Glories of Turkey Escorted Vacation

Starts in
Istanbul
Duration
15 Days
Price from
$4,069
Route
Cappadocia, Canakkale

Get lost in Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar, soar over the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, and soak up some sun in the glamorous resort town of Bodrum, on the sparkling waters of the Turkish Riviera. Discover history both ancient and modern at Troy, Ephesus, Pergamum, Aspendos, and Gallipoli, and visit lively capital city Ankara. Along the way, feast on fresh seafood and sample Turkish delicacies as you explore this enchanting country.

ESCORTED VACATION – Guaranteed departures English only escorted coach tour with max. 18 participants. Scheduled departures - 15-day/14-night tour visiting Istanbul, Gallipoli, Dardanelles, Canakkale, Troy, Pergamum, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Antalya, Perge, Aspendos, Konya, Cappadocia & Ankara. Includes accommodation at deluxe and first class hotels with breakfast daily, 10 dinners, 1 lunch, arrival & departure transfers, touring by modern air-conditioned, business class seated motor coach, and guided sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary.

Includes

  • Accommodations as per itinerary
  • Select local taxes where applicable
  • Driver/Guide: Private as per itinerary
  • Transportation-with air conditioned deluxe vehicle
  • Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
  • Meals: Breakfast (B), lunch (L), dinner (D) as per itinerary

Excludes

  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day

1

Arrival to Istanbul

Deluxe and First Class: Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection or similar accommodations

Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Welcome briefing.

Day

2

Istanbul

Deluxe and First Class: Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection or similar accommodations

Indulge in a comprehensive full-day excursion that encompasses a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, serving as the residence of Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852 (excluding the harem). Immerse yourself in history at the Hippodrome, which once thrived as the epicenter of chariot racing and various public gatherings. Explore the architectural marvel of the Blue Mosque, celebrated for its magnificent blue ceramic tiles, constructed between 1609 and 1616. Then, behold optional St. Sophia, originally a 6th-century Byzantine church that underwent Ottoman conversion to a mosque and remains an active place of worship today, recognized as one of the world's most extraordinary architectural feats. Your final destination is the iconic Grand Bazaar, a sprawling covered market boasting an intricate network of over 60 streets. Enhance your experience by considering an optional dinner accompanied by captivating belly dancing entertainment. (B)

Day

3

Gallipoli – Dardanelles – Canakkale

Deluxe and First Class: Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale or similar accommodations

Start your day with a morning drive to the city of Tekirdag, where we'll explore the Barbare Vineyard. Here, we'll gain insights into the art of winemaking, take a tour of the vineyard, and savor exquisite wines. Following our vineyard experience, we'll set off for Gallipoli, a historic site that witnessed numerous World War I battles. Our Gallipoli visit will include stops at Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, before spending the night in the vicinity of Gallipoli. (B)

Day

4

Troy - Pergamum - Izmir

Deluxe and First Class: Swissotel Grand Efes or similar accommodations

We'll cross the Dardanelles and arrive in Canakkale to explore Troy, renowned for its iconic wooden horse and its role as the backdrop for the Trojan War, with its multiple layers of cities stacked atop each other. Before reaching Asclepion, delight in a local lunch experience in a traditional village. Afterward, our journey takes us to Pergamum, where we'll visit the ancient Medical Center at Asclepion, before finally continuing on to Izmir for an overnight stay. (B,L)

Day

5

Ephesus & St. Mary’s House – Izmir

Deluxe and First Class: Swissotel Grand Efes or similar accommodations

Embark on a guided tour of the renowned Ephesus ruins, a significant cultural hub in ancient times. Explore well-preserved 2,000-year-old marble streets, visit the theater, marvel at the Library of Celsius, witness the gymnasium, and admire Hadrian's Temple. Afterward, take a brief drive to visit St. Mary's stone cottage, believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final years alongside St. John. Our journey then leads us to a local rug production center, where you can immerse yourself in the unique art form of rug-making. Finally, enjoy dinner and spend the night at the hotel. (B,D)

Day

6

Izmir – Bodrum

Deluxe and First Class: Ramada Resort Bodrum or similar accommodations

Following breakfast, embark on a drive to Bodrum to explore the St. Peter's Castle and the world-famous Underwater Museum, honored as the top Underwater Museum globally in the 2000s. Spend the night in Bodrum. (B)

Day

7

Bodrum

Deluxe and First Class: Ramada Resort Bodrum or similar accommodations

After breakfast, free time for personal activities. Optional tour to Kos Island.  (B)

Day

8

Bodrum – Pamukkale

Deluxe and First Class: Doga Thermal Health & Spa or similar accommodations

Following your breakfast, journey through verdant valleys to reach Pamukkale, famously known as the Cotton Fortress. Here, you'll encounter striking white limestone terraces created by hot mineral springs. Explore the remnants of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and relish a relaxing swim in your hotel's thermal pool. (B,D)

Day

9

Pamukkale – Antalya

Deluxe and First Class: The Marmara Antalya or similar accommodations

Following breakfast, set off for your journey to Antalya. Enjoy dinner and spend the night there. (B,D)

Day

10

Explore Antalya

Deluxe and First Class: The Marmara Antalya or similar accommodations

In the morning, join optional Perge and Aspendos tour, and then you'll have the afternoon free for your own leisure activities. Later, enjoy dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Day

11

Antalya – Cappadocia

Deluxe and First Class: Gamirasu Cave Hotel or similar accommodations

Set out for Cappadocia early in the morning, with a stop along the way to explore a 13th-century Caravansaray. Later in the day, visit the underground city of Saratli. Your dinner and overnight stay will be in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Day

12

Cappadocia

Deluxe and First Class: Gamirasu Cave Hotel or similar accommodations

In the early morning, you have the option to partake in a Hot Air Balloon Tour, providing you with a unique experience as you float above volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise. Following breakfast, explore Goreme, an area rich in history, nestled amidst the distinctive rock formations. This region was initially settled during the Roman period, and you can still find numerous rock churches as Christianity played a significant role in this locale. Continue your journey to the town of Avanos, well-known for its exceptional pottery craftsmanship. Additionally, visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley, and engage in a brief pottery workshop to gain insight into the local artistry. Enjoy dinner at a special local restaurant and consider joining an optional performance of the Whirling Dervishes later in the evening. (B,D)

Day

13

Cappadocia – Ankara

Deluxe and First Class: JW Marriott Hotel Ankara or similar accommodations

In the early morning, embark on a journey to Ankara, the capital city, passing through the picturesque Salt Lake region. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, housed within a historic caravanserai. This museum showcases a remarkable collection of artifacts dating back as far as 7500 years, including the world's most extensive and valuable assortment of Hittite artifacts. Conclude your day with dinner and an overnight stay in Ankara. (B,D)

Day

14

Ankara – Istanbul

Deluxe and First Class: Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection or similar accommodations

Following breakfast, commence your journey towards Istanbul. In the afternoon, you have the choice to participate in an optional half-day Bosphorus cruise, offering a delightful experience along the strait that divides Asia and Europe. Along its shores, you'll encounter charming neighborhoods, Ottoman palaces, historic fortifications, traditional wooden villas, hotels, lush parks and gardens, as well as an array of restaurants and cafés. If you have any last-minute shopping to do, make sure to visit the Spice Market, where the air is filled with the captivating scents of the East. Tonight, savor a farewell dinner to conclude your trip. (B,D)

Day

15

Istanbul

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

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Price from
$4,069

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