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Highlights Of Turkey
10 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli Battlefields, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadaşi, Ephesus, Pamukkale hot springs, Hierapolis, Pamukkale, Silk Road, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme Valley, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FEZHT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 51
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Turkey (now internationally known as Turkiye) boasts a unique geographic location making it a beloved destination of both Europe and Asia! It's where the east meets the west and these two continents connect. Spend 10 days exploring Turkey’s hidden gems and must-see highlights. Visit the ancient sites of Troy, Hierapolis and Ephesus and encounter the Battlefields of Gallipoli. Bathe in the hot springs of Pamukkale. Experience the beauty of Cappadocia and its magical fairy chimneys! Shop til you drop at the Istanbul bazaars. Turkey will leave you changed and send you home with countless memories.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Of Tour In Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Istanbul and the first day of this magical trip around Turkey! If you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-accommodation through us, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Get settled at the hotel and then the day is free to wander through this vibrant city. Catch a tram to the Grand Bazaar and get lost in the bustling market. In the Bazaar there are alleys for gold, leather, bowls and even tea! Want to escape the crowd? Find a rooftop terrace, enjoy the fantastic views and grab a drink while watching over the busy city. Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group this evening for an included group dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Istanbul. One of the things that makes Istanbul such a fascinating city is that it spans over two continents! One side lies in Europe and the other in Asia. On this tour, see famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque as well as Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome which provide a glimpse into the past. To further explore this magical city, join the Istanbul+ optional excursion! This full-day tour includes entrance to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to the buzzing spice bazaar and includes a delicious Turkish lunch! It’s sure to be a day to remember.
Istanbul orientation tour: See the famous sights of Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome on an orientation walking tour of Istanbul. Discover the city’s stories and secrets.
Day 3: Gallipoli Battlefields - Çanakkale
Location: Gallipoli Battlefields, Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. This haunting location is where 30,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives but it is also where three national identities were born - Turkey, New Zealand and Australia. The tour includes visits to the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorial in ANZAC Cove and the Neck and Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery. 25 April is commemorated in Turkey each year as ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. After the battlefields tour, travel onwards to Çanakkale for the night. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Battlefields of Gallipoli: Visit the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli and pay homage to the soldiers that fought here over 100 years ago. See the memorials and important sights such as the Lone Pine and ANZAC Cove.
Day 4: Troy - Pergamum - Kusadaşi
Location: Troy, Pergamum, Kusadaşi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a step back in time this morning and visit the city of Troy. This is the home of the famed Trojan Horse and site of the Trojan War in the 12th century! After delving into Trojan history, the tour makes its way to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum. Here, embark on a tour of its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Later, travel to Kuşadasi for an overnight stay and enjoy a delicious included dinner!
Visit Troy: Travel through history on a tour of Troy. Learn about the Trojan War and the legendary Trojan Horse and see remnants of the historic cities of Troy through the ages. Troy Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 27
Visit Pergamum: Wander through the Acropolis of Pergamum and see the magnificent temples and library which put the ancient city at the centre of culture and politics many centuries ago. Cable-car to Pergamum EUR 10, Pergamum Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 15
Visit Kuşadasi: Spend two evenings in the stunning resort town of Kuşadasi situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast.
Day 5: Ephesus - Kusadaşi
Location: Ephesus, Kusadaşi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Immerse yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Next, move on to the former Greek village of Şirince, meaning ‘pleasant’. According to legend, it used to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) by freed Greek slaves so that others wouldn’t follow them there. Today’s final stop is at a carpet village. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and this afternoon you can experience the delicate craft first-hand. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel after a busy day of exploring.
Explore the Temple of Artemis: See how people used to live thousands of years ago. Tour the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus, get a glimpse of what an ancient lifestyle entailed and learn more about the destruction and attempt to rebuild the temple. Ephesus entry fee: EUR 40
Visit Şirince: Take in the views at this former Greek village famous for its fruit wines.
Visit a Turkish carpet village: Experience the craft of traditional Turkish carpet hand-weaving at a carpet village.
