Christmas Turkey - 12 days

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

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12 Days From

$2645

$2116

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Istanbul, Canakkale, Troy & legendary Ephesus, Pamukkale, Xmas Eve at St Nic's, Cappadocia, Ankara

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

167/CTU

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

16 years with an accompanying adult

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Interests:

Cultural

From: $2645 $2116 Operator discount: -$529 -20%

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

CHRISTMAS TOUR: There’s no stuffing birds or entertaining aunts! Enjoy snowflakes on fairy chimneys, legendary sites at Ephesus, Troy and Aspendos, thermal springs at Pamukkale and Christmas Eve at St Nic’s on this 12 day tour of Turkey.

Highlights

  • Istanbul - Tour historic Istanbul, taking in the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and more

  • Gallipoli Peninsula - Pay your respects at the WWI battlefields and cemeteries including ANZAC Cove

  • Troy - See the replica Trojan Horse in the ancient city, the setting of one of Ancient Greece's most famous tales

  • Ephesus - Marvel at the Library of Celsus in Roman Ephesus and explore the Ancient Greek city of Pergamum

  • Pamukkale - Take a dip in the thermal pools and walk along the beautiful white cotton castles, known as travertines

  • Demre - Spend Christmas Eve visiting the Church and Tomb of Saint Nicholas and enjoy dinner in Antalya

  • Konya - Delve into the fabulous and well-preserved Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos on a wonderfully Turkish Christmas Day

  • Cappadocia - Enjoy two days spent exploring the incredible cave cities and subterranean churches of this fascinating region

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

18 December. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure.

Day 2: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a tour of old Istanbul. The only city to span two continents sits on the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life.





Sultanahmet, the compact old city of Istanbul, is full of parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. Here, explore the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, constructed in the 6th century and considered by some to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque.





Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Rest of day free. Tonight, we are free to explore or relax in our hotel.

Day 3: Canakkale

Location: Canakkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Istanbul – Canakkale. Today, we enjoy a visit to battle-scarred Gallipoli. On the 25th April 1915, under the guidance of the British Command, the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand, otherwise known as the ‘ANZACs’, mounted an assault at a beach in North-Western Turkey. The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history due to the enormous loss of lives and the impossibly hopeless situation faced by these brave young soldiers, many of whom had left home for the first time, destined never to return. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. As always in war, common men died, cruelly robbed of their potential because of actions and decisions of military leaders.

Day 4-5: Troy & Legendary Ephesus

Location: Troy & legendary Ephesus

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Canakkale - Kusadasi. Step back in time as we visit the legendary Roman ruins of Pergamum and Troy - inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy. On day 5, we explore ancient Ephesus. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel! Afterward, we stop at a local leather manufacturer. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy.

Day 6: Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi – Pammukale. Today we visit the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools of Pamukkale. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they are a natural phenomena and gift of Mother Nature. We can also opt to enjoy a unique and very pleasant dip in the warm waters at the Pamukkale Thermal with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns near the centre of the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, which was a was a Roman curative centre.

Day 7: Xmas Eve At St Nic's

Location: Xmas Eve at St Nic's

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Pammukale - Demre - Antalya. The legend of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) began in Turkey! St Nicholas - a 4th century bishop gave anonymous gifts to dowryless village girls. He would drop bags of coins down the chimneys of their houses and this ‘gift from heaven’ would allow them to marry. We visit the church and tomb of St Nicholas in Demre before continuing to coastal Antalya for a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner on a hilltop restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 8: Christmas Day & Roman Ruins

Location: Christmas Day & Roman Ruins

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kemer - Konya. Merry Christmas! En route to Konya we tour the incredible Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos. Settled first by the Hittites around 1500 BC, Perge was an important city in Pamphylia (today’s Mediterranean region). The ruins of the ancient theatre (capacity 12,000 people) boasting marble reliefs depicting the life and times of Dionysos along with the remains of the first church built in Perge, and various temples can be seen. Nearby Aspendos is famous for its well-preserved theatre of antiquity.

Day 9-10: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Konya – Cappadocia. Day 9 we tour Konya and the Mevlana monastery before heading north east to Cappadocia. We stop en route at an ancient caravanserai and later take a short walk through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. In the evening, opt for a traditional Turkish dinner and folklore evening. On day 10, we explore the stunning Goreme Valley, fairy chimneys, amazing troglodyte villages, Uchisar Castle and Derinkuyu underground city.





Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley where century’s old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs, the pigeon droppings that litter the area have been used as fertilizer on crops for generations. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, specialising in historic jewellery designs unique to Turkey and using local materials and craftsmen. For those not interested in shopping spend a little time relaxing and grab a drink from the local cafe.

Day 11: Ankara

Location: Ankara

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cappadocia - Istanbul. Today we head back to Istanbul, stopping en route for lunch (payable locally).





If you'd prefer to avoid the long journey over land today, we also offer the opportunity to fly from Cappadocia to Istanbul.

