Wonders of Turkey-Private
Wonders of Turkey-Private
Wonders of Turkey-Private
15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul
Visiting: İstanbul, Istanbul City Tour, Gallipoli Peninsula, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, İzmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Blue Cruise, Antalya, Perga, Aspendos Theater, Konya, Cappadocia
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TWPR
Group Type:
Private
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 50
Physical rating:
Easy
Age range:
1-80
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Hot Air Ballooning, Sightseeing, Snorkeling
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
The astounding wonders of Turkey perfectly matched with a relaxing 4-day Mediterranean cruise. Savour the monumental cultural treasures of Istanbul before cruising along the stunning Bosphorus. Embark on a cultural discovery through marvellous ancient cities of diverse eras including the fabled Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Perge and Aspendos. Enjoy the turquoise bays of Fethiye on a delightful gullet cruise with premium facilities. Walk the white-washed travertines of the Cotton Castle, before soaring in the sky viewing the stunning fairy-chimneys Cappadocia. An unforgettable adventure unfolding the best Turkey has to offer over 15 days.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals Included: No Meals
Meet the marvellous merge of Europe and Asia at the magical Istanbul to embark on a cultural discovery through ancient lands.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport.
In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Greet the diverse and incredibly tasteful Turkish cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for delicious desserts.
Hotel:Â Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Optional Experiences: Group Dinner
Meals: No
Day 2 : Istanbul City Tour
Location: Istanbul City Tour
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Journey to the heart of Istanbul old town and witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern unfold before you.
Stroll with your expert local guide through the Hippodrome, visit the charming Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica.
Enjoy an exquisite meal worthy of Sultans next to the magnificent Hagia Sophia.
Haggle your way through the famous Grand Bazaar, visit countless monuments and embrace the local culture.
In the afternoon meet the breath-taking Bosphorus in all its charm as you cruise in-between Europe and Asia.
Hotel:Â Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Istanbul City Tour, Bosphorus Cruise
Day 3 : Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale
Location: İstanbul, Gallipoli Peninsula, Çanakkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a delicious breakfast, we leave for the famous shores of Gallipoli.
As you drive through the scenic countryside, we recharge at the lovely village of Kesan over a delicious meal.
Arriving in Gallipoli in the afternoon, we pay our respects to the fallen Turkish and Australian soldiers who bravely fought here during World War 1, still commemorated every year in April.
Witness the now-green battlefields, visit the Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and other important historical sites.
We continue towards Canakkale with a picturesque ferry ride just in time for dinner and a recharging stay at our hotel.
Hotel: Kolin Hotel 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Gallipoli, Anzac Cove
Day 4 : Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Izmir
Location: Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, İzmir
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Swissotel Büyük Efes İzmir 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A day filled with epic adventure awaits.
In the morning, we visit the ancient city or Troy and witness the ruins of the once glorious city with a special place in mythology and history.
Pose with the famous Trojan Horse before departing for Pergamon.
Home to healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion medical centre, it is one of the most important centres of healing of the Roman world.
Following the cultural overload, we rest at the seaside metropolitan Izmir - the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Turkish seafood culture and raki.
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Hotel: Swissotel Büyük Efes İzmir 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Troy, Pergamon
Day 5 : Izmir – Ephesus – Pamukkale
Location: İzmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive along the coast to the amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stroll the incredibly well-preserved ancient city and the impressive library.
With a short ride away from the marvellous wonders, you will visit Virgin Mary's house in the mountains – where she is believed to have lived her final days.
Our next stop will be of culinary discovery at a lovely restaurant in the countryside famously known for delicious Gozleme.
Heading further inlands, we arrive in our hotel at the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale.
Rest up, relax or even savour the spa or massage services of your hotel.
Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.
Hotel: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House
Day 6 : Pamukkale - Fethiye - Gullet Cruise
Location: Pamukkale, Fethiye, Blue Cruise
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gullet Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk in shallow pools of calcar with breath-taking scenery unfolding before you in terraces of snow-white travertines.
Famously known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties, Pamukkale region has welcomed endless visitors over millennia.
Delve into history at the ancient city Hierapolis, witnessing the majestic amphitheatre of 15,000 seats and ever-impressive acoustics.
Heading out towards the sounds of waves through pine forests, we arrive in Fethiye.
