Highlights of Turkey
Highlights of Turkey
Tour Overview
Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Haggle in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.
Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before viewing the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. The evening is yours to further explore the city.
Day 3: Journey To Gallipoli And Çanakkale
Location: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale
Accommodation: Kolin
Accommodation Name: Kolin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where tonight you’ll dine at the hotel.
Day 4: Off To Troy And Izmir Connect With Locals
Location: Çanakkale, Troy, Demircidere, Izmir
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege. This afternoon, Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. Travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later and dine in your hotel this evening.
Day 5: Admire The Ruins Of Ephesus And On To Pamukkale
Location: Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale
Accommodation: Colossae Thermal
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theater, built by the Romans in the 2nd-century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 6: Onwards To Hierapolis And Konya
Location: Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Konya
Accommodation: Dedeman
Accommodation Name: Dedeman
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. Your last stop today is Konya where tonight you'll dine at the hotel.
Day 7: Continue To Cappadocia Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Location: Konya, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exedra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses.
Day 8: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme
Location: Cappadocia, Göreme, Saratli, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exedra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys. Join your fellow travelers for an included dinner this evening.
Day 9: Return To Istanbul
Location: Cappadocia, Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, Dive into Culture as you shop for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city your way. Enjoy a sensory explosion at the vibrant Spice Market, take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet or find a quiet rooftop café and admire Istanbul’s iconic skyline. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
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Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
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Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale, Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Specific accommodation details include Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Sisli, Kolin Hotel Canakkale, Movenpick Izmir, Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal Pamukkale, Dedeman Konya Hotel, and Exedra Hotel Cappadocia.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
Check out our Q&As
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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