Wonders of Turkey - 8 days
Wonders of Turkey - 8 days
Wonders of Turkey - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Turkey, starting and ending in the vibrant city of Istanbul. Discover the architectural wonders of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Pay homage at Gallipoli's poignant WW1 memorials and explore the legendary ruins of Troy. Marvel at the steep amphitheatre of Pergamum and the ancient city of Ephesus, home to the Temple of Artemis. Relax in the thermal pools of Pamukkale and explore the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. Experience the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys and rock-cut chapels. 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Sunday. Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, we'll meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—whether you want to unwind after your journey or begin exploring the captivating city of Istanbul. Later this evening, your guide will reach out with important tour details and information about tomorrow's departure.
Day 2: 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 3: 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 4: Ephesus
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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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
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Breakfast daily and 6 dinners
Enjoy daily breakfast and six dinners during your tour.
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7 nights 4 star and special class hotels
Stay in 4-star and special class hotels for 7 nights.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Receive an airport arrival transfer on the first day of the tour.
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Economy class flight from Cappadocia (Keyseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 8
An economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is included on the last day.
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Guided sightseeing - Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Cappadocia
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours of Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia.
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Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
All transfers and transportation are provided in private, modern, air-conditioned vehicles.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with private modern air-conditioned vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation. The tour includes an economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, ensuring a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, providing comfort and a touch of luxury throughout your journey in Turkey. Each hotel offers a unique experience, ensuring a restful stay after days filled with exploration and adventure.
Age Policy
16 years with an accompanying adult
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 4-star and special class hotels.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer is included on day 1 of the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily and 6 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private modern air-conditioned vehicles.
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Is there a flight included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, an economy class flight from Cappadocia (Kayseri Airport) to Istanbul is included on day 8.
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Will there be a tour guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour includes guided sightseeing of Gallipoli, Troy, the ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cappadocia.
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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.
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What is the recommended tipping policy 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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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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