- Overview
- Trip Outline and Itinerary
- Trip Includes
- Trip Excludes
- Gallery
- Reviews
- Optional Excursions
Turkey (now internationally known as Türkiye) boasts a unique geographic location making it a beloved destination of both Europe and Asia! It's where the east meets the west and these two continents connect. Spend 10 days exploring Turkey’s hidden gems and must-see highlights. Visit the ancient sites of Troy, Hierapolis and Ephesus and encounter the Battlefields of Gallipoli. Bathe in the hot springs of Pamukkale. Experience the beauty of Cappadocia and its magical fairy chimneys! Shop til you drop at the Istanbul bazaars. Turkey will leave you changed and send you home with countless memories.
- Discover Istanbul on an orientation tour
- Marvel at the beautiful Blue Mosque
- See Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome
- Take a historical tour of the Gallipoli Battlefields
- Learn about the Trojan War with a visit to Troy
- Visit the ancient city of Pergamon, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Spend two nights in the resort town of Kuşadasi
- Explore the site of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus
- Stroll through the beautiful Şirince Village
- Experience traditional Turkish carpet weaving
- Explore the majestic calcium travertines of Pamukkale
- Enjoy a tour of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis
- Stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai along the Silk Road
- Visit the intriguing Mevlana Museum
- See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
- Explore the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum
- Visit Kaymakli's Underground City
- Explore Ankara, Turkey’s capital city
Itineraries
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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. Don’t miss out on the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening tonight!
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. Look forward to an included dinner at the hotel tonight.
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.
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. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you onto a tour again soon!
Accommodation
- 7 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
- Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room (subject to availability)
Meals
- 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
*Vegetarian options available for all meals on request
Transport
- Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and toilet onboard
- Public ferry between Athens, Mykonos and Santorini
- Any public transport used as part of the tour days (excludes free days)
- Internal flight from Santorini to Athens
Tour Leader
- Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
- Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details
- Visa to any Country (tourists must obtain before travelling to Europe), We will help with VISA Assistance only.
- International flights to and from Europe.
- Airport departure tax if required.
- Travel insurance (trip, medical and personal).
- Daily personal expenses.
- Early check-in or late check-out at hotels.
- Tip and gratuity for local tour guides and drivers.
- Please read terms and conditions at https://letstraveleuro.com/terms-and-conditions/
Discover the many magical sights of Istanbul with this full-day tour! Tick off multiple top attractions with visits to the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia mosque and the ancient Basilica Cistern. Entrance to both is included. Embark on a 90-minute cruise along the iconic Bosphorus strait. Marvel at the majestic views of mosques, mansions and more as you glide along this waterway which connects Europe and Asia! Explore the bustling Spice Bazaar, one of the city’s largest bazaars and a perfect place to purchase some souvenirs.
Get ready to be mesmerised by a Whirling Dervish performance in Pamukkale! Discover the incredible culture, history, music and spirituality of this unique dance form. The Whirling Dervishes practise a form of meditation which involves dancing, chanting and spinning in circles in traditional white dress. The ceremony was inspired by the legendary mystic poet Rumi and symbolises the different stages of a mystic journey to spiritual enlightenment. It is an entrancing experience that is sure to leave you in awe!
Swim among the ruins in this thermal spring pool in Pamukkale. During the Roman Empire, Hierapolis and its site were a health centre. In those years, thousands of people used to come to the baths for its supposed healing properties. Today's Antique Pool was shaped by the earthquake which happened in the 7th century AD. The marble portico with Ionic arrangement fell into the spring during that earthquake. Relax in the thermal springs and soak up the fascinating history surrounding you!
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