Country(ies): Turkey
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 20
Accommodation: Boutique and 4-star hotels
Meals:
Transport: A/C minibus/coach
Highlights: Istanbul old and new; Gallipoli war memorials; ancient sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias & Aspendos; Pamukkale travertines, Dalyan River, Mediterranean coastline & villages, Perge, Aspendos and Side ruins, Mevlana Museum, Sultanha
Turkey is a land of contrasts, with a vibrant modern culture following a long history showing the marks of several different civilisations which have left a wealth of incredible ancient sites to explore. The scenery also varies hugely, from the dramatic Bosphorous strait in Istanbul, to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, forested hills and mountains further inland and special highlights like the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
This comprehensive 17 day tour takes all this in and more. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, the tour learns about modern history at the war memorials and ANZAC cemeteries at Gallipoli before developing deeper into the past with tours of some of the region's most important historic sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias, Aspendos and Side. There are plenty of stops to relax and enjoy the seaside at the coastal towns of Kusadasi, Bodrum, Fethiye and Antalya where you can swim from the beaches, or take optional boat trips to some of the nearby islands.
The tour then heads inland, following the ancient Silk Road trading route to see the Sultanhani Caravansary at Konya and to explore the beautiful landscapes, strange rock formations, and underground cities of Cappadocia before returning to Istanbul.
There are a wealth of opportunities to taste traditional and modern Turkish cuisine and to pick up souvenirs and learn more about this fascinating country along the way. Accommodation is in a mix of 4-star and boutique style properties, either on a breakfast only or half-board basis depending on the location and other options available nearby.
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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Small-group departure dates are shown below. These are guaranteed to run with a minumum of 2 people. The tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requ
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often 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.
Port Bosphorus Hotel
Istanbul
This large hotel is found in the Istanbul city centre, near Karakoy and the Galata Tower. It has 111 rooms of different types, some with river views and some family-friendly.
MD Barbaros Hotel
Canakkale
MD Barbaros Hotel is located in the Turkish city of Canakkale, in a central location close to several attractions. It has 64 fully-equipped, air-conditioned rooms, as well as a range of modern facilities.
Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
Kusadasi
This 4-star hotel is found in the centre of Kusadasi, directly across from the main beach promenade. It offers views of the Aegean Sea from its roof terrace and some of the rooms. It also features a rooftop pool and bar, conference rooms.
Adempira Hotel
Pamukkale
The Adempira Thermal Hotel is equipped with a restaurant, bar, lounge, gardens and a lovely pool, just 4 miles from the tourist site of Pamukkale.
Gamirasu Cave Hotel
Urgup
This quaint hotel is built into one of the famous rock formations of Cappadocia. The suites are fully furnished, each with a unique design. The hotel is situated within a walking distance of the city centre.
Voxx Beach Boutique Hotel
Marmaris
Coming Soon
Doğan Hotel
Muratpaşa/Antalya
coming soon
Nidya Marina Boutique
Fethiye/Muğla
coming soon
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham
Konya
A great luxury option in the Turkish city of Dervishes, Konya. Offering high-end accommodation within easy reach of all tourist monuments.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination youre 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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Turkey Encounters & Country Reviews
Product Review
Posted 14th of Aug 2018
Very good value for money.
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