Best of Turkey
Best of Turkey
Best of Turkey
11 Days Starting and ending in 41.008240,28.978359
Visiting: Turkey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
298
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Turkey is a truly magical destination. Steeped in history and filled with important ancient sites and historical landmarks, it offers a deeply captivating experience.
This 11-day tour takes you from Istanbul, the grand capital, to many of the country’s best destinations, before ending again in Istanbul.
See the ruins of ancient cities and visit the resting places of important men in history. You explore the unique and bizarre natural landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
We then travel down the ancient Silk Road, just as the ancient traders did before returning to modern life feeling as through you had journeyed through time!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Extras:
Accommodation Name: <STRONG>Day 1: Tour starts in Istanbul </STRONG>Your 11-day adventure starts off with your arrival in Istanbul. One of the most fascinating and grand cities in the world, Istanbul is rich with culture and history.Uniquely located at the junction of Europe
Single room supplement (TUSGTG), Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Day 2 : Day 2: Tour Of Istanbul Old City
Accommodation Name: We start the day exploring the historical part of Istanbul known as the Old City. You visit some of the most iconic landmarks, including the world-famous Blue Mosque, the beautiful Hagia Sophia, the intriguing Topkapi Palace and the historic Hippodrome.Yo
Day 3 : Day 3: Bosphorus River Cruise: Fly To Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: After breakfast, cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.This afternoon there is
Day 4 : Day 4: Cappadocia Fairy Chimneys And Rock Formations
Accommodation Name: A day filled with fascinating cultural experiences awaits us. We visit the Goreme Open Air Musuem, one of the most unique places to visit in Turkey. It is comprised of a series of monasteries and churches hewn into the rock formations, many still retainin
Day 5 : Day 5: Kaymakli Underground City: Silk Road: Stop At Sultan Hani Caravansary: Mevlana Museum In Konya
Accommodation Name: Today we visit the mazes and tunnels of Kaymakli Underground City. We then travel along the famous ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We stop at the Sultan Hani Caravansary.In ancient times, a caravansary was a roadside inn where travellers were able to sto
Day 6 : Day 6: Pamukkale Hot Springs: Hierapolis
Accommodation Name: Today we head towards the famous travertines and hot springs of Pamukkale. This magical natural site is a bucket-list destination and is visited by around 2 million people each year. The white limestone cascades and bright blue pools contrast beautifully,
Day 7 : Day 7: Laodicea
Accommodation Name: Today, we will explore Laodicea ancient city which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis ("the City of Zeus"). The Greek de
Day 8 : Day 8: City Of Ephesus. Sirince Wine Tasting
Accommodation Name: Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus a once a bustling trade hub and religious center, Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from site of the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus's grand facade and the grand amphitheat
Day 9 : Day 9: Mediterranean Coast: Pergamum Acropolis: Ancient Troy
Accommodation Name: We enjoy a scenic drive today heading north up the Mediterranean coast before we visit the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. The impressive temples and library here made this a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Our next stop is the anci
Day 10 : Day 10: Gallipoli Battlefields And Memorials. Return To Istanbul
Accommodation Name: After crossing the Dardanelles Strait by ferry, we make a tour of the important World War 1 battlefield sites on the Gallipoli Peninsula, including ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston’s Jolly, original tunnels and trenches and the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memo
Day 11 : Day 11: Tour Ends In Istanbul. Departure Airport Transfer
Accommodation Name: Our 11-day adventure in Turkey ends today. We enjoy breakfast in Istanbul, after which your time is free until we pick you up to transfer to the airport for your onward journey home.<STRONG> OVERNIGHT: </STRONG> <STRONG> MEALS: </STRONG> Breakfast
What's Included
What's Not Included
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees (e-visa or visa on arrival for most nationalities)
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks and o
More Info
Turkey is a truly magical destination. Steeped in history and filled with important ancient sites and historical landmarks, it offers a deeply captivating experience. This 11-day tour takes you from Istanbul, the grand capital, to many of the country’s best destinations, before ending again in Istanbul. See the ruins of ancient cities and visit the resting places of important men in history. You explore the unique and bizarre natural landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale. We then travel down the ancient Silk Road, just as the ancient traders did before returning to modern life feeling as through you had journeyed through time!
Mode of Transport
AC minibus/coach
Domestic flight
Accommodation
4-star, 5-star & boutique hotels
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
In Turkey we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking guide for all of the sightseeing tours. Our local reps in some of the towns and cities en-route are also at your service. At Encounters Travel we try to use local Turkish guides and reps as much as possible. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Turkey, and need to obtain it in advance online through http://www.evisa.gov.tr. Applicants just need to log on to the following link, provide the requested information, (after the application is approved) make online payment and download their e-Visa. More information is available here http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
From the 2nd March 2020 all UK nationals will not need to obtain a visa for Turkey (for visits of up to 90 days in each 180 day period). This will also apply to citizens of the Schengen area countries Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
In Turkey we provide a fully trained, local English-speaking guide for all of the sightseeing tours. Our local reps in some of the towns and cities en-route are also at your service. At Encounters Travel we try to use local Turkish guides and reps as much as possible. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination.
You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for Turkey are Hepatitis A and Tetanus.
More information is available here: Turkey
Malaria map - there is low risk malaria in some south eastern regions, not visited on our tours.
Yellow fever certificates are not required. -
What should I know before traveling?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
All our Turkey tours (except tours which feature Gulets) include an airport meet and greet and transfer service on the first day of your tour. This is available from/to both of Istanbul's airports; Istanbul Ataturk (IST) and Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). Our representative will be holding an Encounters Travel signboard with your name displayed for easy identification. If you can't find our representative, our emergency contact numbers are given in your tour confirmation voucher.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to incorrect flight details being provided or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
If your flights arrive/depart before/after the tour starts/ends then we will be very happy to arrange additional accommodation and airport transfers for you. We will aim to book these in the same hotel as the main tour, though this will be subject to availability (upgraded hotels are also available on request). If you do not book your additional accommodation through us, then our arrival/departure service is not included and you will need to make your own airport transfer arrangements.
Welcome meeting: Our group tours will commence with a welcome meeting at 7pm in the reception of your hotel, where you will have the chance to meet your guide and the rest of your tour group. For those arriving after 7pm, details regarding Day 2 activities will be left at reception. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 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 encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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