Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group

Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group

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15 Days From

$4125

$4085

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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

  • Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, passing Ottoman palaces, old mansions, and fortresses.

  • Bursa: Visit the town's mosques, bazaars, and the famous Silk Market.

  • Cumalikizik: Explore the over 700-year-old village to see what Ottoman villages looked like.

  • Ankara: Discover the mysterious Hittite civilization and visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk.

  • Goreme: Explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, and fairy-tale chimneys with a Local Expert.

  • Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.

  • Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites, including the Library of Celsus and the Amphitheater.

  • Troy: Visit the ancient site and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.

Places You'll See

annieduduc

Cappadocia, Turkey

Itinerary

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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

Türkan
erhan inevi
Stêrka Farqîne

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

Annesha Bhowmik
Roberto Goldone

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

  • Choice Highlights

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Istanbul, including an immersive digital experience and a visit to Hagia Sophia.

  • 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.

  • Make Travel Matter

    Enjoy the unique flavors of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, which provides employment for more than 65 women from the village.

  • 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

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from the start and end of your tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences outside of the scheduled itinerary are available for purchase but are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, mini-bar, room service, and additional food and drink are not included.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • 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.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$4125 $4085 (USD)

Operator discount: -$40 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

I949ZN20

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

20 - 40

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4125 $4085 (USD) Operator discount: -$40

NB: Prices correct on 17-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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