Treasures of Turkey - Small Group

Treasures of Turkey - Small Group

27 Views
15 Days From

$4495

$4315

Treasures of Turkey - Small Group

15 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: İstanbul, Bosphorus, Bursa, Cumalıkızık, Gordion Shopping Mall, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Taurus Mountains, Antalya, Pamukkale, Geyre, Kuşadası, İzmir, Pergamon Ancient City, Troy, Çanakkale, Gelibolu, Ottoman Empire

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SI949ZM19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4495 $4315 Operator discount: -$40 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Travel Turkey on this 15-day guided tour. See Cappadocia, where golden landscapes give way to caverns below. You’ll descend into a local resident’s cave house for a tour and talk about their way of life. Later, see whirling dervishes — twirling dancers who will entertain you during a special dinner. In Goreme, explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient paintings before dining on the unique flavors served at a local restaurant that supports women from the village. Travel to Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir, and explore one of the world’s finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Here, walk to its gargantuan amphitheater, which could seat as many as 24,000 people. In Istanbul, see the Blue Mosque’s tiled domes and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Try your hand at bargaining in the city’s Grand Bazaar, which includes more than 4,000 shops.

Highlights

  • Cappadocia: Explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys, and the Pasabag Valley with a Local Expert

  • Bursa: Visit the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, and mausoleum

  • Cumalikizik: Get a glimpse into Ottoman village life by visiting this over 700-year-old village

  • Ankara: Discover the Hittite civilization and visit the mausoleum of Ataturk

  • Ephesus: Walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre, and visit the House of the Virgin Mary with a Local Expert

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Welcome To Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hyatt Istanbul

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2 : Bosphorus Cruise And Bursa

Location: İstanbul, Bosphorus, Bursa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s 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, on the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa. A large city in northwest Turkey, it was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.

Day 3 : Cumalikizik And Gordion

Location: Bursa, Cumalıkızık, Gordion Shopping Mall, Ankara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ankara HiltonSA Ankara

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day of culture in Bursa with a visit to the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. Continue to the charming village of Cumalikizik, with its traditional wooden houses and very narrow cobblestone streets. Later you’ll head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s 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.

Day 4 : Sophisticated Ankara

Location: Ankara, Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, 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.

Day 5 : The Underground Cities Of Cappadocia Experience

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos Cappadocia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia could never be called ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today you’ll travel to the striking town of Göreme. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and get a taste of Anatolia’s regional flavours. This establishment provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Özkonak where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and holes with your Travel Director. Later, join 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, learning about local traditions and family life. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant, later you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes.

Day 6 : Konya

Location: Konya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery making in Avanos. It’s 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 day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. Once here, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.

Day 7 : Through The Taurus Mountains

Location: Taurus Mountains, Antalya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Akra Barut Antalya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You day begins with a scenic drive down the 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. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy time to relax.

Day 8 : Antalya's Old Town

Location: Antalya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Akra Barut Antalya

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your day with a visit to Antalya's pretty 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.

Day 9 : The Pools Of Pamukkale

Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Doga Thermal Health & Spa Pamukkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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, head back to your hotel, the esteemed DoÄŸa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.

Day 10 : Kusadasi

Location: Pamukkale, Geyre, Kuşadası

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, in Geyre. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. End your day in the quaint Aegan port of Izmir.

Day 11 : Izmir And Ancient Ephesus

Location: İzmir, Kuşadası

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Charisma De Luxe Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you’ll explore pretty Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city. A vibrant destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast, it is was founded by the Greeks and has been an important port since ancient times. Before discovering one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheater, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum.

Day 12 : Pergamon, Troy And Çanakkale.

Location: Pergamon Ancient City, Troy, Çanakkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin your day of legends with a trip to Pergamon. Once a powerful ancient Greek city, you’ll find the Asklepion temple here. A famous shrine and healing centre, it was built in honour of Asklepios, the god of medicine. Next, head to Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan war and the backdrop to one of history’s 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 city’s walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields.

Day 13 : Gallipoli And Anzac Cove

Location: Gelibolu, İstanbul

Accommodation: Hotel, Grand Hyatt Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that, 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 you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 14 : Istanbul And The Ottoman Empire

Location: İstanbul, Ottoman Empire

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Grand Hyatt Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque. Made up of domes and minarets, head inside and see its beautiful blue tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it has recently turned from a museum into a mosque and is 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 a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15 : Farewell Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s 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.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Meals

    As per detailed in itinerary.

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    Complimentary transfers are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.

  • Fully Guided

    Yes. An experience Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local speciality representing the destination.

  • Transport

    Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.

What's Not Included

Mode of Transport

Your complimentary, private transfer takes you to your local departure airport. On arrival at your home airport, your driver will greet and escort you to your waiting car for your private transfer home.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Treasures of Turkey - Small Group tour?

    The highlights of the Treasures of Turkey - Small Group tour include exploring Cappadocia's underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys, and the Pasabag Valley with a Local Expert, visiting the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, and mausoleum in Bursa, visiting the over 700 year-old village of Cumalikizik, discovering the Hittite civilization in Ankara and visiting the mausoleum of Ataturk, and exploring one of the world's finest ancient sites in Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Library of Celsus, Amphitheatre, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

  • What type of accommodations can I expect on the tour?

    On the Treasures of Turkey - Small Group tour, you can expect accommodations such as the Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa, Ankara HiltonSA, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos Cappadocia, Novotel Konya, Akra Barut Antalya, Doga Thermal Health & Spa Pamukkale, Charisma De Luxe Hotel, and DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale. These accommodations offer a range of amenities including Wi-Fi where available.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    Yes, meals are included in the itinerary of the Treasures of Turkey - Small Group tour as detailed.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, complimentary airport transfers are available on arrival and departure days, or with additional accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.

  • Is the tour fully guided?

    Yes, the Treasures of Turkey - Small Group tour is fully guided. An experienced Travel Director will accompany you, offering insights and making your experience more enjoyable.

  • What are the exclusions of the tour package?

    The exclusions of the tour package include international travel.

  • What is the starting point of the tour?

    The starting point of the tour is Istanbul, Turkey.

  • What is the ending point of the tour?

    The ending point of the tour is also Istanbul, Turkey.

  • What time does the tour start on the first day?

    The tour starts at 18:30 on the first day.

  • What time does the tour end on the last day?

    The tour ends on departure on the last day.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Sunday - Sunday

May 11, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$4495 $4315

Operator discount: -$40

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 08, 2025 - Jun 22, 2025
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Operator discount: -$40

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
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Operator discount: -$40

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
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Operator discount: -$40

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$4495 $4315

Operator discount: -$40

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Sunday - Sunday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025
$4495 $4315

Operator discount: -$40

Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$140

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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