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Turkey · Culture
The journey
Embark on an 8-day tour through Turkey's major highlights, from Istanbul's Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Bosphorus to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. Relax in the warm waters of Pamukkale's travertines, admire the fairy chimneys and underground cities of Cappadocia, and explore the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum. Along the way, visit the Sultanhani Caravansary, the Mevlana Museum in Konya, and Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Ankara.
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Welcome to Istanbul. You will be transferred to your hotel, and at 13:00, enjoy a short visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. Then, take a cruise along the European and Asian shores of the Bosphorus.
Overnight: Istanbul/Boutique/Sirkeci Mansion Hotel
After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city that covers two continents. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, and the Hippodrome.
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir and, upon arrival, continue to Kusadasi.
Overnight: Kusadasi/Boutique/Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel/(B, D)
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Overnight: Kusadasi/Boutique/Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel/(B, D)
This morning, enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as the Travertines, in Pamukkale, where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip among ancient columns in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Overnight: Pamukkale/4-star/Colossae Thermal Hotel/(B, D)
Today, we travel the ancient Silk Road, visiting the Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana Museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, do not miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening.
Overnight: Cappadocia/Boutique Cave/Elevres Stone House Hotel/(B, D)
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, and explore the many levels of an underground city.
Overnight: Cappadocia/Boutique Cave/Elevres Stone House Hotel/(B, D)
Early in the morning, depart for the nation's capital, Ankara, where we visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, before returning to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul/Boutique/Sirkeci Mansion Hotel/(B)
After breakfast, our tour concludes. We say goodbye to our new friends and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Where this trip takes you
Blue Mosque, Ephesus, Travertines of Pamukkale, Goreme Valley Open Air Museum
The route
The fine print
Istanbul airport round-trip transfers
Professional English-speaking Turkish tour guide for the duration of the tour
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Tips, except for the Turkish tour guide and driver
Domestic flight between Istanbul and Izmir, with transfers
Entrance fees
7 nights' accommodation
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners
Suggested optional activities
Tips for the Turkish tour guide and driver
Compulsory travel insurance
Please note
Instead of travelling between Cappadocia and Istanbul by bus, an optional morning flight from Kayseri (Cappadocia) to Istanbul is available at extra cost. Please contact us for a quote.
Domestic flight times may vary due to various circumstances.
You will need to have your passport handy at check-in for any domestic flights.
This tour starts at 13:00 with a half-day tour of Istanbul. If flying into Istanbul on this day, ensure you have left enough time to clear the airport, transfer to your hotel, and check in before 13:00.
Single travellers are obliged to pay a Single Supplement and will have a hotel room to themselves.
Departure dates: every Monday all year round.
Logistics
Your 8 days finish where they began, in İstanbul.
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