Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: İstanbul, Gelibolu, Çanakkale, Troy National Park, Ayvalık, Pergamon Ancient City, İzmir, Ephesus Ancient City, Kuşadası, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara
Tour operator:
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:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city built in the 10th Century B.C. with an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hyatt 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. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 : Gallipoli And Anzac Cove
Location: İstanbul, Gelibolu, Çanakkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Home to famous archaeological site, Troy, this historic destination will be your home for the night.
Day 3 : Troy, Pergamon And Izmir
Location: Çanakkale, Troy National Park, Ayvalık, Pergamon Ancient City, İzmir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Büyük Efes Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin your day of legends with a trip to 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 seen beside the city’s walls. 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. Continue on to Pergamon, once a powerful ancient Greek city, you’ll find the Asklepion temple here. A famous shrine and healing centre, it was built in honour of Asklepios, the god of medicine. After some time exploring, continue your journey to the coastal city of Izmir.
Day 4 : Ancient Ephesus And Kusadasi Relaxed Start
Location: İzmir, Ephesus Ancient City, Kuşadası
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.
Day 5 : The Pools Of Pamukkale
Location: Kuşadası, Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Doga Thermal Health & Spa Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, following the winding Maender River Valley, with its twists and turns, head to a local organic farm. Once here, you’ll meet the agricultural director who will take you on a walking tour of the eco-friendly lands. You’ll have the satisfying task of picking fruits and vegetables from his fields. Delight in a mouth-watering Farm-to-Table lunch, prepared with fresh produce from the farm. Continue 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 theatre 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 : Konya, The Whirling Dervishes And Cappadocia
Location: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alfina Cave Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll travel to Konya. The home of the Whirling Dervish, this city offers tradition in abundance. Noteworthy buildings line its streets, with beautiful mosques and modern buildings providing a delightful contrast. Visit the Mevlana Tekke museum, with its recognisable turquoise dome. See the Karatay Madrasa before moving on to another ornate 13th-century madrasa, the Ince Minaret.
Continue your journey to Urgup, an historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. You will recognise this famous area from the bright balloons that decorate its sky and the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it.  Your abode for the night is the unique Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia, built in old cave dwellings. Get some rest here before your travels continue in the morning.
Day 7 : The Underground Cities Of Cappadocia Experience
Location: Cappadocia, Göreme, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Alfina Cave 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, dinner tonight will be accompanied by a performance of Whirling Dervishes.
Day 8 : Ankara
Location: Cappadocia, Ankara
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA Ankara
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. On your way, stop off at one of the best-preserved Seljuk Caravanserais in Anatolia. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, 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 centre at your hotel this evening.
Day 9 : To Istanbul
Location: Ankara, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hyatt 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. Board a cruise along the Bosphorus. As you make your way from Eminönü to the Black Sea, witness the area’s beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses lining the waterfront. Your evening is at leisure, why not ask your Travel Director for suggestions on places to dine.
Day 10 : Istanbul & The Ottoman Empire
Location: İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Hyatt Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque with its tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is 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 travellers for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11 : Farewell Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
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
-
Personal Radio Headsets
On departures with 8 or more guests, personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
-
Travel Director
Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
-
Tips Included
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.
-
Luggage Handling
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
-
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
-
Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
-
Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
-
Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers from/to Istanbul Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
What's Not Included
-
Tipping and Gratuities
Not included, except for those specified under inclusions.
-
International Travel
International flights to and from the start and end point of the tour are not included.
Check out our Q&As
-
What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Turkey.
-
What are the highlights of the tour?
The highlights of the tour include Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery, Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse, Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artifacts from Ephesus, Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis, Avanos: Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.
-
What is the primary tag of the tour?
The primary tag of the tour is Coach tours (worldwide).
-
What are the inclusions of the tour?
The inclusions of the tour are personal radio headsets on departures with 8 or more guests, a highly-skilled Travel Director, hotel and restaurant tips, baggage handling, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available), Insight Flourish local specialties, meals as detailed in the itinerary, and complimentary airport transfers at destination.
-
What are the exclusions of the tour?
The exclusions of the tour are tipping and gratuities, and international travel.
-
What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Istanbul.
-
What is the ending location of the tour?
The ending location of the tour is Istanbul.
-
What is the pick-up time for the tour?
The pick-up time for the tour is 18:30.
-
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
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Sunday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Thursday - Sunday
Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 02, 2025Book 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.
-
Terms and Conditions