DAY 1: Start of tour in Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul and the first day of this magical trip around Turkey! If you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-accommodation through us, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Get settled at the hotel and then the day is free to wander through this vibrant city. Catch a tram to the Grand Bazaar and get lost in the bustling market. In the Bazaar there are alleys for gold, leather, bowls and even tea! Want to escape the crowd? Find a rooftop terrace, enjoy the fantastic views and grab a drink while watching over the busy city. Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group this evening for an included group dinner at the hotel.
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DAY 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Istanbul. One of the things that makes Istanbul such a fascinating city is that it spans over two continents! One side lies in Europe and the other in Asia. On this tour, see famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque as well as Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome which provide a glimpse into the past. To further explore this magical city, join the Istanbul+ optional excursion! This full-day tour includes entrance to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to the buzzing spice bazaar and includes a delicious Turkish lunch! It’s sure to be a day to remember.
Experiences
Istanbul orientation tour: See the famous sights of Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome on an orientation walking tour of Istanbul. Discover the city’s stories and secrets.
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On Tour Excursions
Istanbul+
Explore Istanbul’s top sights! See the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and Turkish lunch.
€ 150
DAY 3: Gallipoli Battlefields – Çanakkale
Today, visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. This haunting location is where 30,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives but it is also where three national identities were born – Turkey, New Zealand and Australia. The tour includes visits to the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorial in ANZAC Cove and the Neck and Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery. 25 April is commemorated in Turkey each year as ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. After the battlefields tour, travel onwards to Çanakkale for the night. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Battlefields of Gallipoli: Visit the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli and pay homage to the soldiers that fought here over 100 years ago. See the memorials and important sights such as the Lone Pine and ANZAC Cove.
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DAY 4: Troy – Pergamum – Kusadaşi
Take a step back in time this morning and visit the city of Troy. This is the home of the famed Trojan Horse and site of the Trojan War in the 12th century! After delving into Trojan history, the tour makes its way to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum. Here, embark on a tour of its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Later, travel to Kuşadasi for an overnight stay and enjoy a delicious included dinner!
Experiences
Visit Troy: Travel through history on a tour of Troy. Learn about the Trojan War and the legendary Trojan Horse and see remnants of the historic cities of Troy through the ages. Troy Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 27
Visit Pergamum: Wander through the Acropolis of Pergamum and see the magnificent temples and library which put the ancient city at the centre of culture and politics many centuries ago. Cable-car to Pergamum EUR 10, Pergamum Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 15
Visit Kuşadasi: Spend two evenings in the stunning resort town of Kuşadasi situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast.
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DAY 5: Ephesus – Kusadaşi
Immerse 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. Next, move on to the former Greek village of Şirince, meaning ‘pleasant’. According to legend, it used to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) by freed Greek slaves so that others wouldn’t follow them there. Today’s final stop is at a carpet village. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and this afternoon you can experience the delicate craft first-hand. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel after a busy day of exploring.
Experiences
Explore the Temple of Artemis: See how people used to live thousands of years ago. Tour the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus, get a glimpse of what an ancient lifestyle entailed and learn more about the destruction and attempt to rebuild the temple. Ephesus entry fee: EUR 40
Visit Şirince: Take in the views at this former Greek village famous for its fruit wines.
Visit a Turkish carpet village: Experience the craft of traditional Turkish carpet hand-weaving at a carpet village.
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DAY 6: Pamukkale hot springs – Hierapolis – Pamukkale
Start off the morning by enjoying a display of locally handcrafted leather goods. Next, travel on to one of the highlights of this tour – Pamukkale! This town is home to magnificent white calcium terraces, known as travertines. In Roman times, the natural hot spring water that flowed down the terraces was used for their therapeutic powers. Opt to visit the nearby Cleopatra’s Pool complete with ancient columns and inviting thermal water! Wrap up the day with a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis with an option to take in a traditional Whirling Dervish show in the evening. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Experiences
Explore Pamukkale: Marvel at the magnificent travertines and thermal hot springs found at Pamukkale. ‘Pamukkale’ translates to ‘cotton castle’ – what an accurate description of this famous landmark! Pamukkale Ancient Site entrance fee: EUR 30
Hierapolis tour: Explore the museum in the ancient city of Hierapolis which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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On Tour Excursions
Whirling Dervish Show
Watch a mesmerising Whirling Dervish performance and learn more about this fascinating spiritual ceremony during your evening Pamukkale.
€ 25
Cleopatra’s Pool
Take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool and soak up the healing thermal spring waters.
€ 10
DAY 7: Silk Road – Konya – Cappadocia
Today, travel along the ancient Silk Road! Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai – a caravanserai is a roadside inn where traders used to stopover and rest on their travels. Follow in the footsteps of all the traders that came before you! Look forward to another stop in Konya at the Mevlana Museum along the way. This is home to the mausoleum of the famous poet, Rumi. Enjoy an included dinner at the hotel in Cappadocia tonight.
Experiences
Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai: Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and imagine life as a trader on the silk road many, many years ago. Sultanhani Caravanserai entrance fee: EUR 2
Visit Mevlana Museum: Tour the Mevlana Museum and see the mausoleum of poet Rumi.
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DAY 8: Göreme Valley – Cappadocia
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s most famous destinations. These magnificent rock-cut churches are bound to leave you awestruck! Why not find a rooftop bar or café and see the fairytale-like chimneys from above? Alternatively, explore the many levels of Kaymakli – an underground city in Cappadocia! However you choose to spend your time in Cappadocia, it’s sure to be magical. Don’t miss out on the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening tonight!
Experiences
Visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum: Witness the striking landscape and the famous rock-cut churches of Cappadocia at the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum. Göreme Open-Air Museum entrance fee: 20 EUR, Kaymakli Underground City entrance fee: 13 EUR
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On Tour Excursions
Traditional Turkish Folklore Evening
Enjoy a night of traditional entertainment in Cappadocia and experience local Turkish culture, music, drinks and dancing!
€ 65
DAY 9: Ankara – Istanbul
Leave for Ankara early this morning. Arrive and visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the famed President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In 1923, Ataturk declared Ankara as the capital city of modern Turkey. This bustling capital is famous for its performing arts with a variety of cultural sights to experience. After exploring the last stop on this Highlights of Turkey tour, head back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour.
Experiences
Visit Ankara: Explore the bustling capital of Turkey. Ankara is home to the State Opera and Ballet as well as the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the city, you’ll find several theatre companies. It’s also home to the Anitkabir mausoleum.
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DAY 10: End of tour in Istanbul
Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast together with the group as the tour comes to an end this morning. After an incredible 10 days on tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your new travel friends. Master DMC hopes to welcome you onto a tour again soon!
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