Wonders of Turkey (Classic, Summer, Base, 11 Days)

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Description

Summary

Starts
Istanbul
Duration
11 days
Languages
English

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the mesmerizing landscapes and historical treasures of Turkey. This multi-day tour will take you from the vibrant city of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Troy, the healing centre of Pergamon, and the unique rock formations of Cappadocia. You'll explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, marvel at the Blue Mosque, and cruise along the Bosphorus. Along the way, you'll enjoy authentic local experiences, such as a visit to a women's co-op in Copmadam and a farm-to-table lunch at an organic farm. This tour is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a comprehensive and immersive experience of Turkey.

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Included

7 Dinner (D)

10 Breakfast (B)

1 Lunch (L)

1 Dinner with Wine (DW)

Istanbul: Begin your travels savouring traditional flavours over dinner at a local restaurant.

Izmir: Head to a local organic farm where you will be treated to a Farm-to-Table lunch. Enjoy the breathtaking views during your meal made from seasonal crops grown on site.

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.

jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat

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Canakkale: The modern Kolin Hotel is located near the city centre and is right on the shores of the Dardanelles Straits. Facilities include a fitness center, Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzis and pools.

Izmir: The Swissotel Buyuk Efes, Izmir is centrally located, offering spacious, comfortable rooms and luxury facilities.

Kusadasi: Enjoy stunning views of the Aegean Sea from the Charisma De Luxe Hotel. Facilities include a Turkish bath, sauna, indoor pool, fitness suite and massage center.

Cappadocia: At the Alfina Hotel Cappadocia, experience troglodyte life in a cave room with all the amenities of modern accommodation.

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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.

Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

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.

Ayvalik: Visit the Copmadam workshop, where one-of-a-kind items are made from recycled packaging, creating employment opportunities for local women. This experience advances United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.

Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.

Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artefacts from Ephesus.

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.

Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.

Konya: Visit a well preserved Seljuk Caravanserai.

Saratli: Visit Saratli Underground city known for its fine arts architecture.

Göreme: With your Local Expert, explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys and the Pasabag Valley.

Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.

Ankara: Discover the mysterious Hittite civilisation and visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk.

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.

Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where you'll pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.

Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

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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.

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Destinations

Photo of Selcuk town and ruins panorama as seen from citadel, Turkey.Selçuk
Pamukkale
Touristic sightseeing ships in Golden Horn bay of Istanbul and mosque with Sultanahmet district against blue sky and clouds. Istanbul, Turkey during sunny summer day.Istanbul
Urgup
Photo of Cappadocia that is known around the world as one of the best places to fly with hot air balloons. Goreme, Cappadocia, Turkey.Göreme
Photo of aerial view of Canakkale, Turkey.Çanakkale
View of Ankara castle and general view of old town.Ankara

Map

Attractions

photo of the Stadium of Magnesia Ancient City from above in Aydın, Turkey.Magnesia Stadium
Aerial shot of Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) surrounded by trees in Istanbul's Old City - Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.Sultan Ahmed Mosque
House of Virgin Mary, Atatürk Mahallesi, Selçuk, Izmir, Aegean Region, TurkeyHouse of Virgin Mary
Hierapolis ancient theater, Pamukkale, Denizli, Aegean Region, TurkeyHierapolis Ancient Theatre
Akbas cemetary, Eceabat, Canakkale, Marmara Region, TurkeyAkbas cemetary
Sultanhanı Caravanserai, Sultanhanı, Aksaray, Central Anatolia Region, TurkeySultanhanı Caravanserai
 Anıtkabir, located in Ankara, is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.Anıtkabir
photo of Hagia Irene or Hagia Eirene or St. Irene (Aya Irini in Turkish), a Greek Eastern Orthodox church located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, Turkey.Hagia Irene
Grand BazaarGrand Bazaar
Hagia Sophia Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey, full viewHagia Sophia
Lone PineLone Pine
The Topkapı Palace surrounded by a garden under the sunlight in Istanbul, Turkey.Topkapı Palace
photo of hot air balloon flying over spectacular Uchisar castle and Pigeon valley in Cappadocia, Turkey.Pigeon Valley
photo of Ankara Vakıf Museum in Turkey.Ankara Vakıf Museum
Kocabag Wines, Uçhisar, Nevşehir merkez, Nevşehir, Central Anatolia Region, TurkeyKocabag Wines
Ancient City of Troy, Çanakkale merkez, Canakkale, Marmara Region, TurkeyAncient City of Troy
photo of Asclepieion of Pergamon in Tiyelti, Turkey.Asclepieion of Pergamon
Güray Müze, Yeni Mahalle, Avanos Merkez, Avanos, Nevşehir, Central Anatolia Region, TurkeyGüray Müze
Egri Minare, Çerdiğin Mahallesi, Aksaray merkez, Aksaray, Central Anatolia Region, TurkeyEgri Minare

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  • Istanbul - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey. Upon arrival, a representative will escort you to your hotel. After settling in, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a delightful Welcome Dinner.

