11-Day Wonders of Turkey Summer Tour from Istanbul: Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Izmir and Çanakkale | 1 Country and 10 Cities | 10 Breakfasts & 5 Dinners

What you'll experience

Highlights

11 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Istanbul

   It’s the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite have reached that stature, Istanbul’s history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its capital, the gateway to the Orient? Arrive at your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
2. 2

   Day 2 — Istanbul

   Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Travel Director this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, see Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and see the Blue Mosque. Later, you’ll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Topkapi Palace Museum, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.

   

   Blue Mosque

   

   Hagia Sophia

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
3. 3

   Day 3 — Istanbul - Ankara

   Ramble past the colorful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you’ll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, before dinner.

   

   Grand Bazaar

   

   Museum of Anatolian civilizations

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: New Park Hotel
4. 4

   Day 4 — Ankara - Cappadocia

   The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli. 

   

   Ataturk Mausoleum

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ramada by Wyndham Cappadocia
5. 5

   Day 5 — Cappadocia

   Admire Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys this morning as you journey to Pasabagi and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production center then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. A Choice Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening you could join a Choice Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God. Dinner is served at your hotel.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Ramada by Wyndham Cappadocia
6. 6

   Day 6 — Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale

   First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.

   

   Pamukkale

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel
7. 7

   Day 7 — Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Izmir

   The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down surrounding cliffs are a sight to behold this morning as you see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Head west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in Izmir in time to spend some time exploring this pretty port town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn about its multicultural past, and its history as a Greek city. Consider joining an optional seafood dinner at a favorite local restaurant renowned for its stunning views.

   

   Hierapolis

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ontur Otel Izmir
8. 8

   Day 8 — Izmir

   Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Optional Experience could see you visit Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. Included in this experience is a visit to the stone cottage, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final years before a lunch is a local restaurant. Afterwards visit the glass makers of Nazarkoy village discovering the regions connection with the Evil eye beads on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience.

   

   Ephesus

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ontur Otel Izmir
9. 9

   Day 9 — Izmir - Troy - Çanakkale

   On today’s agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.

   

   Troy

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: Büyük Truva Hotel Çanakkale
10. 10

    Day 10 — Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul

    A poignant start to the day takes you to Gallipoli, where fierce World War I battles left a lasting legacy. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair to honor the soldiers who gave their lives on both sides of the conflict. Then it’s back to Istanbul for your final night. Fancy one last hurrah? Join a Choice Experience with dinner, drinks and a belly dancing show that brings the buzz of Istanbul to life. 

    

    Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise

    

    Anzac Cove

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
11. 11

    Day 11 — Istanbul

    Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You’ve stood at the crossroads of East and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Transfers: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through the local operator. Guests should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense. Guest documents will include information on public transportation options from/to the airport, along with estimated costs for a taxi where available.
• Please make your own way to the start hotel of this trip. The hotel will be confirmed 3 weeks prior to departure date. 
• Passports with a minimum of 6 months validity after return date are required and are at your expense.
• Please contact the consulate/embassy and family doctor for further details on medical vaccinations that may be required for specific countries. 
• Non-US citizens please check with your nearest consulate.
• Day 1 is the start date and first hotel night included with the journey. Please arrange flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
• To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Travel insurance:
  - We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
  - Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.
• Luggage:
  - Travelling with the local operator entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment.
  - We strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
  - Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
• Border crossings and visa requirements:
  - Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
  - Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
  - Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.
  - Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child.
* Triple room bookings are available, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 17 or under. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult. 
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).
* Child: 5-17, child under the age of 5 is not allowed.

Travel tips

Tour operator