Jan
min : 2°C
max : 7°C
We Love —
- Immersing in the vibrant colours and energy of Istanbul's historic covered market, a sensory feast of local goods.
- Contemplating the grandeur of Topkapi Palace, exploring Cappadocia's ancient caves, and the surreal beauty of Pamukkale's thermal waters.
- Returning to our luxurious 4 and 5 accommodation, where comfort and relaxation await after a day of exploration.
Your itinerary in brief —
Embark on a captivating 7 or 8-night journey through Turkey, where cultural richness meets breathtaking landscapes, spanning two continents.
Begin in Istanbul, the city where East meets West, exploring the majestic Hagia Sophia, the opulent Topkapi Palace, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Explore the city's rich history, visiting the must-see sites before continuing through Bolu, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and İzmir and admiring some iconic cultural wonders such as Topkapi Palace, Love Valley and Ephesus.
Venture to Cappadocia, a land of otherworldly rock formations and ancient cave dwellings. An optional sunrise hot-air balloon ride (incurs extra charge) offers a stunning perspective of its magical terrain.
Continue to Pamukkale, home to the iconic 'Cotton Castles', terraces of white travertine filled with mineral-rich thermal waters. Nearby, the ancient city of Hierapolis awaits exploration. Conclude your adventure along the Aegean Coast, where turquoise waters meet historic treasures like Ephesus. Whether soaking in natural beauty or immersing yourself in Turkey’s cultural richness, this journey promises unforgettable experiences.
Your itinerary:
- Day 1: Istanbul
- Day 2: Istanbul
- Day 3: Istanbul - Bolu
- Day 4: Bolu - Ankara - Cappadocia
- Day 5: Cappadocia
- Day 6: Cappadocia - Pamukkale
- Day 7: Pamukkale - Izmir
- Day 8: Departure OR extended stay Izmir- Bursa - Istanbul
- Day 9: Departure (for the 8-night tour)
Please note:
- The transfers for this tour will be in a brand new coach equipped with wifi, with a maximum of 45 people per coach.
- Your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
Your itinerary in detail —
7 or 8 night tour
DAY 1: ISTANBUL
- Upon arrival in Istanbul, you'll be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight stay at Windsor Bayrampaşa 5* or one of the other carefully selected hotels.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
- Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel.
- Start your discovery of Turkey with a visit to the Imperial Blue Mosque, which is adorned by brilliant blue and turquoise Iznik tiles, and dominates Istanbul’s majestic skyline.
- Stroll through the Roman Hippodrome which houses the ancient Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column, before moving on to the famous Grand Bazaar.
- Enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant and soak up all the atmosphere.
- Explore Balat District, one of Istqnbul's oldest and most spectacular neighbourhoods.
- Wander through Istiklal Street, which is lined with beautiful late Ottoman period buildings, bustling traditional coffee houses, shops, bars and taverns.
Overnight stay at Windsor Bayrampaşa 5* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in Istanbul.
Breakfast and lunch included.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL - BOLU
- After breakfast, stop at a leather shop, where you may find a piece of Turkish-made leather clothing - the perfect auto-gift or surprise for someone back home...
- Visit the main residence of the Ottoman dynasty, the magnificent Topkapi Palace - which was, once upon a time, home to Ottoman sultans.
- After lunch, drive to the city of Bolu, in time for dinner.
Overnight stay at Hampton By Hilton Bolu 4* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in Bolu.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 4: BOLU - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departure for Ankara, the modern-day capital of Turkey.
- Visit the Ataturk Mausoleum, one of Turkey's most notable examples of modern architecture.
- Stop for lunch at a local restaurant, before discovering the unique lunar landscape of Cappadocia where dwellings, monasteries, churches and underground cities have been dug out over the years.
Overnight stay at Mustafa 5* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in Cappadocia.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 5: CAPPADOCIA
- Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel.
- Discover Goreme Valley, renowned for Cappadocia’s best collection of cave churches.
- Visit a traditional rug weaving centre to learn about the three-thousand-year-old tribal art of Turk.
- Lunch at a traditional cave restaurant then explore an underground city.
- Admire the picturesque views of the lunar landscape region, and make a pit-stop stop at the famous Hunters’ Valley and Pigeon Valley.
