Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus 2025

Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus 2025

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Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus 2025

9 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Bursa

Tour operator:

Just You

Tour code:

SETKA1

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus 2025" tour. This cultural adventure begins in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic sites like The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, and indulge in a Turkish coffee and baklava tasting. Travel through history with visits to the Gallipoli War Memorial, the ancient city of Troy, and the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Experience the charm of traditional Turkish villages, sample local delicacies, and discover the art of Turkish fruit and wine production. Enjoy comfortable stays in 4-star hotels, with your own room guaranteed, and savor 15 included meals. With return flights from London and seamless transportation, including a scenic ferry trip across the Dardanelles, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.

Highlights

  • Tour of Istanbul including The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Grand Bazaar

  • Turkish coffee demonstration and tasting with Baklava

  • Visit the Gallipoli War Memorial

  • Tour of Troy and visit to the ancient city of Pergamon

  • Visit Yesilyurt, a traditional Turkish village, and sample freshly made Gozleme pastries

  • Tour of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus

  • Discover Turkish fruit and wine production in Sirince village

  • Tour of the former Ottoman Capital city of Bursa

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 Uk - Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Maywood Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Today, you fly to Istanbul. Then relax and enjoy dinner while meeting your fellow travellers.

Day 2 Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Maywood Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Get set for a full-day tour of Byzantine and Ottoman relics on your tour of Istanbul. Sultanahmet Square rests at the heart of the Old City and we start here with a visit to the Hippodrome - a historic chariot racing arena. You'll also get to tick off your landmark bucket list when we visit the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque with its many domes and hand-painted blue tiles. Next we'll discover the iconic Hagia Sophia. Once the largest Christian church in the world, it is now considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. A scrumptious Turkish lunch awaits at a local restaurant, before free time for shopping at the Egyptian and Grand Bazaars. The Grand Bazaar is a heady mix of spices and is alive with the hustle and bustle of people bartering over everything from war medals and pots to carpets and clothing, as well as fruit and leather goods. We'll also stop at an authentic shop to taste the sweet treat, Baklava, made with filo pastry, nuts and honey. Explore as you wish by night, or join us on an excursion to a Turkish night club for a belly-dancing show.

Day 3 Istanbul - Canakkale

Location: Çanakkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Buyuk Truva Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you will have some free time to explore at your leisure or choose an optional half-day cruise of the Bosporus. With over an hour on board, we'll cross from Europe to Asia amid spectacular city views. Once there, hop off the boat for a glimpse of local life on the Asian side. Our leisurely drive to Canakkale takes us via the lovely Marmara Sea for sweeping coastal views. On the way, we'll stop at the famous World War I battlefields of Gallipoli, the large and poignant resting site of Australian, New Zealand, British and Turkish soldiers killed in the war. A ferry trip across the Dardanelles channel brings us to Canakkale for dinner at the hotel.

Day 4 Canakkale

Location: Çanakkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Buyuk Truva Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The first visit of today will be the legendary city of Troy. With over five thousand years of history, your guide will describe the civilisations settled in this unique geographical zone where Anatolia, Aegean and Balkans meet. We will also visit the Troy Museum, exhibiting the historical artefacts from Troy and some other ancient cities in the area, and on nearby islands.
At the end of the tour, we'll drive to the centre of Canakkale where we will have free time for lunch and leisure.

Day 5 Canakkale - Izmir

Location: Izmir

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today will start with a drive along the Aegean coastline to the small town of Ayvalik. Here we will have a chance to visit a social enterprise called Cop(m)adam. This social enterprise is partnered with Planeterra and is a customer market benefitting local women working in impoverished communities in Turkiye. We will also visit Ayvalik centre, once a major crossroads for Greek commercial, literary and intellectual life in Ottoman times, with a population that consisted almost exclusively of Greek Orthodox Christians. Following this visit, we will drive to Bergama and visit the ancient city of Pergamon with its Acropolis. After the visits, we will have a ‘gozleme’ tasting in Bergama which is a traditional Turkish pastry. While having a taste of gozleme at lunch time, we will also have the chance to see the Turkish weaving tradition and how the carpets are being made using centuries old methods by the locals. We'll then drive to Izmir and have a panoramic city tour, before dinner this evening.

Day 6 Izmir

Location: Izmir

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. This morning we'll tour the massive excavation site that St Paul once visited on his way back to Antioch, as well as stopping to admire the bathhouses and the majestic Library of Celsus.
While in Selcuk, we'll also visit the Basilica of St Jean before an afternoon journey into nature at the picturesque Greek village of Sirince. The region is a wine-lover's paradise and is known for producing some of Turkey's best olives and exquisite handmade olive oil products.

