Best of Turkey (Summer)

14 days
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
96%
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USTOA

Group Tour
From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you’ll also venture into the Taurus Mountains for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.
6%
$3,487
From$3,295
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
    • 13 Breakfast (B)
    • 6 Dinner (D)
    • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
    • 2 Regional Dinner (RD)
    • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)
    • Antalya: Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya.
    • Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
    • : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
    • : Explore Istanbul with a Local Specialist

What's this trip about?

    From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you’ll also venture into the Taurus Mountains for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeGroup - max of 40 people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityIstanbul
End CityIstanbul

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Turkey

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
    • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
    • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable Light Meal to kick off your epic adventure.

Arts Hotel Taksim

Dinner

Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. See the exqui...

Day 3: Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale

Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli – the national pride of two nations, the Turkish and Australians, were awakened at the site of the bloody WWI battlefields and are commemorated to this day. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit ...

Day 4: Off to Troy, Pergamon and Izmir

Explore the legends of Troy and see the symbolic replica of the famous Wooden Horse the Greeks used to break their siege of this ancient city. Visit the ancient Asclepion Medical Center in the city of Pergamon before retiring in Izmir this evening where we'll dine at our hotel.

Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Explore the Ruins of Ephesus

Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact façade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry o...

Day 6: Onwards to Pamukkale

Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.

Colossae Thermal

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Venture to Hierapolis and Antalya Connect with Locals

Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and joi...

Day 8: Enjoy Ancient Perge

Enjoy a morning on your terms to soak up the enchanting seaside atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera, embarking on an optional yacht cruise or relaxing at the hotel pool. This afternoon, we travel to the Roman city of Perge to visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and see treasures spanning the centuries.

Oz Hotels Antalya

Breakfast

Day 9: On the Road to Aspendos and Konya

Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue ...

Day 10: Continue to Cappadocia Stays With Stories

See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE ...

Day 11: A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture

The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Di...

Day 12: Onwards to Ankara

Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.

Grand Mercure Ankara

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: Return to Istanbul

Returning to Istanbul, we enjoy the rest of the day on our own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savor the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Consider an optional cruise navigating the wat...

Day 14: Farewell Istanbul

Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.

Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,295
Price per day$235
Last Updated: 10/7/2024

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.

Trafalgar Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
35,025
Great
9,451
Average
2,725
Disappointing
837
Terrible
534
T

Trusted Customer

Sep 2024

Written on

Best of Turkey

The itinerary is very good and covers major sites. Please consider adding the extra cost to see the inside of the apartments in Ephesus and to add the extra cost to ...

C

Carolina Dorta

Sep 2024

Written on

Best of Turkey

This tour covered so many beautiful cities in Turkey, the group was amazing and the best part of our trip was our tour director Orhan Ongu. Knowledgeable, organized...

K

Kelley S

Sep 2024

Written on

Best of Turkey

In order to see the most of this massive country, you will have to take long bus rides, and do alot of walking. You will move from hotel to hotel, and departure tim...

T

Trusted Customer

Aug 2024

Written on

Best of Turkey

The Best of Turkey's itinerary is jampacked with sightseeing! It will most definitely quench anyone's thirst to see ancient ruins and lovely landscapes. Turkey surpa...

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Tour Operator

Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

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

 

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Logistics

Accommodation

Arts Hotel Taksim Kolin Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention Colossae Thermal Oz Hotels Antalya Dedeman Exedra Hotel Grand Mercure 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 .
Meals Included
  • 10 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Lunch (L)
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Additional Information
Trip ID
trafalgar-TBOTZN19

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