Unearth the wonders of Turkey’s ancient past on the 'Taste of Turkey'—an 8-day guided group tour that’s perfect for those wanting a concise yet thorough exploration of the country’s legendary sites. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this trip takes you from the city’s vibrant bazaars to the storied battlefields and ruins of the Aegean coast.
Your journey begins with a full day discovering Istanbul’s highlights before continuing to the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli and the ancient cities of Troy and Pergamum (replaced by Assos for 2025 departures). Marvel at the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities, and soak in the otherworldly terraces of Pamukkale.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its efficient itinerary—carefully curated to showcase Turkey’s must-see destinations in just over a week. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, this is an ideal introduction for history buffs and cultural explorers alike.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula, E
Istanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Cape Town
We had a fantastic time in Turkey! Thanks again, Eskapas, for putting everything together. Our guide and driver were excellent—very knowledgeable and helpful. We'll def be back next year for another trip.
Discover Turkey’s vibrant blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes on the 'Discover Turkey' tour—a captivating 8-day group journey ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction to this fascinating country. Starting and ending in Istanbul, this tour takes you through the enchanting regions of Cappadocia, Konya, and Kusadasi.
Begin with Istanbul’s iconic sights: the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Spice Bazaar, Hippodrome, and a Bosphorus cruise. Continue south to Kusadasi on the Mediterranean coast, using this lively town as a base to explore the spectacular ancient city of Ephesus and a local wine-producing village. Discover the importance of Turkish carpet making and visit the surreal, white travertines of Pamukkale.
Journey inland along the ancient Spice Route, stopping in Konya to learn about Sufi traditions before arriving in Cappadocia. Here, explore whimsical rock formations, cave churches, the Goreme Valley, and labyrinthine underground cities. The tour concludes with a scenic drive (or optional flight) to Ankara and back to Istanbul—where you can extend your stay to further explore the city.
What sets this trip apart is its balance of bustling cities, historic sites, and unique landscapes, all complemented by stays in 4-star and boutique hotels. This is the perfect tour package for travelers who want to experience the essence of Turkey in just one week.
City sightseeing
Tour Type
Group Tour
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
8-95 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, K
Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Cape Town
The tour was great. Our guide Nadir was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The team was flexible and accommodating throughout the tour. Before booking, you should know that since they organize tours of different lengths from different sites, it will be easy for them to extend your stay if you want. The only downside was that on my trip the tour started and stopped on different days for different people. The hotels were good but not what you would expect from a 5 star hotel. Even so, I fully recommend this tour.
Long bus journey but worth it. Major sights visited in Istanbul city.
Gallipolli and Troy well worth visit,very interesting,hard to imagine human cost of war.Trenches still visable. Lots of archaeology at Troy and replica of wooden horse to go in. Good photo opportunities. Ephesus with ancient streets,roman toilets,columns,mosaics and carving of menorah. Amazing amphitheatre at Parmakeele,The Thermal Springs. Lots of people but lots of space. White rocks fab,water not warm,skin felt refreshed after dip. Hotels used were high quality. Breakfasts delicious. Time to visit museum shops and time for coffee break.
Guide allowed plenty of toilet stops.
Discover Turkey’s most extraordinary destinations on the Best of Turkey Tour, an 8-day city sightseeing trip beginning and ending in Istanbul. Experience the architectural marvels of Istanbul, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and Goreme, the ancient wonders of Ephesus, and the natural beauty of Pamukkale—all seamlessly woven together for a truly immersive journey. With expert guides leading the way, travelers will enjoy comfortable hotel stays, included meals, and hassle-free transportation. This tour is perfectly suited for those seeking to maximize their time while savoring Turkey’s rich history and breathtaking scenery. The distinct highlight of this trip is its expertly curated itinerary, designed to capture Turkey’s essence in just over a week for an efficient yet unforgettable adventure.
I have been dreaming of traveling to Turkey for a long time. I had initially booked this tour in 2020 and clearly it had to be cancelled. Five years later, my expectations were exceeded by this tour. The rich history, culture, the food and the beautiful people of Turkey— this is a trip not to be missed!
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Imagine a week spent tracing the rich mosaic of Turkey, where centuries of history and dramatic landscapes converge. The 'Istanbul to Ephesus - 8 days' tour package invites you to journey from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient marvels of Izmir, weaving through captivating regions like Cappadocia and Pamukkale. Designed for experienced travelers and those seeking a leisurely pace, this easy-rated sightseeing tour covers Istanbul’s iconic sites before transporting you to Cappadocia’s enchanting valleys, where you’ll explore underground cities, marvel at the Open Air Museum, and gaze out from the natural fortress of Uchisar.
Next, discover the ethereal terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Selcuk, delve into the grandeur of the Temple of Artemis and then slow down in the charming village of Sirince, famed for its traditional architecture and local flavors. Throughout, expect attentive guidance, comfortable transport, and authentic meals, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.
A standout feature of this trip is the harmonious blend of cultural immersion and natural wonders—offering you not just a sightseeing tour, but an engaging encounter with Turkey’s diverse heritage, cuisine, and landscapes. Whether you’re savoring regional dishes or wandering through storied ruins, this tour package promises a relaxed yet deeply rewarding adventure through Turkey’s most storied destinations.
Turkey’s cultural treasures shine on this eight-day private tour, perfect for experienced travelers and seniors looking for an easy-going yet in-depth experience. Explore Istanbul’s legendary sites, from the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia to the vibrant Grand Bazaar. Marvel at Ephesus’s Roman ruins, take a dip in Pamukkale’s thermal pools, and wander the ancient streets of Hierapolis. Delve into the subterranean wonders of Cappadocia, with the option of a hot air balloon ride for unmatched views. The unique selling point: a hands-on journey through Turkey’s most celebrated historic, cultural, and natural wonders, all delivered with the comfort and exclusivity of a private guided tour.