Day 7 Izmir - Bursa

Location: Bursa

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Movenpick Bursa Hotel & Thermal Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before driving through Manisa and Balikesir to our next destination of Bursa. The former capital of the Ottoman Empire brims with historic gems, such as the Grand Mosque and the Tombs of Osman and Orhan, the first Ottoman Sultans.
We'll then take a tour to discover the delights of the Silk Market. The quaint and charming stores here offer scarves, fabrics, silver and artistic crafts, all with a stunning backdrop of decorative Ottoman architecture.

Day 8 Bursa - Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Maywood Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our departure for Istanbul after breakfast sees us arrive in the city by around midday. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure or join us for an optional excursion, starting with lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant. After lunch, we'll visit the Topkapi Palace Museum to see priceless collections including Chinese porcelain and the Imperial Treasury. Recount your travel memories over a farewell dinner in the fisherman's village area of Kumkapi with a local drink, before enjoying free time in the bright lights of the city.

Day 9 Istanbul - Uk

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

What's Included

  • Just You Holiday Director

    A dedicated Just You holiday director will be with you on the trip.

  • Return flights from London

    Return flights from London are included.

  • 8 nights in 4-star hotels

    You will stay for 8 nights in 4-star hotels.

  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own

    Your own room is guaranteed with no single supplement.

  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

    Overseas transfers, other transportation, and porterage are included.

  • 15 included meals

    15 meals are included: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners including a welcome drink.

  • Tour of Istanbul

    Tour of Istanbul including The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Grand Bazaar.

  • Turkish coffee demonstration & tasting with Baklava

    A Turkish coffee demonstration and tasting with Baklava are included.

  • Visit the Gallipoli War Memorial

    A visit to the Gallipoli War Memorial is included.

  • Tour of Troy & visit to the ancient city of Pergamon

    A tour of Troy and a visit to the ancient city of Pergamon are included.

show more

What's Not Included

  • Optional excursions

    Optional excursions such as a half-day cruise of the Bosporus and a visit to a Turkish night club for a belly-dancing show are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with return flights from London, overseas transfers, and other transportation including a ferry trip across the Dardanelles channel. Enjoy a leisurely drive along the Marmara Sea and Aegean coastline, with stops at key historical sites.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels, including the Maywood Hotel in Istanbul, Buyuk Truva Hotel in Canakkale, Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli, and Movenpick Bursa Hotel & Thermal Spa. Each stay guarantees your own twin or double room with no single supplement.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights in comfortable 4-star hotels, such as the Maywood Hotel in Istanbul, Buyuk Truva Hotel in Canakkale, Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli, and Movenpick Bursa Hotel & Thermal Spa. Each stay guarantees your own twin or double room with no single supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes 15 meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners, including a welcome drink.

  • What transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes return flights from London, overseas transfers, and other transportation such as a ferry trip across the Dardanelles channel. There is also a leisurely drive along the Marmara Sea and Aegean coastline with stops at key historical sites.

  • Will there be a tour guide during the trip?

    Yes, a dedicated Just You holiday director will be with you on the trip to guide you through the various locations and activities.

  • What are some of the key activities included in the tour?

    The tour includes a variety of activities such as a tour of Istanbul with visits to The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Grand Bazaar, a Turkish coffee demonstration and tasting with Baklava, a visit to the Gallipoli War Memorial, a tour of Troy and the ancient city of Pergamon, and a visit to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus. Additionally, there is a chance to discover Turkish fruit and wine production in Sirince village and a tour of the former Ottoman Capital city of Bursa.

  • Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional excursions such as a half-day cruise of the Bosporus and a visit to a Turkish night club for a belly-dancing show, which are not included in the tour package.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    All the people in your group will be solo travellers and will share your sense of adventure and passion for travel. There’s usually a good mix of ages too, so you’ll meet a variety of solo travellers who have more, or in some cases less, life experience. We find the overall mix of people really adds to the whole experience and there are certainly plenty of l

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    A few years ago we set up Just You Cares, a programme that gives back to some of the places we love. We have always believed in taking care of the communities we visit, and have taken the time to really get to know the local people and understand the challenges they face. Some of our holidays give our Customers the chance to see how the money from their trips has been spent.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Just You, we are committed to operating our business operations responsibly, with integrity and always act ethically in all our business dealings and relationships. We are committed to implementing and enforcing effective systems and controls to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not take place in our own business or in any of our supply chains

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If we can accommodate a change in date - we will always do our best to help you. Just pick up the phone and ask one of our friendly advisors - just make sure you have your booking number to hand.

