Wonders of Turkey
Wonders of Turkey
Wonders of Turkey
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Izmir, Pergamon, Troy, Çanakkale, Gallipoli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WTTUZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 45
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza which reveals the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and some of the world’s most revered ancient cities. Get lost in the colorful lanes of the Grand Bazaar, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes and descend into an underground fortress. Mother Nature and man have crafted an extraordinary land, over which empires have fought for centuries and you’ll get to see all its wonders on this 11 day journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aspen Hotel
It’s the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite have reached that stature, Istanbul’s history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its capital, the gateway to the Orient? Arrive at your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Day 2: Istanbul Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aspen Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Travel Director this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, see Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and see the Blue Mosque. Later, you’ll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Topkapi Palace Museum, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.
Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara
Location: Istanbul, Ankara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: New Park Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ramble past the colorful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you’ll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, before dinner.
Day 4: Ankara – Cappadocia
Location: Ankara, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli.
Day 5: Cappadocia Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Admire Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys this morning as you journey to Pasabagi and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production center then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. A Choice Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening you could join a Choice Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God. Dinner is served at your hotel.
Day 6: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale
Location: Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Richmond Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.
Day 7: Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Izmir
Location: Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Izmir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak
Meals Included: Breakfast
The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down surrounding cliffs are a sight to behold this morning as you see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Head west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in Izmir in time to spend some time exploring this pretty port town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn about its multicultural past, and its history as a Greek city. Consider joining an optional seafood dinner at a favorite local restaurant renowned for its stunning views.
Day 8: Izmir Free Time
Location: Izmir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Optional Experience could see you visit Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. Included in this experience is a visit to the stone cottage, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final years before a lunch is a local restaurant. Afterwards visit the glass makers of Nazarkoy village discovering the regions connection with the Evil eye beads on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience.
Day 9: Izmir - Pergamon - Troy - Çanakkale
Location: Izmir, Pergamon, Troy, Çanakkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Büyük Truva Hotel Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon this morning, most notably its Asclepion Medical Center, which still bears the image of the snake-entwined staff that remains a symbol of medicine in modern times. Next on today’s agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
Day 10: Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul
Location: Çanakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Aspen Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A poignant start to the day sees you visit Gallipoli, where significant World War I battles were fought with heavy losses on both sides. You’ll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair paying tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in this relentless conflict. Later, return to Istanbul. As your journey through Turkey draws to a close, there’s always time for one last Raki!
Day 11: Depart Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You’ve stood at the crossroads of East and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Many meals and daily breakfasts included
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City orientation tours
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Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat
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Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries. Ferry across the Dardanelles from Canakkale to Eceabat.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Varied hotel stays such as Aspen Hotel Istanbul, New Park Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham Cappadocia, Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel, Doubletree by Hilton Izmir - Alsancak, Buyuk Truva Hotel Canakkale.
Dining Summary
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
Essentials
- See Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Visit the Grand Bazaar
- Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization and Ataturk's Mausoleum
- Visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Saratli
- Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes
- See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis
- Visit the Asclepion Medical Center
- Visit the ruins of the ancient city and see the Wooden Horse
- See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries
Check out our Q&As
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes
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What is the maximum group size?
The maximum group size is 45 guests.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
As detailed in an itinerary.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Complimentary airport transfers are provided in the Eastern Mediterranean region at any time on the first and last day of the holiday or on other days in conjunction with pre and / or post-tour accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, An expert travel director and professional Driver is English speaking on this tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions