Treasures of Turkey Tour with 21 Reviews by Insight Vacations | Bookmundi

15 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

48 peopleMaximum group size

5 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

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

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Ends

Istanbul, Turkey

Treasures of Turkey

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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

Highlights

Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where you'll pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.

Bursa: On your orientation with your Travel Director visit the town’s mosques, bazaars and famous Silk Market.

Cumalikizik: Visit the over 700 year-old village to get glimpse into what Ottoman villages away from the capital looked like.

Ankara: Discover the mysterious Hittite civilisation and visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk.

Ankara: On your orientation with your Travel Director of the capital of modern Turkey discover its Roman and Byzantine heritage, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Atatürk.

Visit the narrow passages and interconnecting rooms of this Stone Age underground city dug out from the hills and built to block invaders and defend against attacks.

Göreme: With your Local Expert, explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys and the Pasabag Valley.

Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.

Konya: Visit a well preserved Seljuk Caravanserai.

Konya: Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the beautiful Mevlana Tekke Museum for insight into the mystic Whirling Dervishes. See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.

Aspendos: Visit the world's best preserved Roman Theatre in Aspendos.

Antalya: Visit the historic Old Town and wander through its charming narrow streets, discovering souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.

Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.

Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artefacts from Ephesus.

Troy: On your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the nearly 4000 year-old settlement, see the wooden Trojan Horse and hear about myths and legends connected to this archaeological site.

Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.

Gallipoli: Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula and attend the moving Dawn Service remembering, honouring and paying respect to the fallen fighting in World War I.

Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.

Istanbul: Visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. With your Local Expert, gain insight into the lives of the Ottoman Sultans during a visit to the fabulous Topkapi Palace. Then stroll through the Grand Bazaar.

Visit the narrow passages and interconnecting rooms of this Stone Age underground city dug out from the hills and built to block invaders and defend against attacks.

Göreme: With your Local Expert, explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys and the Pasabag Valley.

Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.

Konya: Visit a well preserved Seljuk Caravanserai.

Konya: Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the beautiful Mevlana Tekke Museum for insight into the mystic Whirling Dervishes. See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.

Aspendos: Visit the world's best preserved Roman Theatre in Aspendos.

Antalya: Visit the historic Old Town and wander through its charming narrow streets, discovering souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.

Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.

Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.

Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artefacts from Ephesus.

Troy: On your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the nearly 4000 year-old settlement, see the wooden Trojan Horse and hear about myths and legends connected to this archaeological site.

Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.

Gallipoli: Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula and attend the moving Dawn Service remembering, honouring and paying respect to the fallen fighting in World War I.

Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.

Istanbul: Visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. With your Local Expert, gain insight into the lives of the Ottoman Sultans during a visit to the fabulous Topkapi Palace. Then stroll through the Grand Bazaar.

What's Included

Accommodation

Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul HotelMövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa HotelAnkara HiltonSA HotelDoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia HotelNovotel Konya HotelAkra Antalya HotelDoğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale HotelKoruMar De Luxe, Kuşadası HotelDoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale Hotel

Meals

Dinner (x9)Breakfast (x14)LunchIstanbul: Begin your travels savouring traditional flavours over dinner at a local restaurant.Cappadocia: Watch a spectacular Sema performance of Whirling Dervishes and discover the flavours of Cappadocia as you indulge in a regional dinner of colourful dishes.Istanbul: Toast the culmination of your travels during dinner at a local restaurant.

Transport

Travel by coach

Guide

Experienced Driver Guide

Others

Choose between two carefully selected activitiesIstanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.Cappadocia: Join a Cappadocian local, who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.Uchisar: Enjoy the unique flavours of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, where every dish is homemade with love. This remarkable establishment provides employment for more than 65 women from the village. The restaurant is owned by women and focuses on empowering women through employment. Some employed as administrators, some as teachers, some as cooks and some as waiters. Here they are taught how to sow clothes by using modern technology, how to knit, how to cook, how to make various kinds of artifacts, and how to merchandise their products and convert it to money for their families. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.

Itinerary

Venture through Turkey’s timeless wonders on the "Treasures of Turkey" tour, a 15-day journey perfect for experienced travelers and seniors seeking both cultural depth and comfort. From the lively streets of Istanbul to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, explore cave dwellings, marvel at the artistry of rock-hewn churches, and witness the mesmerizing whirling dervishes. Visit ancient Ephesus, stroll through Izmir’s bustling markets, and experience the grandeur of the Blue Mosque. The tour’s USP lies in its enriching encounters—enjoy village hospitality, support local women’s initiatives, and barter in the storied Grand Bazaar. With thoughtful pacing and expert guidance, this trip promises an inclusive, immersive experience of Turkey’s diverse history and hospitality, suitable for families and seasoned explorers alike.

day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner.

Meals:Dinner

Location Visited:Istanbul

Accommodation:Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

day 2 - Bosphorus Cruise and Bursa

In the morning, embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the worlds busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses along the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa, a large city in northwest Turkey that was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum Complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the citys bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Istanbul, Bursa

Accommodation:Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa

day 3 - Cumalikizik and Gordion

Begin your day in the charming village of Cumalkzk, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Later, head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkeys modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Bursa, Cumalikizik, Gordion, Ankara

Accommodation:Ankara HiltonSA

day 4 - Sophisticated Ankara

A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkeys bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes visits to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatrk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views. Visit the underground city of zkonak, carved into soft volcanic rock.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Ankara, Cappadocia

Accommodation:DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia

day 5 - Cappadocia Relaxed Start

With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia is anything but ordinary. At every turn youll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today, travel to the striking town of Greme and explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at the Uhisar Kadineli Restaurant and savour the regional flavours of Anatolia. This establishment provides employment for local women and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Paaba Valley, then meet a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living and learn about local traditions and family life. This evening, witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location Visited:Cappadocia

Accommodation:DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia

day 6 - Konya Relaxed Start

Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery-making in Avanos. Its then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a days journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, youll head to Turkeys most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Cappadocia, Konya

Accommodation:Novotel Konya

day 7 - Through the Taurus Mountains

See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret Medrese, and visit the Mevlana Museum before a scenic drive scenic drive through Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Konya, Antalya

Accommodation:Akra Antalya

day 8 - Antalya's Old Town

Visit Antalya's charming Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Antalya

Accommodation:Akra Antalya

day 9 - The Pools of Pamukkale Relaxed Start

Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, return to your hotel, the esteemed Doa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Antalya, Pamukkale

Accommodation:Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale

day 10 - Ancient Ephesus

Explore one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre. Then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Catholic site located above the Ephesus ruins. Continue to the nearby town of Seluk for an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Delve into the areas history as you explore the museums exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi

Accommodation:KoruMar De Luxe, Kuşadası

day 11 - Troy and anakkale

In Homers city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan war and the backdrop to one of historys most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the citys walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to anakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Kusadasi, Troy, Çanakkale

Accommodation:DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

day 12 - Canakkale

Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After the service, pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries, whilst learning more about the events that lead to the Anzac troops fighting in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. This afternoon, return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Çanakkale

Accommodation:DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

day 13 - Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove

This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, this was the site where, for nine months during the Great War, ANZAC troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul, where youll spend the next two nights.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Çanakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul

Accommodation:Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

day 14 - Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire

Today, take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537,famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals:Breakfast, Dinner

Location Visited:Istanbul

Accommodation:Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

day 15 - Farewell Istanbul

Its time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.

Meals:Breakfast

Location Visited:Istanbul