Day 6: Pamukkale Hot Springs - Hierapolis - Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale hot springs, Hierapolis, Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start off the morning by enjoying a display of locally handcrafted leather goods. Next, travel on to one of the highlights of this tour - Pamukkale! This town is home to magnificent white calcium terraces, known as travertines. In Roman times, the natural hot spring water that flowed down the terraces was used for their therapeutic powers. Opt to visit the nearby Cleopatra’s Pool complete with ancient columns and inviting thermal water! Wrap up the day with a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis with an option to take in a traditional Whirling Dervish show in the evening. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Explore Pamukkale: Marvel at the magnificent travertines and thermal hot springs found at Pamukkale. ‘Pamukkale’ translates to ‘cotton castle’ - what an accurate description of this famous landmark! Pamukkale Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 30
Hierapolis tour: Explore the museum in the ancient city of Hierapolis which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7: Silk Road - Konya - Cappadocia
Location: Silk Road, Konya, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, travel along the ancient Silk Road! Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai - a caravanserai is a roadside inn where traders used to stopover and rest on their travels. Follow in the footsteps of all the traders that came before you! Look forward to another stop in Konya at the Mevlana Museum along the way. This is home to the mausoleum of the famous poet, Rumi. Don’t miss out on the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening tonight!
Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai: Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and imagine life as a trader on the silk road many, many years ago. Sultanhani Caravanserai entrance fee: EUR 2
Visit Mevlana Museum: Tour the Mevlana Museum and see the mausoleum of poet Rumi.
Day 8: Göreme Valley - Cappadocia
Location: Göreme Valley, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s most famous destinations. These magnificent rock-cut churches are bound to leave you awestruck! Why not find a rooftop bar or café and see the fairytale-like chimneys from above? Alternatively, explore the many levels of Kaymakli - an underground city in Cappadocia! However you choose to spend your time in Cappadocia, it’s sure to be magical. Look forward to an included dinner at the hotel tonight.
Visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum: Witness the striking landscape and the famous rock-cut churches of Cappadocia at the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum. Göreme Open-Air Museum entrance fee: 20 EUR, Kaymakli Underground City entrance fee: 13 EUR
Day 9: Ankara - Istanbul
Location: Ankara, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave for Ankara early this morning. Arrive and visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the famed President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In 1923, Ataturk declared Ankara as the capital city of modern Turkey. This bustling capital is famous for its performing arts with a variety of cultural sights to experience. After exploring the last stop on this Highlights of Turkey tour, head back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour.
Visit Ankara: Explore the bustling capital of Turkey. Ankara is home to the State Opera and Ballet as well as the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the city, you’ll find several theatre companies. It’s also home to the Anitkabir mausoleum.
Day 10: End Of Tour In Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast together with the group as the tour comes to an end this morning. After an incredible 10 days on tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your new travel friends. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you onto a tour again soon!
What's Included
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Accommodation
9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability) -
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days) -
Meals
9 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
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Experiences
Discover Istanbul on an orientation tour
Marvel at the beautiful Blue Mosque
See Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome
Take a historical tour of the Gallipoli Battlefields
Learn about the Trojan War with a visit to Troy
Visit the ancient city of Pergamon, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spend two nights in the resort town of Kusadasi
Explore the site of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus
Stroll through the beautiful Sirince Village
Experience traditional Turkish carpet weaving
Explore the majestic calcium travertines of Pamukkale
Enjoy a tour of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis
Stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai along the Silk Road
Visit the intriguing Mevlana Museum
See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
Explore the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum
Visit Kaymakli's Underground City
Explore Ankara, Turkey’s capital city
What's Not Included
Topkapi Palace - EUR 50
Troy Ancient Site - EUR 27
Pergamon Ancient Site - EUR 15
Pergamum Cable Car - EUR 10
Efes Ancient Site - EUR 40
Pamukkale Ancient Site - EUR 30
Sultanhani Cervansary - EUR 2
Goreme Open-Air Museum - EUR 20
Kaymakli Underground City - EUR 13
International flightsTravel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insuranceFor a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Mode of Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
- Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)
Accommodation
- 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Traveller Comfort - *COACH* tours
We welcome all travellers on our tours but we would like to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. In light of this, please ensure that you are happy with the below information and level of fitness required.
Expat Explore tries to be as accommodating as possible, however, our tours are unfortunately not designed for people travelling with wheelchairs or severe mobility issues.
Our tours are fast paced because they are designed for you to see the most a destination has to offer. We also want to ensure that you explore as much as possible, which may require long periods without stops on the coach as we drive to a new destination.
We offer walking tours in most cities (up to 3 hours), and a wheelchair is not always a practical option as there are often cobbled streets and stairs on these tours.
