Best of Turkey by Land Small Group

Best of Turkey by Land Small Group

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Best of Turkey by Land Small Group

12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: Istanbul, Gelibolu, Troy, Kuşadası, Ephesus, Fethiye, Dalyan, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Ihlara, İstanbul

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

TB1SG

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 12

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18 - 59 years

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Travelling with a group of no more than 12 people, our new Small Group trips provide you with more space for your comfort and pleasure. Discover the ancient wonders of Turkey in our 12 day Best of Turkey by Land tour. Embrace the culture and history of Istanbul & Gallipoli, ride through the magnificent Aegean Coast and in-land wonders of Anatolia. Start your tour exploring the magnificent museums and mosques of Istanbul and then travel south along the Aegean Coast, capturing wonderful visions of ancient cities. After, we’ll head inland to experience the incredible natural marvels of fairy chimney formations in Cappadocia.

Highlights

  • Feel the beating heart of Istanbul in the old town beside monumental landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia.

  • Visit the shores of Gallipoli to honour the fallen during one of the greatest battles & famous ancient cities in Anatolia; Troy,Asklepion and Cappadocia.

  • Enjoy the pristine bays and turqouise waters of Fethiye, visit the natural wonderland of Saklikent Gorge and take a boat trip to Dalyan along caretta.

  • Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus delving into ancient times and soak in the gorgeous Library of Celsus.

  • Walk among cottonlike pools of travertine in Pamukkale and soak in the magical landscape.

  • Cappadocia with options for an unforgettable hot-air ballooning adventure and Turkish Bath.

Places You'll See

Istanbul

Gallipoli

Kusadasi

Ephesus

Fethiye

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included: No Meals

Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for your transfer to the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

Day 2 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

Day 3 : Gallipoli
Location: Gelibolu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kolin Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.

Day 4 : Troy, Kusadasi
Location: Troy, Kuşadası
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You may have heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the seaside town of Kusadasi.




Day 5 : Ephesus, Fethiye
Location: Ephesus, Fethiye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Greenland - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, our first stop is the spectacular, well-preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye where we can explore the buzzing resort town.


Day 6 : Fethiye,Saklıkent,Oludeniz
Location: Fethiye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Greenland - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we make our way to Saklikent, one of the deepest canyons in the world. We will then continue our journey to Oludeniz. Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport. Here you can relax on the exquisite beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding and microlighting. Late in the afternoon we depart for our overnight stay in Fethiye.

Day 7 : Dalyan, Fethiye
Location: Dalyan, Fethiye
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Greenland - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our next stop is Dalyan, a small town situated along the south-western coast popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty. We will join a boat trip to visit the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and we then continue to Iztuzu beach, homeland of world-famous Caretta Caretta turtles. After a fantastic boat ride we will reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea.


Included Activities
Dalyan Boat Trip
Mud Bath
Iztuzu Beach

Optional Activities
Mudbath
Iztuzu Beach

Day 8 : Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hierapark Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.

Day 9 : Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).

Day 10 : Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.

Day 11 : Ihlara, Istanbul
Location: Ihlara, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.

Day 12 : Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast

Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    5 and 4 star hotels

  • Airport Transfer

    From Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on day 1)

  • Meals

    11 breakfasts | 8 dinners

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus | Dalyan boat trip

  • Guide

    Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

  • Fully Guided

What's Not Included

  • Entrance Fees

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • Any flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Items of a personal nature

  • Visa fees

  • Optional activities

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Check out our Q&As

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?

    No

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    No

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No, Children under age 18 not allowed

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Yes

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

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this Operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

Trustpilot
Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

Trustpilot
James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Caroline Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I thoroughly...

25-Dec-2023

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Tegan Bull (Google Reviewer)  

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

25-Dec-2023

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 12 day...

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

Hazel Kuzu (Google Reviewer)  

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour...

03-Dec-2023

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk Tours exceeded our expectations! The well-crafted itinerary showcased Turkey's best, complemented by excellent hotel choices. Mustafa, our guide, added depth with his rich knowledge, engaging storytelling and brilliant sense of humour. The seamless experience, from transportation, meals, accommodations, sightseeing and optional activities made this tour unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect blend of culture and comfort in Turkey.

Katy Milena Ihrig   USA 🇺🇸

Balkan Discovery

06-Apr-2024

Though the group was big , l had a great time . The tour guide , Simon Simonovic , what a guide, funny , caring , kind , etc so many great y things to say about him . And., the driver ,Chris , outstanding! Two of the best guides l’ve known . I travel often ! Well designed tour , in spite that hotels weren’t so good ,like the one in Trebinje, Central Park , rooms with awful cigarette and sewer smell. The other one supposedly 5⭐️, no way , so dated and hard as a rock beds , though great breakfast ,Europe hotel The best hotel , Novohotel in Sofia ! The local guides , like in Dubrovnik, Croatia , seemed like she was killing time with irrelevant information, instead of showing us around . None of the guides could beat , Simon , so knowledgeable in every area , we asked him about ! Still with all the things l mentioned above , lm booking my next tour with this same company . Great price for what l got . Hopefully, the things l mentioned are fixed , bc this got to be the purpose of leaving a review, doesn’t it ??

Tronix4eva (Google Reviewer)  

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey...

21-Oct-2023

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey Tour with Mustafa from Travel Talk Tours. Absolutely exceeded all expectations. I am in love with Turkey! The sights, the places, the hotels, the food, the bus and the antics of our amazing guide was seriously fantastic. This was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad I stumbled across Travel Talk and chose them. Mustafa you made me laugh and made us all feel so safe and welcome.. best guide I've ever had. ❤️

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

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

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