Essential Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

Essential Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

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10 Days From

$2482

$1365

Essential Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

10 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Canakkale

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

TE

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

0-0

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2482 $1365 Operator discount: -$1117 -45%

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 an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Essential Turkey" tour, staying in luxurious 5-star hotels. Begin your adventure in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Pay homage at Gallipoli, and delve into history at the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Marvel at the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, with an optional hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views. Discover the cultural richness of Konya and the stunning landscapes of Anatolia. With expert local guides, comfortable transportation, and a blend of included and optional activities, this tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Enjoy daily breakfasts and select dinners, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

Highlights

  • Feel the beating heart of Istanbul beside monumental landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia.

  • Visit the shores of Gallipoli to honor the fallen and tour ancient cities like Troy and Pergamum.

  • Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus and soak in the beauty of the Library of Celsus.

  • Walk among the cotton-like pools of travertine in Pamukkale and enjoy the magical landscape.

  • Experience the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, with an optional hot air balloon ride.

  • Discover the ancient city of Troy and see the famous wooden horse.

  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Goreme and explore sights like Goreme Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Cavusin.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel

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.





Accommodation

Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star

Included Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we begin to explore the magical old town of Istanbul.

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.





Accommodation

Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Blue Mosque

Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia

Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum

Optional Activities

Bosphorus Boat Cruise - 10 EUR

Entrance Fees

Blue Mosque - Free

Hagia Sophia - 25 EUR

Topkapi Palace Museum - 1700 TL

Day 3: Istanbul, Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we sit back and relax in the coach.

Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by.

We will drive through the capital city of Ankara before we reach Cappadocia.

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).







Accommodation

Avrasya Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City

Optional Activities

Turkish Bath Experience - 30 EUR

Entrance Fees

Derinkuyu Underground City - 13 EUR

Day 4: Cappadocia

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel

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 Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin.

Tonight, get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish Night.





Accommodation

Avrasya Hotel - 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Goreme Open Air Museum Visit

Sightseeing of Cavusin

Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley

Sightseeing of Uchisar

Optional Activities

Turkish Night Show - 35 EUR

Hot Air Balooning - 290 EUR

Entrance Fees

Goreme Open Air Museum - 20 EUR

Day 5: Cappadocia, Konya

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to hit the road to Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes – members of the Sufism order.

Along the way we will stop at Devrent Valley, a unique honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period.

You can relax and replay cherished moments of discovery at our overnight stay in Konya.





Accommodation

Novotel Konya Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Devrent Valley

Day 6: Konya, Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today.

Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana, also globally known as Rumi.

Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, whose teachings of understanding and acceptance have lived on to this day.

From cultural to natural wonders, we travel towards to the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale.

Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.

.





Accommodation

Hierapark Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Karatay Madrasa - 3 EUR

Mevlana Museum Visit

Day 7: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation Name: Signature Blue Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Get your cameras ready, as it is time to 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.

The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years.

Our next stop 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.

We will sleep overnight in the seaside town of Kusadasi.









Accommodation

Signature Blue Resort – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces

Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City

Entrance Fees

Pamukkale White Terraces – 30 EUR

Ephesus Ancient City – 40 EUR

Day 8: Kusadasi, Troy, Canakkale

Location: Canakkale

Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast we will depart for ancient city of Troy.

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.

We will stay overnight in Canakkale.

You will have the evening to relax and discover the town.





Accommodation

Kolin Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City

Entrance Fees

Troy Ancient City – 27 EUR

Day 9: Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to where our adventure began, Istanbul.





Accommodation

Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Anzac Cove

Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery

Sightseeing of Lone Pine

Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair

Sightseeing of War Trenches

Day 10: Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.





Meals Included

Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay in 5-star hotels throughout the tour.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 9 breakfasts and 6 dinners during the tour.

  • Transportation

    Travel in an air-conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus.

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Receive transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.

  • Tour Guiding

    Benefit from the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Enjoy complimentary hotel Wi-Fi where available.

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

    Entrance fees to sights and museums are not included.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included.

  • Any flights

    Flights are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not provided and must be arranged separately.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses are not covered.

  • Visa fees

    Visa fees are not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities are not included and may incur additional costs.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned, modern coaches or mini-buses, ensuring a smooth journey between destinations. Airport transfers from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport are included on the first day.

Accommodation

Experience luxury with stays at 5-star hotels including the Ottoman Legacy Hotel, Avrasya Hotel, Novotel Konya Hotel, Hierapark Hotel, Signature Blue Resort, and Kolin Hotel, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in 5-star hotels throughout the trip.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 9 breakfasts and 6 dinners.

  • Is transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned, modern coach or mini-bus.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour?

    Yes, airport transfers are included from Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport on day 1.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the trip?

    Yes, the services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licensed by the Ministry of Tourism are included.

  • Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?

    Complimentary hotel Wi-Fi is available where possible.

  • Are entrance fees to sights and museums included in the tour price?

    No, entrance fees to sights and museums are not included in the tour price.

  • Are optional activities included in the tour package?

    No, optional activities are not included and may incur additional costs.

  • What is the starting and ending location of the tour?

    The tour starts and ends in Istanbul.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

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Jes Snowden (Google Reviewer)  

The Best of Turkey by...