Embark your traditional Turkish gullet here and cruise towards our first swimming stop by the gorgeous Yassica Islands.
The crew will treat you to a delicious Mediterranean meal on board our gullet.
Hotel: Gullet Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Pamukkale, Hierapolis
Day 7 : Gulet Cruise
Location: Blue Cruise
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gullet Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following a tasteful Turkish breakfast, set sail to the Mediterranean breeze and quaint bays of Tersane and Bedri Rahmi for refreshing swimming breaks.
We continue to the gorgeous Cleopatra Bay, also known as Sunken Bath – only accessible by foot or boat.
Soak in the charming sunken ruins of the ancient bath surrounded in serenity.
Hotel: Gullet Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Key Highlights: Gocek Gulf - Tersane & Bedri Rahmi Bay, Sunken Bath/Cleopatra
Day 8 : Gullet Cruise
Location: Blue Cruise
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Gullet Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Waking up to our second day at the turquoise seaside paradise, we set our sails to Boncuklu Bay.
Relax on the sundeck, read your book with a cocktail at hand, swim and snorkel in the cooling waters.
Enjoy your swimming break and lunch here before we depart for the vibrant seaside town Fethiye.
Following dinner, you can discover the marina, stroll the lively streets and test the famous nightlife.
Hotel: Gullet Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Key Highlights: Boncuklu Bay, Fethiye Marina
Day 9 : Gullet Cruise - Fethiye - Antalya
Location: Blue Cruise, Fethiye, Antalya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following a final breakfast prepared by our crew, we disembark our lovely gullet completely relaxed and recharged.
With a short ride on our coach, we arrive in the popular seaside resort of Antalya, known for its endless tranquil beaches, warming summer sun and premium service.
Dinner at the hotel and personal leisure time in the evening.
Tomorrow, we dive deep into ancient history through the marvellous ruins of ancient Anatolian cities nearby.
Hotel: Ramada Plaza 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Antalya Orientation Walk
Day 10 : Antalya - Perge - Aspendos
Location: Antalya, Perga, Aspendos Theater
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today, our first stop will be Perge located 15 km east of Antalya, home to the remarkable ruins of ancient Pamphylian city.
The acropolis here holds incredible mosaics dating back to the Bronze Age.
With a short drive away lies Aspendos, the sister town of Perge.
Aspendos is known for having the best-preserved theatre of antiquity.
Imagine an amphitheatre maintained in excellent quality over 2,000 years and an unbelievable capacity of 12,000! Its incredible acoustics haven't aged a day.
We return to Antalya to rest up after an epic adventure.
Hotel: Ramada Plaza 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Perge Ancient City, Aspendos Ancient Theatre
Day 11 : Antalya - Konya
Location: Antalya, Konya
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ramada Plaza Konya 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The journey continues towards Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes - members of the Sufism order.
You can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of cultural discovery.
Alternatively, you may join a live show of whirling dervishes to witness the unique divine ritual, an unforgettable experience.
Hotel: Ramada Plaza Konya 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Whirling Dervishes
Day 12 : Konya - Cappadocia
Location: Konya, Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today.
Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana.
Meet the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, which have lived in his teachings of understanding and acceptance to this day.
From cultural to natural wonders, we travel inland towards the other-worldly Cappadocia.
One of the most popular sites in Turkey, the famous region is decorated with stunning caves and fairy-chimneys: unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks and tuff.
Starting the adventure at Avanos - famous for its top-quality clay, learn all about pottery-making at an interactive workshop.
After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Karatay Madrasa, Mevlana Museum, Pottery-Making Workshop
Day 13 : Capadoccia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos 5
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise early to watch the sunrise of a lifetime from a hot-air balloon, flying over the magical fairy-chimneys.
A bucket-list item for all keen travellers, it is an experience not to be missed (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions).
As you disembark your balloon, you will get the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The soft rock has allowed for both nature and people to carve incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more.
These impressive millennia-old underground structures have sheltered countless Christians escaping the Roman Empire in the 4th century and housed Orthodox monks in the 12th century.
Here you'll witness the wonders of nature as well as each culture engraved in the fabric of this marvellous geography.
Later on, delve into one of the finest and oldest crafts of Turkey at its home as we visit a carpet-weaving workshop?.
Stopping for a lunch to remember at our hand-selected local, you can savour the delicious local cuisine together with excellent local wines.
There will time to rest at your hotel in the afternoon, or join an optional Wine Tasting experience, Cappadocia's generous soil cultivates a variety of premium wines.
Following dinner at your hotel, you may continue your cultural adventure with an optional Turkish Night experience displaying many colourful facades of Turkish folklore.
Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos 5*
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Key Highlights: Goreme Open-Air Museum, Carpet-Weaving Workshop
Optional Experiences: Hot-air Ballooning, Wine Tasting, Turkish Night
Day 14 : Cappadocia - Istanbul ( By Flight )
Location: Cappadocia, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, we take a short flight to Istanbul.
Arriving at your Istanbul hotel, enjoy your personal leisure time.
If you're up for a final cultural adventure, why not join the optional Turkish Night with Dinner?
Hotel: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals: Breakfast
Key Highlights: Turkish Night
Day 15 : Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our marvellous adventure comes to an end over breakfast with newfound friends.
Make sure to bid farewells and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00).
Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!
Hotel: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
Meals: Breakfast
What's Included
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5 Star Characteristic Hotels
Accommodation in hand-picked premium hotels that are truly exceptional in terms of comfort, style, authenticity, amenities, location and service.
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Luxury Transportation
Enjoy the comfort of Ciconia’s air-conditioned coach and  Superior Traditional Turkish Gulet
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Additional Transportation
Ferry: Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale Cruise: Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul
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Exceptional Authentic Dining
When you travel with Ciconia, not only breakfasts, also most dinners are included in your tour programme. Meals provided on this trip is as follows: 14 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L) 13 Dinners (D)
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Travel Director
Our expert local Travel Director will ensure a seamless experience. Your ultimate guide, giving the most insightful information and advice to support unforgettable moments turn into life-long memories.
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Journey Highlights
Your Travel Director will guide you through the rich culture and nature of Turkey, visiting most of the incredible highlights.
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All Entrance Fees To All Sights
Entrance fees to all sites visited with your Travel Director are covered by Ciconia, including cultural, historical and natural sights.
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Private Airport Transfer
Complimentary, private airport transfers are included on arrival and departure dates, as well as when you book pre- or post-tour accommodation through Ciconia.
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Baggage Handling
At each hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling, delivered to your room.
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All Tips, Taxes And Porterage Charges
Tips at the hotels and restaurant are included, so you are at ease about carrying foreign currency or fair tipping customs. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also covered by Ciconia.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Any flights
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Travel insurance
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Items of a personal nature
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Optional activities
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Check out our Q&As
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Can I arrange accommodation before or after my tour?
Pre and post-tour accommodation is available on most of our tours with our improved rates, depending on the availability. You can add pre or post accommodation during the booking process online
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Do I need to get a visa in advance or can I get it on arrival at the destination?
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Please consult your travel agent or the relevant consulate in advance to determine if or which visas are required and how to obtain them. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could result in your rejection to enter the destination, and could result in considerable expenses and inconvenience. More information about visas is also available on the pre-departure files of each tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Most of our guests are seasoned travellers with years of experience, looking to discover a culture in exquisite style. They are passionate to explore new things, connect with the local fabric and spend quality time on a comfortable adventure. The majority of our guests are from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.
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What are the optional experiences?
Optional experiences are activities that you can do on your own or are provided by third parties. These activities are not part of the itinerary or tour price, but suggested to you as popular attractions at your destination.
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How am I protected when booking a tour with Ciconia?
We are a member of ABTA, Association of British Travel Agents, Travel Talk Adventures Membership number Y600X. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. ABTA also offers you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for cost. We also reflect our customer-oriented values to our policies, assisting all our guests to our utmost ability in case of changes. Our website is secured via 128-bit encryption, safeguarding your holiday is important to us.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always solo travellers on our tours. If you don’t mind staying with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay the single supplement. The single supplement is for guests who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of their tour. You can arrange a single room when booking online or by contacting us. Please note this option is not always available for certain tours.
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What does the tour price include?
Ciconia tours generally cover top quality accommodation and premium transportation, all breakfasts and most dinners, services of expert Travel Director and local guides at some sites, all entrance fees to all sites on tour, airport transfers, and all taxes, tips and porterage fees.
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Ciconia Exclusive Journeys requires a minimum deposit of 125 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of ciconia exclusive journeys charges.
Up to 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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