Treasures of Turkey Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Taste your way around Istanbul’s Golden Horn district and Spice Market.
- Savor organic wines at a vineyard on the Dardanelles Strait.
- Learn family recipes during a hands-on cooking class at a restaurant in Cappadocia.
- Cruise the Dalyan River to the Aegean Coast.
- Explore the towering rock formations of Cappadocia.
- Experience a transcendent Whirling Dervishes ceremony.
- Visit Basilica Cistern and the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul’s Golden Horn (UNESCO) district.
- Cruise the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia.
- Walk through the ruins of Ancient Ephesus in the footsteps of Paul the Apostle.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to Turkey, a country straddling two continents (Europe and Asia) and brimming with rich culture, diverse people, and sublime landscapes. From the vast Greek and Roman archeological sites dotting the countryside to the modern day cultural and histori...
Welcome to Istanbul, the bridge between East and West, and a hub of intermingling cultures, complex history, and legendary architecture. Settle in to your hotel for the next three nights, and then meet your fellow travelers at a welcome briefing before taking the rest of the evening to relax as you please.
Today, sample some of Istanbul’s most iconic sites, which connect Greek-Roman heritage with Ottoman-Islamic Art. First, the 17th-century Blue Mosque with its impressive domes and minarets, followed by Hippodrome, the former sporting and social center of the Roman Empi...
Explore Turkey’s culinary heritage as you taste your way around Istanbul’s Golden Horn district during a walking to that includes a visit to the city’s famous Spice Market and multiple tastings of Turkish specialties sampled from local street vendors. This afternoon, ...
Early this morning, leave the bustle of Istanbul behind and enjoy a scenic ride along the sparkling Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles Strait as you make your full-day transfer to Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Learn about the many conflicts these waters witnessed over...
Another long but rewarding day of travel begins with a transfer to the countryside of Pergamon, where you’ll learn about the traditional Turkish craft of carpet weaving, from silkworm cultivation to spinning, dyeing, and patterning techniques. This afternoon, visit th...
This morning, your in-depth tour of Ancient Ephesus (UNESCO) takes you to the Terrace Houses for a walking tour of these impressive residential villas. See the imposing Library of Celsus, the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, and walk the paths that Paul the Apostle onc...
Start the day by learning about the folklore of the nazar boncuk (evil eye) at a workshop where these traditional talismans are crafted using a process passed down through generations. Next, continue your journey inland to Pamukkale (UNESCO) to visit the famous Cotton...
Today, return to the coast after a full-morning transfer to the quaint riverbank town of Dalyan. In the early afternoon, tour the ruins of Ancient Kaunos before checking in to your hotel for the next two nights — a small, family run bed & breakfast with simple acc...
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before setting off for a relaxing boat trip along the river that connects Dalyan to the Mediterranean Sea. Enjoy the unique environment as you pass through the marshland that is home to birds, fish, and turtles. Take in views o...
Prepare for a full day of travel, beginning early and following the path of the ancient Silk Road trading route that once led from China all the way to Istanbul. The first leg of the journey takes you to the region of Isparta where the landscape and climate have prove...
Begin the morning in Konya with a visit to the Mevlâna Museum, the world center of the Whirling Dervishes. Next, visit Sultanhani Caravanserai, one of the largest surviving caravanserai along the Silk Road. After viewing the soaring vaults of this fortified road stop,...
Get an early start with an optional balloon ride**** that takes you soaring above the “fairy chimneys” and rock dwellings dotting the hills and valleys below you. After reconvening with your fellow travelers, immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s lunar landscape. Visit Gör...
Start the day with a countryside walk in Love Valley, famous for its conspicuous rock formations. Follow the winding path among the fairy chimneys and contemplate the otherworldly view. Then, visit a pottery workshop and learn how locals make use of the area’s natural...
Head to the airport in Kayseri this morning for a short flight back to Istanbul. After a drive back to the city, stop at the colorful Grand Bazaar. This intricate complex of covered streets and shops has been in operation for over 600 years and is one of the largest a...
Your exploration of Turkey comes to a close today. Reflect on an unforgettable trip as you make your way to the airport for your flight home.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
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Great itenerary both cultural and spectacular scenery
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It was a wonderful trip and experience!
It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
Tour Operator
True adventures go beyond incredible destinations or inclusive packages. Collette delivers a sense of possibility across all seven continents.
Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
Everyone at Collette believes travel is vital to a life well-lived and our executive team sets the tone. Drawing on a diverse set of skills that includes operations, sales, information technology, law and financial planning, they work across three offices to bring you the best experience possible.
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5 Reasons to Go Guided:
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On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
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Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.
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Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
There are many ways to experience the world:
Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.
Small Groups, Big Experiences
From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
Amazing Family Moments Included
Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.
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What's excluded
- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
Accommodation
Hammam Turkish Bath Experience - $105
Istanbul Enjoy a pause of luxury at a historic Istanbul Hammam, your ticket into the legendary Turkish bath culture. When you arrive, don your pestemal – a traditional wrap used to cover your body. Start in the “hot” room, where you will relax and loosen your muscles. This is followed by a foam bath and scrubbing – resulting in a deep-cleaning experience that will leave your skin at its most pure. Relax in the aftermath of your glowing skin and enjoy this world-renowned practice. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. Option must be pre-purchased at least 7 days prior to departure. Turkish baths are separated by female and male sections. Changing rooms with lockers are available on site.Cappadocia Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride - $270
Istanbul Get an aerial view of extraordinary rock formations and timeworn hills on a sunrise hot air balloon ride above magical Cappadocia. Float above the rocky valleys as the morning sun paints the landscape rose pink in the peaceful still air of dawn. Duration approximately 4 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 2 passenger(s) is required to operate this option. The option must be purchased by 30 days prior. Every effort is made to secure your spot, but when demand exceeds availability, balloon operators retain the right to cancel reservations even if previously confirmed. In such case, you will be refunded. The trip departs at 5:00 a.m. and is subject to weather conditions. Agility is required for climbing into and out of the balloon’s basket. The burner that powers the hot air balloon is positioned above the passengers’ heads and is noisy as well as hot.Become a member
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