Treasures of Turkey
Experience Overview
Travel Turkey on this 15-day guided tour. See Cappadocia, where golden landscapes give way to caverns below. Youll 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
Dining Summary
- 9 Dinner (D)
- 14 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Istanbul: Begin your travels savoring traditional flavors over dinner at a local restaurant.
- Cappadocia: Watch a spectacular Sema performance of Whirling Dervishes and discover the flavors of Cappadocia as you indulge in a regional dinner of colorful dishes.
- Istanbul: Toast the culmination of your travels during dinner at a local restaurant.
Insight Choice
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious heritage.
Insight Experiences
- Cappadocia: Join a Cappadocian local, who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.
Make Travel Matter
- Uchisar: Enjoy the unique flavors of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, where every dish is homemade with love. This remarkable establishment provides employment for more than 65 women from the village. The restaurant is owned by women and focuses on empowering women through employment. Some employed as administrators, some as teachers, some as cooks and some as waiters. Here they are taught how to sow clothes by using modern technology, how to knit, how to cook, how to make various kinds of artifacts, and how to merchandise their products and convert it to money for their families. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Top Rated Highlights
- Istanbul: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul, where you'll pass Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
- Bursa: On your orientation with your Travel Director visit the town’s mosques, bazaars and famous Silk Market.
- Bursa: Visit the Grand Mosque, the glorious Green Mosque and mausoleum.
- Cumalikizik: Visit the over 700 year-old village to get glimpse into what Ottoman villages away from the capital looked like.
- Ankara: Discover the mysterious Hittite civilization and visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk.
- Ankara: On your orientation with your Travel Director of the capital of modern Turkey discover its Roman and Byzantine heritage, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Atatürk.
- Göreme: With your Local Expert, explore the underground cities, rock-cut churches, fairy-tale chimneys and the Pasabag Valley.
- Visit the narrow passages and interconnecting rooms of this Stone Age underground city dug out from the hills and built to block invaders and defend against attacks.
- Learn about the ancient art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Konya: Visit a well preserved Seljuk Caravanserai.
- Konya: Accompanied by your Local Expert, visit the beautiful Mevlana Tekke museum for an insight into the mystic Whirling Dervishes. See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.
- Antalya: Visit the historic Old Town and wander through its charming narrow streets, discovering souvenir markets and sweeping sea views.
- Pamukkale: See the cascading Cotton Castle of milky white travertine pools and the ancient ruin of Hierapolis.
- Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Expert, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
- Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artifacts from Ephesus.
- Troy: On your orientation with your Travel Director hear about the nearly 4000 year-old settlement, see the wooden Trojan Horse and hear about myths and legends connected to this archaeological site.
- Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
- Gallipoli: Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula and attend the moving Dawn Service remembering, honoring and paying respect to the fallen fighting in World War I.
- Gallipoli: Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery.
- Istanbul: Visit the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. With your Local Expert, gain insight into the lives of the Ottoman Sultans during a visit to the fabulous Topkapi Palace. Then stroll through the Grand Bazaar.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 35213
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 171.850A
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,211 ($347 /day)
Itinerary
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. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travelers over a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals: 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, visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum Complex. 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.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today you 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.
Accommodation: Ankara HiltonSA
Meals: Breakfast
A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and Anitkabir, 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.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, 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 flavors. 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. This evening you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, 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 travelers 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.
Accommodation: Novotel Konya
Meals: 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 theater anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travelers. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy time to relax.
Accommodation: Akra Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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 harbor or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.
Accommodation: Akra Antalya
Meals: Breakfast
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 Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Accommodation: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Explore 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, a famous Catholic, situated above the Ephesus ruins. Then travel to the nearby town of Selçuk for an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site.
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe, Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast
In 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.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honor the fallen soldiers. After the service pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries, whilst learning more about the events which lead to the Anzac troops fighting in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. This afternoon return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale
Meals: 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.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Explore Hagia Sophia with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537 and famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Enrique - Traveled, June 2024
Our guide was excellent as well as our bus driver. Loved every place we went except maybe the hotel in Konya. The last day dedicated to Istanbul was too much. I think Istanbul merits minimum two days if not three. Important sights were not included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Was an outstanding tour guide with thorough knowledge and enthusiam for Turkey and its history. He did his best to accommodate special requests and individual preferences with a pleasant demeanor all the time. Slower pace to start was good. Also very good to have 2 nights in 4 cities. Some hotels are very tired but maybe the best or only in the area. Felt rushed on the last day in Istanbul with all the major attractions and would recommend any travellers considering this itinerary to add several days before or after the tour in Istanbul. Optional boat trip in Antalya to the Duden Waterfalls was underwhelming. Thank you Insight for allowing time in Cappadocia to do the hot air balloon in the Fairy Chimneys. It was a magical highlight of the tour....expensive but worthwhile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Diane - Traveled, October 2024
