Istanbul & Aegean Highlights - 9 days

Istanbul & Aegean Highlights - 9 days

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9 Days From

$3515

$2636

Istanbul & Aegean Highlights - 9 days

9 Days Starting in Istanbul, Turkey and ending in Bodrum, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Canakkale, Troy, Kusadasi, Samos, Bodrum, Kos

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2795/IAAH

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 28

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3515 $2636 Operator discount: -$879 -25%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Turkey and Greece with the "Istanbul & Aegean Highlights" tour. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Pay homage at Gallipoli's memorials and visit the legendary city of Troy. Discover the ancient Roman city of Ephesus and marvel at Pergamum's steep amphitheater. Enjoy leisurely day trips to the charming Greek islands of Kos and Samos, and explore the lively Bodrum Harbour. Stay in luxurious 4-5 star accommodations, including the DoubleTree by Hilton in Istanbul and the Kolin Hotel overlooking the Dardanelles. With guided sightseeing, daily breakfasts, and select dinners included, this small group tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Istanbul – Visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace in the Old City.

  • Gallipoli – Pay respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials and visit ANZAC Cove.

  • Troy – See the replica Trojan Horse in the ancient city.

  • Ephesus – Explore the well-preserved Roman city.

  • Pergamum – Marvel at the steep Roman amphitheater.

  • Greek Islands – Discover the charm of Kos and Samos on day trips.

  • Bodrum Harbour – Enjoy exploring this lively port at your leisure.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa

Saturday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Day 2: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Day 3: Istanbul

Location: Canakkale

Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Istanbul - Canakkale. Today, you'll embark on a journey to Gallipoli, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the legendary landmarks of ANZAC Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial.





Afterwards, you'll proceed to cross the Dardanelles, where Asia and Europe meet. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Canakkale, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Canakkale

Location: Troy

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi/Izmir. Following breakfast, we'll head for the legendary city of Troy, where the renowned Trojan War unfolded. You'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating archaeological site, delving into its rich history.





Continuing on, we'll cross the picturesque Ida mountain range and arrive in Pergamum. Here, you'll visit the ancient Acropolis. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the charming town of Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 5: Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi/Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi/Izmir. Today, a brief drive will take you to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent library, theater, and temples. The day's journey also includes a chance to discover the local craftsmanship of hand-made carpets and leather products.





Continuing on, you'll reach the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of Turkey's most beautiful villages. While in Sirince, you can shop unique local crafts and taste the delightful wines produced in the village. We'll end the night in Kusadasi.

Day 6: Kusadasi

Location: Samos

Accommodation Name: Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Kusadasi/Izmir - Samos (Greece) - Kusadasi/Izmir (Turkey). Today, you'll be transferred to the port for a ferry ride to Samos, a charming Greek Island. Here, you'll have the opportunity for self-guided exploration, to explore how you wish.





Make sure to wander through the picturesque streets of Samos, visit historical sites, enjoy the stunning coastal views, and savour the island's delicious cuisine at local tavernas. Late in the afternoon, you'll board the return ferry to Kusadasi.

Day 7: Kusadasi

Location: Bodrum

Accommodation Name: El Vino

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kusadasi/Izmir - Bodrum. After breakfast, you'll head to Bodrum. On arrival, the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace.





There's much to do in this coastal town - opt to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the charming town, or experience the vibrant nightlife.

Day 8: Bodrum

Location: Kos

Accommodation Name: El Vino

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bodrum - Kos (Greece) - Bodrum (Turkey). This morning, you'll be transferred to the port for a ferry ride to Kos, a captivating Greek Island. This day is dedicated to self-guided exploration, allowing you to discover the island's unique beauty and culture at your own pace.





Kos has much to offer - consider visiting historical sites, enjoying the idyllic beaches, and make sure to immerse yourself in the Greek island lifestyle. In the late afternoon, you'll board the return ferry to Bodrum.

Day 9: Bodrum

Location: Bodrum

Meals Included: Breakfast

Sunday. Today marks the end of your adventure. Departure transfer is included to Bodrum Port or Bodrum Airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-5 star

  • Daily breakfasts & 4 dinners

    Enjoy daily breakfasts and four dinners during your tour.

  • 8 nights 4-5 star hotels

    Stay in 4 to 5-star hotels for 8 nights.

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9

    Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour.

  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus & Sirince

    Experience guided sightseeing tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, and Sirince.

  • English-speaking, qualified tour guide for all included sightseeing

    A qualified English-speaking tour guide will accompany you for all included sightseeing.

  • Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach

    Travel in comfort with transportation provided in a modern air-conditioned vehicle or coach.

  • Entrance fees for all included sightseeing

    Entrance fees for all included sightseeing activities are covered.

  • Return ferry transfers to Kos and Samos

    Ferry transfers to and from the Greek islands of Kos and Samos are included.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visa arrangements are not included.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is left to your discretion.

Accommodation

Experience luxury at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul, Kolin Hotel, Charisma Hotel, and El Vino. Enjoy modern amenities, elegant decor, and stunning views. Relax in indoor pools, fitness centers, and indulge in fine dining at onsite restaurants. Perfectly located for exploring Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, and Bodrum.

Age Policy

16 years with an accompanying adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with modern air-conditioned vehicles for sightseeing, including guided tours in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, and Ephesus. Enjoy return ferry transfers to the Greek islands of Kos and Samos, and airport transfers on arrival and departure days.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes stays in 4-5 star hotels such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul, Kolin Hotel, Charisma Hotel, and El Vino. These hotels offer modern amenities including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and some have additional features like indoor pools, fitness centers, and spa facilities.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour package includes daily breakfasts and 4 dinners. Meals are provided at the hotels or during the guided tours.

  • Is transportation included for sightseeing activities?

    Yes, transportation for sightseeing is included and is provided in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle or coach.

  • Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?

    Yes, the tour includes guided sightseeing in Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, and Sirince with an English-speaking, qualified tour guide.

  • Are entrance fees for attractions included in the tour cost?

    Yes, entrance fees for all included sightseeing activities are covered in the tour cost.

  • Is there a transfer service provided at the beginning and end of the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 9.

  • Will there be opportunities to explore on my own during the tour?

    Yes, there are several opportunities for self-guided exploration, particularly during the visits to the Greek islands of Kos and Samos, as well as free time in Bodrum.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Sunday

May 03, 2025 - May 11, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

May 24, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
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Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Jun 21, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
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Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
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Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Sep 27, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Saturday - Sunday

Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
$3515 $2636

Operator discount: -$879

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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