Wonders of Turkey (Small Groups, Summer, Base, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Turkey. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Troy, this journey offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and natural beauty. Discover the poignant stories of Gallipoli, the vibrant culture of Izmir, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. With comfortable accommodations and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching experience for every traveler.
Included
10 night accommodation
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.
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.
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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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Begin your Turkish adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, a unique metropolis straddling two continents. Upon arrival, a friendly representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, such as the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus (or similar). Unwind and get comfortable before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Journey to Gallipoli and Troy
- Istanbul
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- Trojan Statue
- Akbas cemetary
- Lone Pine
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Set out from Istanbul, tracing the scenic coastline of the Sea of Marmara to the historic Gallipoli Peninsula. Here, delve into the poignant history of Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Cross the Dardanelles to reach Çanakkale, then continue to the legendary city of Troy, where the iconic Trojan Horse replica stands as a testament to ancient tales. Overnight in Çanakkale.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cultural Experiences in Izmir
- Izmir
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- Çeşnigir Camii
- İzmir Wildlife Park
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Engage in a meaningful MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women's cooperative focused on sustainability and empowerment. Savor a Farm-to-Table lunch at Nif Bağları, a charming family-owned winery. After exploring the lush vineyards, journey to the coastal city of Izmir for an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Historical Treasures of Selçuk
- Izmir
- Selçuk
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- El Heykeli
- House of Virgin Mary
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
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Travel to the town of Selçuk, where history comes alive at the Archaeological Museum. Discover the wonders of Ephesus, from the grand Library of Celsus to the impressive Amphitheater. Conclude your day with a visit to the revered House of the Virgin Mary, nestled above the ancient ruins.
Day 5 – Day 5: Pamukkale's Natural Wonders
- Pamukkale
- Selçuk
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- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- Pamukkale Turkey
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Venture to Pamukkale, renowned for its ethereal white terraces and mineral-rich thermal waters. Explore the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, marveling at its well-preserved theater and turquoise travertine pools. Relax at the Doğa Thermal Health & Spa (or similar), enjoying its luxurious amenities.
Day 6 – Day 6: Discovering Cappadocia
- Konya
- Pamukkale
- Urgup
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- Sultanhanı Caravanserai
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Journey to the heart of Cappadocia, stopping at the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai. Explore the fascinating underground city of Saratli, a testament to ancient ingenuity. Arrive in the historic town of Urgup, surrounded by Cappadocia's striking volcanic landscapes.
Day 7 – Day 7: Enchanting Göreme and Pasabag
- Urgup
- Göreme
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- Pigeon Valley
- Güray Müze
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Explore the captivating town of Göreme, with its rock-hewn churches adorned with ancient frescoes. Wander through the surreal Pasabag Valley, home to fairy chimneys and troglodyte dwellings. Experience local life with a visit to a traditional cave house, followed by a mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes performance and dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – Day 8: Art and History in Ankara
- Ankara
- Göreme
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- Ankara Vakıf Museum
- Column of Julian
- Çat Kasabası
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Delve into the art of pottery making in Avanos, a town renowned for its earthenware. Continue to Ankara, Turkey's capital, where you'll visit the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, a tribute to the nation's founding father. Unwind at your hotel's spa and wellness center.
Day 9 – Day 9: Return to Istanbul
- Istanbul
- Altındağ
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- Grand Bazaar
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Travel back to Istanbul, a city where East meets West in a vibrant fusion. Spend the day exploring the bustling Grand Bazaar, a shopper's paradise filled with treasures. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps sampling the city's renowned cuisine.
Day 10 – Day 10: Istanbul's Iconic Landmarks
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Topkapı Palace
- İstanbul Boğazı
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Embark on a journey through Istanbul's rich history, visiting the majestic Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome. Choose between an immersive digital experience or a guided tour of the Hagia Sophia. Discover the opulence of Topkapi Palace before enjoying a serene cruise along the Bosphorus, passing by Ottoman palaces and fortresses. Conclude your day with a farewell dinner.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure from Istanbul
- Istanbul - Departure day
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Bid farewell to newfound friends as your Turkish journey comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights. For those extending their stay in Istanbul, your Travel Director is available to offer recommendations for further exploration.
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