Highlights of Turkey
Highlights of Turkey
$2583
Highlights of Turkey
10 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Ephesus, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme
Tour operator:
Tour code:
THOTZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Highlights of Turkey" tour. This cultural adventure begins in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Delve into history at Gallipoli and Troy, and connect with locals in Demircidere while enjoying traditional bread and wine. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the thermal wonders of Pamukkale. Experience the spiritual heart of Konya and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, staying in a hotel carved from rock. Enjoy a private concert at the museum of Classical Turkish Music, supporting sustainable cultural initiatives. Travel in comfort with luxury transportation, including a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, and stay in carefully selected hotels. With expert guidance, flexible sightseeing, and a blend of included meals, this tour offers a rich tapestry of Turkey's past and present, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Dinner
Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.
Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before viewing the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. The evening is yours to further explore the city.
Day 3: Journey To Gallipoli And Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation: Kolin
Accommodation Name: Kolin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where tonight you’ll dine at the hotel.
Day 4: Off To Troy And Izmir Connect With Locals
Location: Izmir
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Accommodation Name: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege. This afternoon, Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. Travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later and dine in your hotel this evening.
Day 5: Admire The Ruins Of Ephesus And On To Pamukkale
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation: Colossae Thermal
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theater, built by the Romans in the 2nd-century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 6: Onwards To Hierapolis And Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation: Dedeman
Accommodation Name: Dedeman
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. Your last stop today is Konya where tonight you'll dine at the hotel.
Day 7: Continue To Cappadocia Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exedra
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses.
Day 8: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme
Location: Göreme
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Accommodation Name: Exedra
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys. Join your fellow travelers for an included dinner this evening.
Day 9: Return To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli
Accommodation Name: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, Dive into Culture as you shop for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city your way. Enjoy a sensory explosion at the vibrant Spice Market, take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet or find a quiet rooftop café and admire Istanbul’s iconic skyline. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
The tour includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
-
Ferry across the Dardanelles
The tour includes a ferry ride across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale.
-
Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
A flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul is included in the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Optional Experiences
Optional experiences are not included in the tour price and are available at an additional cost.
-
Airfare
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included.
Dining Summary
7 Dinner (D)9 Breakfast (B)1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi, where you will experience a private concert by Music Conservancy students. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn about pottery making in Avanos and shop at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
-
What is the 'Be My Guest' experience in Demircidere?
In Demircidere, you will meet the most liberated women in Turkey, learn how to bake traditional bread, and taste local wine during a Be My Guest lunch.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour offers cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including the Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Sisli, Kolin Hotel Canakkale, Movenpick Izmir, Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal Pamukkale, Dedeman Konya Hotel, and Exedra Hotel Cappadocia.
-
How does the tour contribute to sustainable tourism?
The tour supports sustainable tourism by advancing United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goals 4 and 11 through visits that provide opportunities for students to perform and contribute to Turkey’s cultural vibrancy. It also supports the TURKEV association in safeguarding Turkish traditional architectures and houses.
-
What are some of the historical sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the battlefields of Gallipoli, the ancient city of Troy, the ruins of Ephesus, and the Mevlana Museum in Konya.
-
What transportation is included in the tour?
Transportation includes a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi, a ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale, and a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Friday - Sunday
Mar 28, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 02, 2025 - May 11, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Friday - Sunday
Mar 27, 2026 - Apr 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
Apr 10, 2026 - Apr 19, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 01, 2026 - May 10, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 15, 2026 - May 24, 2026Friday - Sunday
May 29, 2026 - Jun 07, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 12, 2026 - Jun 21, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jun 26, 2026 - Jul 05, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 10, 2026 - Jul 19, 2026Friday - Sunday
Jul 24, 2026 - Aug 02, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 07, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 21, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026Friday - Sunday
Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 06, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 04, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 11, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 18, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026Friday - Sunday
Sep 25, 2026 - Oct 04, 2026Friday - Sunday
Oct 09, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar 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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.