Wonders of Turkey - 8 days
Wonders of Turkey - 8 days
$2035
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the "Wonders of Turkey," where history and natural beauty converge. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Travel in style with private, air-conditioned vehicles and enjoy an economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. Discover the poignant WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli, the legendary ruins of Troy, and the steep Roman amphitheater in Pergamum. Wander through the marble ruins of Ephesus, and marvel at the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. In Cappadocia, explore the surreal landscapes of Goreme Valley and the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. With 7 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, daily breakfasts, and 6 dinners included, this tour offers a perfect blend of comfort and cultural exploration, all guided by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide. ...more ...less
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. ...more ...less
Day 2: Canakkale
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: 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: Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: 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: 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, Hierapolis
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: 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: Pamukkale, Sultanhani Caravanserai, Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: 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, Goreme Valley, Zelve, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, Kaymakli
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.Please note: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is dependent on the weather conditions. Book and pay locally - budget EUR €390 per person.
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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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Receive a transfer from the airport to your hotel upon arrival on the first day.
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Economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul on day 8
An economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is included on the last day of the tour.
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Guided sightseeing
Experience guided sightseeing tours of Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and 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
Travel in style with private modern air-conditioned vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation.
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.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees amounting to EUR€255-275 per person, paid in EUR, are not included.
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Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is not included and is dependent on weather conditions. It can be booked and paid locally, with a budget of EUR €390 per person.
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
15 yrs
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses private modern air-conditioned vehicles for all relevant transfers and transportation. Additionally, there is an economy class flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul included in the tour.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, offering comfort and a touch of luxury throughout the journey in Turkey.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and 6 dinners are included in the tour package.
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Is there a tour guide provided during the trip?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price. They amount to EUR €255-275 per person and are paid in EUR.
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Is tipping included in the tour package?
No, 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.
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What is the recommended time to book onward flights after the tour ends?
It is recommended to book any onward flights after 3pm to account for any potential delays, as the tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul at 12pm.
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Is hot air ballooning available during the tour?
Yes, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is available but dependent on weather conditions. It can be booked and paid for locally, with a budget of EUR €390 per person.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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.
Enquire for Extra Savings
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Wonders of Turkey - 8 days
8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Sultanhani Caravanserai, Cappadocia, Goreme Valley, Zelve, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, Kaymakli ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
15-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology