Best of Turkey
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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 to Demircidere Village for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 10 Dinner (D)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Cappadocia
- 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
How You'll Travel
- Deluxe coach travel
- Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal
- 4-star stays
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Istanbul: Visit the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi. Recently brought back to its former architectural glory, this unique museum holds a rare collection of traditional instruments, which we experience first hand during a private concert by Music Conservatory students. Your visit directly supports United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goals 4 & 11: Quality Education & Resilient Cities and Communities. Your visit provides opportunities for the students to perform, contributes to Turkey’s cultural vibrancy in safeguarding traditional forms of music which was fast disappearing, and supports the important work of TURKEV association, who researches and safeguards Turkish traditional architecture and houses.
- 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.
Iconic Experience
- 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.
- Cappadocia: Rise early and head to a panoramic viewpoint to watch hundreds of hot air balloons float over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys and rock formations. As the sun comes up, enjoy uninterrupted views and brilliant photo moments.
- Avanos: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
Be My Guest
- Demircidere: Meet the women of Demircidere Köyü, a rural village where gender equality has deep roots. Visit the local bakery to see how bread is made, sample it with homemade wine and explore a family garden bursting with seasonal produce. Over a shared lunch in a local home, you’ll hear inspiring stories of how this Turcoman community is empowering its girls to learn, grow and lead while preserving their culture and traditional Alevi beliefs.
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: 34556
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 437.1411B
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Not 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 $4375 ($312 /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: Delta Istanbul Levent
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 your Travel Director, explore Topkapi Palace and learn how Ottoman sultans once ruled an empire. Later, Dive into Culture with a visit to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Step into a maze of lantern-lit lanes where traders call out, artisans craft their wares and every turn tempts you to haggle for spices, ceramics and textiles.
Accommodation: Delta Istanbul Levent
Meals: Breakfast
Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli, where the national pride of both Turkey and Australia was awakened amidst the bloody battlefields of World War I, a legacy still commemorated today. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting places of many Allied soldiers. Continue to Çanakkale, where you dine at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Kolin
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit a land of Trojan legends, where the ancient city of Troy has been immortalized by Homer in tales of King Priam, Hector, Paris and Helen. Explore the archaeological site revealing nine layers of civilization and see the replica wooden horse that recalls the Greek strategy used to end the legendary siege. Later, travel to the village of Demircidere for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local women, visit the village bakery and enjoy lunch made with fresh, homegrown produce. Continue to Izmir and settle into your seaside hotel before dining together this evening.
Accommodation: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact facade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry of carpet weaving. Then, visit the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki.
Accommodation: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention
Meals: Breakfast
Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Along the way, stop for a demonstration of Turkey’s renowned leather craftsmanship, where you'll see how traditional techniques are used to create high-quality garments. Continue to Pamukkale where you can relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.
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. 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 dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Marmara Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, 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 you'll gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. Then, visit the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome. Return to your hotel, where you'll dine tonight.
Accommodation: Dedeman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. 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. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
Accommodation: Exedra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you explore its volcanic terrain dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. Rise early to watch hot air balloons drift above Cappadocia’s valleys and dramatic rock formations at sunrise. Your day continues at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where you’ll see rock-hewn churches and ancient wall paintings before exploring 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 dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards, you can join an Optional Experience to see a performance of whirling dervishes.
Accommodation: Exedra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, 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, dine at your hotel in Ankara.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Ankara
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Returning to Istanbul, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace or you can choose to cruise the Bosphorus on an Optional Experience, taking in the sights from the water as Europe and Asia slide past on either shore. End the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions over a memorable dinner.
