24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Istanbul to the Med

Save up to 20% today
7 days

Following the famed Aegean coastline, we discover Ottoman Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale, finishing in coastal Marmaris - gateway to the Greek Islands. This 7 day holiday from Istanbul to the Mediterranean sea will give you an insight into the fascinating history, culture and landscapes of western Turkey.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

7 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Marmaris

Range

Signature

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 24

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

4 - 5 star

Countries

Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes - from IST or Sabiha

Departure Transfer

No

Meals included

Breakfast: 6, Dinner: 4
Save 20% today
Per Person From
$3,545.00
NZD$2,836.00
Deposit From
Final payment
NZD$1,000.00
$4,672.00

Tour Highlights

Istanbul - Explore cosmopolitan Istanbul, taking in the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and more
Gallipoli Peninsula - Visit ANZAC Cove and pay your respects at the battlefields and cemeteries of Chunuk Bair, Johnston's Jolly and the Nek
Ephesus - See well-preserved Roman ruins, crowned by the incredible Library of Celsus, and visit the Ancient Greek city of Pergamum
Troy - Tour the ancient city of myth and legend, and see a wooden replica of the fabled Trojan Horse
Pamukkale - Marvel at the white cotton castles, walk along the terraces and take a dip in the steamy thermal pools
Marmaris - Finish your trip at the Mediterranean resort town and opt to extend your stay in Turkey with our three-night beach stay

Included

Breakfast daily and 4 hotel dinners
6 nights 4-5 star hotels
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis
Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
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
Entrance Fees: EUR€180-195pp, paid EUR
Tipping Kitty: EUR€40-50pp, paid in EUR
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul

Saturday. Arrive in vibrant Istanbul and transfer to your hotel, where our adventure begins! Spend your afternoon exploring this captivating city on foot, its enchanting streets are lined with a variety of charming restaurants and cozy cafes waiting to be discovered. With the rest of the day at your leisure, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich culture, savour local cuisine, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll or a refreshing drink at a local bar. At 8pm, join us for a welcome meeting where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect and share your excitement for the journey ahead.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - The Old City

Istanbul. This morning, we embark on an enthralling journey through Istanbul's captivating Old City, the once-thriving centre of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

Our adventure begins at the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque, a masterpiece renowned for its shimmering blue Iznik tiles and majestic six minarets that pierce the sky.

From there, we’ll stroll through the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled thousands. Next, we’ll marvel at the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally built as a grand basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Its imposing presence has transformed through the ages, from a church to a mosque and now a museum.

Finally, we’ll immerse ourselves in the opulence of the Topkapi Palace, where we’ll explore the lavish courtyards and fascinating museums that showcase the grandeur of the Ottoman sultans.

Please Note: Starting January 2024, the lower floor of Hagia Sophia will be exclusively open to Muslims for prayer, while the upper floor galleries will be dedicated to touristic purposes with a newly imposed entrance fee. If you wish to explore the interior, you may have the opportunity during your free time in Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Gallipoli

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today, we delve into the poignant history of the Gallipoli battlefields, starting with a visit to the iconic ANZAC Cove. Our guided tour will lead us through a landscape where every corner tells a story of bravery and sacrifice. We’ll pay our respects at the Lone Pine Memorial and Cemetery, where countless Australian soldiers are commemorated, and at the Chunuk Bair Memorial and Cemetery, which honours the valiant efforts of New Zealand troops. We’ll also explore the Nek and Johnston’s Jolly, as well as the enduring remnants of fortified trenches, still etched into the scrubland after all these years. Each site offers a moving glimpse into the harrowing yet heroic past of this historic region.

Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Troy and Kusadasi/Izmir

Gallipoli - Kusadasi/Izmir. Step back in time as we uncover the legendary ruins of Troy and Pergamum. Our journey begins at the ancient city of Troy, a site that inspired Homer's Iliad and the epic film Troy.

We’ll explore its storied ruins, including the iconic Trojan Horse, dating back to 3000 BC. Continuing our adventure, we’ll head to the impressive ruins of Pergamum, where we’ll marvel at its grand temples, renowned library, and advanced medical facilities that once made it a pinnacle of cultural and political influence.

