The Best of Turkey

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

15 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Ends

Istanbul, Turkey

Highlights

Explore ancient historic cities.

discover ancient Roman ruins and amazing natural scenery.

taste delicious local cuisine.

walk through the astonishing white pools of Pamukkale.

Itinerary

Turkey’s enchanting blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty comes alive on "The Best of Turkey"—an 8-day cultural tour ideal for young adults and experienced travelers eager to make the most of their time. Begin in Istanbul, where the city’s bazaars, mosques, and tea houses set the tone for a journey rich with history.

Venture to the WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, then explore the legendary ruins of Troy and the remarkably preserved city of Ephesus. The tour’s easy pace allows you to fully appreciate each site, from the stunning white travertine pools of Pamukkale to the vibrant neighborhoods of Istanbul.

A unique selling point of this tour package is its smart use of comfortable transport, including a convenient internal flight, allowing you to cover more ground without sacrificing relaxation. For those short on vacation days yet hungry for a deep dive into Turkey’s diverse heritage and iconic sights, this trip offers the perfect balance of adventure and ease.

day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner.

Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.

And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.

Accomodation:Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Included Activity:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

day 2 - Istanbul/Çanakkale

Set off from Istanbul and take a guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale for the night.
Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.

It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Bogaz Hotel Canakkale (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr Distance : 260 km, Ferry Duration : 0.33 hr

Included Activity:Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour Duration : 2.5 hr - 3.0 hr

day 3 - Çanakkale/Ayvalık/Bergama

Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving at Ayvalik. Visit a women's handicraft shop, a G Adventures supported project. Opt to enjoy a half-day boat trip.
Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour.

In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Berksoy Hotel Bergama (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

Included Activities:Troy Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr Distance : 1 km, Çöp(m)adam Visit

Optional Activities:Ayvalik Boat Tour

day 4 - Bergama/Selçuk

Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to Selçuk.
Enjoy a free morning in Bergama before travelling to Selçuk, the base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.

Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Vinifera Ephesus Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.5 hr

Included Activity:Ephesus Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

day 5 - Selçuk

Opt to visit St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey or the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
With free time, choose to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Another option is to catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8km/5 mi) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Vinifera Ephesus Hotel (or similar)

Optional Activities:Şirince Village Visit Head out to scenic Şirince, a Turkish-Greek village that was settled when Ephesus was abandoned; it’s now 600 strong. Wander the narrow village streets filled with people selling handicrafts, olive oil, and local wine. , Sample Local Wine in Sirince Sample some of the local wine in Sirence, and find a new favourite to bring home., Saint John's Basilica Visit View St John's Basilica, once a grand basilica in Ephesus. Constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century, it was built in where John the Apostle is said to be buried. , Mosque of Isa Bey Visit Visit the centuries-old Isa Bey Mosque on the outskirts of Selçuk to see one of the oldest and most impressive works of art remaining in this region., Pide Lunch & Demonstration, Selcuk

day 6 - Selçuk/Pamukkale

Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Anya Resort Hotel Pamukkale (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 4.0 hr

Included Activity:Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Swim in an Ancient Pool

day 7 - Pamukkale/Istanbul

Hop on a morning flight to İstanbul. Take a guided orientation walk before free time to explore some highlights, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya).
Take a short flight to İstanbul. After settling in, depart for a walking tour of the city.

Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.

Meal:Breakfast

Accomodation:Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle, Plane Duration : 1.0 hr

Included Activity:Istanbul Orientation Walk Duration : 2.0 hr - 3.0 hr Distance : 3 km

Optional Activities:Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit , Spice Bazaar Visit , Dolamabahçe Palace Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahçe Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur., Blue Mosque Visit Explore the fabulous Blue Mosque, admiring the beautiful symmetry and internal tile work of the building. As it is a working mosque, take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, the religion of about 98 per cent of today's Turks. Head to the front of the Blue Mosque, to see the ancient Hippodrome. It was once the scene of chariot races, and now houses monuments from various moments in Istanbul’s history. , Archaeological Museum Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks. , Galata Tower Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset., Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts This museum is home to treasures from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods, and boasts one of the world's largest collection of Turkish carpets., Great Palace Mosaic Museum See the intricate mosaics on display from the Byzantine period, excavated from the site of The Great Palace of Constantinople., Topkapi Palace Visit , Basilica Cistern Built in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.

day 8 - Istanbul

Depart at any time.
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.

And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.

Meal:Breakfast

Optional Activities:Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts).

Meals

7 breakfasts
Note: Allow USD165-215 for meals not included.

Transport

Private air-conditioned van, plane, walking.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, AyvalıkYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupGallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visitTroy entrance and guided visitEphesus entrance and visitAncient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walkIstanbul city walking tourInternal flight

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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5.0

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