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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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What's Included
Note: Allow USD165-215 for meals not included.
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about The Best of Turkey
Excellent
Mostly gratifying but for the amount of the money paid, some lunch/dinner should have been included.
Excellent
Life-enhancing experience with a group of life minded travelers. 10/10 would do again.
Excellent
This was my favorite trip yet. Due to the group, CEO and rich history of all the places visited I cannot recommend this trip enough. Have no regrets in booking this trip and would have no issues recommending.
Excellent
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!
Excellent
I have been travelling for a few opportunities and I am satisfied with gadventure
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