Treasures of Turkey
Treasures of Turkey
Treasures of Turkey
15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, İstanbul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2285
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Turkey's rich cultural tapestry with the "Treasures of Turkey" tour. This immersive experience begins in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Traverse the historic Bosporus Strait and pay homage at the Gallipoli Peninsula. Discover the ancient ruins of Troy and Pergamon, and savor a home-cooked meal with a local family. Wander through the well-preserved streets of Ephesus and the charming village of Sirince. Marvel at the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, and delve into the depths of Kaymakli Underground City. Experience the spiritual allure of Konya and the architectural grandeur of Sultanhani Caravanserai. Conclude your adventure with a relaxing boat tour along Antalya's Mediterranean coast. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, offering an unforgettable exploration of Turkey's treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Day 2: Old Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Istanbul's landmark sites. Visit the remains of the once mighty Hippodrome and marvel at the Blue Mosque's 2,500 stained glass windows before continuing to Hagia Sophia, the crowning achievement of the Byzantine Empire. Next visit the extraordinary Basilica Cistern, a 10,000 square meter underground water store in the heart of the ancient city, whose vaulted ceilings are supported by a forest of 9-metre high columns plundered from all over the Byzantine empire. Finally, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.
Day 3: Bosporus Strait
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning discover the mesmeric beauty of Topkapi Palace. Then stroll through the Spice Bazaar and visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, whose tiles are among the finest in Turkey. After lunch, visit the UNESCO-listed Fener and Balat districts. Walk through the colourful, labyrinth-like streets of these historical neighbourhoods. Then, enjoy a private cruise along the Bosporus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia, to witness the city's minaret-studded skyline and its most famous sites from the water, including the dramatic Rumeli Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace and the sultan's former summer residence - Beylerbeyi Palace.
Day 4: Gallipoli Peninsula
Location: Gallipoli Peninsula
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign at the Cape Helles Memorial. A defining moment in the history of Australia and New Zealand, the tragic events that unfolded in Anzac Cove, Shrapnel Valley and Lone Pine marked the birth of the Anzac spirit of courage, loyalty and friendship that continues today. Later cross the strategic Dardanelle Straits to Canakkale, on the Asian shore.
Day 5: Troy & Pergamon
Location: Troy
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the ruins of Troy and learn about its fabled history, then continue to the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, known for its Acropolis and its unusually steep theatre. Today’s lunch will be a home-cooked Turkish meal, to be enjoyed with a local family. This afternoon continue to your hotel in Selcuk.
Day 6: Ephesus & Sirince
Location: Ephesus
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning exploring one of the ancient world’s most famous cities. Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its roads, pavements, facades and enormous theatre paint a vivid picture of what everyday life in the ancient city might have been like. After lunch, explore the beautiful nearby village of Sirince. Taste some locally produced wine, relax in the tranquil Turkish countryside and learn about the age-old art of Turkish rugmaking.
Day 7: Ancient City Of Magnesia
Location: Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today travel to the ancient city of Magnesia. On an exclusive guided tour, you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history from experts and visit archaeological sites that are not usually open to the public. Later continue by road to Pamukkale and enjoy a dip in the thermal waters.
Day 8: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, where you can marvel at the spectacular terraces of calcium pools cascading down the hillside. Founded during the Hellenistic period, the city later became a centre of worship for the Romans. Drive to Antalya in the afternoon, on Turkey’s south coast.
Day 9: Antalya
Location: Antalya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive to the ancient Greek city of Aspendos, home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the Mediterranean. In the afternoon relax and unwind on a private boat tour lasting up to two hours, from Antalya along the attractive Mediterranean shoreline.
Day 10: Konya
Location: Konya
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning you’ll drive inland onto the Anatolian Plateau to the traditional town of Konya, famous as the burial place of the Islamic mystic and poet Rumi, founder of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the striking Mevlana Museum, home to the mausoleum of Rumi himself.
Day 11: Sultanhani Caravanserai
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart Konya for Sultanhani Caravanserai, a former resting point for the caravans that once travelled the famous Silk Road. This is the largest and best-preserved caravanserai in Turkey and one of the best examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture. Continue to Cappadocia and arrive at the stunning Ihlara Valley, a spectacular gorge that reaches depths of 100 metres. Enjoy lunch and a short walk along the valley, then continue to the hotel in Urgup. Later in the evening take in a spectacular Whirling Dervish performance at the historical Saruhan Caravanserai.
Day 12: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience Cappadocia's fantastical topography and long history on a full day tour of the region. Admire the preserved rock-hewn churches of Goreme, then at Pasabag Valley marvel at the unusual rock formations. Take in the magnificent view from the top of the Uchisar citadel and observe potters at Avanos creating masterpieces from clay sourced from the shores of the Halys River.
