Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Ataturk | Ankara | Turkey
Save 25%
FROM: £1,099 pp

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!

Inclusions
Itinerary
4 Star
5 Star
Hotels

Trip Highlights

Istanbul - Take in the highlights of this historic city, including Topkapi Palace & the Blue Mosque, and opt for a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait
Cappadocia - Delve into the underground cities of Saratli and Goreme, and opt for a memorable hot air balloon flight at sunrise
Ephesus - Wander the ancient streets of these well-preserved ruins, and marvel at the legendary Library of Celsus
Troy - Tour the ancient city of myth and legend, and see a wooden replica of the fabled Trojan Horse
Ankara - Browse the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and take in the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey
Pamukkale - Admire the hot springs and take a dip in the famous thermal pools, then visit the Roman spa town of Hierapolis
Pergamum - Marvel at the Roman amphitheatre which is one of the steepest in the classical world
Gallipoli - Visit some of the peninsula's most famous war memorials and battlefields, including ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine

Included

10 breakfasts & 8 dinners
Guided sightseeing in Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Troy & Gallipoli
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and airport departure transfer on day 11
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
10 nights 4-star hotels (5-star upgrade available)
Escorted by an English speaking tour guide
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Optional activities

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Turkey!

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.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2

City sightseeing

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.
Overnight: Istanbul  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Istanbul to Ankara

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.
Overnight: Ankara  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Ankara & Cappadocia

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.
Overnight: Cappadocia  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Exploring Cappadocia

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.
Overnight: Cappadocia  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Drive to Pamukkale

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.
Overnight: Pamukkale  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Pamukkale & Hierapolis

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.
Overnight: Izmir  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary

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.
Overnight: Izmir  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9

Pergamum & ancient Troy

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.
Overnight: Canakkale  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10

Gallipoli memorials & Istanbul

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.
Overnight: Istanbul  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11

Goodbye!

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.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

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.

2024
Twin Share
Single Room
13 Oct - 23 Oct 25% off G
£1,575
£1,181
£2,245
£1,684
27 Oct - 06 Nov 25% off G
£1,575
£1,181
£2,245
£1,684
10 Nov - 20 Nov 25% off
£1,465
£1,099
£2,145
£1,609
24 Nov - 04 Dec 25% off
£1,465
£1,099
£2,145
£1,609
08 Dec - 18 Dec 25% off G
£1,465
£1,099
£2,145
£1,609
22 Dec - 01 Jan 25% off
£1,465
£1,099
£2,145
£1,609
2025
Twin Share
Single Room
19 Jan - 29 Jan 25% off
£1,515
£1,136
£2,195
£1,646
09 Feb - 19 Feb 25% off
£1,515
£1,136
£2,195
£1,646
23 Feb - 05 Mar 25% off
£1,515
£1,136
£2,195
£1,646
09 Mar - 19 Mar 25% off
£1,675
£1,256
£2,405
£1,804
16 Mar - 26 Mar 25% off
£1,675
£1,256
£2,405
£1,804
23 Mar - 02 Apr 25% off
£1,675
£1,256
£2,405
£1,804

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation Istanbul
£95
£155
Post Tour Accommodation Istanbul
£95
£155
Post-Tour Accommodation Istanbul Moderate 2025
£75
£115
Pre-Tour Accommodation Istanbul Moderate 2025
£75
£115

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.

Melas Hotel Istanbul, Istanbul

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Istanbul and offering sweeping city views, Melas Hotel is a great place in which to begin a Turkish adventure. Amenities at the hotel include a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, indoor pool and terrace, whilst dining is offered at the onsite restaurant serving up an array of Mediterranean cuisine, and a steakhouse! Air-conditioned guest rooms come equipped with flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, minibar and ensuite bathrooms.

Park Inn by Radisson Ankara Cankaya, Ankara

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Discover modern comfort and exceptional hospitality at Park Inn by Radisson Ankara. Located in the heart of the vibrant capital city, the hotel offers contemporary accommodations for travellers. Relax in stylish rooms featuring modern amenities and a welcoming ambiance. Indulge your taste buds at the on-site restaurant, where a diverse menu caters to various palates. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available and other amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre and tranquil garden.

Perissia Hotel, Cappadocia

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Perissia Hotel & Convention Centre is a luxurious hotel located in Urgup, Cappadocia. The hotel offers spacious and elegantly designed rooms, equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscapes from their rooms. The hotel features a variety of dining options, including restaurants serving Turkish and international cuisine, as well as a bar and a cafe. Other facilities include a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel, Pamukkale

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel is ideally located just a short drive from the Pamukkale Travertines surrounded by mountains. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning and satellite tv channels. There is a restaurant and bar onsite offering Turkish and international cuisine. The hotel features a Thermal Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool, 2 Red Thermal Pools, Turkish bath and sauna as well as an array of luxurious spa treatments to indulge in after a day of sightseeing.