Before reaching our destination in either Kusadasi or Izmir, we’ll make a stop at a local carpet emporium to admire some of the finest carpets in the world, a testament to Turkey's rich textile tradition.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Ancient Ephesus

Today, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of ancient Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean. As we stroll through this magnificent site, you’ll be awestruck by the grandeur of the Great Theatre, the bustling Curetes Way, and the imposing Temple of Serapis. Don’t miss the stunning Library of Celsus, a testament to the city’s scholarly prowess. Wander through the ancient streets to uncover intriguing remnants such as the public toilets and the historic brothel, offering a unique glimpse into Roman daily life.

Following our Ephesus adventure, we’ll delve into Turkey’s rich carpet weaving tradition with a fascinating demonstration showcasing the intricate artistry involved. Our journey concludes in the charming Greek village of Sirince, nestled on a mountainside within a picturesque valley of vineyards and orchards, where you can soak up the serene atmosphere and local culture.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Pamukkale Terraces

As we meander through the sweeping plains and cotton farms, we arrive at the breathtaking ruins of Roman Hierapolis and the famous hot springs of Pamukkale. Behold this surreal landscape, sculpted over millennia by natural forces and frequent earthquakes. Marvel at the gleaming travertine terraces, formed by the cascading calcium-rich waters that have created dazzling shelves and pools of pristine white. The crystalline marble and shimmering stalactites catch the sunlight in a magical display.

You’ll have the opportunity to paddle through the terraces, feeling the warm, mineral-rich waters beneath your feet. Alternatively, you can luxuriate in the Thermal Bath House, where you can relax among submerged fragments of ancient marble columns (at an additional cost). Afterward, we’ll visit a local leather fashion house, where you can explore exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs.

Overnight: Marmaris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Marmaris

Friday. Marmaris. Our tour concludes after breakfast, but the adventure doesn’t have to end there. Extend your stay with a blissful three nights at the beach, where you can unwind by the pool or bask in the sun on the sandy shores. For an extra touch of excitement, why not embark on a day trip to the enchanting Greek Island of Rhodes? Just an hour away by catamaran, Rhodes offers stunning landscapes and rich history, making it the perfect addition to your holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

Tour Reviews

Yusuf, the tour guide, was terrific. He had exceptional knowledge of all aspects of the tour. He is also a great storyteller and provided intricate insight into the history and culture of times gone by and how Turkiye came to its current point of arrival. The Double Tree Hilton in Istanbul was very disappointing. It was nowhere near a specific area that we could walk to, and the service within the hotel was, quite frankly, abysmal. I am in the travel industry and a Hilton Honors member and I cannot remember the last time I experienced such a poor service culture. The tour itinerary was great; however, we were unaware that we were joining other tours, which was confusing. It seemed we had been corralled, and people split from our group at different times. Another aspect was that others in the group had different interests, which was fine for the most part. However, joining us with people on a religious/church tour in Turkiye may not have been something we felt comfortable with or shared the same interests.

We really enjoyed the tour, met some lovely people, and our tour guide Mete was exceptional, very knowledgeable. The tour content was very interesting. Ephesus was our favorite. We were sad to leave the tour and our new friends who were continuing on to Cappadocia and back to Istanbul. Now enjoying Marmaris before leaving for Rhodes.

Mete was knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging. Truly enjoyed the tour and would gladly recommend to all.

We couldn’t imagine Turkey without Recep! His experience and education gave us a foundation for every site we visited and brought the history of Turkey alive with his stories. Each morning on the bus Recep would explain the history of the site we were visiting and general information about life in Turkey. He generously shared his own family stories, which personalized the information and the history of this beautiful country. His method allowed him to give more detail as we toured the site and answer our questions. He also ensured that we had free time in the evenings to explore and was always willing to suggest somewhere we could go for dinner or a walk. Recep was extremely courteous, professional and helpful. The information he provided during our tour made the rest of our time in Turkey more enjoyable and this trip wouldn’t have been the same without him as our guide. Recep is also extremely well organized and prepared for every step of the journey. We were always on time and the first to arrive at each site. His polite and courteous manner was demonstrated by the positive relationships he had almost everywhere we stopped. Everyone seemed happy to see him arrive and looked as though they would have liked to tag along. From restaurants to short coffee/toilet breaks on the road, Recep knows the best place to stop. If we had known about him before I would have considered a private tour. Thank you for having such wonderful staff!!

