This 8-day Turkey tour takes you from bustling Istanbul to the Mediterranean at Kusadasi and then inland to the beautiful scenery of Cappadocia. The itinerary is designed to combine some of Turkey's classic highlights in a week's visit, balancing bustling cities, beautiful scenery, ancient ruins and modern Turkey. You'll stay in a mix of 4-star and boutique style properties along the way.
Starting in Istanbul, the beating heart of Turkey and historically a vitally important connecting point between the continents of Europe and Asia, we visit the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Spice Bazaar, Hippodrome and take a cruise on the Bosphorus before flying south to the Mediterranean coast at Kusadasi. We have two nights here, and a tour to the nearby ruins at Ephesus. One of the best preserved ancient Greek & Roman sites in the whole of the Mediterranean region, this is a spectacular site with a fascinating history. We'll also visit a village famous for producing local fruit wines, and learn about the importance of carpet making in Turkey. Our next stop is at the stepped calcium travertines and hot pools at Pamukkale, before we continue into the centre of Turkey along the ancient Spice Route, passing old caravanserais and visiting the Mervlana museum at Konya on the way. This brings us to picturesque landscape of Cappadocia where we visit the strange rock formations, cave chuches and 'fairy chimneys' in the Goreme valley and venture down into one of the labarynthine underground cities built by Christians centuries ago to hide from persecution. The tour then finishes with a drive (or optional flight) via Ankara back to Istanbul where extra nights are available to spend more time exploring the city.
Discover the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16 day adventure. Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Nile felucca cruising and Red Sea relaxation. Topped off with Jordan, home to the stunning Rose City of Petra (voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), the red desert of Wadi Rum and the buoyant Dead Sea.
Experience the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16-day journey from Cairo to the Dead Sea. Stand before the Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile in style, and explore ancient Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Then fly to Jordan to uncover the rose-red city of Petra, camp under the stars in Wadi Rum, and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. With temple visits, desert safaris, and plenty of time to unwind, this tour blends history, adventure and relaxation across two incredible countries. It’s a fascinating deep dive into the region’s culture and ancient civilisations.
From Ottoman Istanbul, the battlefields of Gallipoli, Roman ruins, the Aegean Coast and the stunning mineral pools of Pamukkale, to the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Nile Cruising in Egypt. Take in the best of Egypt and Turkey in 16 days.
Follow in the footsteps of the gladiators as you see the Colosseum in Rome, take in the regal history of the Habsburgs at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and see the Rhine Valley sights on the road to Königswinter during this 2-week guided tour. From the iconic attractions of Rome and the cultural gems of the Vatican, your expert-led voyage sets out across Europe, stopping for sunset cocktails and dinner in Venice, and sightseeing in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana. In Vienna, enjoy the exclusive Insight Choice of Viennese Waltz dance lessons—set to the tunes of Mozart’s masterpieces, or sample sachertorte at a traditional Viennese cafe, washed down with a specially selected coffee. End your adventure with a private Rhine Castle visit paired with regional wines and a dinner in Amsterdam.
Embark on a 10-day journey through Turkey, beginning and ending in Istanbul. Explore the Old City’s Ottoman and Byzantine past before heading to Gallipoli’s poignant WW1 sites. Step into legend at Troy, marvel at ancient Ephesus, and bathe in the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale. In surreal Cappadocia, discover cave dwellings, underground cities and fairy chimneys, with the chance to take a magical hot air balloon ride. From bustling bazaars to ancient ruins and natural wonders, this tour offers a rich mix of history, landscapes and unforgettable Turkish hospitality.
Kicking off in the powerhouse of the Ottoman empire - Istanbul, pay your respects at Gallipoli, get lost in the impressive Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, witness the beautiful Aegean Coast and dip your toes in Pamukkale's beautiful cascading mineral pools.
This tour is the BEST way to see all the infamous spots in Italy, plus local hidden gems, at a reasonable cost and if you are short on time (we had a school break time limitation). It covered everything! We budgeted for the add-ons, especially those with meals, but you could choose to have more free time if you wanted. The food was extraordinary, the bus was roomy and immaculately clean, our driver Antonello was superb, and our Travel Director Anneleis was amazing! She was so talented at integrating the tour highlights, guests, keeping it fun even in the rainy weather, knowledgeable, and able to troubleshoot anything to ensure we had the best experience of a lifetime!! I would love to go back and explore Southern Italy next. The hotels were elegant (only one was just "OK" only because it was in need of some renovations) and the service with our luggage, tipping, etc. was seamless. I highly recommend the Italian Intermezzo tour and Insight Vacations. Favoloso!
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.
It was a fast paced trip. It is a bit difficult staying only one night in a few places, just the logistics of packing up several nights and having everything ready for the next day is challenging.
But, that being said I thoroughly enjoyed seeing so many things through out Italy.
That inconvenience was minor in comparison to the amount of ground we covered.
Good introductory cross-section in major cities. Good balance of scheduled vs. free time. Would like a little more emphasis on art--especially Uffizi Gallery and Pisan Camposanto--plus entry into St. Mark's/Doge's Palace and Duomo church (rather than some of the shopping stuff). A little too much commercial, too little history/art. (Some of guides under-informed, including one who said Galileo discovered the "two planets" around Jupiter!).
It was a great experience with many highlights throughout our tour. We particularly enjoyed the many immersive stops (i.e. wine tasting, weaving, truffle hunting, pasta making, etc.) in addition to our guided tours. Our tour guide, was very well versed, knowledgeable, and helpful and provided good insights and tips throughout our trip. I can't imagine someone else doing a better job than she did! The local experts were also on top of their games.