Embark on a captivating 10-day journey through the heart of Turkey with a meticulously crafted itinerary that seamlessly blends ancient cities, stunning coastlines, historical landmarks, and modern Turkish culture. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this adventure offers travelers a comprehensive and diverse exploration of this remarkable country.
The tour commences in Istanbul, a dynamic metropolis where the past and present converge in harmony. Travelers experience the city's cosmopolitan vibrancy alongside its ancient wonders, providing a perfect introduction to Turkey's rich heritage.
The journey then takes a poignant turn as travelers visit the battlefields and memorials of Gallipoli, including the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, paying tribute to the historical significance of World War II.
As the tour heads south along the Mediterranean coast, travelers encounter Turkey's ancient treasures. Stops at the legendary sites of Troy, the impressive Pergamum, and the exceptionally well-preserved ruins of Ephesus offer insights into the country's illustrious past.
Arriving in the coastal town of Kusadasi, guests are treated to the charm of Turkish seaside life before embarking on an inland adventure. The surreal calcium travertines at Pamukkale beckon, providing a unique opportunity for a rejuvenating dip in the spa waters. The historic ruins of Hieropolis also await exploration.
Continuing the journey, travelers follow the ancient Spice Route deeper into central Turkey, arriving in Konya, where they delve into the art of Sufi dancing and celebrate the poetry of Rumi, a profound cultural experience.
The tour then unfolds into the captivating landscape of Cappadocia, with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai offering a glimpse into the past. In Cappadocia, guests are enchanted by the mesmerizing rock formations, cave churches, underground cities, and the famous 'fairy chimneys,' which define the region's unique charm.
The tour concludes with a return to Istanbul, with the option for a flight back to the city. Along the way, travelers stop in Ankara, the modern-day capital, where they can explore the city's contemporary attractions.
Throughout the journey, accommodations are carefully selected, offering a mix of 4-star and boutique hotels, ensuring comfort and a taste of local charm. For those seeking more time to explore Istanbul's wonders, additional days can be added at the beginning or end of the tour, providing a comprehensive experience of this magnificent city.
Explore the best of Turkey’s west coast, experience a 3 day Gulet cruise around the Mediterranean, and marvel at the beauties of Cappadocia on this 10 day tour. Set off on your tour by immersing yourself in the wonders of Istanbul, visit Troy and Pergamum, take a relaxing break on your gullet and bath in the healing waters of Pamukkale. After visiting the awe inspiring ancient city and ruins of Ephesus, enter the otherworldly Cappadocia.
Explore the best of Turkey and enjoy the Mediterranean on this private 8-day guided tour. See the best of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys at Cappadocia, the open-air museum at Göreme, and the incredible city of Antalya.
This incredible tour package takes you through Istanbul for a full two days, Cappadocia for two full days, Antalya for two full days, and Pamukkale for one full day! This is the perfect trip for those who want to explore Turkey at a leisurely pace, and it includes a full free day in Antalya for your explorations.
The package includes accommodation, flights, expert guides to each destination, meals, transport, and more. As this is a private tour, it is possible to customize it to your requirements.
Embark on a journey through the diverse landscapes of Turkey, commencing in the vibrant city of Istanbul. From there, explore captivating Cappadocia, where hidden underground cities, the Open Air Museum, and the natural fortress of Uchisar await your discovery. Continue your adventure by visiting Pamukkale and the historic city of Hierapolis. In Selcuk, pay homage to the ancient Temple of Artemis and meander through the picturesque village of Sirince. This tour promises a blend of history, culture, tasty food, and natural wonders.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Izmir, Cappadocia, Pamukkale
Istanbul, Izmir, Cappadocia, Pamukkale
15% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
The Flying Carpet Tour is a captivating 15-day journey through Western Turkey, blending history, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Troy, and Pergamon, this tour takes you on a fascinating exploration of Turkey’s most iconic sites.
Travel through time as you walk among the remnants of powerful empires, from the grandeur of the Ottoman palaces in Istanbul to the well-preserved ruins of Roman cities. Witness the moving landscapes of Gallipoli, where history and heroism are deeply intertwined. Experience the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale’s cascading travertines, the hidden churches of Cappadocia’s cave dwellings, and the pristine shores of Fethiye and Antalya.
Beyond its breathtaking sights, this tour also offers immersive cultural experiences, such as a traditional cooking course in Cappadocia and a wine tasting in Sirince, allowing you to connect with Turkey’s rich traditions and flavours.
This 9-day tour of Greece will guide you through some of the most famous and fascinating islands in the Mediterranean. Begin your journey in Athens and discover the heady mix of ancient history and contemporary attractions. Bask in the beauty of the world-famous Acropolis, which is visible from nearly every part of the city! Dig deep into the layers of history through the magnificent monuments and museums or feel the creative energy of Athens with its fascinating street art. Make your way to Rhodes, a traditional yet modern destination and the sunniest place in Greece! Here you may explore the medieval Old Town and villages which have been popular since the Roman Ages. The Old Town boasts a history of 2400 years apparent through ancient statues, marble fountains, and magnificent palaces. Next, you will catch a ferry to Kos, one of the first Aegean islands to attract visitors. This is a handsome harbour community with its medieval castle boasting ancient ruins from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine eras. Walk around the waterfront as you explore cafes and tavernas like a local before you travel to Athens where you will end your tour of the Greek Islands!
