14-Nights Glories of Turkiye - Escorted Tours

Start your Deluxe Escorted tour with 2 nights in Istanbul, Türkiye's largest city. It is a city divided into two parts, one in Europe and one in Asia as it straddles the Bosphorus (the Istanbul Strait).  Here enjoy a full day tour taking you to the main sights including Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and St Sophia, the enormous former cathedral and mosque that now serves Istanbul as a museum. Enjoy an optional authentic Turkish cuisine in the evening, with belly and folk dancing entertainment.

Your next day is all about infamous battle sites. In the morning, visit Anzac Cove, site of the disastrous Gallipoli landing in World War One. Then in the afternoon, cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight. 

Next visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Weave through the olive forests on your way to lunch with some locals in a traditional village and then visit the ancient Medical Centre Asclepion in Pergamum. Later, head south to Kusadasi for 2 nights. 

The following morning brings a visit to the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world. Explore 2,000 year old marble streets, a theatre, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian's Temple. Later, visit St. Mary's stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years.  Finally, call in at a rug production centre. 

Depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale to see the mineral springs followed by the ancient Roman site of Hieropolis. Overnight in Pamukkele.

Your next stop is the attractive resort of Antalya on the Mediterranean coast for a 2 night stay. You will visit Perge and its famous Temple of Artemis. Afterwards, enjoy relaxing time in Antalya. 

The next day is at leisure although you can enjoy an optional tour of the ancient town of Phaselis or a yacht cruise along the coast. 

The following morning, head north to Konya visiting the ancient city of Aspendos. On arrival in Konya, learn about the Whirling Dervishes and their philosophy. Overnight in Konya. 

Next it’s on to Cappadocia, home to some of Türkiye's most historic ruins. En route, visit a 13th century caravanserai and have a visit to the underground city of Saratli. Spend 2 nights in Cappadocia.

You might consider here an optional hot air balloon ride for a bird’s eye view of the area. 

Visit Goreme located among the rock formations which were first settled back in the Roman period.  Also visit Avanos known for its high quality earthenware. 

In the morning, depart for the capital city of Türkiye, Ankara. Explore the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts up to 7500 years old. Overnight in Antalya. 

Travel the next morning overland back to Istanbul. The rest of the day is at leisure. A Bosphorus cruise is highly recommended to enjoy the strait that separates Asia and Europe. Your final night is in Istanbul.

• Discover Istanbul’s highlights from the Blue Mosque to Topkapi Palace, where East meets West.
• Reflect at Gallipoli’s Anzac Cove before crossing the Dardanelles to Canakkale and ancient Troy.
• Wander marble streets in Ephesus and visit St Mary’s stone cottage near Kusadasi.
• See Pamukkale’s white terraces, Hierapolis’ Roman ruins, and relax by Antalya’s turquoise coast.
• Explore Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, Ankara’s Ataturk Mausoleum, and end with a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul.

• Arrival and departure airport transfers
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with Tour Manager (max 22 guests)
• 3 nights deluxe accommodation in Istanbul
• 1 night deluxe accommodation in Canakkale
• 2 nights deluxe accommodation in Izmir
• 2 nights premium accommodation in Fethiye
• 1 night moderate accommodation in Pamukkale
• 2 nights premium accommodation in Antalya
• 2 nights premium accommodation in Cappadocia
• 1 night premium accommodation in Ankara
• Visits and sights as per itinerary including:
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Grand Bazaar
  • Anzac Cove and Gallipoli
  • Ancient City of Troy
  • Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary
  • Pamukkale and Cotton Castle
  • Open Air Museum of Goreme
  • Saratli
  • Cappadocia
  • Mausoleum of Ataturk
• Breakfast daily (except Day 1), 1 lunch, 7 dinners

• Travel insurance
• International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
• Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
• Gratuities
• Optional excursions
• Items of a personal nature
• Passport & Visa fees, if applicable