Accommodation: Delta Istanbul Levent
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 2025
Turkish Adventure. Let folks know the smoking policy for country visited as part of the brochure and the welcome package. I liked the itinerary and very much appreciated the MTM and Be My Guest experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/04/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Unforgettable Turkey vacation. The package one pays for is much better than other tour companies with comparable itineraries . What you see is what you get. I liked the dinners at local restaurants instead of at the hotels on some nights. It was a packed itinerary with all the important highlights that one needs to see and experience as a first time visitor to Turkey. I liked the hotel in Cappadocia because it’s authentic but might be difficult for those with physical constraints. Our tour director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was exceptional in his knowledge about the history of Turkey, the sites we visited and the places he took us to get to know more about the people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2024
Marian Baziuk - Traveled, March 2025
The Best Of Turkey really was the BEST Of Turkey!! Our guide was exceptional! *Personal information removed by Feefo* knew so much and enhanced our experiences with more details in every place he guided us :). It was comprehensive, lots of inclusions, few optional and a great balance of guided touring and free time :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2025
Valerie Davis - Traveled, March 2025
Best of Turkey tour. Our guide responded to our needs. He was so informative. I loved all the the history and information we were given that made the sites more interesting. I loved being able to support local businesses, meet people in their homes. The schedule was challenging but good as we had 2 days several times during the tour. We were able to see so many amazing sites.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
Travel Trafalgar. The Trafalgar team kept us informed along the way. The only thing I would have appreciated was being able access the documents on the portal rather than just through an email. The tour was filled with special times especially the Be My Guest and Make Travel Matter visits. Our guide was very knowledge, our driver was first class and the accommodation was great. Our nights in the Cave Hotel were a highlight, as was the visit to Gallipoli and the Australian and New Zealand Memorial sites. I enjoyed learning about the history of Turkey, the religion throughout the ages but most of all enjoyed meeting the people of Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2025
Steven Metcalf - Traveled, June 2024
Extraordinary journey and amazing memories. Truly felt that the focus was on making our trip as fun and memorable as possible. Just an unbelievable tour, traversing a rich tapestry of sights, sound tastes and experiences that will remain epic memories for as long as we live. Great tour and thanks *Personal information removed by Feefo* for always doing your very best to make it a wonderful experience for us.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/15/2024
Ernesto Galang - Traveled, June 2024
2024 Turkey Tour! Excellent service for the itinerary taken. I have taken Trafalgar for the past trips and always not disappointed. Perfect itinerary for my age, not much physical activities. Like the one night then two nights stays in hotel to appreciate the place. The tour director gave us lots of info on places we were visiting day to day. We were lucky to have *Personal information removed by Feefo* as tour guide/director, an archeologist by training.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/16/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, July 2024
Excellent Best of Turkey Tour! Excellent! We had the best Travel Director/Guide, *Personal information removed by Feefo*. He is kind and caring as well as amazing to actually find the eyeglasses one of our fellow travelers dropped in the Mediterranean Sea. *Personal information removed by Feefo* persistence in searching for what would have been a lost cause, is a testament to his good nature and that’s admirable! Our very nice, always cheerful King of the Road driver, *Personal information removed by Feefo*, is also to be commended for our safe passage. If you’re into Türkiye’s ancient history/civilization, our Tour Director most extraordinaire, *Personal information removed by Feefo*. is the best to guide you through and learn from. He certainly knows his stuff.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/21/2024
Alan Page - Traveled, July 2024
Best of Turkey. A great trip. The Trafalgar staff on the tour were always attentive and obliging . Every query or concern was addressed quickly and we always felt they had our best interests at heart varied and interesting trip with too many highlights to list . *Personal information removed by Feefo* , who was both our tour director and local guide, was exceptionally good. He is extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the tour and the sights along the way and was very friendly and helpful too. *Personal information removed by Feefo* our coach driver was absolutely great , the best coach driver I've ever been with . No scary moments in over 3000 km of driving and coach was always clean and we'll presented. A very special trip with special people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/22/2024
Patricia Robertson - Traveled, September 2024
Satisfied customer. Communication from the tour guide was excellent so we knew what was going to happen. It was a comprehensive itinerary. We saw all the major sites. The pace while fast enabled us to see and experience a lot.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/20/2024
