Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

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7 Days From

$1865

$1492

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

7 Days Starting in Istanbul and ending in Marmaris

Visiting: Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Marmaris

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

920/ITM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

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: $1865 $1492 Operator discount: -$373 -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

Following the famed Aegean coastline, we discover Ottoman Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale, finishing in coastal Marmaris - gateway to the Greek Islands. This 7 day holiday from Istanbul to the Mediterranean sea will give you an insight into the fascinating history, culture and landscapes of western Turkey.

Highlights

  • Istanbul - Explore cosmopolitan Istanbul, taking in the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, and more

  • Gallipoli Peninsula - Visit ANZAC Cove and pay your respects at the battlefields and cemeteries of Chunuk Bair, Johnston's Jolly and the Nek

  • Ephesus - See well-preserved Roman ruins, crowned by the incredible Library of Celsus, and visit the Ancient Greek city of Pergamum

  • Troy - Tour the ancient city of myth and legend, and see a wooden replica of the fabled Trojan Horse

  • Pamukkale - Marvel at the white cotton castles, walk along the terraces and take a dip in the steamy thermal pools

  • Marmaris - Finish your trip at the Mediterranean resort town and opt to extend your stay in Turkey with our three-night beach stay

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Point Hotel Taksim

Saturday. Arrive in vibrant Istanbul and transfer to your hotel, where our adventure begins! Spend your afternoon exploring this captivating city on foot, its enchanting streets are lined with a variety of charming restaurants and cozy cafes waiting to be discovered. With the rest of the day at your leisure, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich culture, savour local cuisine, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll or a refreshing drink at a local bar. At 8pm, join us for a welcome meeting where you'll meet your tour guide and fellow travellers. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect and share your excitement for the journey ahead.













Day 2: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Point Hotel Taksim

Meals Included: Breakfast

Istanbul. This morning, we embark on an enthralling journey through Istanbul's captivating Old City, the once-thriving centre of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.





Our adventure begins at the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque, a masterpiece renowned for its shimmering blue Iznik tiles and majestic six minarets that pierce the sky.





From there, we’ll stroll through the ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races once thrilled thousands. Next, we’ll marvel at the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally built as a grand basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Its imposing presence has transformed through the ages, from a church to a mosque and now a museum.





Finally, we’ll immerse ourselves in the opulence of the Topkapi Palace, where we’ll explore the lavish courtyards and fascinating museums that showcase the grandeur of the Ottoman sultans.





Please Note: Starting January 2024, the lower floor of Hagia Sophia will be exclusively open to Muslims for prayer, while the upper floor galleries will be dedicated to touristic purposes with a newly imposed entrance fee. If you wish to explore the interior, you may have the opportunity during your free time in Istanbul.













Day 3: Canakkale

Location: Canakkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today, we delve into the poignant history of the Gallipoli battlefields, starting with a visit to the iconic ANZAC Cove. Our guided tour will lead us through a landscape where every corner tells a story of bravery and sacrifice. We’ll pay our respects at the Lone Pine Memorial and Cemetery, where countless Australian soldiers are commemorated, and at the Chunuk Bair Memorial and Cemetery, which honours the valiant efforts of New Zealand troops. We’ll also explore the Nek and Johnston’s Jolly, as well as the enduring remnants of fortified trenches, still etched into the scrubland after all these years. Each site offers a moving glimpse into the harrowing yet heroic past of this historic region.

Day 4: Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Gallipoli - Kusadasi/Izmir. Step back in time as we uncover the legendary ruins of Troy and Pergamum. Our journey begins at the ancient city of Troy, a site that inspired Homer's Iliad and the epic film Troy.





We’ll explore its storied ruins, including the iconic Trojan Horse, dating back to 3000 BC. Continuing our adventure, we’ll head to the impressive ruins of Pergamum, where we’ll marvel at its grand temples, renowned library, and advanced medical facilities that once made it a pinnacle of cultural and political influence.





Before reaching our destination in either Kusadasi or Izmir, we’ll make a stop at a local carpet emporium to admire some of the finest carpets in the world, a testament to Turkey's rich textile tradition.

Day 5: Ephesus

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of ancient Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean. As we stroll through this magnificent site, you’ll be awestruck by the grandeur of the Great Theatre, the bustling Curetes Way, and the imposing Temple of Serapis. Don’t miss the stunning Library of Celsus, a testament to the city’s scholarly prowess. Wander through the ancient streets to uncover intriguing remnants such as the public toilets and the historic brothel, offering a unique glimpse into Roman daily life.





Following our Ephesus adventure, we’ll delve into Turkey’s rich carpet weaving tradition with a fascinating demonstration showcasing the intricate artistry involved. Our journey concludes in the charming Greek village of Sirince, nestled on a mountainside within a picturesque valley of vineyards and orchards, where you can soak up the serene atmosphere and local culture.













