Treasures of Turkey (Classic, Base, 15 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through Turkey, a land where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes converge. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant city of Istanbul, straddling two continents, to the ancient wonders of Ephesus and Troy. Explore the unique geological formations of Cappadocia, the spiritual heart of Konya, and the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Discover the rich history of Ankara and the Ottoman heritage of Bursa. Enjoy leisurely days in the coastal city of Antalya and the charming resort town of Kusadasi. With expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and immersive experiences, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Turkey's diverse treasures. Whether you're wandering through bustling bazaars, savoring local flavors, or reflecting on poignant historical sites, each day promises new adventures and lasting memories.
Included
14 nights hotel accommodation
9 Dinner (D)
14 Breakfast (B)
1 Lunch (L)
Istanbul: Begin your travels savouring traditional flavours over dinner at a local restaurant.
Cappadocia: Watch a spectacular Sema performance of Whirling Dervishes and discover the flavours of Cappadocia as you indulge in a regional dinner of colourful dishes.
Istanbul: Toast the culmination of your travels during dinner at a local restaurant.
Bursa: On your orientation with your Travel Director visit the town’s mosques, bazaars and famous Silk Market.
Ankara: On your orientation with your Travel Director of the capital of modern Turkey discover its Roman and Byzantine heritage, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Atatürk.
Troy: On your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the nearly 4000 year-old settlement, see the wooden Trojan Horse and hear about myths and legends connected to this archaeological site.
Choose between two carefully selected activities
Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.
Cappadocia: Join a Cappadocian local, who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.
Uchisar: Enjoy the unique flavours of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, where every dish is homemade with love. This remarkable establishment provides employment for more than 65 women from the village. The restaurant is owned by women and focuses on empowering women through employment. Some employed as administrators, some as teachers, some as cooks and some as waiters. Here they are taught how to sow clothes by using modern technology, how to knit, how to cook, how to make various kinds of artifacts, and how to merchandise their products and convert it to money for their families. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where you'll pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
Cumalikizik: Visit the over 700 year-old village to get glimpse into what Ottoman villages away from the capital looked like.
Ankara: Discover the mysterious Hittite civilisation and visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk.
Göreme: With your Local Expert, explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys and the Pasabag Valley.
Visit the narrow passages and interconnecting rooms of this Stone Age underground city dug out from the hills and built to block invaders and defend against attacks.
Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.
Konya: Visit a well preserved Seljuk Caravanserai.
Konya: Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the beautiful Mevlana Tekke museum for an insight into the mystic Whirling Dervishes. See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.
Aspendos: Visit the world's best preserved Roman Theatre in Aspendos.
Antalya: Visit the historic Old Town and wander through its charming narrow streets, discovering souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.
Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.
Corinth: Visit the open-air museum Aphrodisias dedicated to goddess Aphrodite, see the ancient city and statues that have survived preserving most of their originality.
Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the Palace of Knossos.
Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.
Istanbul: Visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. With your Local Expert, gain insight into the lives of the Ottoman Sultans during a visit to the fabulous Topkapi Palace. Then stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
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- Palm Square
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Istanbul, where East meets West. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner. This marks the beginning of your Turkish adventure.
Day 2 – Day 2: Istanbul to Bursa
- Bursa
- Istanbul
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- Grand Mosque of Bursa
- Green Tomb
- İstanbul Boğazı
- Sarıalan Campground
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Start your day with a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, witnessing the charming fishing villages and majestic Ottoman palaces. Later, journey to Bursa, the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Explore the Green Mosque, Grand Mosque, and the Mausoleum Complex. Spend your afternoon wandering through the vibrant bazaars and silk markets before enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 3 – Day 3: Bursa to Ankara
- Bursa
- Ankara
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- Mütareke Anıtı
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Begin your cultural exploration in the quaint village of Cumalikizik, known for its traditional wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Continue your journey to Gordion, the ancient capital of Phrygia, before arriving in Ankara, Turkey's modern capital. Relax at your hotel, the Hilton SA (or similar), and enjoy its amenities, including an indoor pool and a hammam.