For travellers in wheelchairs, you will only be able to store your wheelchair under the coach with the other luggage. Thus, on the long drives between cities you will not necessarily have access to your wheelchair if we make a quick bathroom stop along the way. Please note that travelling with a wheelchair could prove difficult as our coaches don't have wheelchair lifts, as such you will need to be able to board and alight the coach on your own.
With regards to our accommodation, not all hotels have lifts and this means potentially having to carry bags up and down stairs.
For more information regarding traveller fitness please see our Terms and Conditions.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children, so we set a minimum age limit of 10 years old.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Certain nationalities may require a visa(s) for this tour.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No, entrance fees are not included.
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Are flights included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your tour. Make sure you keep departure times and possible delays in mind when booking flights.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
We are committed to curating excellent travel experiences and to do so we need all of our travelers to feel safe.
In order to ensure the peace of mind and safety of our travelers and staff on board the coach, we are still requesting that all travellers, regardless of their vaccination status, produce a negative Covid test. This test can be a PCR test
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We have searched and invested in excellent accommodation options, either located in cities or well placed with public transport connections. Clean linen, towels is always included. Toiletries (shampoo, shower gel etc) and hair dryers are not always included, so you may wish to bring these with you. Accommodation is provided in twin share en-suite rooms. We use a mix of mostly 2, 3 & 4-star hotels.
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
All travellers are required to carry their own bags, get on and off the coach, and use public transport. Our city walking tours can last up to 3 hours and certain places involve walking up and down lots of steps. We want you to enjoy your tour, so read through the itinerary thoroughly and make your own conclusions as to whether you feel that you are fit and healthy enough.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No, visas are each traveler’s personal responsibility, and we recommend that plenty of time is allowed for visas to be applied for. When applying for your visa, please ensure that the proper research is carried out before you apply, and that you deal directly with the embassies or certified agents with regard to acquiring correct and timely information. We cannot take responsibility for customers
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting point for the first day of your tour. Please see the meeting point information for details on how to reach the meeting point.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
All of the hotels on this tour offer Wi-Fi, which is available free of charge as part of your Expat Explore tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
It depends on how many other people book! There could be up to 51 other passengers, so you will have the opportunity to make lots of friends!
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What is the tipping policy?
Whilst we fully understand that some nationalities are not accustomed to tipping, this is a normal part of the culture in many of the countries we visit. Tipping has become an increasingly accepted practice in all areas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants, bars and taxis worldwide.Expat Explore crew members
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Due to weight and space limitations, you are allowed to bring one main piece of luggage weighing no more than 20kg, and one small soft bag for hand luggage weighing a maximum of 7kg. On all tours, you will have to carry your own luggage (e.g. into hotels and up to your room if hotels don’t have elevators). Please bear this in mind when you are deciding what to pack
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes, Full air-conditioning
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our customer services team. Please note that the room provided may be a single room with a single bed.
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
A full list of confirmed accommodation names and addresses for your particular departure will be emailed to you around 1 week before the tour starts.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
All our tours are conducted in English.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
If you are travelling alone there is no compulsory charge - you will share a twin room with another passenger of the same gender. There is an optional single supplement/private room upgrade available for single travellers who wish to have a private room. This can be added at the time of booking or by contacting our team.
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Children on tour?
Our tours are not suitable for young children which is why we have a minimum age limit of 10 years old. However, at the discretion of Expat Explore we may consider younger children on certain tours if they meet certain criteria and a request is received in writing via email. Minors (between 10 and 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who accepts full responsibility for them. Unaccompanied minors will not be accepted on tour. Expat Explore reserves the right to decline any booking at our discretion. Any minor (between 10 and 18 years of age) is priced the same as an adult.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The health and safety of our travellers and employees are our top priority. Which means, when you travel with us, our enhanced hygiene protocols will ensure you do so in a safe and responsible way - ask for details of current policies.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2005
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Expat Explore we value responsible travel and are committed to exploring the world consciously and kindly. We are proud to make responsible travel possible with a number of our sustainable travel practices!
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Relate is a South African based not-for-profit organisation that Expat Explore supports. The group aims to help those less fortunate create better lives for themselves through a variety of fundraising initiatives. On our South Africa tours, each passenger will receive an Expat Explore branded Relate bracelet. We donate the cost of these bracelets to our chosen Relate charity: the Nelson Mandela Sc
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Free Date Changes
Expat Explore Travel allows you to make 5 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 76 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Expat Explore Travel requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of expat explore travel charges.
Up to 45 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 44 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.