Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer

12 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
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Group Tour
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city built in the 10th Century B.C. with an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukka...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests).
    • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom. Alternate vehicles without onboard washroom or 40 seats may be used on occasion. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.​
    • : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhancedwell-being and hygiene protocols.
    • : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues.
    • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
    • : "Not only does it have a land in two continents, but Istanbul is the only city in the world which was the capital of three empires: the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires."
    • : Enjoy the passing scenery as you travel past the Sea of Marmara, Peninusula of Gelibolu, Maeander River Valley and Urgup.
    • Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.
    • Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
    • Izmir: Explore this city with your Travel Director.

What's this trip about?

    Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city built in the 10th Century B.C. with an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizePrivate - your group only
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityIstanbul
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Turkey

Attractions

  • Cappadocia
  • Ephesus
  • Istanbul
  • Troy

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

    • Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas.
    • On departures with 8 or more guests, personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
    • We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
    • Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
    • Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
    • From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
    • Complimentary transfers from/to Istanbul Airport are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shop...

Day 2: Gallipoli and Anzac Cove

Marvel at breathtaking coastal views as you make your way along the shores of the Sea of Marmara to historic Gallipoli. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought in an in an attempt to gain ...

Day 3: Troy, Pergamon and Izmir

Begin your day of legends with a trip to Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan horse, wh...

Day 4: Ancient Ephesus and Kusadasi Relaxed Start

Start your morning with a trip to the nearby town of Selçuk. Home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, you’ll begin with an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Once here, delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhib...

Day 5: The Pools of Pamukkale

This morning, following the winding Maender River Valley, with its twists and turns, head to a local organic farm. Once here, you’ll meet the agricultural director who will take you on a walking tour of the eco-friendly lands. You’ll have the satisfying task of pickin...

Day 6: Konya, the Whirling Dervishes and Cappadocia

Today, you’ll travel to Konya. The home of the Whirling Dervish, this city offers tradition in abundance. Noteworthy buildings line its streets, with beautiful mosques and modern buildings providing a delightful contrast. Visit the Mevlana Tekke museum, with its recog...

Day 7: The Underground Cities of Cappadocia Experience

Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings before moving on to the Pasabag Valley. Located on the road to Zelve, you’ll find otherworldly earth pillars here, ‘fairy chimne...

Day 8: Ankara

One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. On your way, stop off at one of the best-preserved Seljuk Caravanserais in Anatolia. Continue your journey t...

Day 9: To Istanbul

It’s time to head to Istanbul. A glorious fusion of east and west, this popular city offers something for everyone, with history, culture, modernity, delicious cuisine and of course, the friendliest of faces. Board a cruise along the Bosphorus. As you make your way fr...

Day 10: Istanbul & the Ottoman Empire

Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque with its tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the T...

Day 11: Farewell Istanbul

It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,450
Price per day$204
Last Updated: 10/16/2024

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

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.

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Tour Operator

Insight Vacations

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As the global leader in premium tours, Insight Vacations delivers all the sights and insights of destinations up close and personal. Each tour is crafted in true comfort and style with premium 5 and 4 star hotels, small groups and customized coaches with extra leg room. The brand’s category leading dining options including the unique dine-around and dine-at-home experiences means that guests enjoy a culinary journey through the places they visit. An extensive Vegetarian option across all tour series further compliments the elevated dining offering. With a Make Travel Matter Experience®, that creates a positive impact for both the visitor and visited, plus also supports the United Nations sustainable Development Goals, included on each and every trip, Insight Vacations leads the way in immersive responsible travel.

Insight Vacations is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

Why we love this operator
They really care about everyone's individual needs on each tour and they have an incredible attention to detail.
What they’re known for
Premium worldwide tours for curious travelers who want to get closer to the destination in comfort and style.

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Logistics

Accommodation

  • Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
  • Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.
  • Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir.
  • Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
  • Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
  • Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
  • Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
insightvacations-SI983AN18

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