Turkish Escape
Turkish Escape
$1020
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Turkish Escape" tour, a captivating journey through Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, and savor traditional Turkish coffee. Travel to Gallipoli to honor the WWI battlefields, then visit the ancient city of Troy. Discover the healing sanctuary of Asklepion in Pergamum and the archaeological wonders of Ephesus. Marvel at Pamukkale's stunning "cotton castles" and explore Bursa's bustling bazaars. In Iznik, admire the birthplace of the renowned Iznik tiles. Conclude your adventure back in Istanbul with a farewell dinner, reflecting on the diverse experiences and historical treasures encountered along the way. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in top hotels and indulge in delicious local cuisine with 7 breakfasts and 5 dinners included. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable escape. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Istanbul,Turkey
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus
Meals Included: Dinner
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus
Meals Included: Breakfast
ISTANBUL A Gateway between Orient and Occident ISTANBUL Guided sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. [LF] Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
Day 3: Istanbul,Gallipoli,Troy Area
Location: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy
Accommodation Name: Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ISTANBUL–GALLIPOLI–TROY AREA Bravery on the Beach
GALLIPOLI Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry.
TROY Enjoy a guided visit of the ancient city. (B,D) 236 mi/ 380 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & HERITAGE Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.
Day 4: Troy Area,Pergamum,Kusadasi
Location: Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
TROY AREA–PERGAMUM–KUSADASI The Sacred Way PERGAMUM Guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.
EPHESUS Visit the archaeological museum. (B,D) 267 mi / 430 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. The sick approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a path that started their journey to health determined according to what dreams the patience experienced and which also included theatre shows. All of this was done in the belief that healing was a sacred art, and that people’s souls needed to be mended as well as their bodies.
Day 5: Kusadasi,Ephesus,Pamukkale
Location: Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Adempira Termal & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
KUSADASI–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE Ancient Civilization Preserved EPHESUS Follow your Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins.
HIERAPOLIS Visit the Greco-Roman thermal resort dating back to 190 BC, and see the “cotton castles” of Pamukkale, the stunning natural wonder comprised of brilliant white terraces and turquoise pools of water. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
Day 6: Pamukkale,Bursa
Location: Pamukkale, Bursa
Accommodation Name: Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast
PAMUKKALE–BURSA In the Shadow of Mount Olympus BURSA Visit the Great Mosque, the historical covered bazaar, and the silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. (B) 280mi / 450 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT TASTES ON THE SILK ROAD Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey’s centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city’s famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk.
Day 7: Bursa,Iznik,Istanbul
Location: Bursa, Iznik, Istanbul
Accommodation Name: The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BURSA–IZNIK–ISTANBUL Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council IZNIK Guided visit includes the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological museum.
ISTANBUL Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (B,D) 137 mi / 220 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES Iznik is a completely "open-air museum" with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles – a treasured artform dating back to the Ottoman Empire.
Day 8: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Guided Sightseeing in Istanbul
Guided sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.
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Visit to Gallipoli
Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites.
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Guided Visit of Troy
Enjoy a guided visit of the ancient city of Troy.
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Visit to Pergamum
Guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.
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Visit to Ephesus
Follow your Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
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Visit to Hierapolis
Visit the Greco-Roman thermal resort dating back to 190 BC, and see the 'cotton castles' of Pamukkale.
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Visit to Bursa
Visit the Great Mosque, the historical covered bazaar, and the silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting.
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Visit to Iznik
Guided visit includes the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological museum.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Archaeological Site of Troy, Hierapolis-Pamukkale, and Historic Areas of Istanbul.
What's Not Included
Mobility Limitations
Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes guided sightseeing and transportation between destinations, including a ferry crossing of the Dardanelles.
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort at the Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus, Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale, Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadasi, Adempira Termal & Spa, Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa, and The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery.
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Notes
Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
UNESCO Sites
Archaeological Site of Troy|Hierapolis-Pamukkale|Historic Areas of Istanbul
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect in Istanbul during the tour?
In Istanbul, you will enjoy guided sightseeing that includes visits to the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Additionally, you will experience a traditional Turkish coffee at a historical coffee roaster.
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What historical sites will be visited in Gallipoli?
In Gallipoli, the tour includes visits to the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites.
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What is special about the visit to Pergamum?
In Pergamum, you will have a guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine, which was historically significant for its healing practices.
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What unique natural wonder will I see in Pamukkale?
In Pamukkale, you will visit the 'cotton castles,' which are stunning natural terraces and turquoise pools of water, part of the Greco-Roman thermal resort of Hierapolis.
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What can I expect to see in Bursa?
In Bursa, the tour includes visits to the Great Mosque, the historical covered bazaar, and the silk market, along with a tasting of Kestane Sekeri, a local sweet.
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What is the significance of Iznik on the tour?
Iznik is known for its ancient history and is considered an 'open-air museum.' It is also famous for the Iznik tiles, an art form dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The tour includes a guided visit to the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological museum.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Archaeological Site of Troy, Hierapolis-Pamukkale, and the Historic Areas of Istanbul.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP 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 globus 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.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.
Turkish Escape
8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bursa, Iznik
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KQR-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology