Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group
Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group
Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group
15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Bursa, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Çanakkale, Gallipoli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
I949N26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Turkey with the "Treasures of Turkey - Classic Group" tour. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise. Travel to historic Bursa, the ancient city of Troy, and the poignant Gallipoli Peninsula. Discover the underground cities and fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, and visit the well-preserved Roman theater in Aspendos. Experience the thermal pools of Pamukkale, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the charming coastal town of Kusadasi. This tour offers a rich blend of cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise And Bursa
Location: Bursa
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses, on the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa. A large city in northwest Turkey, it was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here we visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.
Day 3: Cumalikizik And Gordion
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day of culture in the charming village of Cumalikizik, with its traditional wooden houses and very narrow cobblestone streets. Later you’ll head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.
Day 4: Sophisticated Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views.
Day 5: The Underground Cities Of Cappadocia Experience
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia could never be called ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today you’ll travel to the striking town of Göreme. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and get a taste of Anatolia’s regional flavors. This establishment provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Özkonak where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and holes with your Travel Director. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living, learning about local traditions and family life. This evening you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travelers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. Once here, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.
Day 7: Through The Taurus Mountains
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Akra Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You day begins with a scenic drive down the Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theater anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travelers. Visit Antalya's pretty Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.
Day 8: Antalya's Old Town
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Akra Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is yours to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbor or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.
Day 9: The Pools Of Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Day 10: Kusadasi
Location: Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, in Geyre. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. Arrive into the coastal resort of Kusadasi for an evening at leisure.
Day 11: Ancient Ephesus
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheater, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
Day 12: Troy And Çanakkale Relaxed Start
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan war and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city’s walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields.
Day 13: Gallipoli And Anzac Cove
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that, for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Day 14: Istanbul And The Ottoman Empire
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537, famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
What's Included
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Meals
14 Breakfasts, 9 Dinners, and 1 Lunch are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at various hotels including Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, Movenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, Novotel Konya, Akra Antalya, Doga Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, Charisma De Luxe in Kusadasi, and DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale.
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Transport
Transport between locations including airport transfers.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and visits to various historical and cultural sites including Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Ephesus, Troy, and Gallipoli.
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Bosphorus Cruise
A relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
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Cultural Experiences
Unique cultural experiences such as a Whirling Dervishes performance, pottery making in Avanos, and a visit to a traditional cave house in Cappadocia.
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Local Dining
Dinners at local restaurants in Istanbul, Cappadocia, and other locations.
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Museum Visits
Visits to various museums including the Hittite Museum, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with airport transfers, a Bosphorus cruise, and scenic drives through Turkey's diverse landscapes, including the Taurus Mountains and the Silk Road. Enjoy ferry crossings and comfortable coach rides between destinations.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a variety of hotels including Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, Movenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, Novotel Konya, Akra Antalya, Doga Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, Charisma De Luxe in Kusadasi, and DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of unique experiences can I expect in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings in Göreme, visit the underground city of Özkonak, and take a tour of a local's cave house to learn about their unique way of life. Additionally, you will witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes and dine at a local restaurant.
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What activities are included in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you will enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, explore Hagia Sophia, and visit the Topkapi Palace. You will also have the opportunity to bargain in the bustling Grand Bazaar and enjoy traditional flavors over dinner at a local restaurant.
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What historical sites will I visit in Ankara?
In Ankara, you will visit the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey.
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What can I expect to see in Ephesus?
In Ephesus, you will walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheater, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary situated above the Ephesus ruins.
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What is special about the visit to Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant?
The Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. It focuses on empowering women through employment, teaching them various skills such as cooking, knitting, and merchandising their products.
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What will I experience in Pamukkale?
In Pamukkale, you will see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis and explore the gleaming white travertine terraces. You will also have the opportunity to take full advantage of the indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room, and Turkish bath complex at your hotel.
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What is included in the visit to Troy?
In Troy, you will explore the ancient city, hear about its nearly 4000-year-old settlement, see the wooden Trojan Horse, and learn about the myths and legends connected to this archaeological site.
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What will I see in Antalya?
In Antalya, you will visit the historic Old Town, wander through its charming narrow streets, discover souvenir markets, and enjoy sweeping sea views. You will also visit the best-preserved Roman theater in Aspendos.
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What is the significance of the visit to Gallipoli?
In Gallipoli, you will learn about the events of the Great War, visit Anzac Cove, and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery, where Anzac troops fought for nine months in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations 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 insight vacations 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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