Name: Treasures of Turkey Istanbul, Ancient Ephesus & Cappadocia - 2024
Brand: Collette
SKU: 15253
Price: 4899 USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 4.8 (116 reviews)

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?

Explore ancient ruins and legendary architecture, otherworldly landscapes and underground cities in the country that bridges the gap between east and west.

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights

Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max

Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49

Flights and transportN/A

Start CityIstanbul

End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

Cultural

Activities

Itinerary

Day 1 Overnight Flight

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...

Day 2 Istanbul, Turkey - Tour Begins

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.

Day 3 Istanbul - Blue Mosque - Basilica Cistern - Topkapi Palace

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...

Day 4 Istanbul - Spice Market - Bosphorus Cruise

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, ...

Day 5 Istanbul - Gallipoli - Çanakkale

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...

Day 6 Çanakkale - Carpet Weaving Experience - Ancient Pergamon - Izmir

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...

Day 7 Izmir - Ancient Ephesus - Sirince - Izmir

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...

Day 8 Izmir - Pamukkale

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...

Day 9 Pamukkale - Ancient Kaunos - Dalyan

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...

Day 10 Dalyan - Coastal Boat Ride - Impact Moment - Dalyan

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...

Day 11 Dalyan - Isparta - Konya

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...

Day 12 Konya - Sultanhani Caravanserai - Cappadocia

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,...

Day 13 Cappadocia - Göreme Open-Air Museum

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...

Day 14 Cappadocia - Love Valley - Cooking Class

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...

Day 15 Cappadocia - Istanbul - Grand Bazaar

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...

Day 16 Istanbul - Tour Ends

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.

Dates & Availability

Price from

$4,899

Price per day

$306

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Tour Operator

Collette

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Details

Group size:

Small Group - 24 max

Trip Excludes:

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.

Meals included:

24

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Overview

Highlights

What's this trip about?

Travel Themes

Activities

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