Best of Turkey
Experience Overview
From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you’ll also venture into the Taurus Mountains for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 11 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Be My Guest
- Antalya: Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya.
Dive into Culture
- Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
- Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Nevsehir: Meet Ali, our local host and Cappadocian local, for a tour of his family-run farm. See the sport where his grandfather’s garden once stood, taste freshly baked bread and fresh and dried fruits grown on pigeon natural fertilizer, the traditional farming method for producing a rich and nutritious harvest. This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Thanks to Ali’s work to revive the traditional farming practices unique to this region of Cappadocia, the region has regained pride in their local traditions. It also advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using exclusively traditional farming practices, the farm is one of the few to be producing traditional and rare fruits, herbs and old grains, typical of the region.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Istanbul
- Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, ancient ruins of Troy, ancient city at Ephesus, Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, Archaeological Museum in Antalya, home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, underground city of Saratli and Göreme Open-Air Museum
- View the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Trafalgar Difference
- Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.
Trip Details
Product Code: 34553
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Family, 55+
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 437.153A
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Whats Included
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,635 ($331 /day)
Itinerary
Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure.
Accommodation: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals: Dinner
Begin your day at the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine life, where you’ll see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. View the Blue Mosque, with its striking minarets, and the architectural masterpiece of Hagia Sophia. With a Local Specialist, explore Topkapi Palace and learn how Ottoman sultans once ruled an empire. This afternoon is free, or you could choose to cruise the Bosphorus on an Optional Experience, taking in the sights. In the evening, another Optional Experience offers a taste of local culture, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks as dancers and musicians take the stage in a lively performance.
Accommodation: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals: Breakfast
Leaving Istanbul behind, you'll cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to Çanakkale. Visit the Archaeological Site of Troy and the replica wooden horse which famously ended a 10-year siege. Then, return to Çanakkale and check in to your hotel, leaving later this evening to attend the Dawn Service.
Accommodation: Iris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the stirring dawn tribute at Anzac Cove and pay your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during poignant ceremonies held at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Return to your hotel in Çanakkale later this afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Iris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Dardanelle Strait again and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. You'll be reminded of the sacrifices made by both sides during World War I before returning to Çanakkale and then on to Izmir where you'll spend the night.
Accommodation: Mövenpick
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Stroll through the ruins of Ephesus and see the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos before continuing to Pamukkale.
Accommodation: Colossae Thermal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we’ll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, then enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a day at your own pace, taking in the captivating seaside ambiance of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll through the charming, winding streets of the old city, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman architecture. For an Optional Experience, you may choose a yacht cruise and guided tour of Antalya's historic old town.
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Meals: Breakfast
Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
Accommodation: Dedeman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an effort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Exedra Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Ankara
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Returning to Istanbul, Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Discover the hidden lanes and watch artisans at work while you wander the main thoroughfares. Spend some time haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. Finish the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable dinner.
Accommodation: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Your epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as you bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.
Meals: Breakfast
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Tour Operator
Trafalgar (CA)
Family owned and run since 1920, The Travel Corporation (TTC) is the world leader in immersive travel experiences across an extensive range of travel categories. Each year TTC's 40 award winning hospitality and travel brands connect over 1 million happy travellers to the world. We give you access to the 12 DMC’s behind these brands, so you can build your business by capitalizing on the extensive experience, local expertise, and financial assurance of TTC. LOCAL EXPERTISE The world leaders in travel for over 100 years, we offer unparalleled local expertise with a global footprint. Our 12 DMCs, led by experienced in-destination teams, deliver experience rich travel solutions in more than 80 countries. Additionally, our market based teams are on hand to support across our 40 offices worldwide
In Business Since 1931
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
Perfecto! I have done several tours with Trafalgar and would 100% recommend them to everyone! Lots to see and do and with no obligation to do optional extras, you really can tailor the tours to suit you. Especially recommend to solo travelers. You’ll have a new friend base in no time! Absolutely loved everything about the Best of Turkey tour. I was a little worried I would feel unsafe in areas, but that was not the case at all. Every new place was totally different. Such an awesomely experience. I would 100% recommend it to everyone!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/12/2023
David Alesio - Traveled, April 2023
Charley was an amazing Tour Director, I enjoyed all the hotels and activities. Enjoyed all the locations, wish we had a free day to use the beach.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
The best of Turkey. My sister in law recommended me due to she use Trafalgar 4-5 times. You present a adequate and reasonable schedule.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, August 2023
Organization, communication, excellent travel director (Cem) made for a most enjoyable 1st trip with Trafalgar. Overall most enjoyable tour highlighting the history and culture of Turkey. Reliance on 'truck stop' diners during long drives made for quite bland food offerings at times.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
Richard Vergara - Traveled, September 2023
The tour director ************ was very informed and gave interesting insights. The food at the Hotel Dilek Kaya in Cappadocia was not that good. Several of my fellow guests complained about it. The value of the tour was more than I paid. I wish more Trafalgar tours were priced like the tour of Turkey. Actually I have been on 7 Trafalgar tours and this was the best.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/21/2023
Maria Castaneda Espinoza - Traveled, April 2023
My trip to the beautiful Turkey. My trip to Turkey was an excellent experience. I got to know the history of the different cultures that had dominated Turkey. The Travel Director was very knowledgeable and explained very well each site we visited. I had so much fun! The itinerary was excellent. We were busy all day visiting different places. The itinerary is very well planned to cover as many interesting places during the day.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/10/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
One of my flight was canceled, therefore I was late arriving. Trafalgar still made an effort to pick me up from the airport and drop me off at the hotel. Travel Director is knowledgeable, nice and considerate. the driver is kind, very friendly and professional. It was truly the Best of Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/11/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
A very good tour. Had a great tour guide who was very knowledgeable and gave us good information about Turkey and its history. Itinerary was perfect with the places we went to. A very well organized tour that covers a lot of Turkey. We had a range of ages on the tour and all had a great time..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2023
Jakobus Vos - Traveled, March 2023
Great tour and adventure and an eye opener to see these beautiful countries Tammy Coetzee was excellent and professional and Kris was an excellent driver. Like the Best of Turkey Tour we did before the Balkan Adventure the one aspect that needs attention is some of the Hotels which are below standard and impacts very negatively on the overall experience The good Hotels were very good like the Radisson Blue in Istanbul and Hotel Falkensteiner Hotel Montenegro and Hilton Garden Inn Tirana. This tour is excellent but travel times are too long and facilities at stops were not good with some stops with only one toilet for both males and females. Montenegro should be a two day stop. However still a great experience! Excellent tour Amazing experience Turkey is amazing !
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2023
Thanks as usual for a great holiday. You can always count on Trafalgar, they are awesome. You need to be quite fit there is quite a lot of walking involved.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/14/2023
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2023
Excellent fantastic tour guide; bus and accommodation was good. Excellent in every way, bus driver helpful , Comfortable bus. Best tour guide ever, accommodation was good, meals were good, extra tours were interesting As I stated earlier, excellent in every way. The only criticism I would have is that some of the older and not so fit people struggled with the steps in one accommodation. Also showers over the baths are dangerous for older people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/20/2023
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