Turkish Delight | 2026
Turkish Delight | 2026
Turkish Delight | 2026
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBTDA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Turkish Delight | 2026" tour, a cultural odyssey that promises to captivate your senses. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Traverse the historic battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient ruins of Troy, before delving into the rich history of Pergamon and the classical city of Ephesus. Marvel at the natural wonders of Pamukkale and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, where you'll visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and meet a local family in their traditional cave house. The tour concludes in Ankara, with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and seamless travel, including a scenic ferry crossing the Dardanelles. With guided tours, delicious meals, and a wealth of historical sites, this tour offers an immersive experience into Turkey's rich cultural tapestry.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
The countdown is finally over, global roamers! We're here in Istanbul and all geared up to uncover fabulous Turkey. No better way to kickstart this journey than a delightful Turkish dinner, after which you'll have some free time to explore this wonderful city on your own.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
20,000 hand painted tiles fill the stunning Blue Mosque; millions of trinkets line the kilometres of the Grand Bazaar; and over 1,500 years of history sit within the walls of the Hagia Sophia. This is just some of the exotic magnificence that will keep us glued to Istanbul today with a walking tour (guided by an local expert, of course!). Seal the day of sightseeing with an optional Turkish bath and a belly dancing Turkish evening. Day two and we're already up to our eyeballs in experiences.
Day 3: Istanbul To Canakkale Via Troy And Gallipoli
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: Tusan Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Out of exotic Istanbul we make our way to Canakkale, taking a sobering stop at the World War I site of Gallipoli.Today we discover that "Troy" means more than just a Hollywood blockbuster; so much more. Unravel the historical layers of a ten year war & what is now a mythical excavation site, and sign up for an in-depth look at the ancient ruins of the region, including a replica of the famous wooden Horse of Troy, where climbing in for a pic is essential. Visiting ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair & Lone Pine Cemetery today we are gifted with a special opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes of World War I right here where part of the battle took place. Afterwards, we'll brighten the mood with a drive along the Sea of Marmara en route to Canakkale. Shortly after ferrying across the Dardanelles (casually crossing continents) we'll arrive in the sparkling town of Canakkale. Tonight is yours to unwind and relax with your squad.
Day 4: Canakkale To Izmir Via Pergamum
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anemon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A big day sits ahead of us. Down as much breakfast as you can before we jump on the road in search of adventure. Further along the Turkish coastline we arrive at Pergamon. Once a political hotspot, this town is now brimming with history. We'll take a scenic mountain drive and give you the chance to get acquainted with Pergamon's hillside ruins, tapping into the archaeologist that you surely are. After our day's adventures are done, we arrive in Izmir, the birthplace of Homer (no kids, that isn't Homer from Springfield). After we tuck into some Turkish dinner, head out and explore the palm-lined promenades of this, the town known as the 'Pearl of the Aegean’.
Day 5: Izmir To Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Hotel Lycus River (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cruising out of Izmir after breakfast, we're heading out to marvel at what will probably be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes you have ever seen, but not before a trip to see one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Did you know Mark Antony and Cleopatra used to hang out here at Ephesus back in the day? And now here we are, walking in their footsteps some 2,000 years later in what is now the best preserved classical city on the Mediterranean. We'll have a chance to see the well-preserved ruins of this ancient port city including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus before heading back on the road to our next wonder, Pamukkale. Ah yes, there she is. Even more spectacular than Instagram & Pinterest had ever suggested and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale's flowing waters of arid ridges and white calcium terraces formed by mineral waters are almost too much. We'll enjoy at included dinner at our hotel tonight, with more time to explore tomorrow.
Day 6: Pamukkale To Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anemon (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ready for more magic today? On the agenda is a visit to Hierapolis, one of the antique cities of the Aegean, where you'll have the chance to take a guided tour. Treating yourself to the optional thermal pool experience with all its healing properties is not something you'll want to miss. After lunch we'll drive to our next destination, Konya. The Sufi pilgrimage city of Konya dates back to 3000BC and is home to an elaborate 12th century mosque, narrow market streets, a contemporary university, whirling dervish ceremonies and the burial place of the Islamic poet, Rumi. We'll enjoy an included dinner at our hotel amidst the ancient and modern energy of this 5,000 year old city.
Day 7: Konya To Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Yusuf Yiğitoğlu (Or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Waving goodbye to Konya this morning, we have our sights set on another UNESCO World Heritage site, Cappadocia. Here in Cappadocia we'll visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and encounter the vast monastic rock complex this area is famous for, with elaborate cave formations and even entire churches carved into the rockface, complete with colourful wall frescoes. Thoroughly blown away by the countless wonders we're experiencing in Turkey, we'll return to our hotel, for a delicious traditional dinner tonight.
