Best of Turkey by Gulet (5 Star Hotels)
12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Göcek, Fethiye, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ihlara Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TB2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
0-0
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Best of Turkey by Gulet" tour, offering a blend of cultural exploration and luxurious relaxation. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Pay homage at Gallipoli, then delve into ancient history at Troy and Ephesus. Experience the stunning natural beauty of Pamukkale's travertine terraces and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, with options for a hot-air balloon ride. Enjoy a three-day gulet cruise along the turquoise coast, with stops at pristine bays and islands. Stay in 5-star accommodations and savor delicious meals, all while being guided by experienced local experts. This tour promises a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a comprehensive Turkish adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.
Day 2 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.
Day 3 : Gallipoli
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Day 4 : Troy, Kusadasi
Location: Troy
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.
Day 5 : Ephesus, Fethiye, Gulet, Yassi Islands
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: Turkish Traditional Gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our first stop today is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon we will depart for Fethiye where we will embark on our traditional Turkish gulet boat and sail to amazing Yassica Islands for a swim. We will have dinner and stay overnight on our boat.
Day 6 : Gulet Cruise, Gocek Gulf, Tersane, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sunken Bath/Cleopatra
Location: Göcek
Accommodation Name: Turkish Traditional Gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at Yassi Islands we will cruise to Tersane for a swimming break and lunch. We will then sail to Bedri Rahmi Bay for another swimming stop. We’ll sail to yet another amazing spot at Sunken Bath area for dinner and place for our Gulet to spend a night. This place is also known as Cleopatra Bay or Sunken Bath Bay, due to the beautiful underwater ruins of an old bath.
Day 7 : Gulet Cruise, Boncuklu Bay, Fethiye Marina
Location: Fethiye
Accommodation Name: Turkish Traditional Gulet
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another day in paradise! After breakfast, we will anchor at Boncuklu Bay for our last swimming break and lunch. We will the make our way to Fethiye for you to explore its shops and buzzing atmosphere. After dinner back on the boat, get amongst Fethiye famous nightlife.
Day 8 : Fethiye Marina, Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.
Day 9 : Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).
Day 10 : Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Goreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Goreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.
Day 11 : Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul
Location: Ihlara Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
Day 12 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in 5-star hotels and enjoy a gulet cruise with ensuite cabins.
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Meals
Enjoy 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners during the tour.
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Transportation
Travel in an air-conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus.
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Airport Transfer(s)
Receive transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.
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Tour Guiding
Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Gulet Cruise
Experience a traditional Turkish Gulet Cruise for 3 days.
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various sites are not included.
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Any flights
Flights to and from the destination are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not provided and should be arranged separately.
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Meals not stated in the itinerary
Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional snacks are not included.
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Tips & gestures
Tips for guides, drivers, and other service providers are not included.
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Country Entry Visas
Visas required for entry into Turkey are not included.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses, ensuring a comfortable journey between destinations. Airport transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport are included on day 1.
Accommodation
Experience luxury with 5-star hotels and a traditional Turkish gulet cruise featuring ensuite cabins, ensuring comfort and elegance throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 5-star hotels and includes a 3-day traditional Turkish gulet cruise with ensuite cabins.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses for transportation.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, airport transfers are included from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.
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What activities are included during the gulet cruise?
During the gulet cruise, you will visit Yassica Islands, Tersane, Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sunken Bath/Cleopatra Bay, and Boncuklu Bay, with opportunities for swimming and exploring.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
No, entrance fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include a Bosphorus Boat Cruise, a Turkish Bath Experience, a Hot Air Balloon ride in Cappadocia, and a Turkish Night Show.
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What is the significance of Gallipoli in the tour?
Gallipoli is significant for its historical importance, especially for Australians and New Zealanders, as it was the site of a major WWI battle. The tour includes visits to ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, and Lone Pine memorial sites.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.