Day 6: Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Orsmaris Boutique Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

As we meander through the sweeping plains and cotton farms, we arrive at the breathtaking ruins of Roman Hierapolis and the famous hot springs of Pamukkale. Behold this surreal landscape, sculpted over millennia by natural forces and frequent earthquakes. Marvel at the gleaming travertine terraces, formed by the cascading calcium-rich waters that have created dazzling shelves and pools of pristine white. The crystalline marble and shimmering stalactites catch the sunlight in a magical display.





You’ll have the opportunity to paddle through the terraces, feeling the warm, mineral-rich waters beneath your feet. Alternatively, you can luxuriate in the Thermal Bath House, where you can relax among submerged fragments of ancient marble columns (at an additional cost). Afterward, we’ll visit a local leather fashion house, where you can explore exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs.

Day 7: Marmaris

Location: Marmaris

Meals Included: Breakfast

Friday. Marmaris. Our tour concludes after breakfast, but the adventure doesn’t have to end there. Extend your stay with a blissful three nights at the beach, where you can unwind by the pool or bask in the sun on the sandy shores. For an extra touch of excitement, why not embark on a day trip to the enchanting Greek Island of Rhodes? Just an hour away by catamaran, Rhodes offers stunning landscapes and rich history, making it the perfect addition to your holiday.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4 - 5 star

  • Breakfast daily and 4 hotel dinners

  • 6 nights 4-5 star hotels

  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis

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

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport

  • All 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€180-195pp, paid EUR

Age Policy

16 years with an accompanying adult

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    4 - 5 star

  • What is the maximum group size?

    24

  • 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

John Van Vactor  

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

21-Apr-2023

Mete was knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging. Truly enjoyed the tour and would gladly recommend to all.

Jennifer  

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

09-Sep-2015

We couldn’t imagine Turkey without Recep! His experience and education gave us a foundation for every site we visited and brought the history of Turkey alive with his stories. Each morning on the bus Recep would explain the history of the site we were visiting and general information about life in Turkey. He generously shared his own family stories, which personalized the information and the history of this beautiful country. His method allowed him to give more detail as we toured the site and answer our questions. He also ensured that we had free time in the evenings to explore and was always willing to suggest somewhere we could go for dinner or a walk. Recep was extremely courteous, professional and helpful. The information he provided during our tour made the rest of our time in Turkey more enjoyable and this trip wouldn’t have been the same without him as our guide. Recep is also extremely well organized and prepared for every step of the journey. We were always on time and the first to arrive at each site. His polite and courteous manner was demonstrated by the positive relationships he had almost everywhere we stopped. Everyone seemed happy to see him arrive and looked as though they would have liked to tag along. From restaurants to short coffee/toilet breaks on the road, Recep knows the best place to stop. If we had known about him before I would have considered a private tour. Thank you for having such wonderful staff!!

Tamara Dawood  

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

14-Jul-2015

The tour was excellent and we enjoyed it very much. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and imparted interesting information and managed the group, tour timings and logistics very well. The hotels were very good, have nothing negative to comment on. All good.

Linda Hoddinott  

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

02-Sep-2024

We really enjoyed the tour, met some lovely people, and our tour guide Mete was exceptional, very knowledgeable. The tour content was very interesting. Ephesus was our favorite. We were sad to leave the tour and our new friends who were continuing on to Cappadocia and back to Istanbul. Now enjoying Marmaris before leaving for Rhodes.

Tass Messinis  

Istanbul to the Med - 7 days

09-Oct-2024

Yusuf, the tour guide, was terrific. He had exceptional knowledge of all aspects of the tour. He is also a great storyteller and provided intricate insight into the history and culture of times gone by and how Turkiye came to its current point of arrival. The Double Tree Hilton in Istanbul was very disappointing. It was nowhere near a specific area that we could walk to, and the service within the hotel was, quite frankly, abysmal. I am in the travel industry and a Hilton Honors member and I cannot remember the last time I experienced such a poor service culture. The tour itinerary was great; however, we were unaware that we were joining other tours, which was confusing. It seemed we had been corralled, and people split from our group at different times. Another aspect was that others in the group had different interests, which was fine for the most part. However, joining us with people on a religious/church tour in Turkiye may not have been something we felt comfortable with or shared the same interests.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Friday

Feb 01, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
$1865 $1492

Operator discount: -$373

Saturday - Friday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025
$1865 $1492

Operator discount: -$373

Saturday - Friday

Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 02, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

May 03, 2025 - May 09, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

May 10, 2025 - May 16, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

May 24, 2025 - May 30, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Friday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025
$1865 $1492

Operator discount: -$373

Saturday - Friday

Dec 20, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$1865 $1492

Operator discount: -$373

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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