Day 4 – Day 4: Ankara to Avanos
- Ankara
- Avanos
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- Ankara Vakıf Museum
- Column of Julian
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Dive into Ankara's rich history with visits to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk. Later, travel to Avanos in the heart of Cappadocia, a region renowned for its unique geological formations. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and prepare for a relaxing evening at your hotel.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Cappadocia
- Avanos
- Göreme
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- Pigeon Valley
- Özkonak
- Güray Müze
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Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, starting with the rock-hewn churches of Göreme. Savor Anatolian flavors at Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant, supporting local women. Continue to Pasabag Valley and explore the tunnels of Özkonak Underground City. End your day with a tour of a local cave house and a mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes performance.
Day 6 – Day 6: Avanos to Konya
- Konya
- Avanos
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- Sille Baraj Parkı
- Tatlarin Yeralti Sehri
- Mevlâna Museum
- Karatay Madrasah
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Begin your day with a pottery-making demonstration in Avanos. Travel along the historic Silk Road, stopping at a 13th-century caravanserai. Arrive in Konya, Turkey's most religious city, and visit the Mevlana Museum, Karatay Medrese, and Ince Minaret. Experience the spiritual atmosphere of this ancient city.
Day 7 – Day 7: Konya to Antalya
Day 7: Konya to Antalya
- Aspendos Theater
- Antalya Archeology Museum
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Embark on a scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains to the ancient city of Aspendos, home to a remarkably preserved Roman theater. Continue to Antalya, where you'll explore the charming Old Town with its vibrant markets and stunning sea views. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this coastal city.
Day 8 – Day 8: Leisure in Antalya
- Antalya
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Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax at your hotel or explore Antalya at your own pace. Consider taking a stroll around the picturesque harbor or embark on a boat trip along the stunning coastline. Your Travel Director will be happy to provide recommendations for your day of exploration.
Day 9 – Day 9: Antalya to Pamukkale
- Pamukkale
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- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- Pamukkale Turkey
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Travel through the Taurus Mountains to the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city. Explore the ruins and the stunning white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, known for their mineral-rich thermal waters. Enjoy the facilities at your hotel, the Doğa Thermal Health & Spa (or similar), including indoor and outdoor thermal pools.
Day 10 – Day 10: Pamukkale to Kusadasi
- Izmir
- Pamukkale
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- The ancient city of Tripolis
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Begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Aphrodite in the ancient city of Aphrodisias. Marvel at the towering columns and explore the ruins before heading to the coastal resort of Kusadasi. Enjoy an evening at leisure, taking in the beautiful surroundings of this charming town.
Day 11 – Day 11: Discovering Ephesus
- Selçuk
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- El Heykeli
- House of Virgin Mary
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
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Explore the magnificent archaeological site of Ephesus, walking through the colonnaded Arcadian Way and visiting the Library of Celsus and the grand Amphitheatre. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this ancient city.
Day 12 – Day 12: Kusadasi to Çanakkale
- Çanakkale
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- Bergama Museum
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Travel to the legendary city of Troy, the setting of the Trojan War and the famous love story of Paris and Helen. Explore the ruins and see the replica of the Trojan Horse. Continue to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields, and prepare for the next day's exploration.
Day 13 – Day 13: Çanakkale to Istanbul
- Çanakkale
- Istanbul
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- Akbas cemetary
- Gallipoli War Museum
- Lone Pine
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Cross the Dardanelles Strait to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where you'll learn about the historic battles of WWI. Visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul, where you'll spend the next two nights, reflecting on the day's poignant experiences.
Day 14 – Day 14: Exploring Istanbul
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapı Palace
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Discover the iconic landmarks of Istanbul, starting with the Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. Choose your own adventure with Insight Choice at Hagia Sophia, either through a digital experience or a traditional visit. Explore the Topkapi Palace and immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar. Conclude your day with a farewell dinner, celebrating the memories made on this incredible journey.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
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As your Turkish adventure comes to a close, bid farewell to your new friends. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward journey. For those extending their stay in Istanbul, your Travel Director will be happy to offer tips and suggestions for further exploration.
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