The Best of Turkey: A 12-day adventure From Istanbul to Cappadocia and Beyond
Unveil the treasures of Turkey on an unforgettable 12-day tour taking you from the colourful baazars and bustling streets of Istanbul to the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia. Visit Turkey’s most fascinating sights, including Gallipoli, Pamukkale, Troy and beyond. Includes 11 nights of hotel accommodation, daily breakfast and select lunches and dinners, sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned motor coach, the services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout the tour, all transfers and more.
In a unique journey of surprise and discovery, uncover one of the most captivating destination in the world: Turkey. Happily poised between Asia and Europe, Turkey is an entrancing mix of cultures, historical and modern-day attractions, and culinary influences that range from regal to contemporary. Let history unfold in front of your eyes through the archaeological splendour of Istanbul, Pamukkale, Troy and Cappadocia; while authentic local produce is served up with a healthy dose of famous Turkish hospitality.
What You’ll Love…
Discover Turkey – Explore vibrant cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites around the country
As you walk the streets of Istanbul, experience the vibrant atmosphere of this city, where the air is rich with local spices, the sites replete with ancient wonders, and colourful bazaars dazzle with a wonderful array of Ottoman jewellery, beautifully handcrafted ceramics and the heady aroma of Turkish coffee. Take in the stunning construction of the Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior, the Spice Market and the Hippodrome.
Visit Gallipoli, the scene of one of the most epic battles in World War I history, and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers in this unsuccessful attempt by the Allied Powers to control the sea route from Europe to Russia in World War I. See the famous Cove along the Gallipoli peninsula (known for the landing of the Australian and New Zealand army on 25 April 1915), Lone Pine Cemetry and Chunuk Bair where the battle between the British Empire and the Ottoman defenders took place.
Relive the heyday of Troy, the epic stage of heroes’ deeds, the 4000-year-old city immortalized in Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. Discover the legendary center of the Trojan War before heading to Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city showcasing a rich and fascinating heritage.
Pay a visit to the city of Pamukkale, with its tiered white lime terraces and thermal pools, where the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis or the “Holy City” await. This striking archeological feat is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, situated atop the hot springs.
Marvel at the landscape of the Cappadocia region with its tall volcanic spires, high plateaus and deep valleys gloriously bathed in light. The region is famous for its dreamlike vistas of hot air balloons filling the skies, and you’ll have the option to take a flight of your own if you’d like (additional charge applies).
When in Ankara, discover the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence, also founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. Marvel at this majestic monument, considered one of the most remarkable engineering projects in the country, as you discover the incredible history behind it.
Your Package Includes:
- 11 nights of hotel accommodation including: three nights in Istanbul, one night in Canakkale, two nights in Izmir, two nights in Antalya, two nights in Cappadocia, one night in Ankara
- Daily breakfast, one lunch and nine dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
- All hotel taxes, fees, porterage & service charges
- All tipping and gratuities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Your tour starts and ends in Istanbul. Flights to Istanbul depart daily from all major Australian cities with Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates, departing most Australian capital cities with one or more stopovers and an approximate flight time of 22 hours.
Flights for Istanbul depart regularly from major gateways including Singapore (approx flight time of 12 hours), Hong Kong (approx flight time of 12 hours), Dubai (approx flight time of 5 hours) and Bangkok (approx flight time 11 hours).
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each travellers responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.
Need Flights? We have a dedicated team who are able to assist with all your flight requirements. If you need a stopover or are looking at travelling to more destinations, our team can help. Contact our flights concierge team using the phone number on our website.
DAY 1 - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and make your own way to your hotel by taxi. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers.
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 - Morning City Tour of Istanbul
Enjoy a half day morning tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents. Your tour includes a short briefing and the picture stop at the courtyard of the Blue Mosque, a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent interior made of blue tiles. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Then, head to the Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years. Afterwards, explore the Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring this city that blurs the line between East and West, with incredible architecture that is rivaled only by its spectacular natural setting on the Bosphorus Strait. In the afternoon, join the fascinating optional tour to the St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which remained the largest cathedral in the world for almost a thousand years, it was later converted to a mosque and now serves as a museum. Then continue to the Grand Bazaar, where you can shop for carpets, jewelry, leather and more.
Optional: Half Day Istanbul with St. Sophia & Grand Bazaar (PM)
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3 - Anzac Cemetery, Travel to Canakkale
This morning, drive to the town of Gallipoli, site of the famous Ottoman victory against the Allies during World War I. Visit the Anzac Cemetery, a memorial to the casualties of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, who’s fame grew back home as word of their heroic efforts spread. April 25, 2015 marked the 100th Anniversary of the beginning of the Gallipoli Campaign. Afterwards, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening.
Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 - Visit Troy, Pergamum, Travel to Izmir
This morning, proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. Then, drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit Asklepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Enjoy lunch in a local village before continuing to Izmir, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer.
Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 - Full Day in Izmir
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Izmir. With over 3500 years of history, the port city known historically as Smyrna offers a variety of impressive archaeological sites, not to mention easy access to ancient Ephesus. Perhaps, relax in the city and sip Türk kahvesi, authentic Turkish coffee, at a café set along the scenic Pasaport Quay. Don’t miss the optional tour to Ephesus, considered one of the greatest ancient cities of the world. Here, you’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, the library of Celsus, temple of Hadrian, the theater and the Odeon. After lunch at a local restaurant return to Izmir.
Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary with Lunch
Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 - Necropolis & Hierapolis at Pamukkale
Today, depart in the early morning from Izmir and drive to Pamukkale en route to Antalya where you will arrive in the evening. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hierapolis (“Holy City”), situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs, which together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C., primarily for the ailing and elderly, many of whom have retired here.
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 - Full Day in Antalya
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya. Founded by King Attalos of Pergamum as “Heaven on Earth,” Antalya is an international resort city that has become a prime destination in Turkey. Long popular among yachters, the city also offers the liveliest nightlife on the southern coast, fantastic beaches, and world-class shopping, in addition to historic ruins in the surrounding region. A fascinating optional tour is offered to the Pamphylian city of Perge and to the ancient city of Aspendos. On the return trip, visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum with its artifacts dating back over 2500 years.
Optional: Perge, Aspendos & Antalya Archaeological Museum
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8 - Cappadocia Caravanserai Sightseeing
Today, depart in the early morning to travel to Cappadocia. En route, visit the 13thcentury Caravanserai of Sultanhan, a large abandoned city and shelter in Cappadocia, built on the Silk Road, whose main portal gate is considered a fine example of Turkish Seljuk art. During the Seljuk period, trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders. The Caravanserai provided these traders, both foreign and native, with heated rooms, food, medical attention, equipment repair and many other common conveniences. There was even a small mosque, known as “Kosk Mescid,” in the courtyard’s center where the travelers could conduct religious practices. Continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia where you will arrive in the evening. Tonight, be sure to attend the optional performance of the world-famous Whirling Dervishes *If time permits there may be a visit to a local school en route to Cappadocia.
Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9 - Full Day in Cappadocia
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the area independently. A region of surreal rock formations and incredible cultural heritage, Cappadocia is home to rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities, and unparalleled landscapes. Begin the day very early on an optional hot air balloon ride that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. On the full day optional tour, visit the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley to see the early Christian churches and the Ozkonak Underground City The Cappadocia Balloon Ride tour ends before the Full Day Cappadocia tour begins. Both tours can be done on the same day.
Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM)
Optional: Full Day Cappadocia (AM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10 - Travel to Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk
This morning depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, view the vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with Neo-Hittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk’s and that of Ataturk himself, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civlizations Museum - built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum’s unique exhibits feature Anatolian archaeological artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic Age.
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11 - Return to Istanbul
This morning return to Istanbul. Arrive in the afternoon and spend the remainder of the day at leisure or join the optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. The humble fishing villages and contrasting suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait demonstrates the link between the East and West. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel with your traveling companions.
Optional: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise (PM)
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12 - Depart Turkey
Your tour ends after breakfast. Make your own way to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
The ’7-day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
Valid for the following departure dates:
9 April 2019
16 April 2019
23 April 2019
7 May 2019
21 May 2019
12 June 2019
3 July 2019
31 July 2019
7 Aug 2019
6 Sep 2019
Booking conditions and cancellation fees do apply. Please take out travel insurance at this time.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Istanbul for your chosen tour start date.
The package is valid for ONE PERSON aged 8 years or older (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional single traveller surcharge will apply (see below). Single travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
Single Traveller Surcharge: If travelling alone a single traveller surcharge of AU$650 applies, payable directly to the tour company after booking.
Booking Conditions: The tour operator will be in touch within 72 hours of purchasing the package. The booking forms must be returned to the tour operator within 7 days of purchasing the package. Reservations cannot be made until the booking form is returned to the tour operator.
Booking Guarantee: Book up to 14 days after purchase period and if you don’t get your preferred dates (within the validity period) we will give you a FULL refund (evidence of attempted booking must be provided to us by 16 days after purchase period). Refunds are not available if you are unable to secure your preferred dates after that date.
Maximum tour group size is 40 people.
Standard bedding configuration is one double bed or twin beds on request.
Maximum Room Capacity: Maximum room capacity is two adults. Three people can be accommodated on request sleeping on a rollaway or sofa bed but this is strictly at the discretion of each hotel and cannot be guaranteed. Please contact the tour company directly if you wish to make this request.
Connecting rooms may be possible, subject to availability at each hotel.
Tour includes accommodation at the following hotels:
- Legacy Ottoman Hotel or Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus, Istanbul
- Kolin Hotel, Canakkale
- Ege Palas or Park Inn by Radisson Izmir, Izmir
- The Marmara Antalya Hotel, Antalya
- Dinler Hotel Urgup or Perissia Hotel, Cappadocia
- Crowne Plaza Ankara, Movenpick Hotel Ankara or Swissotel Ankara, Ankara
- Renaissance Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul
Hotels listed are guaranteed unless booked out or in the case of force majeure.
Please note: Disability access is not available during the tour, please consider this before making your booking. Hotels may not have ramps, wide entryways or elevators to accommodate disabled passengers or devices such as wheelchairs, walkers and motorised scooters. Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs, walking frames and motorised scooters may not be taken aboard motor coaches.
Please note, the following are NOT included in your package:
- Optional tours - please refer to the itinerary for optional tours
- Meals that are not listed
- Cost of Visa for Turkey: please apply for your visa here
- Any personal expenses
The name on the tour booking is not transferrable to any other person.
Value has been determined based on the Tour Companies published rack rates provided and the value of inclusions.
Tour Operator’s cancellation and change of date policies apply.
The voucher is not refundable after purchase other than in accordance with the Booking Guarantee.
Any additional expenses are not included with this voucher.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this voucher.
All activities and services are subject to availability.
The offer will be available for purchase for a period of up to 14 days unless sold out.
Dining inclusions do not include beverages (unless otherwise stated). Menus are subject to change without notice.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.