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Day 2

Day 2 – Day 2: Istanbul to Çanakkale via Gallipoli and Troy

  • Istanbul
  • Çanakkale
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  • Gallipoli War Museum
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Travel along the scenic shores of the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli, a historic site of the Great War. Visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery to learn about the events that unfolded here. Continue to the ancient city of Troy, where you'll see a replica of the mighty Trojan horse. End the day in Çanakkale.

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Day 3

Day 3 – Day 3: Çanakkale to Izmir via Copmadam and Pergamon

  • Çanakkale
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  • Asclepieion of Pergamon
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Visit Copmadam, a women's co-op that creates unique items from recycled materials. Continue to Pergamon, an ancient Greek city, where you'll explore the Asklepion temple, a shrine and healing centre dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios. End the day in the coastal resort of Izmir.

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Day 4

Day 4 – Day 4: Izmir to Selçuk via Ephesus

  • Selçuk
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  • House of Virgin Mary
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Travel to the town of Selçuk, home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis. Visit the Archaeological Museum to delve into the area's history. Explore the famous Ephesus site, walk through the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

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Day 5

Day 5 – Day 5: Selçuk to Pamukkale via Maender River Valley

  • Selçuk
  • Pamukkale
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  • Honaz National Park
  • Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
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Follow the winding Maender River Valley to a local organic farm. Enjoy a walking tour of the eco-friendly lands and a farm-to-table lunch. Continue to Pamukkale, known for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces. Explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis and its turquoise travertine pools. Spend the night at the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa (or similar).

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Day 6

Day 6 – Day 6: Pamukkale to Urgup via Sultanhani Caravanserai and Saratli

  • Pamukkale
  • Urgup
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  • Tatlarin Yeralti Sehri
  • Uchisar Castle
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Travel to Urgup, a historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai and explore the underground city of Saratli, surrounded by striking golden, volcanic landscapes.

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Day 7

Day 7 – Day 7: Urgup to Göreme via Pasabag Valley

  • Urgup
  • Göreme
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  • Pigeon Valley
  • Güray Müze
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Visit Göreme, known for its rock-hewn churches adorned with ancient wall paintings. Explore the otherworldly Pasabag Valley, home to unique earth pillars, 'fairy chimneys', and troglodyte dwellings. Join a local resident for a tour of their cave house and learn about their unique lifestyle. In the evening, witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.

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Day 8

Day 8 – Day 8: Göreme to Ankara via Avanos

  • Göreme
  • Ankara
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  • Anıtkabir
  • Çapanoğlu Mosque
  • Ankara Vakıf Museum
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Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos, a town in Cappadocia renowned for its earthenware pottery. Continue to Ankara, where you'll visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader. Relax in the spa and wellness centre at your hotel in the evening.

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Day 9

Day 9 – Day 9: Ankara to Istanbul via Bosphorus Cruise

  • Ankara
  • Istanbul
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Travel to Istanbul, a city that beautifully blends East and West. Board a cruise along the Bosphorus, witnessing the stunning Ottoman palaces and fortresses that line the waterfront. Spend the evening at your leisure, perhaps exploring local dining options recommended by your Travel Director.

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Day 10

Day 10 – Day 10: Exploring Istanbul

  • Istanbul
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  • Sultan Ahmed Mosque
  • Hagia Irene
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Topkapı Palace
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Spend the day exploring Istanbul's iconic sites. Visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Explore Hagia Sophia, known for its domed roof, and the Topkapi Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Experience the bustling Grand Bazaar and enjoy bargaining for souvenirs. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

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Day 11

Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Istanbul

  • Istanbul - Departure day
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Your memorable journey through Turkey comes to an end. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flights. If you're extending your stay in Istanbul, your Travel Director will provide tips on where to explore next.

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