Wonders of Turkey (Small Groups, Winter, Base, 11 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through the captivating landscapes and rich history of Turkey. This multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, taking you from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Troy, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and beyond. Experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality as you explore iconic sites, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in the country's vibrant culture. With comfortable accommodations and expertly guided tours, this adventure promises to be a memorable exploration of Turkey's most treasured destinations.
Included
3 nights: Grand Hyatt Istanbul
1 night: Kolin Hotel, Canakkale
1 night: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
1 night: Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi
1 night: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pammukale
2 nights: Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia
1 night: Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara
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: Istanbul
- Istanbul - Arrival day
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- Ortaköy Square
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Welcome to the enchanting city of Istanbul, where your Turkish adventure begins. Upon arrival, a representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, such as the Hilton (or similar). Take some time to unwind and settle in before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a delightful dinner, setting the stage for the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Gallipoli and Troy
- Istanbul
- Çanakkale
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- Akbas cemetary
- Lone Pine
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Embark on a scenic journey along the Sea of Marmara's coastline to the historic region of Gallipoli. Here, delve into the poignant history of World War I at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Continue your exploration as you cross the sea from Eceabat to Çanakkale, eventually reaching the legendary city of Troy. Discover the tales of the Trojan War and marvel at the replica of the iconic Trojan Horse. Overnight stay in Çanakkale.
Day 3 – Day 3: Pergamon and Izmir
- Izmir
- Çanakkale
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- Asclepieion of Pergamon
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Participate in a meaningful experience at Copmadam, a women's cooperative focused on sustainability and empowerment. Continue to the ancient city of Pergamon, where you'll explore the Asklepion, a revered healing center dedicated to the god of medicine. After immersing yourself in history, journey to the vibrant coastal city of Izmir for an overnight stay.
Day 4 – Day 4: Selçuk and Ephesus
- Selçuk
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- El Heykeli
- House of Virgin Mary
- Ephesus Archaeological Museum
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Begin your day with a visit to Selçuk, where you'll explore the Archaeological Museum and uncover the rich history of the region. Continue to the ancient city of Ephesus, where you'll walk through the Arcadian Way, admire the Library of Celsus, and visit the grand Amphitheatre. Conclude your exploration with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, nestled above the ruins of Ephesus. Return to Izmir for the night.
Day 5 – Day 5: Pamukkale
- Pamukkale
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- Honaz National Park
- Hierapolis Ancient Theatre
- Pamukkale Turkey
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Travel through the picturesque Maender River Valley to a local organic farm, where you'll engage in a farm-to-table experience by picking fresh produce and enjoying a delicious lunch. Continue to Pamukkale, renowned for its stunning white terraces and thermal waters. Explore the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, with its well-preserved theatre and travertine pools. Relax at your hotel, such as the Doğa Thermal Health & Spa (or similar), and enjoy its thermal pools and Turkish bath.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cappadocia
- Konya
- Pamukkale
- Urgup
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- Sultanhanı Caravanserai
- Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City
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Journey to the captivating region of Cappadocia, with a stop at the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai. Explore the fascinating underground city of Saratli, known for its intricate tunnels and chambers. Arrive in the historic town of Urgup, surrounded by the region's iconic volcanic landscapes. Overnight in Urgup.
Day 7 – Day 7: Göreme and Pasabag Valley
- Urgup
- Göreme
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- Pigeon Valley
- Güray Müze
- Çat Kasabası
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Explore the enchanting town of Göreme, famous for its rock-hewn churches adorned with ancient frescoes. Continue to the surreal Pasabag Valley, home to unique 'fairy chimneys' and troglodyte dwellings. Visit a local cave house and learn about the traditional lifestyle of Cappadocia's residents. In the evening, enjoy a mesmerizing performance by the Whirling Dervishes and dine at a local restaurant.
Day 8 – Day 8: Avanos and Ankara
- Ankara
- Göreme
- Avanos
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- Ankara Vakıf Museum
- Column of Julian
- Çat Kasabası
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Visit the town of Avanos, renowned for its traditional pottery-making techniques. Continue to Ankara, Turkey's capital, where you'll explore the Hittite Museum and pay homage at the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Relax at your hotel, such as the Hilton (or similar), and enjoy the spa and wellness facilities.
Day 9 – Day 9: Return to Istanbul
- Istanbul
- Ankara
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- İstanbul Boğazı
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Travel back to the vibrant city of Istanbul, where east meets west. Embark on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, taking in the stunning views of Ottoman palaces and fortresses. Enjoy a leisurely evening in Istanbul, with the option to explore the city's culinary delights.
Day 10 – Day 10: Istanbul's Treasures
- Istanbul
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- Sultan Ahmed Mosque
- Hagia Irene
- Grand Bazaar
- Topkapı Palace
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Discover the historical wonders of Istanbul, starting with the iconic Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia and explore the opulent Topkapi Palace. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for unique souvenirs. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at a local restaurant.
Day 11 – Day 11: Departure
- Istanbul - Departure day
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As your unforgettable journey through Turkey comes to an end, bid farewell to your newfound friends. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights. For those extending their stay in Istanbul, your Travel Director can provide recommendations for further exploration.
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