The tour was excellent and we enjoyed it very much. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and imparted interesting information and managed the group, tour timings and logistics very well. The hotels were very good, have nothing negative to comment on. All good.

Extras and add-ons

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.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)

Double

$295per passenger

Twin

$295per passenger

Single

$535per passenger

Post-Tour Accommodation - Marmaris (From price)

Double

$285per passenger

Twin

$285per passenger

Single

$465per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Princes' Island | Istanbul | Russia
Princes Islands

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. Buyukada is the largest island of the nine and one of the most attractive with two peaks and gingerbread-style villas lining the slopes.

$305

per passenger

Tour Extensions

Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.

Traditional gulet | Turkey
Marmaris Beach Stay

This add-on is a 4-day tour of Marmaris that can be booked in conjunction with our 7 day Istanbul to the Med group tour.

Double

$1,455per passenger

Twin

$1,455per passenger

Single

$1,895per passenger

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.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa
Istanbul

This impressive 5-star hotel is located in the upmarket Beyoglu district of Istanbul and a free shuttle is provided to the city centre, home to the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia, amongst other attractions. Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are elegant and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a flatscreen TV. Some rooms feature a balcony. There is free Wi-Fi at the property and amenities include an indoor pool with whirlpool, fitness centre and sun terrace. There are two onsite restaurants and a daily breakfast buffet.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Kolin Hotel
Canakkale

Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day. The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Charisma Hotel
Kusadasi

The Charisma is a modern and elegant hotel with spacious rooms. The rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, LCD screen television, split air conditioning, mini-bar, electronic safe box, hairdryer and free internet connection. Towering over the Aegean Sea's outstanding view, the Hotel is just 15 minutes by walk from Kuşadası's shopping and entertainment area.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Elite World Kusadasi
Kusadasi

Conveniently located in the heart of Kuşadası, Elite World Kuşadası offers luxurious accommodation with air-conditioned rooms, a seasonal outdoor pool, free WiFi, and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy a restaurant, garden, terrace, and amenities like room service, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Rooms feature modern comforts including a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, minibar, and private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is served daily, and the hotel also boasts a hammam for relaxation.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Kusadasi

Kaya Hotel in Izmir's Balçova District boasts the region's largest thermal and spa facilities, both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a well-equipped gym. Air-conditioned guest rooms at Kaya Izmir Thermal & Spa feature contemporary furnishings, flat-screen satellite TV, a seating area, and a work desk. The hotel's restaurant offers a variety of Turkish and international dishes, and guests can also enjoy attentive room service. The extensive spa facilities include a hot tub, traditional Turkish bath, sauna, and massage services, providing a range of facial and body treatments, with free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Motto Premium Hotel
Marmaris

Motto Premium Hotel offers an outdoor pool, a Turkish bath, and free WiFi. It features air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, balconies, private bathrooms, and safety deposit boxes, as well as spacious suites. The à la carte restaurants serve world and local cuisines, and guests can enjoy alcoholic drinks and beverages at the bar. The pool area is perfect for sunbathing and relaxation, with a 24/7 front desk available. The Greek island of Rhodes is only a 45-minute ferry ride from Marmaris city center, and Dalaman Airport is less than 100 km away.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

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.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
14 Dec - 20 Dec
Save 20%
Sold Out
Sold Out
2025
Twin/Double
Single
4 Jan - 10 Jan
Save 20%
Sold Out
Sold Out
1 Feb - 7 Feb
Save 20%
$3,545$2,836
$4,865$3,892
15 Mar - 21 Mar
Save 20%
$3,545$2,836
$4,865$3,892
5 Apr - 11 Apr
Save 20%
$4,055$3,244
$5,645$4,516
12 Apr - 18 Apr
Save 20%
$4,055$3,244
$5,645$4,516
26 Apr - 2 May
Save 20%
$4,055$3,244
$5,645$4,516
3 May - 9 May
Save 20%
$4,055$3,244
$5,645$4,516
10 May - 16 May
Save 20%
$4,055$3,244
$5,645$4,516

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Turkey to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 277 reviews