Treasures of Turkey - With Anzac Day, Classic Group

Treasures of Turkey - With Anzac Day, Classic Group

29 Views
15 Days From

$4250

$4210

Treasures of Turkey - With Anzac Day, Classic Group

15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

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

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

Z949ZM120

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $4250 $4210 Operator discount: -$40

NB: Prices correct on 05-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 flavours 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 amphitheatre, 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

  • content:

    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.
    • Bursa: Visit the Grand Mosque, the glorious Green Mosque and mausoleum.
    • 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 civilisation 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.
    • 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.
    • 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 Amphitheatre and visit the Palace of Knossos.
    • Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artefacts from Ephesus.
    • 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.
    • Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
    • Gallipoli: Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula and attend the moving Dawn Service remembering, honouring and paying respect to the fallen fighting in World War I.
    • 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.

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter

    Uchisar: Enjoy the unique flavours 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.

  • content:

    Authentic Dining

    Istanbul: Begin your travels savouring traditional flavours over dinner at a local restaurant.

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

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel.  Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner.

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise And Bursa

Location: Istanbul, Bursa

Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

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, 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

Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you continue to 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 Anitkabir, 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 flavours. 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

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 travellers 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 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 theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy time to relax.

Day 8: Antalya's Old Town

Location: Antalya

Accommodation: Akra Antalya

Accommodation Name: Akra Antalya

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a visit to Antalya's pretty Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free 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 harbour 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: Ancient Ephesus

Location: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi

Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi

Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, a famous Catholic, situated above the Ephesus ruins. Then travel to the nearby town of Selçuk for an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site.

Day 11: Troy And Çanakkale

Location: Kusadasi, Troy, Çanakkale

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 12: Canakkale

Location: Çanakkale

Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Meals Included: Breakfast

Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After the service pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries, whilst learning more about the events which lead to the Anzac troops fighting in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait.  This afternoon return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.

Day 13: Gallipoli And Anzac Cove

Location: Çanakkale, Istanbul

Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Istanbul.

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 Hyatt Istanbul.

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. Explore Hagia Sophia 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 and famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. In the evening, join your fellow travellers 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

  • Meals

    The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 9 dinners, and 1 lunch.

  • Activities

    Choose between two carefully selected activities in Istanbul, including a digital experience of Hagia Sophia or a visit to the historic site.

  • Guided Tours

    Personal radio headsets are provided for guided tours, allowing you to wander during visits without missing commentary.

  • Tips and Taxes

    Hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, and porterage charges are included.

  • Luggage Handling

    Luggage is carried and delivered to your hotel door.

  • Wi-Fi

    Complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels where available.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times for flights that match the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Cultural Experiences

    Enjoy cultural experiences such as a Whirling Dervishes performance and a visit to a local cave house in Cappadocia.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board the coach.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel Insurance

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

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom, onboard washroom, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless journey across Turkey's stunning landscapes.

Accommodation

Experience comfort and luxury at top hotels like Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, and Akra Antalya, ensuring a relaxing stay throughout your journey in Turkey.

Dining Summary

  • 9 Dinner (D)
  • 14 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Additional Included Highlights

  • Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

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.

Well-being

  • Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the Treasures of Turkey tour?

    The tour includes a variety of unique experiences such as a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, a visit to the ancient city of Troy, a performance of Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia, and a visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula for the Dawn Service. Additionally, guests can explore the underground cities of Cappadocia, visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, and enjoy the thermal pools at Pamukkale.

  • How does the tour support local communities?

    The tour supports local communities by including a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant in Cappadocia, which provides employment for women in the village and supports their financial independence.

  • What are some of the historical sites visited during the tour?

    The tour visits several historical sites including the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman theatre in Aspendos, the Mausoleum of Atatürk in Ankara, and the archaeological site of Troy.

  • Are there any special events included in the tour itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes attending the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, which is a moving ceremony to honor the fallen soldiers of World War I.

  • What kind of accommodations can be expected on this tour?

    Guests will stay in a variety of accommodations including the Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton in Avanos and Canakkale, Novotel in Konya, Akra Antalya, Doğa Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, and Charisma De Luxe in Kusadasi.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Jacqueline Thornberry  

Scenic Iceland and the Northern Lights

31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Kathryn Ronca  

Enchanting Canyonlands

08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Patrick Ong  

Italian Intermezzo

12-Jan-2023

This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

Feefo Trusted Reviews

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Monday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$4250 $4210

Operator discount: -$40

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 28, 2026
$4225

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.

Similar Tours