Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
$3450
Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ankara
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer" tour, exploring the rich tapestry of Turkey's cultural and historical heritage. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where East meets West, and delve into its iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Traverse the poignant landscapes of Gallipoli, the ancient ruins of Troy, and the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Discover the mystical region of Cappadocia, with its fairy-tale chimneys and underground cities, and experience the unique Whirling Dervishes performance. Enjoy authentic dining experiences, including a farm-to-table lunch in Izmir and a regional dinner in Cappadocia. This tour not only offers a deep dive into Turkey's past but also supports local communities through sustainable travel initiatives. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing Bosphorus cruise, capturing the essence of Turkey's timeless allure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Wyndham Levent
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for dinner.
Day 2: Gallipoli, Anzac Cove And Troy
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale, Canakkale.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, join your group as you head from Eceabat across the sea to Çanakkale before arriving in the historic 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, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be seen beside the city’s walls.
Day 3: Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women's co-op turning recycled materials into unique items, and addressing women's employment issues. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Izmir, where you will stop for a Farm-to-Table lunch at Nif Bağları, a family-owned wine producer. Explore the four acres of crop fields, nestled amidst picturesque surroundings before continuing your journey to the coastal resort of Izmir.
Day 4: Ephesus - Izmir
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel, Kusadasi.
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Later, explore the famous site itself. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheater, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.
Day 5: The Pools Of Pamukkale Relaxed Start
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Doga Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
Accommodation Name: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. See the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theater and its turquoise travertine pools. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Day 6: The Underground City And Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your journey takes you to Urgup, a historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai before exploring the underground city of Saratli. You will recognise this famous area from the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it.
Day 7: The Cappadocia Experience
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 chimneys’ and troglodyte dwellings. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. You’ll learn more about their unique way of living, local traditions and family life. Complementing the day’s events, this evening you'll witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation: Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara.
Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness center at your hotel this evening.
Day 9: To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Wyndham Levent
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. Your evening is at leisure.
Day 10: Istanbul & The Ottoman Empire
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Wyndham Levent
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take in the sites of Istanbul, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Explore Hagia Sophia with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia History Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia, built in A.D. 537 and famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus, where you will pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 11: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Choice Highlights
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Istanbul, including an immersive digital experience and a visit to Hagia Sophia.
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Top Rated Highlights
Visit iconic sites such as Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Saratli, Goreme, and Ankara with guided tours.
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Make Travel Matter
Visit the Copmadam workshop in Ayvalik, supporting local women's employment through recycled crafts.
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Authentic Dining
Enjoy traditional meals in Istanbul, Izmir, and Cappadocia, including a Farm-to-Table lunch and a regional dinner.
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Dining Summary
Includes 7 dinners, 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner with wine.
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Additional Included Highlights
Personal radio headsets, hotel and restaurant tips, taxes, porterage, and complimentary Wi-Fi are included.
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Insight Experiences
Join a local in Cappadocia for a tour of their cave house to learn about their unique way of life.
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Well-being
Travel in comfort with a sanitized, air-conditioned coach, featuring double legroom and onboard washroom.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any related travel documentation are not included.
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- 1 Dinner with Wine (DW)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- 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.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Cappadocia: Join a Cappadocian local, who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. 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.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi and scheduled airport transfers for a seamless journey throughout Turkey.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Radisson Blu Sisli in Istanbul, DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale, Swissotel Buyuk Efes in Izmir, Doga Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, and DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Copmadam workshop in Ayvalik, where items are made from recycled materials to support local women's employment. In Cappadocia, you will join a local resident for a tour of their cave house to learn about their unique way of life. Additionally, you will witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia.
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What cultural sites will be visited in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, you will visit the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Hagia Sophia. You will also explore the Topkapi Palace and enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, passing by Ottoman palaces, old mansions, and fortresses.
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What is the significance of the visit to Gallipoli?
The visit to Gallipoli is significant as it allows you to pay respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery, sites of historical importance where Anzac troops fought during the Great War in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait.
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What can I expect to see in Pamukkale?
In Pamukkale, you will see the famous mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces. You will also explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, including its well-preserved theater and turquoise travertine pools.
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What activities are available in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will explore the underground city of Saratli, visit rock-hewn churches in Göreme, and see the fairy chimneys in the Pasabag Valley. You will also learn about pottery making in Avanos and enjoy a regional dinner after a Whirling Dervishes performance.
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How does the tour support sustainable development?
The tour supports sustainable development by visiting the Copmadam workshop in Ayvalik, which creates employment opportunities for local women by making items from recycled materials, advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions