Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Winter
Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Winter
$2925
Wonders of Turkey - Classic Group, Winter
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir, Selçuk, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Urgup, Sultanhani, Saratli, Cappadocia, Göreme, Avanos, Ankara
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W983ZN19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city founded in the 10th century BC, home to an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maeander River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. In Ankara, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the final resting place of the country’s first president. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the eclectic Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent
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: Gallipoli, Çanakkale, Troy
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale Canakkale.
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
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: Pergamon And Kusadasi
Location: Pergamon, Izmir
Accommodation: Hotel, Charisma De Luxe Kusadasi.
Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi
Meals Included: Breakfast, 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. Continue on to Pergamon, once a powerful ancient Greek city, you’ll find the Asklepion temple here. A famous shrine and healing center, it was built in honor of Asklepios, the god of medicine. After some time exploring, continue your journey to the coastal resort of Izmir.
Day 4: Ephesus - Izmir
Location: Selçuk, Ephesus, Izmir
Accommodation: Doga Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
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: Alfina Cave Hotel Cappadocia.
Accommodation Name: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, following the winding Maender River Valley, with its twists and turns, head to a local organic farm. Once here, you’ll meet the agricultural director who will take you on a walking tour of the eco-friendly lands. You’ll have the satisfying task of picking fruits and vegetables from his fields. Delight in a mouth-watering Farm-to-Table lunch, prepared with fresh produce from the farm. Continue 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: Urgup, Sultanhani, Saratli, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel, Alfina Cave 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: Göreme
Accommodation: Ankara HiltonSA Ankara.
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: Avanos, Ankara
Accommodation: Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
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 Hyatt Istanbul.
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent
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. Board a cruise along the Bosphorus. As you make your way from Eminönü to the Black Sea, witness the area’s beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses lining the waterfront. Your evening is at leisure, why not ask your Travel Director for suggestions on places to dine.
Day 10: Istanbul & The Ottoman Empire
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. 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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Top Rated Highlights
Experience top-rated highlights such as visiting Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Saratli, Goreme, Avanos, Ankara, and Istanbul with guided tours and local experts.
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Make Travel Matter
Visit the Copmadam workshop in Ayvalik, supporting local women's employment and sustainable development.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to ensure you don't miss any commentary from your Local Expert during visits to famous highlights.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you don't have to worry about tipping or searching for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
Baggage handling is included, with bags delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
Your Travel Director will occasionally surprise you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.
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Complimentary Wi-Fi
Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi on the coach and at hotels where available.
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights match the itinerary start and end dates.
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Insight Experiences
Join a Cappadocian local for a tour of their cave house to learn about their unique way of life.
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Well-being Measures
Enjoy the comfort of a sanitized, air-conditioned, luxury coach with physical distancing measures and onboard hand sanitizer.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International airfare to and from the start and end point of the tour is not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities or excursions not listed in the tour itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included and are at the traveler's discretion.
Dining Summary
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
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 aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom, ensuring a relaxing journey through Turkey's stunning landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale, Charisma De Luxe in Kusadasi, 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 traditional Turkish hospitality.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Copmadam workshop in Ayvalik, where unique items are made from recycled packaging, creating employment opportunities for local women. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will enjoy a variety of authentic dining experiences, including a traditional dinner in Istanbul, a farm-to-table lunch at a local organic farm in Nazilli, and a regional dinner in Cappadocia featuring colorful dishes. The tour also includes a performance of Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia.
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Are there any special performances included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a spectacular Sema performance of Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery in Gallipoli, the ancient city of Troy, the archaeological museum and ruins of Ephesus, the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale, and the underground city of Saratli in Cappadocia.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Copmadam workshop?
The visit to the Copmadam workshop in Ayvalik is significant as it highlights the empowerment of local women through employment opportunities created by making unique items from recycled materials, supporting gender equality.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as the Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent, DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale, Charisma De Luxe in Kusadasi, Swissotel Büyük Efes in Izmir, Doğa Thermal Health & Spa in Pamukkale, and DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos in Cappadocia.
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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