Best of West Turkey - 9 days
Best of West Turkey - 9 days
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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the wonders of West Turkey, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Istanbul. Discover the iconic landmarks of the Old City, including the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, before exploring the bustling Grand Bazaar. Travel to the ancient city of Ephesus to marvel at the Library of Celsus and the remnants of the Temple of Artemis. Relax in the resort town of Kusadasi and soak in the thermal pools of Pamukkale. Unwind in the picturesque port city of Fethiye on the Turquoise Coast, with opportunities to explore traditional markets and stunning beaches. Enjoy comfortable 4-star accommodations, guided tours, and internal flights, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation, with the option to extend your stay in Istanbul for further exploration. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Kent Hotel, Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Kent Hotel, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast take in the highlights of Istanbul on a full day tour. In the heart of the Old City visit the famous Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, with its six minarets and enjoy the exterior of the striking Hagia Sophia, which was the largest church in Christendom for a thousand years. Also explore the ruinous Byzantine Hippodrome with its various monuments and Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years. Then venture into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar where you can barter for souvenirs before transferring back to your hotel for the night.
Please note that some sites are closed on certain days in Istanbul. Hagia Sofia - closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays and Grand Bazaar - closed on Sundays. So only external viewing will be possible on these days.
Day 3: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul – Izmir - Kusadasi. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi, a large resort town on Turkey's beautiful Aegean Coast. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure.
Day 4: Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a full day tour of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary’s House. First, visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then travel on to ancient Ephesus, the best-preserved Classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Ephesus was a vast Roman city with a population nearing 250,000 and on the tour of this remarkable archaeological site you will see the Great Theatre (once capable of seating 25,000 spectators at one time), Curetes Way (one of the main thoroughfares) the Temple of Serapis, the elegant facades of the Temple of Hadrian and the spectacular Library of Celsus. Then visit
the House of Mother Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years together with St. John. You will also a visit a leather factory before returning to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 5: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi - Pammukale. Bid farewell to Kusadasi and transfer by road to Pammukale with its spectacular white calcium terraces, filled with natural thermal spring waters. On a tour of this remarkable site, take a walk along the hillside terraces, known as travertines, and paddle your feet warm water. Then visit the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, which sits on top of Pammukale's travertines. Explore the ruins, visit the spectacular theatre and opt for a swim in Cleopatra's sacred pool, where the shallow thermal waters ripple over a scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath. After the tour continue to your hotel for the night.
Day 6-8: Fethiye
Location: Fethiye
Accommodation: Hotel, Alesta Yacht Fethiye
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Fethiye (3)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pammukale - Fethiye. Travel south to Fethiye for three days of relaxation in this picturesque port town on Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast. Spend your days at leisure strolling around the atmospheric Old Town with its traditional markets. And make sure to visit some of the beautiful beaches in the area, including the famous Blue Lagoon. Perhaps enjoy a cruise around the bay, which is strewn with picturesque islands.
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fethiye - Istanbul. Transfer to Dalaman Airport today for your included flight back to Istanbul, where your tour comes to an end.
Alternatively, if you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You can also opt to exclude the flight back to Istanbul if you wish.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star (5 star upgrade available) -
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.
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8 nights 4-star hotels
Accommodation for 8 nights in 4-star hotels is included.
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2 internal flights
The tour includes 2 internal flights between Istanbul and Izmir, and Dalaman and Istanbul.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are provided on days 1, 3, and 9.
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Shared sightseeing
Shared sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Ephesus, and Pamukkale with a maximum group size of 14 passengers are included.
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English-speaking tour guide
An English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide is provided for all included sightseeing.
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Private modern air-conditioned vehicles
All relevant transfers are in private modern air-conditioned vehicles, and transportation for sightseeing tours is in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
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Optional Bosphorus dinner cruise
The optional Bosphorus dinner cruise is not included and can be booked locally.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with two internal flights between Istanbul, Izmir, and Dalaman. Enjoy airport transfers on days 1, 3, and 9, and explore Turkey in private modern air-conditioned vehicles, with sightseeing tours in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle or coach.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in 4-star hotels, including stays at the Kent Hotel in Istanbul, Marina Hotel in Kusadasi, and Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel in Pamukkale. Relax in Fethiye with accommodation at the Alesta Yacht Hotel, offering comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in 4-star hotels.
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Are there any internal flights included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes two internal flights: from Istanbul to Izmir and from Dalaman to Istanbul.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the sightseeing tours?
Yes, an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide is provided for all included sightseeing.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, airport transfers are included on days 1, 3, and 9 of the tour.
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What is the maximum group size for shared sightseeing tours?
The maximum group size for shared sightseeing tours is 14 passengers.
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Are entrance fees for sightseeing included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees for all included sightseeing are covered in the tour.
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Is there an option for a private guide during the tour?
Yes, a private guide is available for a supplement.
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What is the age recommendation for this tour?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Best of West Turkey - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2452/BOWT
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Age range:
Not recommended for under 5yrs.