Day 8: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Yusuf Yiğitoğlu (Or Similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Yesterday might have been a hard act to follow, but with a visit to an underground city and a trip to a local village on the agenda today we have a full day of adventures ahead. First we'll visit Kaymaklı Underground city. Afterwards, we will visit the last traditional cave house that is still in use by a local family in Uchisar Valley and be served coffee and tea.After a full day of culture we will head back to our hotel for a second night where you are free to find yourself some dinner.
Day 9: Cappadocia To Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: Hotel Best (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We have Ankara in our sights today, but we're not quite done with Cappadocia yet. Departing after breakfast we'll first stop at the Zelve Open Air Museum, a cave town honeycombed with dwellings and a Byzantine-era monastery, followed by a peek at Pasa Baglari, the 'fairy chimneys' this region is known for, before heading on to Turkey's cosmopolitan capital. Ankara awaits us with the historic fortified Kalesi (castle) overlooking the city and a chance to load up on pears, honey, muscat grapes, and angora wool. Here we'll enjoy an included dinner at the hotel with Istanbul ahead of us tomorrow.
Day 10: Ankara To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ankara, it's been short but sweet. Today we're returning to Istanbul, with a chance to visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and a stop for lunch on the way. Arriving in the afternoon, we'll be amazed at how much we've covered since we last set foot in Istanbul at the start of our adventure. We'll make the most of our time in the 'Paris of the East' with a free night tonight and our final evening together.
Day 11: End Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, our Turkish Delight ends where it began in Istanbul. It's time to say fond farewells, but we'll always have our photos and memories of this incredible adventure.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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Guided Tours
Guided walking tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Hierapolis, Cappadocia, and Ankara.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in hotels such as Hotel Centrum, Tusan Hotel, Hotel Anemon, Hotel Lycus River, Hotel Yusuf Yigitoglu, and Hotel Best (or similar).
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Transport
Transport between cities including ferrying across the Dardanelles.
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Visits to Historical Sites
Visits to significant historical sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, Zelve Open Air Museum, and Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a Turkish bath and belly dancing Turkish evening in Istanbul, and the thermal pool experience in Hierapolis are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Istanbul are not included.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Included Experience
- Istanbul: Get on foot, and explore the vibrant corners of Istanbul. We'll check out the spice market, the epic blue mosque, Hippodrome, and even the Grand Bazaar.
- Gallipoli: See the infamous site of the ANZAC troop landings at the battle of Gallipoli in WWI.
- Gallipoli: Brush up on your history knowledge with a visit to WWI battle sites: Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair Gallipoli
- Izmir: Magnificent mosques meet palm-lined beach resorts at this glitzy Turkish port city. It’s also the birthplace of Homer (the Greek poet; not the doughnut-eating Simpson).
- Ephesus: Grab your camera, it’s time for some bucket list ticking. See the Temple of Artemis and finally understand what all the fuss is about.
- Cappadocia: Take a trip to the Middle Ages, checking out a series of churches built into volcanic rock. Trust us when we say, it's simply sublime.
- Cappadocia: You'll have to see it to believe it... but luckily for you, you're about to! (Just mind your head...)
- Cappadocia: On this unique experience, we'll get to know a local family and take a guided tour of their cave house.
- Cappadocia: And Pasa Baglari too! Cameras at the ready, folks. We've got more marvellous rock-formations-turned-buildings in store for you here.
FAQs
- Istanbul: Why is Turkey also referred to as ‘Turkiye’? At the end of 2021 the Republic of Turkey officially changed its English name to 'The Republic of Turkiye' (pronounced “Tur-key-yeah”), which is how it is both spelt and pronounced in Turkish.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the Cappadocia visit?
In Cappadocia, you will have the opportunity to visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, explore the Kaymaklı Underground City, and take a guided tour of a local family's cave house in Uchisar Valley, where you will be served coffee and tea.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a Turkish bath and belly dancing Turkish evening in Istanbul, and the thermal pool experience in Hierapolis.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour includes a mix of comfortable coach rides, scenic drives, and a ferry crossing the Dardanelles to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey through Turkey.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 10 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to significant historical sites such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Temple of Artemis, Library of Celsus, Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymaklı Underground City, Zelve Open Air Museum, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD 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 contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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