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East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza which reveals the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and some of the world's most revered ancient cities. Get lost in the colourful lanes of the Grand Bazaar, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes and descend into an underground fortress. Mother Nature and man have crafted an extraordinary land, over which empires have fought for centuries and you'll get to see all its wonders on this 10-day journey.
Travel Style - Costsaver
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It's the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite have reached that stature, Istanbul's history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its capital, the gateway to the Orient? On arrival, transfer to your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Titanic Port Bakırköy
Day 2
Istanbul sightseeing and free time
Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Local Specialist this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque. Later, you'll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus Cruise
This morning you'll visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century marvel that was formerly a basilica, now a mosque. Then, you'll continue with a cruise along the Bosphorus, the river that divides Istanbul and the continents of Asia and Europe. The 90-minute cruise will introduce you to the strategic importance of the river, the beauty of old Istanbul and the most picturesque parts of the present day city.
Adult Price: $48.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 3
Istanbul – Ankara (1 Night)
Ramble past the colourful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you'll visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, before an evening to do as you please.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Holiday Inn Kavaklıdere
The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli. This evening you could join an Optional Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Ramada by Wyndham
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Performance of Whirling Dervishes
The 'dance' of the Whirling Dervishes is called Sema. It is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and represents a man's spiritual journey, and will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. (*) Performance of Whirling Dervishes is NOT a show but instead it is a mystic ceremony.
Adult Price: $32.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 5
Cappadocia sightseeing and free time
Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys take centre stage this morning as you journey to Pasabagi and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production centre then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. An Optional Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Goreme and Avanos Sightseeing
First settled in the Roman period, Goreme is located among Cappadocia's famous rock formations. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in this region. Then, you'll continue to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality earthenware.
Adult Price: $36.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 6
Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (1 Night)
First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.
See the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis this morning before you come face to face with the ruins of one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean world, Ephesus. You'll explore this 2,000 year-old ancient settlement, then head to the seaside port of Izmir.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - DoubleTree by Hilton Alsancak
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Izmir Seafood Dinner
Head to the Kordon where we take you to one of Izmir's favorite seafood restaurants. Known for stunning views and for serving the best fish dishes in coastal Turkey, dine on a variety of seafood and meze delights. Don't worry there's great options for those who don't like seafood too! (Excludes drinks).
Adult Price: $42.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
Day 8
Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Çanakkale (1 Night)
Visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon this morning, most notably its Asclepion Medical Centre, which still bears the image of the snake-entwined staff that remains a symbol of medicine in modern times. Next on today's agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that inspired Homer's tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Büyük Truva Oteli
A poignant start to the day sees you visit Gallipoli, where significant World War I battles were fought with heavy losses on both sides. You'll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair paying tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in this relentless conflict before returning to Istanbul. As your journey through Turkey draws to a close, there's always time for one last Raki!
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Titanic Port Bakırköy
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Day 10
Depart Istanbul
Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You've stood at the crossroads of East and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it's time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends. Find out more about your free airport transfer at costsavertour.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optionalexperience Icon HERE'S A SAMPLE OF YOUR CHOICE OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Available on day 2
Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus Cruise
This morning you'll visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century marvel that was formerly a basilica, now a mosque. Then, you'll continue with a cruise along the Bosphorus, the river that divides Istanbul and the continents of Asia and Europe. The 90-minute cruise will introduce you to the strategic importance of the river, the beauty of old Istanbul and the most picturesque parts of the present day city.
Adult Price: $48.00*
Available on day 4
Performance of Whirling Dervishes
The 'dance' of the Whirling Dervishes is called Sema. It is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and represents a man's spiritual journey, and will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. (*) Performance of Whirling Dervishes is NOT a show but instead it is a mystic ceremony.
Adult Price: $32.00*
Available on day 5
Goreme and Avanos Sightseeing
First settled in the Roman period, Goreme is located among Cappadocia's famous rock formations. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in this region. Then, you'll continue to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality earthenware.
Adult Price: $36.00*
Available on day 7
Izmir Seafood Dinner
Head to the Kordon where we take you to one of Izmir's favorite seafood restaurants. Known for stunning views and for serving the best fish dishes in coastal Turkey, dine on a variety of seafood and meze delights. Don't worry there's great options for those who don't like seafood too! (Excludes drinks).
Adult Price: $42.00*
*We're always sourcing more great experiences for you to choose from. When you join us on your tour, your Travel Director will share the most up to date choices for your trip and travel season. For this reason, the optional experiences and pricing offered here are a guide only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
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Luxury air-conditioned coach
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Variety of Optional Experiences
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City orientation tours
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes
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Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Wonders of Turkey Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.6
Out of 5
Based on 211 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
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Out of 5
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Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Overall experience of sightseeing, coach comfort, knowledgeable and informative tour director, safe and efficient coach driver. Well selected hotels. Made it all a smooth travel experience.
Turkey was incredible thoroughly enjoyed every minute. We had a very knowledgeable English speaking tour director/guide who was exceptional. The Turkish people are very warm and welcoming, food was incredible and cities and sites we visited were beautiful.
Asli our tour guide was excellent. She was very knowledgeable and helpful. We could not have asked for a better guide. The destinations were interesting and varied. We experienced many of the treasures Turkey has to offer, but there just wasn’t enough time to see everything. We plan to visit again sometime in warmer weather and hope to see all the wonderful things that we missed. Excellent trip, amazing culture and wonderful people, definitely an Experience of a lifetime!
The travel director Asli was the best. Make the trip full of joy and the schedule is so well planned that you get to use the best of the time and see many things every day.
Important Visa Information: Visas may be required for this trip. Please speak with your Travel Agent when making your reservation to assess your specific requirements.
Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
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