotel Taksim
Kolin
Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Colossae Thermal
Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara
Dedeman
Exedra Hotel
Grand Mercure Ankara
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
- More
Begin your epic adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable welcome meal.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
- More
- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Grand Bazaar
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapı Palace
- More
Spend the day exploring the city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the exquisite Blue Mosque. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar.
Day 3 – Day 3: Gallipoli to Çanakkale
- Istanbul
- Çanakkale
- More
- Gallipoli War Museum
- More
Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli, the site of the bloody WWI battlefields. Continue to Çanakkale for an overnight stay and dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Çanakkale to Izmir via Troy and Pergamon
- Çanakkale
- More
- Asclepieion of Pergamon
- More
Explore the legends of Troy and visit the ancient Asclepion Medical Centre in the city of Pergamon. Retire in Izmir for the evening, where you'll dine at the hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Ephesus and Izmir
Day 5: Exploring Ephesus and Izmir
- House of Virgin Mary
- More
Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus and visit the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Izmir, with an optional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6 – Day 6: From Izmir to Pamukkale
- Pamukkale
- More
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 – Day 7: From Pamukkale to Antalya via Hierapolis
- Pamukkale
- Konyaaltı
- More
- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- More
Visit the ancient Roman health spa at Hierapolis and admire the cascades of water at Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Travel through scenic countryside to the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya, where you'll spend the next two nights.
Day 8 – Day 8: Exploring Antalya
- Konyaaltı
- More
- Antalya Archeology Museum
- More
Enjoy a morning at leisure in the enchanting seaside city of Antalya. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum to see treasures spanning the centuries.
Day 9 – Day 9: From Antalya to Konya via Aspendos
- Konyaaltı
- More
- Aspendos Theater
- Mevlâna Museum
- Karatay Madrasah
- More
Visit the world's best-preserved theatre of antiquity in Aspendos before continuing to Konya. Gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect at the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, and visit the Karatay Tile Museum.
Day 10 – Day 10: From Konya to Cappadocia via Saratli
- Çavuşin
- More
- Aksaray Museum
- Kapıcı Cami
- More
Travel to Cappadocia, visiting the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a local host at King's Valley eco farm to learn about traditional farming and the local economy.
Day 11 – Day 11: Exploring Cappadocia
- Çavuşin
- More
- Zelve Open Air Museum
- Çat Kasabası
- More
Explore the volcanic landscape of Cappadocia, dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
Day 12 – Day 12: From Cappadocia to Ankara
- Çavuşin
- Ankara
- More
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
- More
Travel to the youthful capital of Turkey, Ankara. 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.
Day 13 – Day 13: From Ankara to Istanbul
- Ankara
- Istanbul
- More
- SALT Galata
- Galata Tower
- Basilica Cistern
- More
Return to Istanbul and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Explore the Basilica Cistern, the Spice Market, or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
- More
Your epic journey into antiquity comes to an end as you bid Istanbul and your newfound friends a fond farewell.
Verified reviews
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.