Day 12: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

29 December. After breakfast our tour concludes with an onward departure transfer to the airport. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas in Turkey!

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 - 5 star

  • Breakfast daily and 6 dinners inclusive of a special Christmas Eve Dinner in Antalya overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

  • 10 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night 5 star hotel

  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome and Hagia Sofia

  • Guided sightseeing - Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis, Perge, Aspendos, Konya and Cappadocia

  • Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer (to Istanbul International Airport) on day 12

  • Relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and EUR €2 per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture

  • Entrance Fees: EUR€280-300pp, paid in EUR

Age Policy

16 years with an accompanying adult

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer (to Istanbul International Airport) on day 12

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • 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+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Rob Gillis  

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

28-Dec-2015

Dear On The Go Tours, We have just completed the 2015 Christmas Turkey Tour, and we wish to commend the Tour, and the Tour Guide as being exceptional. As a destination, Turkey far exceeded our expectations, and we relished the richness of the culture, and the history. The organisation of the tour was flawless. Transport, accommodation and meal arrangements were all available on time, and met the expectations set in the brochure. The tour guide was Mr Recep Aydin, who was unbelievably good. Recep's deep understanding of both historical and cultural matters were delivered in a compelling narrative, as we travelled through the tour. Recep's blend of history, culture, and a bit of fun made the tour both interesting and entertaining. Visiting the Church of St Nicholas, and having Christmas Dinner in Turkey added a special significance to this tour. We cannot recommend this tour more highly. Thank you for an enriching experience. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours sincerely, Rob & Amanda Gillis (Sydney, Australia)

Caroline and David Worth  

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

17-Jan-2017

We picked this tour because of the name Christmas Turkey. Neither of us had been to Turkey before and were interested to find out about the country that is often in the news for the wrong reasons. We were very pleasantly surprised as despite there being a bombing just before we left we felt perfectly safe in the country and everybody we met was very helpful. Turkey is really suffering because of bad press. Tourism is down 80%. Turkey is a fascinating country so rich in culture and history. Having travelled around a large part of it we could see why so many nations wanted to invade it. For us Ephesus, Pamakkale and Cappadoccia ( and our snowman built on Xmas Day ) were the highlights and we felt we only scratched the surface and so intend to return. We both came home feeling thoroughly enriched by the experience and empowered. The government is investing hugely in the economy building big highways to link the west to the east , tunnels under the Bosphorus, a huge water pipeline under the Mediterranean sea sharing water from Turkey with Northern Cyprus.Recep was an excellent guide and prepared to answer any question the group posed. He made sure the whole group was catered for and consequently everyone gelled very well. It was a very special way to spend Christmas 2016

David Murphy  

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

11-May-2024

It was one of the best holidays we've ever had, we met some lovey people on our tour. They were long days, packed with interesing places to see, we now know a lot more about Turkey and it history, because we had an excellent tour guide. We are looking to do something like it again this year with On the go tours.

Dennis Hall  

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

01-Jan-2016

We found this tour to be one of the most interesting and enjoyable tours that we have ever taken. Our guide Recep was wonderful in balancing information and levity so that we were always enjoying ourselves whether in the van or on the ground. Also, the driver Yusef was absolutely the best and very personable. We could not have asked for a better team than Recep and Yusef. Whenever we are asked about this trip in the future we will always add that besides the amazing places we visited we were blessed to have one of the best tour guides who not only made the trip memorable but also made it personal. Please acknowledge Recep for his fine work as I am sure the other 8 members of the group will do so also. I can't imagine taking a tour in Turkey and not having Recep as my guide. Thanks On The Go for another fabulous tour and thanks Recep for making our trip to Turkey a memory that will last a lifetime.

Prue Conaghan  

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

09-Jan-2015

The Tour was fantastic. There was some discrepancy in the standard of hotels (Marina Hotel in Kusadasi was tired and generally substandard). We also had issues with no assistance with luggage at the Hilton Hotel in Konya (surprising for a Hilton hotel not to have a bell boy!). Our driver was very good and we felt safe at all times. Our Guide, Esra, was exceptional. She had excellent knowledge of the history of all sites and managed the group extremely well. The only disappointment for me was that we spent very little time in Antalya. I know others in the group would have liked more time there, too. Overall, I thought the tour was terrific and will not hesitate to recommend it to friends, family and clients.

Kitty Ko  

Christmas Turkey - 12 days

04-Jan-2017

This tour was fantastic, exactly what I wanted to get in terms of learning some history and culture of Turkey. Recep was very knowledgeable, he provided enough information and background for us to understand what we were looking and needed to look. The driver worked hard and often had to drive a long time to reach the sites. I really enjoyed this holiday.

Read all 6 reviews

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Wednesday - Sunday

Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
$2645 $2116

Operator discount: -$529

Thursday - Monday

Dec 18, 2025 - Dec 29, 2025
$2645 $2116

Operator discount: -$529

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • 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.

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