Essential Turkey Luxury Tour
Essential Turkey Luxury Tour
Essential Turkey Luxury Tour
12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Izmir, Çanakkale
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TR12
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Essential Turkey Luxury Tour," a journey that seamlessly blends the enchantment of ancient civilizations with the comfort of modern luxury. This meticulously crafted 12-day adventure invites you to explore Turkey's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, from the magical city of Istanbul, where continents collide, to the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and ancient underground cities. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Pamukkale's terraces, the ancient wisdom of Ephesus, and the legendary city of Troy. Elevate your adventure with a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia, offering a bird's eye view of this otherworldly region. Your journey is complemented by stays in luxurious 4 & 5-star hotels and a traditional Turkish Gulet, ensuring restful nights. The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, allowing you to savor the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine. With modern air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi and the expertise of local guides, your journey through Turkey promises to be as comfortable as it is captivating.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Bosphorus
Meet the marvellous merge of Europe and Asia at the magical Istanbul to embark on a cultural discovery through ancient lands. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the diverse and incredibly tasteful Turkish cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for delicious desserts.
Day 2: Istanbul - Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Double Tree by Hilton Avanos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, after breakfast, we will depart for the airport to fly to Cappadocia. One of the most popular sites in Turkey, the famous region is decorated with stunning caves and fairy-chimneys: unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks and tuff. Starting the adventure at Avanos - famous for its top-quality clay, learn all about pottery-making at an interactive workshop. After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Double Tree by Hilton Avanos
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise early to join the hot-air balloon experience, flying over the magical fairy-chimneys. A bucket-list item for all keen travellers, it is an experience not to be missed (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions). As you disembark your balloon, you will get the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The soft rock has allowed for both nature and people to carve incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more. These impressive millennia-old underground structures have sheltered countless Christians escaping the Roman Empire in the 4th century and housed Orthodox monks in the 12th century. Here you’ll witness the wonders of nature as well as each culture engraved in the fabric of this marvelous geography. Later on, delve into one of the finest and oldest crafts of Turkey at its home as we visit a carpet-weaving workshop. In the evening, you can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of cultural discovery. Alternatively, you may join a live show of whirling dervishes to witness the unique divine ritual, an unforgettable experience. You can also join an optional wine tasting session or Turkish Night show.
Day 4: Cappadocia - Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation Name: Dedeman Konya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start an unforgettable day by exploring the famous underground city of Kaymakli where ancient Christians took refuge to escape raids and wars for centuries. Here you will discover the complex network of underground tunnels, storerooms, burial chambers and chapels dating back to various eras. Together with the unique geology, each civilization and culture have shaped this marvelous heritage over thousands of years into a one-of-a-kind experience for all travelers. The journey continues towards Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes - members of the Sufism order. You can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of discovery.
Day 5: Konya - Antalya
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today. Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana, also globally known as Rumi. Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, whose teachings of understanding and acceptance have lived on to this day. In the afternoon, breathe in the clean scent of the sea as we drive to Antalya. Giving a break at a marvelous local restaurant for lunch, we will arrive to our hotel late in the afternoon. Antalya is a hugely popular seaside resort with endless beaches and premium service. Dinner at the hotel and personal leisure time in the evening.
Day 6: Antalya
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, our first stop will be Perge located 15 km east of Antalya, and home to remarkable ruins of ancient Pamphylia city. The acropolis here holds incredible mosaics dating back to the Bronze Age. With a short drive away lies Aspendos, the sister town of Perge. Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theatre of antiquity. Imagine an amphitheater maintained in excellent quality over 2,000 years and an unbelievable capacity of 12,000! Its incredible acoustics haven’t aged a day. We return to Antalya to rest up after an epic adventure.
Day 7: Antalya - Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Doga Thermal Health & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, we are heading inlands and arrive in our hotel at the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale. Walk in shallow pools of calcar with breath-taking scenery unfolding before you in terraces of snow-white travertines. Famously known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties, Pamukkale region has welcomed endless visitors over millennia. Delve into history at the ancient city Hierapolis, witnessing the majestic amphitheater of 15,000 seats and ever-impressive acoustics. Rest up, relax or even savor the spa or massage services of your hotel. Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.
Day 8: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Izmir Marriott Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we are driving to the amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll the incredibly well-preserved ancient city and the impressive library. With a short ride away from the marvelous wonders, you will visit Virgin Mary’s house in the mountains – where she is believed to have lived her final days. Our next stop will be of culinary discovery at a lovely restaurant in the countryside famously known for delicious Gozleme. Following the cultural overload, we arrive to our hotel at seaside metropolitan Izmir - the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Turkish seafood culture and raki.
