Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Summer
Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Summer
$3195
Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Summer
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
I983N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Summer" tour and explore the rich cultural tapestry of Turkey. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Istanbul, spanning two continents, and delve into its historical marvels like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Traverse the poignant landscapes of Gallipoli and the ancient ruins of Troy, then savor a farm-to-table lunch in Izmir. Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, the thermal pools of Pamukkale, and the unique cave dwellings of Cappadocia. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise and a farewell dinner in Istanbul, all while enjoying luxurious accommodations and seamless travel arrangements.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
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: Gallipoli, Anzac Cove And Troy
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Marvel at breathtaking coastal views as you make your way along the shores of the Sea of Marmara to historic Gallipoli. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought in an in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, join your group as you head from Eceabat across the sea to Çanakkale before arriving in the historic 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 seen beside the city’s walls.
Day 3: Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women's co-op turning recycled materials into unique items, and addressing women's employment issues. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Izmir, where you will stop for a Farm-to-Table lunch at Nif Bağları, a family-owned wine producer. Explore the four acres of crop fields, nestled amidst picturesque surroundings before continuing your journey to the coastal resort of Izmir.
Day 4: Ephesus - Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your morning with a trip to the nearby town of Selçuk. Home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, you’ll begin with an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Once here, 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. Later, explore the famous site itself. 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.
Day 5: The Pools Of Pamukkale Relaxed Start
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. See the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theater and its turquoise travertine pools. 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 6: The Underground City And Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your journey takes you to Urgup, a historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai before exploring the underground city of Saratli. You will recognise this famous area from the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it.
Day 7: The Cappadocia Experience
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings before moving on to the Pasabag Valley. Located on the road to Zelve, you’ll find otherworldly earth pillars here, ‘fairy chimneys’ and troglodyte dwellings. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. You’ll learn more about their unique way of living, local traditions and family life. Complementing the day’s events, this evening you'll witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA
Meals Included: Breakfast
One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness center at your hotel this evening.
Day 9: To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to head to Istanbul. A glorious fusion of East and West, this popular city offers something for everyone, with history, culture, modernity, delicious cuisine and of course, the friendliest of faces. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. Your evening is at leisure.
Day 10: Istanbul & The Ottoman Empire
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take in the sites of Istanbul, 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 History 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. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, where you will pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: 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
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 1 lunch.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Istanbul.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Porterage
Porterage is included, with your bags being carried and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from Turkey are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entering Turkey are not included and must be arranged separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with Insight's air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi are available, and physical distancing measures are implemented.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at the Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, DoubleTree by Hilton in Canakkale and Avanos, Swissotel Buyuk Efes in Izmir, Doga Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, and Ankara HiltonSA.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect during the tour?
You can expect a variety of unique experiences such as an immersive digital experience at Hagia Sophia, a visit to a women's co-op in Copmadam, a Farm-to-Table lunch at an organic farm in Izmir, a tour of a cave house in Cappadocia, and a performance of the Whirling Dervishes.
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Are there any special activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes special activities like a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, a visit to the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, and an exploration of the underground city of Saratli.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 10 breakfasts, 7 dinners, and 1 lunch. Meals feature traditional flavors and regional specialties, such as a Farm-to-Table lunch in Izmir and a regional dinner in Cappadocia.
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Will there be any opportunities to learn about local crafts or traditions?
Yes, you will have opportunities to learn about local crafts and traditions, such as pottery making in Avanos and a visit to the Copmadam workshop where items are made from recycled materials.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a variety of accommodations, including the Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, DoubleTree by Hilton in Canakkale and Avanos, Swissotel Büyük Efes in Izmir, Doğa Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, and Ankara HiltonSA.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is some free time during the tour, such as an evening at leisure in Istanbul on Day 9.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, airport transfers are included if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights' accommodation, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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Are tips and taxes included in the tour price?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included, as well as all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be guided tours with Local Experts at various sites, including Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the underground cities and rock-cut churches in Cappadocia.
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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