Taste of Turkey
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through the historical and cultural wonders of Turkey. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling city of Istanbul, across the poignant World War I battlefield of Gallipoli, to the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, and Hierapolis. Marvel at the unique geology of Pamukkale's 'cotton castles' and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Turkish carpet weaving. With comfortable four and five-star accommodations, delicious meals, and expertly guided tours, this trip promises a captivating exploration of Turkey's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
Included
7 Breakfasts
5 Dinners
vegetarian, vegan, halal, meat
All accommodation in 4-star and boutique hotels
hotel: 6 night(s);
All transport and transfers in private AC minibus/coach
Domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of a local tour guide throughout
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There’s no point in us providing great guides if you’ve got to peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, we won’t ever put you in a 50-seater coach with 49 other people and just one guide. Instead, we set our Turkey small-group departures to have a maximum of 20 travellers (dedicated Anzac Day tour groups may be larger).
In Turkey we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking guide for all of the sightseeing tours. Our local reps in some of the towns and cities en-route are also at your service. At Encounters Travel we try to use local Turkish guides and reps as much as possible. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.
Spice bazaars
Blue Mosque & Hippodrome in Istanbul
Greek & Roman ruins at Ephesus
Coastal Kusadasi
Calcium travertines at Pamukkale
Hieropolis ruins
Cappadocia fairy chimneys
Goreme Valley
Underground cities
Ankara
Services of a local tour guide throughout
Entrance fees to sites visited
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 5 dinners)
Tipping kitty
Destinations
Istanbul
ÇanakkaleMap
Attractions
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
Gallipoli War Museum
Hagia Irene
Pera Museum
Topkapı Palace
Bergama MuseumDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
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Welcome to Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents. Upon your arrival, our staff will greet you at the airport and escort you to your four-star hotel in the heart of the city. Settle in and rest up for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Pera Museum
- Topkapı Palace
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Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a full-day tour of Istanbul. Discover the city's rich history as you visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum, and the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace. End your day at the famous Hippodrome, once the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life. Return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest and a delicious dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Gallipoli and Canakkale
- Istanbul
- Çanakkale
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- Gallipoli War Museum
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After breakfast, we depart Istanbul for Gallipoli, a World War I battlefield site. Experience a moving tour of the area, visiting the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly, The Nek, and the Gallipoli Museum. You'll also have the opportunity to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war. After a day of reflection, we head to our four-star hotel in Canakkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 – Day 4: From Troy to Pergamum and Kusadasi
- Çanakkale
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- Bergama Museum
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Today, we journey to the ancient city of Troy, where the legendary Trojan horse and the poems of Homer were brought back to life. We then continue south to the acropolis of Pergamum, a former kingdom renowned for its cultural and political significance. Enjoy a full tour of the site, including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library. After a day of historical exploration, we head to our four-star hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 – Day 5: Ephesus and Sirince
Day 5: Ephesus and Sirince
- El Heykeli
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After breakfast, we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Visit the Temple of Artemis and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. In the afternoon, we visit the fruit wine-growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey. Return to your hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 – Day 6: Pamukkale and Hierapolis
- Pamukkale
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- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- Pamukkale Turkey
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Today, we travel east to Pamukkale, known for its unique white calcium terraces known as Travertines. After exploring these 'cotton castles', we head to the ancient city of Hierapolis. Enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools nestled amongst ancient Roman columns, believed to have therapeutic powers. After a day of natural and historical exploration, we retire to our five-star hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 7 – Day 7: Return to Istanbul
- Istanbul
- Pamukkale
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Today, we'll head to the nearby airport in Denizli for your short flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your four-star hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or explore the city at your leisure.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Istanbul - Departure day
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Your time is free today for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul. When it's time, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight home. As you depart, you'll carry with you the memories of an unforgettable journey through the historical and cultural wonders of Turkey.
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