Turkish Escape

Turkish Escape

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8 Days From

$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

  • Explore the historic city of Istanbul, including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.

  • Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula and pay tribute at the Anzac Cemetery and Lone Pine Memorial.

  • Discover the ancient city of Troy with a guided tour.

  • Experience the Asklepion in Pergamum, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.

  • Walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the largest Roman archaeological sites.

  • Marvel at the "cotton castles" of Pamukkale, with its stunning white terraces and turquoise pools.

  • Visit Bursa's Great Mosque, historical covered bazaar, and silk market.

  • Explore Iznik, known for its ancient history and famous Iznik tiles.

Places You'll See

Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus

Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus

Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale

Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale

Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadasi

Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadasi

Adempira Termal & Spa

Adempira Termal & Spa

Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa

Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa

The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery

The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Istanbul,Turkey

Istanbul
Istanbul

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

Istanbul
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

Istanbul
Istanbul

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

Ephesus
Pamukkale, Turkey
Roberto Goldone Ruins in Ephesus
Annesha Bhowmik Ruins in Ephesus

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

Pamukkale, Turkey

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

Istanbul
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

Istanbul
Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Guided Sightseeing in Istanbul

    Guided sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar.

  • Visit to Gallipoli

    Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites.

  • Guided Visit of Troy

    Enjoy a guided visit of the ancient city of Troy.

  • Visit to Pergamum

    Guided visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.

  • Visit to Ephesus

    Follow your Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus.

  • Visit to Hierapolis

    Visit the Greco-Roman thermal resort dating back to 190 BC, and see the 'cotton castles' of Pamukkale.

  • Visit to Bursa

    Visit the Great Mosque, the historical covered bazaar, and the silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting.

  • Visit to Iznik

    Guided visit includes the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological museum.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites. ...more ...less

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon ...more ...less

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!! ...more ...less

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both. ...more ...less

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos. ...more ...less

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market. ...more ...less

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 25, 2026
$1020 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Jan 25, 2026 - Feb 01, 2026
$1020 (USD)
Prices last published on 21-Mar-2025

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

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Turkish Escape

8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bursa, Iznik

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KQR-2026

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1020 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 21-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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