Hagia Sofia | Istanbul | Turkey
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Highlights of Turkey - 9 days map

Discover Turkey's highlights, from Istanbul's historic sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the World War I landmarks at Gallipoli. Explore ancient Troy and Pergamum, and marvel at the ruins of Ephesus and the natural wonder of Pamukkale. Conclude with a visit to Cappadocia’s unique landscapes and underground cities before returning to Istanbul.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Cappadocia – Admire the surreal landscape and explore Goreme Valley, discovering clifftop houses, rock-cut chapels and castles
Ephesus – Tour the marble ruins of this Roman city which was once the site of the great Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders
Gallipoli – Pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials and visit ANZAC Cove, a famous WW1 landing site
Pergamum – Marvel at the Roman amphitheatre which is one of the steepest in the classical world
Istanbul – Visit highlights of the Old City including the beautiful Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and imposing Topkapi Palace
Pamukkale – Stroll around the terraced pools and opt for a relaxing dip in the naturally warm and calcium rich waters
Troy – Discover the legendary ruins and see a replica of the famous wooden horse which as the story goes, was used to sack the city
Hierapolis – See the UNESCO-listed ruins of this ancient spa town, built on the site of natural hot springs

Included

Breakfast daily and 7 dinners
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Cappadocia
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
8 nights 4 star and special class hotels
Economy class flight from Cappadocia (Keyseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 9
Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide

Not Included

International flights and visa
Entrance Fees: EUR€255-275pp, paid in EUR
Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and EUR €2 per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: EUR€45-55pp, paid in EUR

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Turkey

Saturday. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your holiday. There's an included arrival transfer to our hotel. After check in, relax in the hotel or head out and explore the city. At 8 pm, we'll gather in the hotel to meet our fellow travellers and the guide before our adventure begins.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2

The Old City

This morning we'll embark on a fascinating tour through the Old City of Istanbul, we'll visit stunning examples of architecture that hail from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires eras. We’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, both inside and out. See the six exterior minarets and the famed blue Iznik tiles. Discover the Hippodrome and view the exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Finally, we explore the impressive interior of Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.
Overnight: Istanbul  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Gallipoli - WW1 Battlefields

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.
Overnight: Canakkale  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Troy & Kusadasi

Gallipoli – Kusadasi. This morning we enjoy a short guided tour of Troy. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought to life by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed nine ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 BC. We enjoy a tour of the ruins and admire a replica of the Trojan wooden horse that, as legend goes, was filled with Aechaean soldiers who helped to sack Troy.

Driving further south we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheatres in the classical world. Pergamum was also famous for its Asclepion (medical centre). We continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast via a leather manufacturing house.
Overnight: Kusadasi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Ancient Ephesus

Today, we explore legendary Ephesus - perhaps the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Under Roman rule, Ephesus was a vast and prosperous city with a population nearing 250,000. It was an important centre of commerce and a popular destination for pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.

We have plenty of time to tour the marble ruins of Ephesus. Discover the famous Library of Celsus, the Stadium, the gymnasium of Vedius and the Great Theatre. We’ll see ancient public toilets, a brothel, fountains and various temples. There's also a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.
Overnight: Kusadasi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Kusadasi – Pamukkale. Driving east, we arrive at Pamukkale - home of the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they're a natural phenomena and gift from Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs are known as travertines. Take a barefoot walk along the travertines or opt for a dip in the warm waters of the thermal pool, with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns.

Our last stop of the day is the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, famed for the curative powers of its mineral springs. These were dammed to create communal baths.
Overnight: Pamukkale  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Fairytale Cappadocia

Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. This morning, we depart from Pamukkale and journey towards Cappadocia, making a notable stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a beautifully preserved example of ancient Silk Road architecture. Continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique geological formations. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel, where you'll spend the two nights.
Overnight: Cappadocia  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

Explore Cappadocia

Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Cappadocia - perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary national treasures. The utter improbability of the surreal landscape has to be seen to be believed with its ‘stuff of fables’ cave dwellings and phallic ‘fairy chimneys’ landscape. Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia.

A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. See stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples. Marvel at Zelve, with its phallic-like eroded landscape. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley, where centuries old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs. Our tour also takes in the incredible Uchisar castle-mountain. Enjoy marvelous views of Cappadocia from the summit and explore the underground city of Kaymakli.

You'll also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, which specializes in historic jewellery designs that are unique to Turkey and crafted using local materials. For those not interested in shopping, there's time to relax and grab a drink from the local cafe. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Cappadocia  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

Goodbye

Sunday. Cappadocia - Istanbul. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul, arriving at IST airport by 12pm. To account for any potential delays, we recommend booking any onward flights after 3pm. Alternatively, contact us to book a night of post-tour accommodation.

The tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room

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.

Kent Hotel, Istanbul

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The charming Kent Hotel 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. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Remida Hotel, Canakkale

Our Category: Standard   |   Regional Category: 3 Star Hotel

Remida Hotel serves as your gateway to the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of Çanakkale, seamlessly blending modern luxury with historical charm. Enjoy panoramic views from your room, where you can watch the first ships entering the Dardanelles and gaze across the Gulf of Saros to the distant Greek islands of Samothrace and Lemnos. Designed with minimalist glam, the hotel’s lobby features artifacts from ancient Troy and showcases the exquisite handicrafts of Çanakkale. Each room is equipped with modern comforts, including air conditioning, a mini bar, television, hair dryer, and kettle.

Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel, Pamukkale

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Set in landscaped gardens, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has an envious location in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and offer a wonderful level of comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep. The on site thermal spa offers guests the chance to relax, revitalise and enjoy what this region is most famous for. Breakfast can be eaten outside on the terrace while dinner is often taken by the shimmering water of the pool.

Burcu Kaya Hotel, Cappadocia

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Burcu Kaya Hotel, nestled in Cappadocia's Ortahisar District, offers an enchanting stay with its outdoor pool overlooking fairy chimneys, charming stone rooms, and a peaceful garden. The air-conditioned rooms combine authentic decor with modern comforts like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients at the on-site restaurant or relax with a drink by the lobby bar's fireplace. The hotel also offers activities such as table tennis, darts, and billiards, along with 24-hour assistance. Conveniently located, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Ortahisar town center.

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Istanbul
Ends
Istanbul
Departs
Saturdays
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 star
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 7
Countries
Minimum Age
15 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
Yes - from IST or SAW
Dep. Transfer
Yes - ends at Istanbul Airport (IST)
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Pillars on a cliff in Canakkale
View of Kusadasi from across the water
The stunning ancient ruins at the historical site of Ephesus
The salt encrusted pools at Pamukkale
Hot air balloons floating over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
Hot air balloons floating over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
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