Turkiye on a Budget
9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Cappadocia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TOB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the wonders of Turkey on a budget-friendly adventure that takes you from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Troy and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Start your journey with a welcome meeting in Istanbul, followed by a city tour that includes iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Pay your respects at Gallipoli, explore the legendary city of Troy, and marvel at the ancient city of Ephesus. Relax in the natural hot springs of Pamukkale and delve into the underground city of Derinkuyu. End your trip with a visit to the stunning Dervent Valley before returning to Istanbul. Enjoy comfortable 3-star accommodations, daily breakfasts, and the expertise of local guides throughout your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: 3 Star 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
3 Star hotel
Included Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2: Istanbul City Tour
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: 3 Star 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.
Accommodation
3 Star hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Blue Mosque
Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise - 10 EUR
Entrance Fees
Blue Mosque - Free
Hagia Sophia - 25 EUR
Topkapi Palace Museum - 1700 TL
Day 3: Istanbul, Gallipoli
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: 3 Star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli.
A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Accommodation
3 Star hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches
Day 4: Troy, Kusadasi
Location: Troy
Accommodation Name: 3 Star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse.
We will then continue to Pergamum, and the ruins of the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre.
We will sleep overnight in the seaside town of Kusadasi.
Accommodation
3 Star hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Troy Ancient City – 27 EUR
Day 5: Ephesus, Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: 3 Star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Our first 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.
In the afternoon, we will 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.
Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.
Accommodation
3 Star Hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Pamukkale White Terraces – 30 EUR
Ephesus Ancient City – 40 EUR
Day 6: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: 3 Star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia.
Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by.
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).
Accommodation
3 Star hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City
Entrance Fees
Derinkuyu Underground City - 13 EUR
Day 7: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: 3 Star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation
3 Star hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Goreme Open Air Museum Visit
Sightseeing of Cavusin
Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley
Sightseeing of Uchisar
Optional Activities
Turkish Night Show - 35 EUR
Hot Air Balooning - 290 EUR
Entrance Fees
Goreme Open Air Museum - 20 EUR
Day 8: Cappadocia, Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: 3 Star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Dervent Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
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Accommodation
3 Star hotel
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Dervent Valley
Day 9: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
Meals Included
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star hotels
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Meals
8 breakfasts
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Transportation
Air-conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus.
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Welcome Meeting
Welcome Meeting on Day 1
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Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi (where available)
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Included Activities
Group Dinner, Sightseeing of Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, War Trenches, Troy Ancient City, Pamukkale White Terraces, Ephesus Ancient City, Derinkuyu Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, Dervent Valley
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise - 10 EUR, Turkish Night Show - 35 EUR, Hot Air Ballooning - 290 EUR, Traditional Hamman (Turkish bath)
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Entrance Fees
Hagia Sophia - 25 EUR, Topkapi Palace Museum - 1700 TL, Troy Ancient City - 27 EUR, Pamukkale White Terraces - 30 EUR, Ephesus Ancient City - 40 EUR, Derinkuyu Underground City - 13 EUR, Goreme Open Air Museum - 20 EUR
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable 3-star hotels throughout the tour, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm to ensure a pleasant and relaxing experience.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 3-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 8 breakfasts.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses for transportation.
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Is there a welcome meeting at the start of the tour?
Yes, there is a welcome meeting on Day 1 at 7:00pm in the hotel lobby.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities such as a group dinner on Day 1, a Bosphorus Boat Cruise on Day 2, and a traditional Hamman (Turkish bath) on Day 6. Additionally, there is an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride and a Turkish Night Show on Day 7.
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What are some of the key sightseeing spots included in the tour?
The tour includes sightseeing of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Troy Ancient City, Pamukkale White Terraces, Ephesus Ancient City, Derinkuyu Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Dervent Valley.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour package. For example, the entrance fees for Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Troy Ancient City, Pamukkale White Terraces, Ephesus Ancient City, Derinkuyu Underground City, and Goreme Open Air Museum are additional costs.
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Is there free Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, the trip ends in Istanbul after breakfast, and you will check out of the hotel by 11:00am.
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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.
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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.
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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
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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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.