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Best of Turkey

Operated by: Trafalgar

14 Days from $2,625 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Best Of Turkey

Countries Visited

Turkey ...more Turkey

Locations Visited

Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Antalya, Perge, Aspendos, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara ...more Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Antalya, Perge, Aspendos, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Istanbul

    Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable Welcome Reception to kick off your epic adventure.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Radisson Blu Sisli
  2. Day 2 Discover Colourful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

    Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. See the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Dive Into Culture this afternoon, with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Spend your afternoon haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. This evening, consider an optional dinner with Turkish folk and belly dancing.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Radisson Blu Sisli
  3. Day 3 Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale

    Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli – the national pride of two nations, the Turkish and Australians, were awakened at the site of the bloody WWI battlefields and are commemorated to this day. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting place of many Allied soldiers. We continue to Çanakkale where we dine at our hotel tonight.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Iris
  4. Day 4 Off to Troy, Pergamon and Izmir

    Explore the legends of Troy and see the symbolic replica of the famous Wooden Horse the Greeks used to break their siege of this ancient city. Visit the ancient Asclepion Medical Centre in the city of Pergamon before retiring in seaside Izmir this evening where we'll dine at our hotel.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Mövenpick
  5. Day 5 Explore the Ruins of Ephesus

    Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact façade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. See the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos then spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Mövenpick
  6. Day 6 Onwards to Pamukkale

    Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Colossae Thermal
  7. Day 7 Venture to Hierapolis and Antalya Connect with Locals

    Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we’ll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

    meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    hotel Marmara Antalya
  8. Day 8 Enjoy Ancient Perge

    Enjoy a morning on your terms to soak up the enchanting seaside atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera, embarking on an optional yacht cruise or relaxing at the hotel pool. This afternoon, we travel to the Roman city of Perge to visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and see treasures spanning the centuries.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Marmara Antalya
  9. Day 9 On the Road to Aspendos and Konya

    Witness the world's best-preserved theatre of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Dedeman
  10. Day 10 Continue to Cappadocia Stays With Stories

    See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travellers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-coloured rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an affort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. This evening, indulge in the flavours of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant, before retiring to your hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding fairy chimneys.  Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Dilek Kaya
  11. Day 11 A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture

    The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos before dining in our hotel this evening.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Dilek Kaya
  12. Day 12 Onwards to Ankara

    Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel DoubleTree by Hilton
  13. Day 13 Return to Istanbul

    Returning to Istanbul, we enjoy the rest of the day on our own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savour the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus before meeting your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Grand Hyatt
  14. Day 14 Farewell Istanbul

    Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Best Turkey Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • 9 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Be My Guest

  • Antalya: Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya.

Dive Into Culture

  • Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
  • : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

  • Nevsehir: Meet Ali, our local host and Cappadocian local, for a tour of his family run farm. See the sport where his grandfather’s garden once stood, taste freshly baked bread and fresh and dried fruits grown on pigeon natural fertilizer, the traditional farming method for producing a rich and nutritious harvest.  This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Thanks to Ali’s work to revive the traditional farming practices unique to this region of Cappadocia, the region has regained pride in their local traditions.  It also advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using exclusively traditional farming practices, the farm is one of the few to be producing traditional and rare fruits, herbs and old grains, typical of the region.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Explore Istanbul with a Local Specialist
  • : Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, the ancient ruins of Troy, the Asclepion Medical Centre at Pergamon, the ancient city at Ephesus, the Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, the Archaeological Museum in Antalya, the home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, the underground city of Saratli, Göreme Open Air Museum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation at Ankara
  • : View the Wooden Horse at Troy

Trafalgar Difference

  • Cappadocia: Located alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle, many of the rooms at Dilek Kaya Hotel are hewn out of the surrounding rock.

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 6 Sun
Aug 19 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,625
September 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 10 Sun
Sep 23 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,625
AARP Members Save up to $100
Sep 24 Sun
Oct 7 Sat
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$2,625
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Istanbul

Available on Day 2

Istanbul Nightlife Experience

You’ll enjoy a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before arriving at a Night Club. You’ll taste Turkish specialties while being entertained by musicians, belly and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of Turkey. You’ll also get the chance to join in.
Adult Price: $ 80

Izmir

Available on Day 5

Izmir Seafood Dinner

Head to the Kordon where we take you to one of Izmir's favourite seafood restaurants. Known for stunning views and for serving the best fish dishes in coastal Turkey, dine on a variety of seafood and meze delights with drinks. Don't worry there's great options for those who don't like seafood too!.
Adult Price: $ 50

Antalya

Available on Day 8

Antalya Old Town and Waterfall Yacht Cruise

Antalya Old Town, 'Kaleici', is the picturesque old quarter in the centre of present day Antalya. Your Local Specialist will show you the imposing Hadrian's Gate, dating from 130 AD when the Roman Emperor visited the city. Then you'll enjoy a yacht cruise to the stunning Düdenwaterfall.
Adult Price: $ 40

Cappadocia

Available on Day 11

Performance of Whirling Dervishes

The 'dance' of the Whirling Dervishes is called Sema. It is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and represents a man's spiritual journey, and will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey.
Adult Price: $ 32
Note: The performance of Whirling Dervishes is NOT a show but instead it is a mystic ceremony.

Available on Day 13

Traditional Bosphorus Cruise

No stay would be complete without this unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. Along the shores you’ll see a beautiful mixture of modern hotels, ancient wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and small fishing villages, as you relax on board.
Adult Price: $ 45

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Carolina Kanig
Review date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Service
A wonderful experience….the guide was excellent in his knowledge and his ability to keep all happy….I would definitely travel with GET again! Yes a shout out to Randy Fay for his tireless help in choosing this trip..
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are so excited to hear you enjoyed your Best of Turkey tour. Also happy to hear you enjoyed working with Randy. Thank you for taking the time to write a review. We appreciate your feedback and recommendation. Take care!
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Vacation
Excellent in EVERY way a trip should be!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Saturday, June 26, 2021
Service
Michelle Gumringer @ Grand European Travel Michelle is extremely detail oriented and has made booking travel with her very assuring and positive.
Vacation
The trip was extremely active and 6 to 8 hours were spent on the bus on many days. Tour guide was knowledgeable but played favoritism with some guests. Once he received a generous tip for me he spoke to me in a very condescending manner.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We appreciate you brining this to our attention and will address it with Travel Director team immediately. We hope this did not affect your enjoyment of the trip overall.
Thursday, July 1, 2021
Suk Webb
Review date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Service
Mr. Rainwater provided me with all the information I needed for my vaction. He was very professional and his communications with me were kind, patience, and clear. .
Vacation
Simply owsome in every espect!
Trusted Customer
Review date: Wednesday, August 7, 2019
Service
We booked this trip through GRTours, a sister company of Trafalgar Tours. The customer service representatives were very helpful. They answered all of our questions were answered timely and accurately.
Vacation
This was a dream vacation! It far exceeded every expectation. Cem, our Tour Director and Guide was fantastic. He had such knowledge and pride in his country. Arif, our coach driver, was also fantastic. We had a wonderful trip and would take another trip with Trafalgar tours in a heartbeat!
David Mcgill
Review date: Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Service
We loved Barcin Taran's knowledge and organizational skills in taking care of us on our recent trip to Turkey!
Vacation
Just a wonderful travel adventure!
See More Reviews
Terms & Conditions
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