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

    Yes, and all of our accommodation providers will be working to the very highest standards of hygiene – you already always enjoy a private room of your own on all of our trips, all of our partners will be guided by local government operational standards of hygiene and the new protocols we have issued to them.

  • Will I eat alone?

    We find there’s always a social element to dining, so you’ll never eat alone, unless you want to! Every holiday includes a welcome get-together, all breakfasts and many other meals. When a meal is not included we find travellers meet and dine together.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    No, given the nature of our holidays, it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Just You has been operating solo holidays for more than 15 years.

  • Am I guaranteed a room of my own?

    Of course, you’ll always have a twin or double room all to yourself. It’s great to have that space to relax and reflect at the end of the day. In some hotels you can also pay a little extra to upgrade for more space or a lovely sea view.

  • What is the typical age range on a Just You holiday?

    Typically, our customers are solo travellers in their 40s, 50s and 60s, but it’s quite possible you could meet 20-year-olds or 70-year-olds (or anyone in between)... After all, age is just a number!

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have received the World Travel and Tourism Councils (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, which recognises businesses and destinations worldwide that have adopted a new set of global protocols to support the return of 'Safe Travel' around the world. The 'Safe Travels' stamp provides you, with assurance and peace of mind that we have implemented enhanced health and hygiene prprotocols on all holidays.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once you book, you will receive a confirmation invoice within 7 days, prior to departure, we will send you further information to help prepare for your trip.

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

    Just You is exclusively for solo travellers, every tour includes a twin or double room of your own, with no single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Jenny Elliott  

Fabulous Holiday with Just You

28-Oct-2021

Fabulous holiday with Just You - well organised, excellent accommodation and our tour leader absolutely made the trip! Would highly recommend.

Featured on Trustpilot
Russell Kerfoot  

Travels 2013 -2019

21/06/2021

Have taken about 15 tours with JY, mainly long haul, and found the experience exhilarating. Apart from the company's professionalism and extensive and varied tour options, I have made so many friends for life. Looking forward to resuming my travels in 2022.

Featured on Trustpilot
jean thornton (Google Reviewer)  

My short trip to Versailles...

08-Sep-2024

My short trip to Versailles & Monet’s garden with ‘just you’ was excellent. Tessa our guide gave 101%. Beautiful hotel and surroundings. A very friendly bunch of people and a mix of all ages. Will definitely be going with them again.

Tyler Kerr (Google Reviewer)  

Apologies in advance to the...

09-Jun-2024

Apologies in advance to the business as my holiday was the Eastern Wonders tour in Canada in June 2023 but some things happened shortly after which I had to focus on and then I kept forgetting to write a review. This was hands down the best holiday I’ve ever had. My coeliac disease was no issue whatsoever and the tour guide ‘Johanna’ is an absolute credit to Just You. She along with all of the other tour guides in the city stops were knowledgeable and great fun. The only day I felt wasn’t necessary for that time of year was Mont-Tremblant and the Holiday Inn there wasn’t the best but every other hotel was wonderful. Everyday was well-balanced with little tours to see the gorgeous sights in each location whilst still leaving us with plenty of time for our own exploration. The coach driver ‘Dave’ was also a really lovely chap. We always felt very safe with him behind the wheel and, should Just You offer this tour again someday, I would definitely recommend it. I will be using this company again and I can’t wait. I’d also like to thank the team at Just You over the phone and the representative at Heathrow who helped me as I’m on the autism spectrum and can get overwhelmed. Lovely company and very well priced in my opinion. With everything we did it would have cost around double if you’d made this trip independently.

Alistair Chattaway (Google Reviewer)  

A shame that there are...