Day 9: Izmir - Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A day filled with epic adventure awaits. In the morning, we will depart for Pergamon. Home to healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion medical center, it is one of the most important centers of healing of the Roman world. Our journey continues with the visit to the ancient city of Troy where we will witness the ruins of the once glorious city with a special place in mythology and history. Pose with the famous Trojan Horse before departing for Çanakkale and arrive to our hotel just in time for dinner.
Day 10: Çanakkale - Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Bosphorus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, we leave for the famous shores of Gallipoli. Arriving in Gallipoli, we pay our respects to the fallen Turkish and Australian soldiers who bravely fought here during World War 1, still commemorated every year in April. Witness the now-green battlefields, visit the Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and other important historical sites. In the afternoon, with a scenic drive through the countryside, we make our way to Istanbul on a comfortable ride. Relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.
Day 11: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hilton Hotel Bosphorus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the heart of Istanbul old town and witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern unfold before you. Stroll with your expert local guide through the Hippodrome, visit the charming Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica. Enjoy an exquisite meal worthy of Sultans next to the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Enjoy some personal leisure time in the old town, discover hidden gems and embrace the local culture. In the afternoon meet the breath-taking Bosphorus in all its charm as you cruise in-between Europe and Asia.
Day 12: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our marvelous adventure comes to an end over breakfast with newfound friends. Make sure to bid farewell and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!
What's Included
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Meals
10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
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Accommodation
8 Nights in 4 & 5 Star Hotels. See
hotels
3 Nights in Traditional Turkish Gulet -
Transportation
Modern Air-conditioned Coaches with Wi-Fi, Traditional Turkish Gulet
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival Airport transfer on first day of the tour.
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available)
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with modern air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout. Additionally, embrace the charm of Turkey with a traditional Turkish Gulet voyage.
Accommodation
Experience 8 nights in luxurious 4 & 5 Star Hotels, offering the perfect blend of comfort and elegance, and 3 nights in a Traditional Turkish Gulet, providing a unique and authentic lodging experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the name of the tour?
Essential Turkey Luxury Tour
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How many days does the tour last?
The tour lasts for 12 days.
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What type of accommodation is provided?
The tour provides 8 nights in luxurious 4 & 5 Star Hotels and 3 nights in a Traditional Turkish Gulet.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners.
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Is airport transfer included?
Yes, arrival airport transfer on the first day of the tour is included.
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What type of transportation will be used during the tour?
Transportation includes modern air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi and a traditional Turkish Gulet.
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Are there any guided tours included?
Yes, the tour includes services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi is available where possible.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The tour starts in Istanbul.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The tour ends in Istanbul.
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Can I arrange accommodation before or after my tour?
Pre and post-tour accommodation is available on most of our tours with our improved rates, depending on the availability. You can add pre or post accommodation during the booking process online
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Do I need to get a visa in advance or can I get it on arrival at the destination?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Please consult your travel agent or the relevant consulate in advance to determine if or which visas are required and how to obtain them. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could result in your rejection to enter the destination, and could result in considerable expenses and inconvenience. More information about visas is also available on the pre-departure files of each tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our guests are seasoned travellers with years of experience, looking to discover a culture in exquisite style. They are passionate to explore new things, connect with the local fabric and spend quality time on a comfortable adventure. The majority of our guests are from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.
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What are the optional experiences?
Optional experiences are activities that you can do on your own or are provided by third parties. These activities are not part of the itinerary or tour price, but suggested to you as popular attractions at your destination.
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How am I protected when booking a tour with Ciconia?
We are a member of ABTA, Association of British Travel Agents, Travel Talk Adventures Membership number Y600X. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. ABTA also offers you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for cost. We also reflect our customer-oriented values to our policies, assisting all our guests to our utmost ability in case of changes. Our website is secured via 128-bit encryption, safeguarding your holiday is important to us.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always solo travellers on our tours. If you don’t mind staying with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay the single supplement. The single supplement is for guests who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of their tour. You can arrange a single room when booking online or by contacting us. Please note this option is not always available for certain tours.
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What does the tour price include?
Ciconia tours generally cover top quality accommodation and premium transportation, all breakfasts and most dinners, services of expert Travel Director and local guides at some sites, all entrance fees to all sites on tour, airport transfers, and all taxes, tips and porterage fees.
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Low Deposit
Ciconia Exclusive Journeys requires a minimum deposit of 125 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ciconia exclusive journeys charges.
Up to 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.