We had the most amazing trip. Our tour director was the best. He made us understand Turkey, the people and the amazing history in so much detail. He was so passionate and wanted us to love the country as well. The driver was also exceptional . He made us so welcome and nothing was too much trouble as well as keeping the coach and the windows so clean at all times. This was our 12th Insight tour and also one tour with Trafalgar. We loved the care and attention to detail of all of the trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Enrique - Traveled, June 2024
Our guide was excellent as well as our bus driver. Loved every place we went except maybe the hotel in Konya. The last day dedicated to Istanbul was too much. I think Istanbul merits minimum two days if not three. Important sights were not included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Was an outstanding tour guide with thorough knowledge and enthusiam for Turkey and its history. He did his best to accommodate special requests and individual preferences with a pleasant demeanor all the time. Slower pace to start was good. Also very good to have 2 nights in 4 cities. Some hotels are very tired but maybe the best or only in the area. Felt rushed on the last day in Istanbul with all the major attractions and would recommend any travellers considering this itinerary to add several days before or after the tour in Istanbul. Optional boat trip in Antalya to the Duden Waterfalls was underwhelming. Thank you Insight for allowing time in Cappadocia to do the hot air balloon in the Fairy Chimneys. It was a magical highlight of the tour....expensive but worthwhile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Diane - Traveled, October 2024
We had the most amazing trip. Our tour director was the best. He made us understand Turkey, the people and the amazing history in so much detail. He was so passionate and wanted us to love the country as well. The driver was also exceptional . He made us so welcome and nothing was too much trouble as well as keeping the coach and the windows so clean at all times. This was our 12th Insight tour and also one tour with Trafalgar. We loved the care and attention to detail of all of the trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Enrique - Traveled, June 2024
Our guide was excellent as well as our bus driver. Loved every place we went except maybe the hotel in Konya. The last day dedicated to Istanbul was too much. I think Istanbul merits minimum two days if not three. Important sights were not included.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Was an outstanding tour guide with thorough knowledge and enthusiam for Turkey and its history. He did his best to accommodate special requests and individual preferences with a pleasant demeanor all the time. Slower pace to start was good. Also very good to have 2 nights in 4 cities. Some hotels are very tired but maybe the best or only in the area. Felt rushed on the last day in Istanbul with all the major attractions and would recommend any travellers considering this itinerary to add several days before or after the tour in Istanbul. Optional boat trip in Antalya to the Duden Waterfalls was underwhelming. Thank you Insight for allowing time in Cappadocia to do the hot air balloon in the Fairy Chimneys. It was a magical highlight of the tour....expensive but worthwhile.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Diane - Traveled, October 2024
We had the most amazing trip. Our tour director was the best. He made us understand Turkey, the people and the amazing history in so much detail. He was so passionate and wanted us to love the country as well. The driver was also exceptional . He made us so welcome and nothing was too much trouble as well as keeping the coach and the windows so clean at all times. This was our 12th Insight tour and also one tour with Trafalgar. We loved the care and attention to detail of all of the trips.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2024
Anita - Traveled, September 2024
This is my 3rd tour with Insights and found everything from the buses, drivers, activities, hotels, knowledge and quality of the tour directors to be of high quality. I recommend Insights to all my friends as a bus tour gives you a view of the interior of a country, a feel for the culture and locals more than a cruise where you only see a port city. I am planning my next tour location and will be using Insights againI. I found the customer service team very helpful when I added my flight information so I had transfers to and from the airport. There is such rich history in Turkey that 14 days was not enough time to see everything. I personally would have liked more time in several areas so I could take in more of the culture, food and historical sites. Add a couple more areas such as (spelling). The hotels were great. made sure that we ate meals at high quality restaurants with good food, reasonable prices, good restrooms and with safe (clean hygienic) places. Often on free nights, would make recommendations for places to go or eat. was a fountain of historical as well as architectural information. He brought to light the ingenious and great ability of the centuries of builders and inhabitants of Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, December 2024
All request were met as best a possible circumstances permitted. I had to buy a cabin case as my medium case was too small, to accommodate my extra purchases. It fitted in the bus luggage compartment easily. Very comprehensive. We were fortunate that the weather was excellent and the opportunity to add in a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia area was a much welcome bonus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2024
Antoinette - Traveled, December 2024
The tour guide was excellent. The driver was helpful. They were both a pleasure to travel with. We learned a lot from our tour guide! The days began early, but there was often time to relax in the evening. I could have done without the shopping experiences though.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/16/2024
Nancy - Traveled, November 2024
Insight provides first class service! We experienced so many venues with the amazing expertise of our Tour Director, Daghan, and our exceptional driver, Farhad. We must say that Daghan was above and beyond any other TD in all our travels. He was fun, kind, helpful, compassionate, knowledgeable and humble….simply put, THE BEST. Together with our safe, considerate and funny driver, Farhad, this team made for our vacation to Turkey exceptional. We so enjoyed our hotels, dinners, and historic stops thru western Turkey. Our entire trip ran so smoothly. It was Cappadocia, however, that was our icing on the cake….so stunning! Our special tea with the cave family ( 4th generation) was spectacular. Insight is top notch in all they do and we look forward to our future travel with Insight.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Travel Director and Chauffeur were incredible... So professional. Travel Director very knowledgeable. He made all the visits so interesting. Some Hotels were not very nice. The worst one was theDouble Tree Hilton in Cappadocia. Very dirty! DEFINITLY not enough time in Istambul. Battlefield visit really loss of precious time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
You take your job very seriously so that your guests can have a good time. Everyone is important. It was very interesting. The places covered were incredible. Food was amazing. But it was also exhausting for me. 15 days is too long for an unfit person.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
William - Traveled, November 2024
I booked through a travel agent, but she stated the customer service was good. There is so much history in Turkey. This trip paired the country's rich history with its beautiful scenery and dramatic coast lines.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/16/2024
Download a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
