The Classic Turkey tour is an 11 day journey through Istanbul’s amazing sights and history, followed by a tour of the battlefields of Gallipoli before embracing Turkish culture, ancient cities, and preserved ruins along the Aegean coastline. We then travel back in time to Cappadocia where you can be witness to some of the most incredible naturally formed landscapes on Earth, explore underground cities and float effortlessly over this magical area by hot air balloon.

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Loved Every Moment! ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip ofa lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Natasja B. - Holland
Loved Every Moment! 💖 ⭐ ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Mary D. - Germany
Loved Every Moment! 👋 🤩
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
David T. - Italy
Loved Every Moment! 💖 ⭐ ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Mary D. - Germany
Loved Every Moment! 💖 ⭐ ❤️
I would like to thank you again Gursan, you truly made this a trip of a lifetime and opened so many doors. Take care my friend.
Mary D. - Germany

Tour Details

Day 1: Arrival Day Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! Istanbul, the only city to straddle two continents, and once the capital of 4 empires, is currently a modern thriving metropolis. You will be greeted by one of our representatives at the airport, and chauffeured to your hotel. We will get an opportunity to meet our fellow travelers this evening over a welcome drink. Meals – welcome drink Hotel Istanbul- The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 2: Istanbul

After breakfast, our guide gives us a walking tour around the major historical sites of the Old City of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and Grand Bazaar (the largest covered market in the world.) This evening as an option, we board our private luxury boat and take a cruise through the stretch of water separating Europe from Asia, the Bosphorus. We will see palaces, forts, ancient ruins and beautiful Ottoman housing. Meals – Breakfast. Option – Boat -Light refreshments on board. Hotel Istanbul – The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 3: Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale

This morning we navigate our way out of the bustling streets of Istanbul, and head towards the ‘Gallipoli’ peninsula, where the Marmara & Aegean Seas connect. Our guide will share stories of battle woes of 1915, and explain in detail how the ANZAC legend was born. We visit Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Museum, the Neck, and look down at Suvla Bay. This battle-hardened peninsula has now become a tranquil place. Lest we forget. After the battlefields, we relax over a wine tasting where we can taste the regions best grapes. Meals- Breakfast / lunch / wine tasting Hotel Canakkale – Limani Hotel

Day 4: Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Kusadasi

Our first stop sees us visiting the ancient city of Troy, dating as far back as 3000 BC. Our guide explains how the IX cities of Troy came to be, as well as the fabled Trojan War, which was the battle that launched 1000 ships. Homer’s legendary Iliad & Odyssey are referenced here. We continue heading south to one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient cities in Pergamon. Formerly a Greek city, Pergamon played an important role in education and medicine. One of the largest libraries of its time was located here, along with the Asklepieion, Amphitheatre and Altar of Zeus. Our day ends in the port town of Kusadasi on the Aegean coast. Meals – Breakfast / lunch Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel

Day 5: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi

Once an ancient Greek city, then a lively Roman city, the legendary site of Ephesus remains one of the most visited places in Turkey. We will marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, along with the complex plumbing systems, which date as far back as the 10th Century BC. We will also visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. St. John’s Basilica is next on our itinerary, and just a short drive from Ephesus. Here, it is believed to be John the Apostle’s final resting place. After lunch, we learn about Turkish hand-woven carpets, and this afternoon, we drive to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its olives, wines, nuts and fresh fruit. We will be given an opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies, whilst we relax overlooking the olive groves in this quaint township. Meals – Breakfast / lunch Hotel Kusadasi – La Vista Hotel

Day 6: Kusadasi – Hierapolis – Pamukkale

This morning we head to the House of the Virgin Mary, where St John escorted her until the time of her ‘Assumption.’ Continuing east, we drive to the magical site of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle.) The natural travertine’s cascading down the hill has been forming for tens of thousands of years which are believed to possess healing qualities. Today we also experience the ruined city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, where Marcus Aurelius Ammianos’ sarcophagi lies. The amphitheatre is also very impressive. Meals – Breakfast Hotel Pamukkale – Tripolis Hotel

Day 7: Pamukkale – Konya

This morning we continue our journey east to the home of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes, Konya. This afternoon we are guided around the Mevlana museum and enjoy a night to relax. Meals – Breakfast Hotel Konya – Hotel Ney

Day 9: Cappadocia

Often described as a ‘moonscape’ the unique rock formations, which make up the Cappadocia region, will undoubtedly blow your mind. There is an optional hot air balloon ride to start your day, which will be followed by our guided tour of Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle, Cavusin and Avanos. This evening, we attend the highly recommended ‘Turkish Night’ which consists traditional Turkish folklore and belly dancing. Meals – Breakfast / dinner Hotel Cappadocia – Yunak Houses Hotel

Day 10: Cappadocia – Istanbul

This morning, enjoy some free time exploring the sites of Cappadocia before boarding our afternoon flight back to Istanbul. For those who didn’t get an opportunity to experience a hot air balloon ride, this morning is your last chance. Meals – Breakfast Istanbul hotel - The Vault Hotel Karakoy

Day 11: Istanbul

After breakfast, we bid farewell to our newfound friends, and reflect on what has been a memorable experience. If you’re planning to stay in Turkey longer, we are also able to assist with accommodation bookings, or private guided tours. Meals – Breakfast

Details

Tour Date

Istanbul

Duration

Eleven day tour

Book the Tour

Price Details

Popular

€3895

Single supplement

€815

Single supplement

€815

Single supplement

€815

Price Includes:

• Return private airport transfers from Istanbul Ataturk airport
• 10 nights accommodation in luxury boutique hotels
• 10 breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 1 dinners
• Fully licensed professional guide
• Entrance fees
• Wine tastingEXCLUDES
• Airfares to and from Turkey
• Arrival/departure taxes
• Visa fees
• Alcoholic beverages
• Personal expensesOPTIONS
• Luxury boat cruise on Bosphorus
• Hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia
• Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

All hotels listed are our first preference for this tour. Should these hotels be unavailable, Authentic Turkey Tours will book hotels of the same class.