Highlights of Turkey - 9 days

Highlights of Turkey - 9 days

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9 Days From

$2025

$1620

Highlights of Turkey - 9 days

9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2025 $1620 Operator discount: -$405 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 24-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Turkey, exploring its rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll marvel at the architectural wonders of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Pay homage at Gallipoli's poignant WW1 memorials before stepping back in time at the legendary ruins of Troy and the steep amphitheatre of Pergamum. Discover the ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis, and relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale. In Cappadocia, be enchanted by the surreal landscapes and rock-cut chapels of Goreme Valley. Enjoy guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and an included flight back to Istanbul, all while being escorted by a knowledgeable Turkish guide. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable Turkish adventure.

Highlights

  • Cappadocia – Admire the surreal landscape and explore Goreme Valley, discovering clifftop houses, rock-cut chapels, and castles.

  • Istanbul – Visit highlights of the Old City including the beautiful Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and imposing Topkapi Palace.

  • Ephesus – Tour the marble ruins of this Roman city which was once the site of the great Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.

  • Pamukkale – Stroll around the terraced pools and opt for a relaxing dip in the naturally warm and calcium-rich waters.

  • Gallipoli – Pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials and visit ANZAC Cove, a famous WW1 landing site.

  • Troy – Discover the legendary ruins and see a replica of the famous wooden horse which, as the story goes, was used to sack the city.

  • Pergamum – Marvel at the Roman amphitheatre which is one of the steepest in the classical world.

  • Hierapolis – See the UNESCO-listed ruins of this ancient spa town, built on the site of natural hot springs.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Saturday. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your holiday. There's an included arrival transfer to our hotel. After check in, relax in the hotel or head out and explore the city. At 8 pm, we'll gather in the hotel to meet our fellow travellers and the guide before our adventure begins.

Day 2: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we'll embark on a fascinating tour through the Old City of Istanbul, we'll visit stunning examples of architecture that hail from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires eras. We’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, both inside and out. See the six exterior minarets and the famed blue Iznik tiles. Discover the Hippodrome and view the exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Finally, we explore the impressive interior of Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.

Day 3: Canakkale

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.

Day 4: Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Gallipoli – Kusadasi. This morning we enjoy a short guided tour of Troy. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought to life by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed nine ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 BC. We enjoy a tour of the ruins and admire a replica of the Trojan wooden horse that, as legend goes, was filled with Aechaean soldiers who helped to sack Troy.





Driving further south we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheatres in the classical world. Pergamum was also famous for its Asclepion (medical centre). We continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast via a leather manufacturing house.

Day 5: Ephesus

Roberto Goldone

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we explore legendary Ephesus - perhaps the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Under Roman rule, Ephesus was a vast and prosperous city with a population nearing 250,000. It was an important centre of commerce and a popular destination for pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.





We have plenty of time to tour the marble ruins of Ephesus. Discover the famous Library of Celsus, the Stadium, the gymnasium of Vedius and the Great Theatre. We’ll see ancient public toilets, a brothel, fountains and various temples. There's also a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.

Day 6: Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi – Pamukkale. Driving east, we arrive at Pamukkale - home of the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they're a natural phenomena and gift from Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs are known as travertines. Take a barefoot walk along the travertines or opt for a dip in the warm waters of the thermal pool, with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns.





Our last stop of the day is the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, famed for the curative powers of its mineral springs. These were dammed to create communal baths.

Day 7: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia. This morning, we depart from Pamukkale and journey towards Cappadocia, making a notable stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a beautifully preserved example of ancient Silk Road architecture. Continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique geological formations. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel, where you'll spend the two nights.

Day 8: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we enjoy a guided tour of Cappadocia - perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary national treasures. The utter improbability of the surreal landscape has to be seen to be believed with its ‘stuff of fables’ cave dwellings and phallic ‘fairy chimneys’ landscape. Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia.





A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. See stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples. Marvel at Zelve, with its phallic-like eroded landscape. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley, where centuries old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs. Our tour also takes in the incredible Uchisar castle-mountain. Enjoy marvelous views of Cappadocia from the summit and explore the underground city of Kaymakli.





You'll also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, which specializes in historic jewellery designs that are unique to Turkey and crafted using local materials. For those not interested in shopping, there's time to relax and grab a drink from the local cafe. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 9: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sunday. Cappadocia - Istanbul. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul, arriving at IST airport by 12pm. To account for any potential delays, we recommend booking any onward flights after 3pm. Alternatively, contact us to book a night of post-tour accommodation.





The tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!

What's Included

  • Breakfast daily and 7 dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfast and seven dinners included in the tour package.

  • 8 nights 4 star and special class hotels

    Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 8 nights during the tour.

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1

    Receive a complimentary airport arrival transfer on the first day of the tour.

  • Economy class flight from Cappadocia (Keyseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 9

    An economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is included on the last day of the tour.

  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Cappadocia

    Enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia.

  • Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide

    The tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.

  • All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

    All transfers and transportation during the tour are provided in private, modern, air-conditioned vehicles.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

    International flights and visa costs are not included in the tour package.

  • Tip for your tour guide and driver

    Tips for the tour guide and driver are not included.

    It is recommended to allow EUR €5 - 7 per day for the guide and EUR €2 per day for the driver.

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees amounting to EUR €255-275 per person, paid in EUR, are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with private modern air-conditioned vehicles, including an airport arrival transfer and an economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul on day 9.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, offering comfort and a touch of luxury throughout your journey in Turkey.

Age Policy

16 years with an accompanying adult

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in 4-star and special class hotels.

  • Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, there is an airport arrival transfer included on day 1 of the tour.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the trip?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes breakfast daily and 7 dinners.

  • Is there a flight included in the tour itinerary?

    Yes, there is an economy class flight from Cappadocia (Kayseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 9.

  • What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?

    The tour visits several key historical sites including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the ruins of Ephesus, the ancient city of Troy, and the Roman amphitheatre in Pergamum.

  • What is the recommended tipping amount for the tour guide and driver?

    It is recommended to allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and EUR €2 per day for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Are entrance fees included in the tour price?

    No, entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be EUR €255-275 per person, paid in EUR.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

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

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Saturday - Sunday

Jan 04, 2025 - Jan 12, 2025
$2025 $1620

Operator discount: -$405

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Feb 15, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
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Operator discount: -$405

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Operator discount: -$427

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Operator discount: -$427

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Operator discount: -$427

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Apr 26, 2025 - May 04, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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Operator discount: -$427

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May 17, 2025 - May 25, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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May 24, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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Jun 28, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
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Operator discount: -$427

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Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

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Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 18, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$2135 $1708

Operator discount: -$427

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 01, 2025 - Nov 09, 2025
$2025 $1620

Operator discount: -$405

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 15, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025
$2025 $1620

Operator discount: -$405

Saturday - Sunday

Nov 29, 2025 - Dec 07, 2025
$2025 $1620

Operator discount: -$405

Saturday - Sunday

Dec 13, 2025 - Dec 21, 2025
$2025 $1620

Operator discount: -$405

Prices last published on 23-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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