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
SAILING HOLIDAY: Discover sun-kissed beaches, delicious local cuisine, pebbled bays, medieval Dubrovnik, beautiful Korcula and other ports of call. Relax and unwind as we cruise from the ancient port of Split on Croatia's Adriatic Coast with plenty of time to soak up the sun, swim and explore.
Another spectacular trip with Explore. I highly recommend this company. As a solo female traveller they have never let me down. Explore is 100 % reliable.
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Resort
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tirana, Kruje, Valbona Valley Na
Tirana, Kruje, Valbona Valley National Park, Shkoder, Durres, Lake Ohrid, Pristina, Peja, Prizren, Rahovec
Following the famed Aegean coastline, we discover Ottoman Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, ancient Ephesus and Pamukkale, finishing in coastal Marmaris - gateway to the Greek Islands. This 7 day holiday from Istanbul to the Mediterranean sea will give you an insight into the fascinating history, culture and landscapes of western Turkey.
This ten-day, private, guided tour takes you to some of the most beautiful castles of Transylvania and offers you a relaxing holiday in this enchanting land. Your journey starts from Bucharest, the capital city. From there you will head for Sibiu, the former cultural capital of Europe. See the magnificent Alba Carolina, a citadel decked in white, followed by a one-night-stay in Haller Castle. See the big fortified church in Biertan and visit Sighisoara, the only medieval citadel in Europe that is still inhabited, along with Peles and Bran castles
Learn more about the myths and legends surrounding these fairy tale castles and fortresses. Wander down the streets of medieval cities and take in the beautiful landscape of Romania along the way. For more details, scroll down to the itinerary section below.
Embark on your own grand tour of discovery on this 10-day journey of Greece, taking us from ancient Athens to Thessaloniki through the sanctuaries, monasteries, monuments, and stunning landscapes at the heart of this cradle of Western civilization.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
18-80 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Thessaloniki
Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Thessaloniki
25% OFF TODAY
This deal is valid for limited time. Book now to reserve your seats.
This action-packed eight-day tour of Turkey offers an ideal overview to this diverse and beautiful country. You do not need to worry about flights, overland transport or hotel bookings, as all logistics are taken care of. Sit back and relax as you visit some of the most impressive sites in the country, including bustling cities, ancient ruins, natural wonders, and more.
Included in this itinerary are historic destinations like Ephesus and Hierapolis as well as famous natural landmarks like Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
The flights from and to Istanbul that we generally use are listed below:
From Istanbul: The flight leaves at around 07:00 to 07:30 am and arrives in Izmir between 08:00 and 08:30 am.
From Cappadocia: The flight leaves between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm and arrives in Istanbul between 9:30 pm and 11:00 pm.
(Note: The schedule may vary as per flight availability)
The 13-day Turkey Highlights and Mediterranean Cruise Tour promises an extraordinary journey through the heart of Turkey, combining historical and cultural exploration with a tranquil 3-night cruise along the enchanting Mediterranean coast. This carefully crafted itinerary offers travelers an immersive experience, showcasing Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.
The adventure commences in Istanbul, the mesmerizing city that straddles Europe and Asia. Here, the blend of cultures and traditions creates a captivating atmosphere. After delving into Istanbul's treasures, the tour heads to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of historical significance that pays tribute to the ANZAC day battlefields and memorial sites. It's a poignant reminder of the past.
Turning south, the journey unfolds along the scenic Mediterranean coastline. Along the way, travelers explore the ancient ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Pergamum, and the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the past. The traditional town of Selcuk serves as a delightful stopover.
The tour takes an idyllic turn with a 3-night cruise aboard a traditional Turkish gulet in the Gulf of Fethiye. Travelers have the opportunity to visit secluded bays, swim in crystal-clear waters, discover charming local villages, and unwind on the deck while soaking up the Mediterranean sun. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration.
Leaving the coast behind, the journey heads inland to explore more of Turkey's treasures. The tiered calcium travertines and the ancient spa city of Hierapolis at Pamukkale showcase nature's wonders and ancient marvels. A drive along the historic Silk Road brings travelers to Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes, including the iconic "fairy chimneys."
While in Cappadocia, guests stay in a boutique 'cave hotel,' adding a unique touch to the experience. The tour explores the captivating Goreme Valley, visits underground cities, and offers an opportunity to hike through the mesmerizing landscapes. The region's rich history and geological wonders come to life during this leg of the journey.
The final leg of the tour takes travelers back to Istanbul, with a stop in Ankara along the way. In the Turkish capital, they visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the revered Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, gaining insight into Turkey's modern history.
The tour runs during the warmer months, from late April through to October, ensuring pleasant weather for exploration. Accommodations are in comfortable mid-range hotels, and during the Gulet cruise, many guests choose to sleep under the stars on the deck, adding a touch of magic to the Mediterranean experience.