Day 13: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, visit the Greek-built village of Mustafapasa, then continue for a walk through the beautiful Soganli Valley, home to early Christian churches dating from the 9th to 13th centuries. Lunch today will be in a traditional Cappadocia village home, decorated with textiles and local flatweave carpets. Your hosts will welcome you, then prepare and serve a variety of traditional dishes - a unique experience. Then continue to Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement that provided refuge for some of the world's earliest Christian communities.
Day 14: Fly To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we fly to Istanbul, where we stay for one more night. On arrival in Istanbul, check into your hotel then enjoy the rest of the afternoon in one of the world's great cities. You can either explore independently, do some souvenir shopping or indulge in the refined art of the Turkish Bath. On your final evening, visit the bustling and historical district of Kumkapi, on the Sea of Marmara, where fishermen have lived and worked for centuries. Enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine, often with traditional live music and belly-dance performances going on around you.
Day 15: Departure
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Day 16: Departure
Location: İstanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour in various locations including Istanbul, Selcuk, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and Urgup.
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Meals
Meals are included throughout the tour, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on most days.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included at various historical and cultural sites such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Gallipoli Peninsula, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, and Cappadocia.
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Private Cruise
A private cruise along the Bosporus Strait is included to witness Istanbul's skyline and famous sites from the water.
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Transportation
Transportation is provided between destinations, including flights to and from Istanbul.
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Cultural Experiences
Cultural experiences such as a home-cooked Turkish meal with a local family and a Whirling Dervish performance are included.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and optional activities are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into Turkey are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as Turkish Bath experiences and additional tours are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes flights to Istanbul and transfers to various locations, with private cruises along the Bosporus Strait and boat tours from Antalya.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour description.
Experiences
Visit the Cape Helles Memorial
Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign at Cape Helles Memorial, along with a number of other locations on the barren hills and shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Whirling Dervish Ceremony
Enjoy a spectacular Whirling Dervish performance at the historical Saruhan Caravanserai.
Dine with locals in Cappadocia
Embrace everyday life in Cappadocia as you enjoy a delicious lunch with a local family, get involved with the region's handmade pottery and enjoy tea in a traditional village home.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect to see on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will fly to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the city.
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What are some of the highlights of the Istanbul tour on the second day?
On the second day, you will explore Istanbul's landmark sites including the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
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What unique experience is included on the third day of the tour?
On the third day, you will enjoy a private cruise along the Bosporus Strait, witnessing the city's skyline and famous sites from the water.
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What historical sites are visited on the fourth day at Gallipoli Peninsula?
On the fourth day, you will visit the Cape Helles Memorial and sites like Anzac Cove, Shrapnel Valley, and Lone Pine, which are significant to the history of Australia and New Zealand.
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What is special about the lunch on the fifth day of the tour?
On the fifth day, you will enjoy a home-cooked Turkish meal with a local family.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Ephesus on the sixth day?
On the sixth day, you will explore the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and later visit the village of Sirince to taste locally produced wine and learn about Turkish rugmaking.
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What exclusive experience is offered on the seventh day in Magnesia?
On the seventh day, you will have an exclusive guided tour of the ancient city of Magnesia, visiting archaeological sites not usually open to the public.
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What can I expect to see in Pamukkale on the eighth day?
On the eighth day, you will explore the ancient spa city of Hierapolis and marvel at the terraces of calcium pools cascading down the hillside.
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What is the highlight of the ninth day in Antalya?
On the ninth day, you will visit the ancient Greek city of Aspendos and enjoy a private boat tour along the Mediterranean shoreline.
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What cultural experience is included in Konya on the tenth day?
On the tenth day, you will visit the Mevlana Museum in Konya, which is the burial place of the poet Rumi and the home of the Whirling Dervishes.
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What unique performance can be seen on the eleventh day in Cappadocia?
On the eleventh day, you can witness a spectacular Whirling Dervish performance at the historical Saruhan Caravanserai.
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What is the focus of the twelfth day in Cappadocia?
On the twelfth day, you will explore Cappadocia's unique topography, including rock-hewn churches, unusual rock formations, and the Uchisar citadel.
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What special meal experience is offered on the thirteenth day in Cappadocia?
On the thirteenth day, you will have lunch in a traditional Cappadocia village home, enjoying a variety of traditional dishes prepared by your hosts.
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What can I do on the final evening in Istanbul on the fourteenth day?
On the final evening in Istanbul, you can explore the Kumkapi district, enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine, and experience live music and belly-dance performances.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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