Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

Following the famed Aegean coastline, we discover Ottoman Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale, finishing in coastal Marmaris - gateway to Greece and the stunning Mediterranean Sea!

Prices & Departure Dates

Bolt-ons

Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.

Tour Bolt-ons - Princes Islands - 1 day

USD $149

Located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul, the Princes’ Islands are a chain of nine islands offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Turkey’s largest city. There are no cars on the islands and the main mode of transportation is horse and cart or bicycle, giving the islands a wonderful nostalgic vibe. Buyukada is the largest island of the nine and one of the most attractive with two peaks and gingerbread-style villas lining the slopes.

Tour Bolt-ons - Marmaris Beach Stay - 4 days

USD $879

Marmaris with its long coastline of beaches and secluded bays is the perfect place to get away. Extend your holiday with our 3 night beach stay. Relax by the beach or large outdoor hotel swimming pool or opt for a day trip to the Greek Island of Rhodes - only an hour catamaran ride away!

Tour Bolt-ons - Oil Wrestling Championships - 06 July

USD $299

Every year since 1640 Turkey’s best wrestlers, men and boys, gather and lather up for the oldest wrestling contest in the world. Competitors pair off, grappling and struggling to gain a grip on their opponent. Tactical moves include a hand down the side of the pants trick and the common schoolboy ‘wedgie’ (grab, lift, flip and throw) to pin ones opponent to the ground! The winner goes on to fight another winner, and so on, until there is only one wrestler left standing. Join us at the Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Championships on Saturday 07 July 2012, perfectly timed with the commencement of our Aegean Explorer, Istanbul to the Med, Turkey Unplugged, Turkey & Tutankhamen and Turkey Discovered tours starting on this date.

Available Dates

Please note that this bolt-on is only available during the following periods.

5th Jul 2013 - 7th Jul 2013

Experiences

If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.

Live It Local

Bazaars Shop til you drop and experience a myriad of different sights, sounds and souvenirs in bustling bazaars around the world. Soak up the atmosphere in the souks of Marrakech, barter for bargains at the ginormous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or lose yourself in Beijing's Silk Alley Markets. Visit the old covered market in Damascus or get some great souvenirs in Otavalo the handicraft market in Ecuador.

The Great Outdoors

Sailing & Cruising Sail the open seas aboard a traditional gulet in Turkey or island hop the picturesque Dalmation Coast in Croatia. See the best of ancient Egypt onboard a Nile cruiser or dahabeya, cruise through the breathtaking three gorges of the Yangtze River in China or along the Euphrates in Syria or the stunning Neva and Volga Rivers in Russia. Or those with a real sense of adventure can to travel to end of the world on an incredible Antarctic expedition, witness a wildlife extravaganza on the remote Galapagos Islands or explore mighty Amazon Rainforest on a riverboat.

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.

Trip Highlights

What's Included

What's Not Included

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.

Renovated in 2009, the charming Kent Hotel offers is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. Fantastically located within 10 minutes walk of the Grand Bizarre and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Built in 1990 and recently renovated the Hotel Akol is a comfortable hotel with fantastic views across the Dardanelles. Guestrooms are bright and spacious and have excellent facilities including Wi-Fi being available throughout. There are a number of great restaurants and bars at the hotel, including Radika Fish Restaurant, arguably one of the finest sea food eateries in Canakkale. Sipping a cold beer in the evening at the trendy rooftop bar overlooking the city is the perfect way to end an evening. Well located on the seafront in the centre of town.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Looking out across the Aegean Sea, the Hotel Tatlises is modern and bright offering fantastic views from its upper floors. All guestrooms have excellent facilities and offer a pool or sea view. Wi-Fi is available throughout and the outdoor restaurant serves excellent Turkish and International cuisine. A refreshing early morning dip in the outdoor pool is a great way to start the day. The hotel is located a few blocks from the beach and in the middle of Kusadasi town.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Just a stone’s throw from the beach, the Anemon Hotel welcomes guests in its grand marble lobby. Rooms are comfortable with modern amenities and excellent en suite facilities. The buffet breakfast is plentiful and the Sensus Wine and Cheese Boutique is well worth a visit. Starting the day with a traditional Turkish Bath is our top tip! Well located just two blocks from the beach on the main boulevard.

Our Rating : Superior   —  Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel