Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group
Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group
$4125
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the vibrant city of Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia, to the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the legendary city of Troy. Cruise along the Bosphorus, explore the underground cities of Cappadocia, and witness the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Discover the rich history of Ankara, the cultural heart of Turkey, and pay your respects at the poignant sites of Gallipoli. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a unique meal at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, supporting local women. With expert guides and carefully curated activities, this tour offers a deep dive into Turkey's diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you're exploring the bustling bazaars of Istanbul or the serene ruins of ancient cities, this tour promises a captivating adventure. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Wyndham Levent
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise And Bursa
Location: Istanbul, Bursa
Accommodation: Mövenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa.
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses, on the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa. A large city in northwest Turkey, it was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here we visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.
Day 3: Cumalikizik And Gordion
Location: Cumalikizik, Gordion, Ankara
Accommodation: Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara.
Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day of culture in the charming village of Cumalikizik, with its traditional wooden houses and very narrow cobblestone streets. Later you’ll head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.
Day 4: Sophisticated Ankara
Location: Ankara, Cappadocia
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views.
Day 5: The Underground Cities Of Cappadocia Experience
Location: Göreme, Uçhisar, Pasabag Valley, Özkonak
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia could never be called ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today you’ll travel to the striking town of Göreme. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and get a taste of Anatolia’s regional flavors. This establishment provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Özkonak where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and holes with your Travel Director. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living, learning about local traditions and family life. This evening you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Konya
Location: Avanos, Konya
Accommodation: Novotel Konya Hotel.
Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travelers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. Once here, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.
Day 7: Through The Taurus Mountains
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Akra Barut Antalya.
Accommodation Name: Akra Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You day begins with a scenic drive down the Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theater anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travelers. Visit Antalya's pretty Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.
Day 8: Antalya's Old Town
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Akra Barut Antalya.
Accommodation Name: Akra Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbor or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.
Day 9: The Pools Of Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Doga Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
Accommodation Name: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Day 10: Kusadasi
Location: Geyre, Kusadasi
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, in Geyre. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. Arrive into the coastal resort of Kusadasi for an evening at leisure.
Day 11: Ancient Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheater, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
Day 12: Troy And Çanakkale Relaxed Start
Location: Troy, Çanakkale
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale, Canakkale.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan war and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city’s walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields.
Day 13: Gallipoli And Anzac Cove
Location: Gallipoli Peninsula, Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Wyndham Levent
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that, for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 14: Istanbul And The Ottoman Empire
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Wyndham Levent
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537, famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Istanbul, including an immersive digital experience and a visit to Hagia Sophia.
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Top Rated Highlights
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, visit the town's mosques and bazaars in Bursa, explore the underground cities in Goreme, and visit the world's best-preserved Roman Theater in Aspendos.
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Make Travel Matter
Enjoy the unique flavors of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, which provides employment for more than 65 women from the village.
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Insight Experiences
Join a Cappadocian local for a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from the start and end of your tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences outside of the scheduled itinerary are available for purchase but are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and additional food and drink are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, driver, and Local Experts are not included and are at your discretion.
Dining Summary
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Insight Experiences
- Cappadocia: Join a Cappadocian local, who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a combination of scenic drives, ferry crossings, and a relaxing Bosphorus cruise. Enjoy seamless transfers between destinations, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey throughout Turkey.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, Movenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, Novotel Konya, Akra Antalya, Doga Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, Charisma De Luxe in Kusadasi, and DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as an immersive digital experience at Hagia Sophia, a visit to the underground cities and rock-cut churches in Göreme, and a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, which supports local women. Additionally, you will witness a Whirling Dervishes performance in Cappadocia and explore a cave house with a local resident. ...more ...less
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Are there any activities that support local communities?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, which provides employment for women in the village and supports their financial independence. This initiative advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour visits numerous historical sites including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Roman Theater in Aspendos, the ancient city of Ephesus, the ruins of Hierapolis, and the ancient city of Troy. You will also visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara and the Mevlana Museum in Konya. ...more ...less
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of dining experiences, including traditional dinners at local restaurants in Istanbul and Cappadocia. The tour also includes a regional dinner in Cappadocia and a farewell dinner in Istanbul.
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What is the significance of the visit to Gallipoli?
The visit to Gallipoli is significant as it allows you to pay respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery, sites of historical importance from World War I where Anzac troops fought in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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 insight vacations 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
Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group
15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Bursa, Cumalikizik, Gordion, Ankara, Cappadocia, Göreme, Uçhisar, Pasabag Valley, Özkonak, Avanos, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Geyre, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Troy, Çanakkale, Gallipoli Peninsula ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
I949ZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians