We Love —
- Set off for a fascinating tour of Turkey - the land where east meets west. Start in Istanbul for a city experience before heading to Cappadocia to witness some incredible rock formations.
- Visit the picture-perfect Pamukkale and historic Izmir on this unique private tour, enabling you to absorb the essence of the country with the aid of your guide.
- Stay in 5* hand-picked hotels along the way and enjoy the ease of included flights and transfers!
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Destinations —
Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and The Grand Bazaar are all within a 30-minute walk of each other. It's easy to get around on foot or by tram, which provides a regular service to the pedestrianised main street. If you have a little longer to spend in Istanbul, we would recommend that you set aside some time to visit The Princes Islands. The tranquil atmosphere makes a pleasant contrast to the city itself. Easily reached by ferry or hydrofoil, Buyuk Ada is the most popular with visitors. No cars are allowed, but you can take a horse and carriage to visit the Monastery of St. George. The Heart of modern Istanbul is Taksim Square and the surrounding streets, with their excellent restaurants and lively bars have a real cosmopolitan feel.
Cappadocia
The village of Goreme itself is at the heart of the area's tourist industry, and many of its villagers still live in cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into pensions and boutique hotels. Surrounding the area are the amazing rock formations known evocatively as Peri Bacalari or 'Fairy Chimneys'. Located on the west of Nigde, the stunning Ihlara Vadisi, a gorge which is 10 km long and some 80 meters wide. Popular for trekking, about 12 of its 60 churches are open to the public including the impressive Egritas Church. There are hundreds of underground cities in the region. Two of the most impressive is Kaymakli, which has 8 levels, and Derinkuyu, which reaches down to 55 metres. They were used by Christians fleeing persecution in the 7th century, who created a self-sufficient environment underground including bedrooms. Kitchens and storage rooms. To get away from the crowds visit the picturesque Soganli Valley, with its many houses, tombs and churches, displaying excellent examples of Byzantine paintings.
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: UK - Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul
Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
Day 4: Cappadocia
Day 5: Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale
Day 6: Pamukkale - Izmir
Day 7: Izmir - Bursa - Istanbul
Day 8: Istanbul - UK
Book your tour now, for an unforgettable adventure rich in discoveries and culture! Your 7-night trip to Turkey will leave a mark on your heart from its natural beauty, historic past and intriguing culture.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: UK - Istanbul
Flight to Istanbul. On arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide. Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Today is dedicated to discovering the historic centre of the city and its main monuments: Hippodrome of Constantinople. Discover the famous Blue Mosque, a religious complex representative of the height of the Ottoman Empire.
Visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. This visit will immerse you in a very special atmosphere (the visit of the Harem is optional). Discover the Grand Bazaar with its many trinkets and produce on sale. There is a possibility of taking an optional excursion (payable locally) to cruise on the Bosphorus, allowing you to observe ancient palaces of the two continents. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel. Take your morning departure to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. On the way, stop on the shores of Lac Salé. Upon arrival in Ankara, take lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, an afterwards, your journey will continue to Cappadocia. In the evening, you will arrive at the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
In the early morning, you have the possibility to take a picture-perfect hot air balloon excursion over Cappadocia, catching fantastic views of the sunrise over the horizon (payable locally). Return to your hotel for breakfast. Today you will visit this interesting region which offers some of the most unique landscapes in the world. You will have lunch during your excursion. You will then move onto Göreme, with its rocky churches and unusual structures, and you will visit a semi-troglodyte village Uçhisar. Here, you will have the chance to visit a museum that showcases semi-precious stones, gold and silver from the region. You will then discover Avcilar Valley and visit an underground city (Ozkonak or Saratli), where you will visit a carpet manufacturer. Return to the hotel for dinner, after which you will be able to opt to attend a folklore evening (payable locally).
Breakfast at the hotel. You will be up early for a morning departure for the holy city of Konya. On the way visit Sultan Han, a large 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai located in the town of Sultanhanı. As you arrive in Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum, founder of the Mevlevi Order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. Have your lunch and then continue on to Pamukkale, translated to "Cotton Castle". This remarkable natural site boasts grandiose white limestone basins, fed by hot springs, creating a beautiful contrast of blue waters in snow-white baths. You will then be taken to the hotel where you will have the chance to bath in their thermal pool.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6: Pamukkale - Izmir
Breakfast. Visit the ruins of Hierapolis, continuing on to visit the ancient site of Ephesus, a UNESCO heritage site where little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the World". Enjoy lunch and then move on to visit the House of the Virgin Mary located on Mt. Koressos.
You will then be transferred to Izmir (Smirne), the third largest city in Turkey, and probably the second most beautiful city in the country after Istanbul.
Arrive at the hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.
After the meal, it is advisable to take a short walk along the shores of the Aegean Sea.
Day 7: Izmir - Bursa - Istanbul
Breakfast will be at the hotel before your departure for Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy lunch and then take a visit to the Great Mosque of Bursa and the Green Mosque. The Green Mosque was built at the beginning of the 15th century and takes its name from the interior decor, which boasts green faience covered walls. You will then be taken back to Istanbul.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Istanbul - UK
Enjoy your last Breakfast at the hotel, then take your transfer to the airport for the flight back to the UK.
Your Hotels —
You will be staying at the following 5* hotels (or similar) in a Twin Room, on a Full Board Basis.
- Izmir: Hotel Kaya Thermal 5*
- Pamukkale: Hotel Richmond 5*
- Cappadocia: Hotel Perissa 5*
- Istanbul: Titanic Business Kartal 5*
Please note: the bed for the 3rd/4th guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Shared transfers are included throughout this tour.