Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group

Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group

73 Views
15 Days From

$4175

$3639

Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group

15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Istanbul, Bursa, Cumalikizik, Gordion, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Geyre, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Troy, Çanakkale, Gallipoli

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: $4175 $3639 Operator discount: -$536 -13%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Travel Turkey on this 15-day guided tour. See Cappadocia, where golden landscapes give way to caverns below. You’ll descend into a local resident’s cave house for a tour and talk about their way of life. Later, see whirling dervishes — twirling dancers who will entertain you during a special dinner. In Goreme, explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient paintings before dining on the unique flavors served at a local restaurant that supports women from the village. Travel to Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir, and explore one of the world’s finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Here, walk to its gargantuan amphitheater, which could seat as many as 24,000 people. In Istanbul, see the Blue Mosque’s tiled domes and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Try your hand at bargaining in the city’s Grand Bazaar, which includes more than 4,000 shops.

Highlights

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    Choice Highlights

    • Choose between two carefully selected activities
    • Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
    • Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.

  • content:

    Top Rated Highlights

    • Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where you'll pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
    • Bursa: On your orientation with your Travel Director visit the town’s mosques, bazaars and famous Silk Market.
    • Cumalikizik: Visit the over 700 year-old village to get glimpse into what Ottoman villages away from the capital looked like.
    • Ankara: Discover the mysterious Hittite civilization and visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk.
    • Ankara: On your orientation with your Travel Director of the capital of modern Turkey discover its Roman and Byzantine heritage, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Ataturk.
    • Goreme: With your Local Expert, explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys and the Pasabag Valley.
    • : Visit the narrow passages and interconnecting rooms of this Stone Age underground city dug out from the hills and built to block invaders and defend against attacks.
    • : Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.
    • Konya: Visit a well preserved Seljuk Caravanserai.
    • Konya: Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the beautiful Mevlana Tekke museum for an insight into the mystic Whirling Dervishes. See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.
    • Aspendos: Visit the world's best preserved Roman Theater in Aspendos.
    • Antalya: Visit the historic Old Town and wander through its charming narrow streets, discovering souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.
    • Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.
    • Corinth: Visit the open-air museum Aphrodisias dedicated to goddess Aphrodite, see the ancient city and statues that have survived preserving most of their originality.
    • Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheater and visit the Palace of Knossos.
    • Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
    • Troy: On your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the nearly 4000 year-old settlement, see the wooden Trojan Horse and hear about myths and legends connected to this archaeological site.
    • Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.
    • Istanbul: Visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. With your Local Expert, gain insight into the lives of the Ottoman Sultans during a visit to the fabulous Topkapi Palace. Then stroll through the Grand Bazaar.

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    Make Travel Matter

    Uchisar: Enjoy the unique flavors of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, where every dish is homemade with love. This remarkable establishment provides employment for more than 65 women from the village. The restaurant is owned by women and focuses on empowering women through employment. Some employed as administrators, some as teachers, some as cooks and some as waiters. Here they are taught how to sow clothes by using modern technology, how to knit, how to cook, how to make various kinds of artifacts, and how to merchandise their products and convert it to money for their families. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.

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    Authentic Dining

    Istanbul: Begin your travels savoring traditional flavors over dinner at a local restaurant.

    Cappadocia: Watch a spectacular Sema performance of Whirling Dervishes and discover the flavors of Cappadocia as you indulge in a regional dinner of colorful dishes.

    Istanbul: Toast the culmination of your travels during dinner at a local restaurant.

  • content:

    Insight Choice

    Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.

    Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Places You'll See

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul

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maja.stanko

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

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

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: Bursa, 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

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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

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Location: Cappadocia

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

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Stêrka Farqîne
erhan inevi
Türkan

Location: Cappadocia, 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

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Türkan

Location: Konya, 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

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Location: Antalya, 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 DoÄŸa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.

Day 10: Kusadasi

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Location: Pamukkale, 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

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Annesha Bhowmik

Location: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Kusadasi

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: Kusadasi, 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

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Location: Çanakkale, Gallipoli, 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

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maja.stanko

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

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

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

  • Meals

    Includes 14 Breakfasts (B), 9 Dinners with Wine (DW), and 1 Lunch (L).

  • Accommodation

    Stay in hand-picked hotels throughout your journey.

  • Transport

    Travel in comfort with an air-conditioned coach, and enjoy hotel and restaurant tips included.

  • Expertise

    Benefit from the knowledge of a Local Expert and Travel Director throughout your trip.

  • Unique Experiences

    Enjoy a range of unique experiences such as a cruise on the Bosphorus, a visit to a Cappadocian cave house, and a performance of Whirling Dervishes.

  • Sightseeing

    Explore famous historical sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the ancient city of Ephesus.

  • Transfers

    Included airport transfers on arrival and departure days (conditions apply).

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi in hotels and on the coach.

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    The highlights of the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour include dinners with wine, breakfasts, a lunch, personal radio headsets for tours, included hotel and restaurant tips, bag carrying service, Insight Flourish local specialties, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, transfers as per itinerary, a Welcome Dinner in Istanbul, a regional dinner and Whirling Dervishes performance in Cappadocia, a Celebration Dinner in Istanbul, a tour of a Cappadocian cave house, a cruise on the Bosphorus, visits to historical and cultural sites across Turkey including Istanbul, Cappadocia, Uchisar, Bursa, Cumalikizik, Ankara, Goreme, Konya, Aspendos, Antalya, Pamukkale, Corinth, Izmir, Ephesus, Pergamon, Troy, Gallipoli, and more.

  • How many days does the Treasures of Turkey tour last?

    The duration of the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information.

  • What type of accommodations can be expected on the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    Accommodations on the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour include the Grand Wyndham Levent in Istanbul, Movenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, Novotel Konya Hotel, Akra Barut in Antalya, DoÄŸa Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kusadasi, and DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale.

  • Are meals included in the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    Yes, meals are included in the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour. It includes 9 dinners with wine, 14 breakfasts, and 1 lunch.

  • What are the dietary options available on the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    The specific dietary types available on the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour are not mentioned in the provided information.

  • Is Wi-Fi available on the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    Yes, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available on the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour, where available.

  • Are there any cultural or historical sites visited on the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    Yes, the Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group tour visits several cultural and historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman Theater in Aspendos, the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale, and the archaeological site of Troy, among others.

  • 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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Operator discount: -$40

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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.

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