Country(ies): Turkey
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 20
Accommodation:4 to 5-star hotels
Meals: Breakfasts - 7, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 4
Transport: A/C minibus & internal flight
Highlights:Istanbul Old City, Gallipoli Battlefields, Troy, Pergamum, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Pamukkale - Calcium Travertines, Hieropolis
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Turkey with our meticulously crafted 8-day tour, offering an immersive introduction to this culturally rich and historically significant land. Our adventure begins amidst the ancient splendor of Istanbul, a city steeped in history and tradition, where the East meets the West in a captivating blend of cultures. As we wander through its labyrinthine streets, we'll marvel at iconic landmarks such as the majestic Hagia Sophia, the grand Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar, immersing ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of Turkish life.
But our exploration doesn't stop there. Delving deeper into Turkey's storied past, we venture onwards to the solemn cemeteries and poignant war memorials of Gallipoli, paying tribute to the fallen heroes of a bygone era. From there, we traverse the azure waters of the Dardanelles by ferry, arriving at the legendary archaeological site of Troy, where the echoes of ancient legends whisper through the ruins, including the iconic wooden horse that stands as a testament to the city's mythical past.
Continuing our odyssey through time, we ascend to the hilltop ruins of Pergamum, once a mighty citadel of the ancient world, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and a glimpse into the grandeur of Hellenistic civilization. Then, we journey onwards to the awe-inspiring Roman city of Ephesus, where the remnants of an illustrious past come to life amidst its remarkably preserved streets, temples, and amphitheaters, offering a window into the opulence and sophistication of Roman urban life.
Leaving behind the coastal vistas, we venture inland to behold the surreal beauty of Pamukkale, where cascading terraces of shimmering white travertine create an otherworldly landscape, juxtaposed against the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, where history and nature intertwine in a breathtaking tableau. Concluding our journey, we bid farewell to the wonders of Turkey's interior and return to Istanbul, where our adventure first began.
Yet, the journey doesn't have to end here. With the option to extend your stay, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into the enchanting labyrinth of Istanbul, uncovering hidden gems and secret corners at your leisure. Whether you choose to wander through the vibrant neighborhoods of Beyoglu, cruise along the glittering waters of the Bosphorus, or simply savor the flavors of authentic Turkish cuisine in a quaint café, the magic of Istanbul awaits, ready to captivate and inspire.
In the end, our 8-day tour of Turkey is more than just a journey through time and space—it's an immersive experience that will leave an indelible imprint on your soul, forever weaving the threads of Turkey's rich tapestry into the fabric of your memories.
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
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Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (TUSGTT)
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale.
OVERNIGHT:
Canakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life. We then continue our drive south to the acropolis of Pergamum. A former kingdom we enjoy a full tour of the site including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library which is believed to have rivalled the library of Alexandria and helped shape Pergamum into a renowned cultural and political centre.
Please note that from 2025 the visit to Pergamum will be replaced with a visit to Assos.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as 'cotton castles' and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we head to the nearby airport in Denizli from where we'll take a short domestic flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel and have the remainder of the day free.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
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This tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices.
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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