Treasures of Turkey - Small Group
Treasures of Turkey - Small Group
Treasures of Turkey - Small 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:
Tour code:
SI949ZN20
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 24
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
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
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: 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
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: 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
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
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
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 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: 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
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
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
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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Meals
Includes 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 9 dinners with wine.
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Accommodation
Stay in hand-picked hotels throughout the tour.
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Transport
Travel in comfort with an air-conditioned coach.
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Expert Guide
Services of a professional Travel Director.
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Local Experiences
Gain deeper insights with local experts in key destinations.
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Sightseeing Tours
Enjoy guided tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, and more.
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Unique Experiences
Special experiences like a Whirling Dervishes performance in Cappadocia.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees to sights in the itinerary are included.
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Wi-Fi Availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi in coach and hotels (where available).
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Airport Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers on the first and last day of the tour.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end points 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
Some optional activities and excursions that are not included in the tour price may be offered.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and additional drinks and meals, are not covered.
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Visa Fees
Any required visas or associated fees are the responsibility of the traveler.
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
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Turkey.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
The highlights of the tour include 9 Dinners with Wine, 14 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, personal radio headsets for tours, included hotel and restaurant tips, bag carrying service to hotels, Insight Flourish local specialties, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, transfers as per itinerary, a regional dinner and Sema performance of Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia, a Welcome Dinner in Istanbul, a Celebration Dinner in Istanbul, a tour of a Cappadocian local's cave house, a unique dining experience at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant focusing on women's employment and empowerment, a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, visits to historical and cultural sites across Turkey including the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman Theater in Aspendos, and the mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara.
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Are there any meals included?
Yes, the tour includes 9 Dinners with Wine, 14 Breakfasts, and 1 Lunch.
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What type of accommodations are provided?
Accommodations include hotels such as the Grand Wyndham Levent in Istanbul, Mövenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, Novotel Konya Hotel, Akra Barut in Antalya, Doğa Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kusadasi, and DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale.
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Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.
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Are airport transfers included?
Yes, transfers are available at scheduled times if arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. For flights outside these times or for additional nights booked, transfers can be purchased or made independently.
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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
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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