Highlights of Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

Highlights of Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

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8 Days From

$2278

$1139

Highlights of Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

TH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $2278 $1139 Operator discount: -$1139 -50%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Highlights of Turkey" tour, staying in luxurious 5-star hotels. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring its historical heart with visits to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, including the fairy chimneys and the underground city of Derinkuyu. Capture stunning photos at the Cotton Castle natural springs in Pamukkale and delve into the ancient city of Ephesus. With optional activities like hot-air ballooning and a Turkish Night Show, you can tailor your experience to your liking. Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned transport and the expertise of local guides, while savoring delicious breakfasts and dinners throughout your journey. This cultural and youth-focused tour promises a rich tapestry of experiences, from historical wonders to breathtaking natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Get ready for pinch-yourself moments at the Ancient City of Ephesus.

  • Explore the world-famous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.

  • Snap the ultimate Insta-worthy pics at the Cotton Castle natural springs.

  • Visit the historical old town of Istanbul.

  • Stroll through the historical heart of Istanbul, visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

  • Discover the underground city of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia.

  • Experience the unique landscapes of Devrent Valley and Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

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Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel.

Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide.

Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar.

After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

Accommodation Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star Included Activities Welcome Meeting Optional Activities Group Dinner

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we begin to explore the magical old town of Istanbul.

Stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.

In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

AccommodationLegacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Blue MosqueSightseeing of Hagia SophiaSightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum Optional ActivitiesBosphorus Boat Cruise - 10 EUR Entrance FeesBlue Mosque - FreeHagia Sophia - 25 EURTopkapi Palace Museum 1700 TL

Day 3: Istanbul, Cappadocia

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we sit back and relax in the coach.

Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by.

We will drive through the capital city of Ankara before we reach Cappadocia.

In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground.

End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).

AccommodationAvrasya Hotel - 5 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City Optional ActivitiesTurkish Bath Experience - 30 EUR Entrance FeesDerinkuyu Underground City - 13 EUR

Day 4: Cappadocia

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.

Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast.

We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin.

Tonight, get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish Night.

AccommodationAvrasya Hotel - 5 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner Included ActivitiesGoreme Open Air Museum VisitSightseeing of CavusinSightseeing of Pigeon ValleySightseeing of Uchisar Optional ActivitiesTurkish Night Show - 35 EURHot Air Balooning - 290 EUR Entrance FeesGoreme Open Air Museum - 20 EUR

Day 5: Cappadocia, Konya

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Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to hit the road to Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes – members of the Sufism order.

Along the way we will stop at Devrent Valley, a unique honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period.

You can relax and replay cherished moments of discovery at our overnight stay in Konya.

AccommodationNovotel Konya Hotel – 5 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Devrent Valley

Day 6: Konya, Pamukkale

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Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today.

Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana, also globally known as Rumi.

Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, whose teachings of understanding and acceptance have lived on to this day.

From cultural to natural wonders, we travel towards to the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale.

Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.

AccommodationHierapark Hotel – 5 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Karatay Madrasa - 3 EURMevlana Museum Visit

Day 7: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Signature Blue Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Get your cameras ready, as it is time to visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle' in Turkish.

Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.

The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years.

Our next stop is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus.

Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here.

Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

We will sleep overnight in the seaside town of Kusadasi.

AccommodationSignature Blue Resort – 5 Star Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner Included ActivitiesSightseeing of Pamukkale White TerracesSightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City Entrance FeesPamukkale White Terraces – 30 EUREphesus Ancient City – 40 EUR

Day 8: Kusadasi, Izmir, Istanbul

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Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Ä°zmir airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Your tour ends in Istanbul Airport



Meals Included

Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in 5 star hotels throughout the tour.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners during the tour.

  • Transportation

    Travel in comfort with A/C coach or mini-bus and a domestic flight.

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Receive airport transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.

  • Tour Guiding

    Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Flight

    Domestic flight between Izmir and Istanbul is included.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to various sites are not included.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided and should be arranged separately.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities such as hot-air ballooning are not included in the tour price.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with air-conditioned coaches or mini-buses, and enjoy a domestic flight between Izmir and Istanbul. Airport transfers are provided from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on the first day of the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy luxurious stays at 5-star hotels throughout your journey, including the Legacy Ottoman Hotel in Istanbul, Avrasya Hotel in Cappadocia, Novotel Konya Hotel, Hierapark Hotel in Pamukkale, and Signature Blue Resort in Kusadasi, ensuring comfort and elegance at every stop.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 5-star hotels throughout the trip.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners.

  • Is transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, transportation is provided via an air-conditioned coach or mini-bus, and there is a domestic flight between Izmir and Istanbul.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, airport transfers are included from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the trip?

    Yes, the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are included.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?

    No, entrance fees to various sites are not included in the tour price.

  • Are optional activities included in the tour price?

    No, optional activities such as hot-air ballooning are not included in the tour price.

  • What are some of the optional activities available during the tour?

    Optional activities include a group dinner in Istanbul, a Bosphorus boat cruise, a Turkish bath experience, a hot air balloon ride, and a Turkish night show.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Stephani Ferrari Dalto (Google Reviewer)  

I’m about to finish my...

18-Oct-2024

I’m about to finish my Essential Turkey trip with Travel Talk (October 12th- for 10 days) and had an amazing experience! Our guide Mustafa was fantastic. He took care of every little detail and made sure everyone in our group (42 people, a great mix of ages) was happy and well looked after. I traveled with my mom, and this trip was the perfect way to get a quick, but comprehensive, view of what Turkey has to offer. This was my second time with Travel Talk, and I would definitely choose them again for future adventures!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Dec 07, 2024 - Dec 14, 2024
$2278 $1139

Operator discount: -$1139

Wednesday - Wednesday

Dec 18, 2024 - Dec 25, 2024
$2278 $1139

Operator discount: -$1139

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 29, 2025 - Apr 05, 2025
$2555 $1278

Operator discount: -$1278

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025
$2511 $1256

Operator discount: -$1256

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$2511 $1256

Operator discount: -$1256

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP 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 travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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