Wonders of Turkey
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.
- 23 Apr 2026 – 03 May 2026
from $5,050 pp twin share * - 07 May 2026 – 17 May 2026
from $5,650 pp twin share * - 21 May 2026 – 31 May 2026
from $5,675 pp twin share * - 04 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2026
from $5,395 pp twin share * - 16 Jul 2026 – 26 Jul 2026
from $5,150 pp twin share * - 13 Aug 2026 – 23 Aug 2026
from $5,295 pp twin share * - 10 Sep 2026 – 20 Sep 2026
from $5,875 pp twin share * - 24 Sep 2026 – 04 Oct 2026
from $5,525 pp twin share * - 08 Oct 2026 – 18 Oct 2026
from $5,775 pp twin share * - 29 Oct 2026 – 08 Nov 2026
from $5,150 pp twin share * - 01 Apr 2027 – 11 Apr 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 06 May 2027 – 16 May 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 20 May 2027 – 30 May 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 03 Jun 2027 – 13 Jun 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 17 Jun 2027 – 27 Jun 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 15 Jul 2027 – 25 Jul 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 12 Aug 2027 – 22 Aug 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 09 Sep 2027 – 19 Sep 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 07 Oct 2027 – 17 Oct 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share * - 28 Oct 2027 – 07 Nov 2027
from $5,595 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul:
Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner. - Day 2 – Gallipoli, Anzac Cove and Troy:
Marvel at breathtaking coastal views as you make your way along the shores of the Sea of Marmara to historic Gallipoli. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought in an in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, join your group as you head from Eceabat across the sea to Çanakkale before arriving in the historic city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be seen beside the city’s walls. - Day 3 – Izmir:
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women’s co-op turning recycled materials into unique items, and addressing women’s employment issues. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Izmir, where you will stop for a Farm-to-Table lunch at Nif Bağları, a family-owned wine producer. Explore the four acres of crop fields, nestled amidst picturesque surroundings before continuing your journey to the coastal resort of Izmir. - Day 4 – Ancient Ephesus:
Start your morning with a trip to the nearby town of Selçuk. Home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, you’ll begin with an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Once here, delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Later, explore the famous site itself. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins. - Day 5 – The Pools of Pamukkale Relaxed Start:
Head to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. See the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theatre and its turquoise travertine pools. Later, head to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex. - Day 6 – The Underground City and Cappadocia:
Today your journey takes you to Urgup, a historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai before exploring the underground city of Saratli. You will recognise this famous area from the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it. - Day 7 – The Cappadocia Experience Relaxed Start:
Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Early risers may choose an Optional Experience to watch the sunrise as hot air balloons lift off and drift above the valleys. Explore Göreme’s rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings before moving on to the Paşabağ Valley. Located on the road to Zelve, you’ll find otherworldly earth pillars here, ‘fairy chimneys’ and troglodyte dwellings. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. You’ll learn more about their unique way of living, local traditions and family life. Complementing the day’s events, this evening you’ll witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant. - Day 8 – Ankara:
One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey’s greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness centre at your hotel this evening. - Day 9 – To Istanbul:
It’s time to head to Istanbul, a glorious fusion of East and West where Byzantine splendour meets Ottoman elegance and contemporary energy. This afternoon, set out on a traditional cruise along the Bosphorus, the storied strait that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and divides Europe from Asia. Glide past waterside yalıs, domed mosques and palace façades of Istanbul’s skyline. Your evening is at leisure. - Day 10 – Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire:
Take in the sights of Istanbul, beginning with the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, once the heart of imperial Constantinople where chariot races drew roaring crowds. Explore Hagia Sophia with Insight Choice. Choose between the Hagia Sophia History Digital Experience for an immersive journey through the landmark’s layered past or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia, built in A.D. 537 and famed for its vast dome. Continue to Topkapi Palace, dramatically poised above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, then step into the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of lanes where centuries-old trading traditions live on in glittering textiles, ceramics and spices. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant. - Day 11 – Farewell Istanbul:
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
Highlights
- Visit the turquoise travertine pools of Pamukkale and relax in the hotel’s Turkish baths.
- Tour a traditional cave house in Cappadocia and witness the mesmerizing dance of the whirling dervishes.
- Explore the iconic Blue Mosque and bustling Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.
Inclusions
- Choose between two carefully selected activities.
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure’s rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency.
- We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
FAQs
- Ankara HiltonSA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
- Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
- Kolin, Çanakkale
- Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
- Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 11 days and 10 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 23 Apr 2026 and 07 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Fine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.