10-Sep-2024

The Best of Turkey by Land was fantastic! If it’s a “tour” of Turkey you’re seeking, this one is the pick of them all. We travelled to the most spectacular locations, and experienced breathtaking moments and views, in every stop! Our tour guide Mustafa was very knowledgeable and talked us through the history of the land. He was friendly and very patient, considering the hours he puts into his tours. Mus was able to swap the days activities for some days to ensure we were given the best opportunity for photo’s and leas tourists in other locations. Our bus drivers did an amazing job getting us to all locations safely! Thank you Ahmet & Ali, you are superstars… Highlights for us were Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethyie and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. The group consisted of all ages, which worked out to be a good mix. The weather varied between 25 - 36 degrees throughout the trip, so be sure to pack the sunscreen and portable fan. Hotels varied, each one having it’s own idiosyncrasies, but overall very good. Some of the days were extremely long but we got through them.. I’d recommend this tour to anyone that wants a taste of the beautiful land that Turkey is ☺️

Courtney Godden (Google Reviewer)  

First time doing a tour...

28-Jul-2024

First time doing a tour overseas, wow what an amazing experience. Smaller tour group which was awesome, great hotel choices, professional transportation services and saw the best of Turkey in 12 days. Our tour guide Aykut's hospitality was second to none, he went above and beyond for every member of the group. His knowledge of his country's history and culture was outstanding and explained in a memorable way for a lasting memory. Aykut's has extensive experience as a tour guide and it shows in every way, many special tips from living/growing up in Turkey. Aykut's planning meant everything ran smoothly making our only job to turn up with your belongings and enjoy your experience. Thank you again Aykut for going the extra mile, making sure places had gluten free options for me and for all the funny jokes ☺️

elle mcdowell (Google Reviewer)  

We had an amazing time...

10-Jul-2024

We had an amazing time on our 12 day tour of Turkey! Our guide Yild was attentive, always was there to help us make the most of our trip and great fun! Would definitely recommend this tour to others!!

Samantha Treadwell (Google Reviewer)  

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I...

13-Aug-2024

Such an UNREAL EXPERIENCE! I cannot recommend the best of Turkey by Gulet for 12 day tour enough. On this tour we were able to see all parts of turkey from the coast line to the major cities and immerse ourselves in the culture and history! Mustafa is the best tour guide who priorities experiences, learning and safety of all tour participants (he also doubles as a comedian so ensures many laughs are had). From sailing on the Mediterranean Sea, experiencing the best food and culture in Istanbul, to paragliding over Pamukkale springs, and finally ticking off the bucket list moment of hot air ballooning over Cappadocia, this has been a trip not to forget. I cannot recommend this tour enough and would encourage anyone going to turkey to book this trip with Travel Talk!

Steph Burnettt (Google Reviewer)  

Thank you Mustafa & Travel...

06-Oct-2024

Thank you Mustafa & Travel Talk for an extraordinary 10 day trip of Turkey. A beautiful country indeed. We had a great time visiting all the sites. Mustafa’s sense of humour and abundance of knowledge made it all the more enjoyable. Definitely recommend this tour.

Victoria McCullough (Google Reviewer)  

I did the travel talk...

26-Aug-2024

I did the travel talk turkey tour with mus. He's an awesome guide full of local knowledge. There had been wild fires at Gallipoli so rearranged our itinerary to allow us a chance to visit which we did! I spent 3 days on the gulet and was a great way to relax. Would highly recommend the tour as a way to visit turkey and would do it again.

Leigh Anaru (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished the 10 day...

30-Apr-2024

Just finished the 10 day ANZAC tour in Türkiye. Wow what an experience! The tour although busy was jam packed with amazing experiences made all the more richer by our highly knowledgable and very funny guide Aykut. The bus was full of 44 Aussies and Kiwis which would've been no easy feat to control. Aykut and our drivers Naci and Sevki were kind and patient making our long drives enjoyable. Gallipoli was a bucket list of mine, and what a beautiful humbling experience it was, especially the following day tour of the cemeteries. Other than that highlight, the early morning hot air balloon and all the other sites the Kapadokya offers was pretty special too. I will be using Travel Talk again. 5 stars!

Bec Wood (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 11 Day...

26-Apr-2024

We did the 11 Day Anzac Tour of Turkey. It. Was. Phenomenal. My husband and I absolutely love Turkey and were excited to explore the country. Highlights were definitely the Hot Air Balloons in Cappadocia and the privilege of attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove. A bucket list item ticked off. This was my second Travel Talk in 2024 and I would absolutely do another one in the future. The tour was organised and our guide, Mustafa, was fantastic.

Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

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Operator discount: -$1117

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Operator discount: -$1295

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Operator discount: -$1229

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Operator discount: -$1229

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Operator discount: -$1229

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Operator discount: -$1229

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Operator discount: -$1229

Wednesday - Friday

Dec 17, 2025 - Dec 26, 2025
$2731 $1502

Operator discount: -$1229

Thursday - Saturday

Dec 25, 2025 - Jan 03, 2026
$3052 $1679

Operator discount: -$1373

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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