- Take a break at the natural fort of Uchisar.
- Visit a local pottery workshop in the town of Red River, Avanos.
Overnight stay at Mustafa 5* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in Cappadocia.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 6: CAPPADOCIA - PAMUKKALE
- Savour a tasty breakfast and enjoy some bracing Turkish coffee at the hotel before your journey to Pamukkale, via the city of Konya.
- Stop en route at a typical caravanserai constructed in the 13th century.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Konya.
- Set off for Pamukkale and visit the unique open-air museum also known as Cotton Castle, with its myriad of pools and terraces.
- Take a short drive to your dinner destination.
Overnight stay at Colossae 5* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in Pamukkale.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 7: PAMUKKALE - IZMIR OR KUSADASI
- After breakfasting at the hotel, set off to visit the sacred city of Artemis, Ephesus, which is considered to be one of the leading Roman sites of the world.
- The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the Celsus Library was the third largest of its time.
- Enjoy an energising lunch at a traditional restaurant.
- En route to İzmir (or Kusadasi) for dinner, stop at a jewellery store to admire pieces made in traditional Turkish designs.
Overnight stay at Karaca 4* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in İzmir (or Kusadasi).
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
DAY 8: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), in time for your outbound flight home.
OR
For the extended 8-night stay, enjoy:
Overnight stay at Windsor Bayrampaşa 5* or one of the other carefully selected hotels in Istanbul.
Breakfast and lunch included.
DAY 9: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), in time for your outbound flight home.
Read more
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change.
Your hotels —
Hand-picked just for you
Maximum room capacity
Throughout your 7 or 8-night tour, you'll stay in comfortable rooms in carefully chosen hotels.
Your hotels:
- Istanbul: Windsor Bayrampaşa 5* / Lionel Bayrampaşa 5* / Doubletree by Hilton Topkapi 5* / Wishmore Bayrampaşa 5* / Elite Word Florya 5* / Ibis Styles Merter 5*
- Bolu: Hampton By Hilton Bolu 4* / Vonresort Abant Hotel
- Cappadocia: Mustafa 5*/ Ramada Cappadocia 5* / Doubletree by Hilton Avanos 5* / Avrasya 5*
- Pamukkale: Colossae 5* / Richmond 5* / Adempira 5* / Lycus River 5*
- Izmir or Kusadasi: Karaca 4* / Marina 4* / Blanca 4* / Sentinus 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
Your dining choices
Throughout your tour, enjoy meals as per your itinerary, which consists of 7 or 8 breakfasts*, 6 or 7 lunches* and 5 dinners, depending upon which tour duration you choose.
Included extras & excursions —
Complimentary 1GB of mobile data
Stay connected on your travels with this exclusive mobile internet offer. Activate your complimentary eSIM in just a few taps and explore your destination like a modern traveller - all while avoiding expensive roaming charges.
Your journey to Turkey —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destination —
Turkey
Turkey, where East meets West, is a country of rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Ephesus to the vibrant streets of Istanbul, and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey offers a wealth of experiences, blending tradition with modernity in every corner.
Must-see:
- Hagia Sophia: A stunning masterpiece showcasing Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.
- Topkapi Palace: The opulent home of Ottoman sultans, offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus.
- Ephesus: A UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved ruins, including the Library of Celsus.
- Cappadocia: Famous for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and hot-air balloon rides.
- Pamukkale: Natural mineral springs creating beautiful white terraces, perfect for a relaxing soak.
Culinary culture:
Turkish cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian flavours. Enjoy traditional dishes such as kebabs, mezes (small appetizers), and fresh bread. For dessert, try baklava or Turkish delight. Wash it down with Turkish tea or strong coffee for an authentic experience.
Dive deeper:
Beyond Istanbul, explore coastal gems like Antalya and Bodrum for stunning beaches and lively markets. The town of Safranbolu, known for its preserved Ottoman houses, offers a peaceful escape with a rich cultural experience.
Good to know:
Turkey’s currency is the Turkish lira (TRY). Public transport is widely available, with buses, metros, and ferries connecting major cities. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild, but the country is a year-round destination.
