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Excellent
Best Seller
Take in the best of Turkey on this 11-day group tour from Istanbul. Discover the highlights of this historic city, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara, discover the underground cities and dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia and marvel at the white cotton castles of Pamukkale. Visit the legendary ruined city of Ephesus, see the replica Trojan Horse at Troy and pay your respects at the memorials of Gallipoli. Return to Istanbul for last-minute shopping at the famous Grand Bazaar!
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Travelling with children or prefer being on your own, see our private version of this tour.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Duration
11 daysStarts
IstanbulEnds
IstanbulRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 6 / Max 34Minimum age
5 (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)Departs
SundaysHotel Rating
4-star hotels (5-star upgrade available)Countries
TurkeyArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 10, Dinner: 8This tour is selling fast, book now before it sells out!
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
277 reviews
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Welcome to Istanbul! On arrival in the city, you will be escorted to our hotel. There is a brief welcome meeting at 19:00 and then the rest of the evening is at leisure for you to relax or head out and explore the city, formerly known as Constantinople.
Today we discover the sights of Istanbul, one of Europe's oldest and most fascinating cities, straddling the border with Asia. We visit Topkapi Palace, which was home to the majority of Ottoman sultans between 1453 and 1852. Take in the Hippodrome, once home to chariot racing, and uncover the beautiful Blue Mosque. We also see the exterior of the spectacular Hagia Sofia, and you can opt to go inside this incredible site too, for an additional fee. Tonight, there is an optional dinner, complete with traditional belly dancing entertainment.
Istanbul - Ankara. Today you can either enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel, or join an optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water that divides Istanbul and marks the border between Europe and Asia. The shores of the Bosphorus are lined with Ottoman villas and fortresses, modern hotels and lush parks and gardens.
It's then time to depart Istanbul and make our way to Turkey's capital city, Ankara.
Ankara - Cappadocia. Today we enjoy an included visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in a historic caravanserai and featuring Hittite artefacts dating back several thousand years. We also visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey.
Leaving Ankara behind, we make our way east to Cappadocia, a land of magical landscapes and underground cities. We visit one such city, Saratli and enjoy an included group dinner at a local restaurant. You can then opt to watch a Whirling Dervishes performance or spend the evening at leisure.
Consider a memorable sunrise hot air balloon ride over the volcanic valleys of Cappadocia this morning. After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Goreme. This historic region is famous for its dramatic rock formations and rock churches, many of which can still be seen today. We also take in the pretty riverside town of Avanos and Pasabagi, home to perhaps Cappadocia's most impressve rock formations. We also enjoy a brief pottery workshop in a cave before returning to our hotel for the evening.
Cappadocia - Pamukkale. Today we have a long drive (7 - 8 hours) westwards to Pamukkale. Stock up on snacks and watch the world pass by on a scenic drive. Reaching Pamukkale, dinner is included.
Pamukkale - Izmir. Visit the unique cotton fortress of Pamukkale, with its white lime cascades formed by mineral springs, and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. After our visit to this Turkish highlight, we journey to Izmir.
Experience a fascinating journey through history as we embark on a tour of the world-renowned ruins of Ephesus today. This ancient city served as a pivotal cultural hub in the past and continues to captivate visitors today. Walk alongside 2,000 year-old marble streets, marvel at the grandeur of an ancient theatre, explore the breathtaking Library of Celsus and the impressive gymnasium, and be awe-inspired by the remarkable Hadrian's Temple.
Our next stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, an important Catholic shrine believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years, accompanied by Saint John. We also visit a regional rug production centre today and you can join an optional visit to Sirince, a charming village with incredible views of the surrounding area.
Izmir - Pergamum - Troy - Canakkale. Say goodbye to Izmir as we visit the ruined city of Pergamum and the historic and fabled town of Troy, complete with a replica wooden horse! As well as featuring in a well-known Greek legend, the city of Troy is known for its archaeological wonders, with many ancient towns and cities having been built and rebuilt on top of each other. After our visit, we travel to Canakkale for the night.
Canakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul. Our day begins with exploration of the Gallipoli Peninsula. This area is known for the many bloody battles fought here during the First World War. We visit many of these sites and the surrounding war memorials, including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair.
We then complete our journey back to Istanbul. There's an included visit to the iconic Grand Bazaar for any last minute shopping, and we enjoy a farewell group dinner at a local restaurant.
Your Turkish adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Tour Accommodation Istanbul
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accommodation Istanbul
Double
Twin
Single
Pre-Tour Accommodation Istanbul Moderate 2025
Double
Twin
Single
Post-Tour Accommodation Istanbul Moderate 2025
Double
Twin
Single
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Accommodation Standard
4 Star
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 6 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.
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Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 277 reviews