Wonders of Turkey
11 Days from $1,250 per person
East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza exploring the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul with its colorful street markets and beautiful Blue Mosque. You'll also visit the underground city of Sarhatli, Pamukkale's cotton fortresses and the ruins of Ephesus.
Wonders of Turkey also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza exploring the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul with its colorful street markets and beautiful Blue Mosque. You'll also visit the underground city of Sarhatli, Pamukkale's cotton fortresses and the ruins of Ephesus.
Wonders of Turkey also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Istanbul (2 Nights)
Welcome to Istanbul. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Complimentary transfers will be available for guests who have provided Grand European with their flight details. Relax after your journey. In the evening, attend a trip briefing with your Travel Director and meet your fellow travelers.
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Day 2: Istanbul Sightseeing
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour including a visit to see parts of the Topkapi Palace Museum, the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Visit the Hippodrome, once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Visit the Blue Mosque and the world's largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Consider joining a delicious Turkish optional dinner where local cuisine is served along with traditional belly dancing entertainment.
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Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara
This morning, enjoy free time in the city or consider an Optional Experience Bosphorus cruise and visit to Hagia Sophia. This excursion enjoys views of the strait that separates Asia and Europe and a visit to the church built in the Byzantine capital during the 6th century and converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. Today, it houses a museum and is known as one of the world's greatest architectural wonders. Early this afternoon, depart for the capital city of Ankara for an overnight stay.
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Day 4: Ankara – Cappadocia (2 Nights)
Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey. Perhaps take an Optional Experience this evening to see a Whirling Dervish performance with dinner.
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Day 5: Cappadocia Sightseeing
This morning, travel to Pasabagi and the Red Valley and later stop at a regional rug production center. This afternoon, you may wish to take an Optional Experience to Göreme and Avanos. Göreme, a historical region of Turkey located among unique rock formations, was first settled back in the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in the region. Afterward, continue to the town of Avanos renowned for its high-quality earthenware. This evening dinner will be served at your hotel.
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Day 6: Cappadocia – Konya
This morning, visit the underground city of Sarhatli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Drive to Konya and visit the famous mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana. This was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. Later check into your hotel in Konya and enjoy dinner.
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Day 7: Konya – Pamukkale
Leave Konya and travel to see the unique cotton fortress of Pamukkale with its white lime cascades formed by mineral springs. You will also get to see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. This evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner at your hotel.
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Day 8: Pamukkale – Ephesus – Izmir
Today, travel to Selçuk and tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore 2,000-year-old marble streets, view a magnificent theater, see the Library of Celsus, a gymnasium and finally Hadrian's Temple. Then take a short drive from Ephesus to visit St. Mary's stone cottage, where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Arrive later in Izmir.
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Day 9: Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Çanakkale
Visit the ancient Medical Center Asclepion in Pergamon and continue to Troy with its famous wooden horse. This town is best known for being the setting of the Trojan War as well as a place where many cities are built on top of each other. Continue to Çanakkale for the night with dinner served at your hotel.
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Day 10: Çanakkale – Gallipoli – Istanbul
In the morning, depart for Gallipoli, the site of many World War I battles. Visit poignant Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair before returning to Istanbul. Enjoy a last night in Istanbul with your travel companions after this comprehensive trip through Turkey.
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Day 11: Depart Istanbul
This morning bid a fond farewell to this wonderful city as your memorable vacation comes to an end. Transfers are available to the airport. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 May 19 | 25 May 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 29 May 19 | 8 Jun 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 12 Jun 19 | 22 Jun 19 |
|
$1,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 26 Jun 19 | 6 Jul 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 10 Jul 19 | 20 Jul 19 |
|
$1,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 24 Jul 19 | 3 Aug 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 7 Aug 19 | 17 Aug 19 |
|
$1,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 21 Aug 19 | 31 Aug 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Sep 19 | 14 Sep 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 18 Sep 19 | 28 Sep 19 |
|
$1,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 2 Oct 19 | 12 Oct 19 |
|
$1,395pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Oct 19 | 26 Oct 19 |
|
$1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 30 Oct 19 | 9 Nov 19 | $1,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Supplement: from $420 per person
Triple Room Discount: $10 per person
Shared Rooming: Room Share is available on this trip.
Airport transfers: Complimentary transfers will be provided for guests who have provided with their flight details and are staying in an Istanbul hotel.
Important Visa Information: Visas may be required for this trip. Please speak with your Travel Specialist when making your reservation.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
15 meals: 10 Buffet breakfasts, 5 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Istanbul Sightseeing includes the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar
- Ankara Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization and Ataturk's Mausoleum
- Cappadocia Visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Sarhatli
- Konya Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes
- Pamukkale See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis
- Ephesus Visit the Great Theater, Library of Celsus, Gymnasium, Temple of Hadrian and House of the Virgin Mary
- Pergamon Visit the Asclepion Medical Center
- Troy Visit the ruins of the ancient city and see the Wooden Horse
- Gallipoli See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunnuk Bair Cemeteries
First Class Highlights
- Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Turkey is the Lira (₺). While it’s a good idea to bring some money with you when you travel, you can use your debit card or credit card to pay in most places and will usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Turkey. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Mediterranean food is simple, delicious, and centered on a variety of fresh seafood, produce, cheeses and baked goods. Turkish specialties to try include Meze (a selection of starters), kebabs, in particular the Shish kebabs (pieces of meat such as lamb threaded on a skewer and grilled) and Doner kebab (lamb and beef roasted on a vertical spit which is then thinly sliced). For dessert, try baklava, various milk puddings and of course Turkish delight. The national drink is Raki (an aniseed liqueur), which is commonly served throughout the meal either neat or with water. Turkish coffee is strong and served black.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping at restaurants is less common than in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appropriate to leave 5-10 percent gratuity for good service.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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
Istanbul Nightlife Experience
You’ll enjoy a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before arriving at the famous Kervansaray 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: $75
Hagia Sophia and Bosphorus Cruise
This morning you'll visit Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century marvel that was formerly a basilica, then a mosque, and now a museum. Then, you'll continue with a cruise along the Bosphorus, the river that divides Istanbul and the continents of Asia and Europe. The 90-minute cruise will introduce you to the strategic importance of the river, the beauty of old Istanbul and the most picturesque parts of the present-day city.
Adult Price: $55
Cappadocia
Whirling Dervishes Performance & Dinner
The “dance” of the Whirling Dervishes is called “Sema.” It is a part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and it represents a man’s spiritual journey, and it will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. The performance of the Whirling Dervishes will be followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: $40
Goreme and Avanos Sightseeing
First settled in the Roman period, Goreme is located among Cappadocia's famous rock formations. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in this region. Then, you'll continue to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality earthenware.
Adult Price: $30
Izmir
Izmir Seafood Dinner
Head to the Kordon where we take you to one of Izmir's favorite 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 are great options for those who don't like seafood too!
Adult Price: $50
Istanbul
Istanbul Dinner
The warm atmosphere of our local restaurant, serving tasty Turkish specialties, is sure to delight. Tonight, toast your new friendships over drinks and dine on a selection of dishes reflecting excellent examples of Turkish cuisine.
Adult Price: $55
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