Best Western Konak Hotel, Izmir

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Izmir, Turkey, the Best Western Konak Hotel welcomes leisure travellers to an ideal retreat. With a prime location near historic sites and cultural attractions, this hotel offers stylish accommodations where modern comfort meets warm hospitality. Guests can unwind in well-appointed rooms and savour Turkish cuisine at the on-site restaurant. The strategic setting allows easy access to Izmir's landmarks and the scenic waterfront, making the Best Western Konak Hotel the perfect base for a memorable leisure experience in this vibrant coastal city.

Iris Hotel, Canakkale

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

Located between Canakkale and Troy on the coast, the Iris is a modern, low rise hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and a good size swimming pool. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi connection and has an enviable beach front location. You can enjoy a delicious meal at the outdoor restaurant with views across the ocean.

Prices & Dates

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.

2024
Twin Share
Single Room
13 Oct - 23 Oct 25% off
£1,995
£1,496
£2,775
£2,081
27 Oct - 06 Nov 25% off
£1,995
£1,496
£2,775
£2,081
10 Nov - 20 Nov 25% off
£1,735
£1,301
£2,455
£1,841
24 Nov - 04 Dec 25% off
£1,735
£1,301
£2,455
£1,841
08 Dec - 18 Dec 25% off G
£1,735
£1,301
£2,455
£1,841
22 Dec - 01 Jan 25% off
£1,735
£1,301
£2,455
£1,841
2025
Twin Share
Single Room
19 Jan - 29 Jan 35% off
£1,735
£1,128
£2,515
£1,635
16 Feb - 26 Feb 35% off
£1,735
£1,128
£2,515
£1,635
02 Mar - 12 Mar 35% off G
£1,885
£1,225
£2,715
£1,765
16 Mar - 26 Mar 35% off
£1,885
£1,225
£2,715
£1,765
06 Apr - 16 Apr 35% off
£1,785
£1,160
£2,615
£1,700
20 Apr - 30 Apr 35% off
£1,785
£1,160
£2,615
£1,700
04 May - 14 May 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
18 May - 28 May 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
01 Jun - 11 Jun 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
15 Jun - 25 Jun 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
29 Jun - 09 Jul 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
13 Jul - 23 Jul 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
27 Jul - 06 Aug 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
10 Aug - 20 Aug 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
24 Aug - 03 Sep 35% off
£1,835
£1,193
£2,715
£1,765
07 Sep - 17 Sep 35% off
£1,885
£1,225
£2,825
£1,836
14 Sep - 24 Sep 35% off
£1,885
£1,225
£2,825
£1,836
28 Sep - 08 Oct 35% off
£1,885
£1,225
£2,825
£1,836
05 Oct - 15 Oct 35% off
£1,885
£1,225
£2,825
£1,836
19 Oct - 29 Oct 35% off G
£1,885
£1,225
£2,825
£1,836
26 Oct - 05 Nov 35% off
£1,885
£1,225
£2,825
£1,836
09 Nov - 19 Nov 35% off
£1,735
£1,128
£2,515
£1,635
23 Nov - 03 Dec 35% off
£1,735
£1,128
£2,515
£1,635
14 Dec - 24 Dec 35% off
£1,735
£1,128
£2,515
£1,635

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre Tour Accommodation Istanbul 5star )
£115
£215
Post Tour Accommodation Istanbul 5star
£115
£215
Post-Tour Accommodation Istanbul First Class 2025
£95
£165
Pre-Tour Accommodation Istanbul First Class 2025
£75
£165

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Istanbul
Ends
Istanbul
Departs
Sundays
Group Size
Min 6 / Max 34
Hotel Rating
4-star hotels (5-star upgrade available)
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 10, Dinner: 8
Countries
Minimum Age
5 (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Arr. Transfer
Yes
Dep. Transfer
Yes
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Hot air balloons floating over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
The salt encrusted pools at Pamukkale
The stunning ancient ruins at the historical site of Ephesus
Pillars on a cliff in Canakkale
Sunset behind the Gallipoli Castle

Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and a very pleasant person. His sense of humour was also very welcoming.

We did however feel like the tour was hijacked to steer us into shopping situations that we weren't aware of when booking the tour. A whole day was lost when we were taken to a department store for an hour to buy their products exclusively and also steered into.a leather fashion show and encouraged/ hassled to buy their goods. We felt trapped and disgusted in feeling obliged to go into these stores. I can understand going to a pottery and textile place to see traditional goods and how they are made, but to be taken to places just to.shop infuriated us.

Also our time at historical venues was shortened to make time for these shopping follies. We would have preferred more time at the Heropolis than the shops.

My suggestion would be to make the shopping venues an optional extra and those not wanting to shop can relax at their hotel or extra time at more important sites.

David Taylor
OTG002826Istanbul, Ataturk & Cappadocia - 11 daysEuropeHandpickedEuropefalse25Turkeyhttps://www.onthegotours.com/uk/Turkey/Istanbul-Ataturk-and-Cappadocia-11-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Istanbul-Ataturk--cappadocia-main-image--ataturk-mausoleum-827291701785816_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgGroup_Tours