14-Aug-2024

A shame that there are a lot of negative reviews regarding Just You as I recently went on their tour of Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast... it was a fantastic trip and I was part of a lovely group of people. The tour guide (Michela) was fantastic and the staff members in the hotel in Pompeii were really friendly and accommodating. As I have certain dietary requirements, the staff in the hotel went to every length to accommodate these needs... and whereas no hotel is ever perfect, I had a quiet and comfortable room and it was more than adequate for my needs. The additional tours were fantastic and the tours of the Pompeii ruins, Herculaneum, Capri, Ravello and Amalfi Coast were well planned. The tour guides were really knowledgeable about the area and it really took my breath away. I didn't like Naples very much but the museum and its exhibitions were really worth the short visit there. Four of the guest flew in on earlier flights from different parts of the UK and rather than keep us waiting at the airport, a separate transfer was organised to get us to the hotel in good time for some rest. The other guests on the tour were really friendly and no one felt left out at any point... and the group size (17 people) was perfect. A lot of the guests had already been on previous holidays with Just You and had really good things to say... so, having been skeptical due to the negative reviews I read before I went on the holiday, I wanted to write a positive review as I had a lovely time on this holiday... to the point that I will definitely book another holiday with Just You in the future.

aled blackshaw (Google Reviewer)  

Been on 5 holidays with...

13-Oct-2023

Been on 5 holidays with this company they have generally been good but the prices have risen considerably and i feel do not provide true value for money. In my opinion all the excursions and meals should be included in the total cost as they not worth the extra cost. Also they are very dismissive of any complaints once you have paid for the holiday they are not interested. I think i will try another company next time

Sue Sweeney (Google Reviewer)  

Great holidays for singles. I've been...

28-Jun-2023

Great holidays for singles. I've been on 4 holidays with them. Only issue is the hotel rooms. They generally use 3* hotels and I've booked at the same time and price as my friends but the difference in rooms is unbelievable. I've been lucky, but I've heard horror stories from friends of rooms like a dungeon with one small high window whilst I've had a fabulous sea view.

COLIN BROAD (Google Reviewer)  

I went on a spirit...

08-Apr-2024

I went on a spirit of an India trip with Amritsar add on. It looks good in the brochure, but things aren’t always as they seem. If like me you like a toilet break every two hours (discussed with the company in depth in advance) or have a hidden disability. then this holiday is not for you - use a different holiday company! Their planned toilet stops are every 3.5 hours, so ladies bring your pads and gents be prepared for “natural stops” while all the passengers watch you out the window or bring a bottle and a blanket as a screen. The Taj Mahal in Agra was good, along with the two trips to the Ganges river and the Golden Temple at Amritsar too. Rarely are you in the same spot for more than one night and a 6 hour daily coach or train journey became the norm. It was a shame that there was not an opportunity to enjoy the hotels that we’d obviously paid a lot of money for. If you’re looking for tigers in the game park, don’t get your hopes up. 99% unlikely. It is also a disappointment that there is little opportunity to explore the areas in the major cities that we’d traveled too If you are lucky enough to find some companionship from the opposite sex and wish to be bring them “home” this is frowned upon by the company - even if you have paid extra due double occupancy as required by the hotel I received a letter on holiday basically saying that the two hourly toilet stops required (and discussed in advance) due to diabetes was a disruption to the schedule. That photos sent to me by a girlfriend were “illicit”. Photo uploaded - make your own mind up” Also that managing to get lucky a couple of times and bringing them back to the hotel was an issue - very strange due a so called singles holiday

Maureen May (Google Reviewer)  

Just returned from St Lucia....

29-Feb-2024

Just returned from St Lucia. Hotel dreadfully shabby. Breakfasts very limited with very little fresh fruit. Our hotel was a 20 minute walk in 29C or a free bus on the hour to the beach and sister hotel. Location good for nearby local shopping and restaurants. The sunset cruise was brilliant as was the whale watching, but surf and safari trip was a disaster. We travelled in two open topped trucks with a two and a half hour drive to the surfing destination. During the trip smoke started from the gear box and we had to abandon the vehicle until the situation was rectified, which, to their credit, was sorted very quickly. Unfortunately the sea was too rough for the boat so we had to return back in the trucks. Extremely uncomfortable on side bench seats, hanging on in the rain. So, all in all we don’t over 6 hours on the trucks - not good. The tour guide left before the 5 day extension period without a handover to the local tour operators. No Information was given except by the hotel. I had already booked to go the Athens with Just You in May, now I wish I hadn’t.

Sunlight59 (Google Reviewer)  

Booked the French & Italian...

12-May-2024

Booked the French & Italian Riviera. Too much travelling on the coach. Most journeys to places were around 2 hours or more. No toilet facilities unless you go into a cafe to buy something. The group were lovely but mostly retired and older. Didn’t have much in common. The hotel was comfortable and clean. Vegetarians had mainly different types of cooked eggs for dinner. But plenty of food. However the hotel Toscana in Alessio does cater for families with children so noisy at night for the last few days of the holiday. Paid a lot of money for this holiday. Did not meet my expectations as per brochure.

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    Just You requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just you charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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