Turkey Heritage Journey
New
Travel through Turkey on a 9-day journey that begins and ends in Istanbul, showcasing a rich mix of history and landscapes. Take in the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome before heading to Ankara and the striking scenery of Cappadocia, known for its fairy chimneys and underground cities. Continue to Pamukkale’s gleaming white terraces and then on to the Aegean coast in Izmir. Return to Istanbul for time among historic landmarks and bustling bazaars.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
4 star hotelsStarts
IstanbulEnds
IstanbulMinimum Age
5 years oldMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Turkey that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
Yes - from IST or SabihaDeparture Transfer
Yes - To IST or SabihaTour Guide
Yes - licensed guides throughout TurkeyCountry
TurkeyMeals Included
Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 1Passengers
£1,219.75
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 35
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - licensed guides throughout TurkeyGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 35Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who accompanies you throughout your journey. They take care of the day-to-day logistics, offer local insights at every stop, and are available to assist with any questions or needs along the way. On longer tours or multi-country itineraries, you may be accompanied by a different tour guide or tour leader for certain sections of the journey. For full details of the guiding services included on this tour, please refer to the Inclusions.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
Once you have arrived in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some free time to start exploring, enjoy a meal, or relax after your journey.
In the evening, we will meet for a welcome briefing and orientation, where we introduce the journey ahead.
Day 2 - Istanbul to Ankara
Istanbul - Ankara. Today, we explore Istanbul’s historic Old City on an orientation tour. We visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its intricate blue Iznik tiles, and Hippodrome Square, once the centre of Byzantine public life, where chariot races were held.
In the afternoon, we travel to Ankara, where we will stay overnight in Turkey’s capital and the heart of the country’s modern government.
Day 3 - Ankara to Cappadocia
Ankara - Cappadocia. This morning, we visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The site is both a national monument and an important symbol of the country’s history.
We then continue our journey to Cappadocia, with scenic stops along the way.
On arrival, we take in a panoramic introduction to the region, known for its distinctive fairy chimneys and unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. We also see Pigeon Valley, where cliff-carved dovecotes reflect the area’s agricultural past, before arriving at our accommodation.
Day 4 - Cappadocia at Leisure
You may choose to start your day early with an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, offering wide views over Cappadocia’s distinctive landscapes and fairy chimneys.
You have the option to join a full-day tour exploring the region in more depth. This includes visits to the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut churches and frescoes, as well as Ozkonak Underground City, once used as a refuge by early communities. You can also visit Avanos, known for its long-standing pottery traditions, along with Devrent Valley and Red Valley, both recognised for their unusual rock formations. A pottery demonstration is included as part of this optional experience.
In the evening, you may choose to attend an optional Whirling Dervishes ceremony, a traditional spiritual performance rooted in Sufi practice.
Day 5 - Cappadocia to Pamukkale
Cappadocia - Pamukkale. This morning, we depart Cappadocia and continue our journey towards Pamukkale, travelling through changing landscapes along the way.
On arrival, we check in and have time to relax before dinner.
Day 6 - Pamukkale to Izmir
Pamukkale - Izmir. This morning, you will have the option to join a tour of Hierapolis and the Pamukkale Travertines, often referred to as the Cotton Castle. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, alongside the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a historic spa city dating back to Roman times.
In the afternoon, we continue to Izmir on the Aegean coast, a city with a long history as a major trading port, where we spend the night.
Day 7 - Izmir at Leisure
Today, you will have a day at leisure in Izmir, or you may choose to join an optional full-day tour to explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean. You can walk along its marble streets and see key sites, including the Great Theatre, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Hadrian.
The tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, as well as the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before returning to Izmir for the night.
Day 8 - Izmir to Istanbul
Izmir - Istanbul. We depart from Izmir, heading back to Istanbul, travelling across the varied landscapes of western Turkey.
On arrival, you will have the option to join a half-day tour visiting the Hagia Sophia, a landmark of Byzantine architecture, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, known for its wide range of goods from textiles to jewellery.
In the evening, you may also choose to attend an optional traditional Turkish dinner with a belly dancing performance. We return to our hotel in Istanbul, where we spend the night.
Day 9 - Departure from Istanbul
After our final breakfast, depending on your departure flight time, you may have some time for some last-minute shopping, exploring, or relaxing.
You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
Tour Reviews
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.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
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. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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