Best of Turkey
Best of Turkey
$3150
Best of Turkey
14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WBOTZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Best of Turkey" tour, where ancient history and vibrant culture collide. Begin your adventure in Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, before diving into the bustling Grand Bazaar. Pay homage at Gallipoli, wander through the ruins of Troy, and marvel at the ancient city of Ephesus. Relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and explore the archaeological wonders of Antalya. Discover the mystical Whirling Dervishes in Konya and the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, staying in unique accommodations carved from rock. Conclude your journey in Ankara, visiting the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, before returning to Istanbul for a final exploration. With luxury transportation, expert guidance, and cherry-picked hotels, this tour offers a rich tapestry of experiences, blending cultural immersion with historical exploration.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Istanbul
- Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, ancient ruins of Troy, ancient city at Ephesus, Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, Archaeological Museum in Antalya, home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, underground city of Saratli and Goreme Open-Air Museum
Make Travel Matter®
Istanbul: Visit the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi. Recently brought back to its former architectural glory, this unique museum holds a rare collection of traditional instruments, which we experience first hand during a private concert by Music Conservancy students. This experience advances United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goal 4: Quality Education. Our visits provide opportunities for the students to perform. This experience also advances United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Our visits contribute to Turkey’s cultural vibrancy in safeguarding traditional forms of music which was fast disappearing. Our visits also support the important work of TURKEV association, who researches and safeguards Turkish traditional architectures and houses. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 11: Quality Education and Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Trafalgar Difference
Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza - Old City
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Dinner
Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable Light Meal to kick off your epic adventure.
Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza - Old City
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. See the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Dive Into Culture this afternoon, with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Spend your afternoon haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes.
Day 3: Journey To Gallipoli And Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation: Iris
Accommodation Name: Kolin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli – the national pride of two nations, the Turkish and Australians, were awakened at the site of the bloody WWI battlefields and are commemorated to this day. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting place of many Allied soldiers. We continue to Çanakkale where we dine at our hotel tonight.
Day 4: Off To Troy And Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore the legends of Troy and see the symbolic replica of the famous Wooden Horse the Greeks used to break their siege of this ancient city. Retire in Izmir this evening where you'll dine at your hotel.
Day 5: Explore The Ruins Of Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact façade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry of carpet weaving. Visit the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki.
Day 6: Onwards To Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Colossae Thermal
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.
Day 7: Venture To Hierapolis And Antalya Connect With Locals
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Enjoy Ancient Perge
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a morning on your terms to soak up the enchanting seaside atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera, embarking on an optional yacht cruise or relaxing at the hotel pool. This afternoon, we travel to the Roman city of Perge to visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and see treasures spanning the centuries.
Day 9: On The Road To Aspendos And Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation: Dedeman
Accommodation Name: Dedeman
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
Day 10: Continue To Cappadocia Stays With Stories
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Dilek Kaya
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
Day 11: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture
Location: Göreme
Accommodation: Dilek Kaya
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Onwards To Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton
Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure Ankara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.
Day 13: Return To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza - Old City
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Returning to Istanbul, we enjoy the rest of the day on our own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savor the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus before meeting your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable dinner.
Day 14: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi or alternative transportation is included.
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
A ferry crossing across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included.
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Visas
Costs associated with obtaining visas or passports are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and their associated costs are not included.
Dining Summary
- 10 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
- 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.
- : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in the Istanbul visit?
In Istanbul, you will visit the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi, which has been restored to its former architectural glory. This museum holds a rare collection of traditional instruments, and you will experience a private concert by Music Conservancy students.
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What is special about the accommodation in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will stay at the Exedra Hotel, where the rooms are carved from rock and feature unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During the hotel's construction, a chapel was uncovered, which inspired the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.
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What historical sites will be visited in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you will visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. You will also see the exquisite Blue Mosque and the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk.
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What activities are planned in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will explore the volcanic landscape, visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to see rock-hewn churches, and learn about pottery making in Avanos. You will also enjoy a Regional Dinner featuring traditional pottery kebabs.
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What is the significance of the visit to Gallipoli?
The visit to Gallipoli is significant as it is a site of national pride for both Turkey and Australia, commemorating the soldiers who lost their lives during the WWI battlefields. You will see Anzac Cove, the Dardanelles, and the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.
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What can be expected during the visit to Pamukkale?
In Pamukkale, you will relax in the thermal pools at your hotel and visit the Roman health spa at Hierapolis. You will also admire the Cotton Castle Springs, known for their bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water.
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What is included in the tour's transportation?
The tour includes transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and a ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale.
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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
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