Highlights of Turkey
-
Exclusive DiscountsGet the best rates plus exclusive discounts and promotions
-
Best Tour SelectionWe've got multiple top rated tour suppliers to choose from
-
Best AdviceOur local travel consultants can help you select the best tour for needs.
Experience Overview
Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Stroll through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
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.
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.
- Avanos: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
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.
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Istanbul
- Visit the Topkapi Palace, Byzantine Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli and the Göreme Open-Air Museum
- View the Wooden Horse at Troy and the Blue Mosque
- See the exquisite Blue Mosque
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: 28182
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Trafalgar (CA)
Supplier Code: 274.370B
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 10 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
- Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
- Optional Experiences and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3911 ($391 /day)
Itinerary
Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner.
Accommodation: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals: Dinner
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire as you stroll through Topkapi Palace with views over the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Hippodrome where thundering chariots once raced before viewing the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles. Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. Then discover Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, wandering its covered lanes packed with colorful stalls, spices, ceramics and keepsakes.
Accommodation: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals: Breakfast
Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields, which still hold deep significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where you’ll dine at the hotel.
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
Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, admiring the well-preserved facade of the Library of Celsus and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theater, built by the Romans in the 2nd century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and artistry of Turkish carpet weaving during a visit to a local carpet emporium. Then, relax and unwind in the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.
Accommodation: Colossae Thermal
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Continue to Konya, where you'll visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Order, which reveals the origins of Sufism and the spiritual legacy of Rumi. This evening, dine at your hotel.
Accommodation: Dedeman
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive into Culture to learn about the traditional art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to witness the Whirling Dervishes ceremony, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Tonight, stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses.
Accommodation: Exedra
Meals: Breakfast
The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you explore its volcanic terrain dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. You can choose an Optional Experience to watch sunrise as hot air balloons glide above the valleys and dramatic rock formations. 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, enjoy traditional pottery kebabs during dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Exedra
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul. You may choose to join an optional Traditional Bosphorus Cruise, soaking up the city’s skyline from the water as palaces, minarets and waterfront neighborhoods glide by. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.
Accommodation: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
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
James Conlon - Traveled, April 2025
Happy Campers! I can only speak about this one trip but I couldn’t be happier about the way our guide kept us informed and engaged. He was very sensitive to the needs of individuals as well as the group. It was very full but flowed nicely so as not to make it overwhelming. Our guide was great! He was very knowledgeable and filled the rides on the coach with history lessons that made everything come alive.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, April 2024
First in line! Service at Trafalger is top-notch. We were always first in line at very crowded locations and had the best seat in the house or view of the show. We were very excited to travel to Turkey and decided to go with Trafalger to get the best experience and visit many different sites in a short span of time. We wanted a worry free vacation that allowed a board range of experiences in the city and rural areas. Trafalger and our tour director (*Personal information removed by Feefo*) did not disappoint us! *Personal information removed by Feefo* was a fantastic tour director and provided a lot of history, enthusiasm and entertainment on the entire trip. We were always laughing and had an absolutely fantastic time on this trip! We truly enjoyed visiting all the sites, understanding the rich cultural history of the country, enjoying the delicious food and interacting with the warm friendly people. Daghan ensured we were well taken care of in the group and handled every detail of our trip. The food was delicious and we had no complaints. Would highly recommend this trip and in particular would recommend going with *Personal information removed by Feefo* on this tour! It is a great intro to Turkey!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/26/2024
William Mumpower Jr - Traveled, April 2024
10 DAY TOUR OF TURKEY! VERY GOOD HOTELS, GOOD BUSES, AND EVERYTHING WAS INCUDED AS PROMISED. IT INCLUDED EVERYTHING THAT WAS IMPORTANT TO A VISIT TO TURKEY. ITS SO MUCH HISTORY TO SEE IN THIS TOUR. *Personal information removed by Feefo* OUR TRAVEL DIRECTOR KNEW SO MUCH ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE PLACES WE SAW. WE LEARNED MUCH ABOUT WHAT WE WERE SEEING WHICH MADE EVERYTHING SO MUCH MORE INTERESTING.. AND HE DID IT ALL FROM MEMORY, HE WAS A GREAT TRAVEL DIRECTOR, THE BEST OF FOUR OF OUR TRAFALGAR TOURS. HE WAS ALWAYS LOOKING OUT FOR ALL OF THE TOUR MEMBERS, SOME WERE SLOW, LIKE ME, OTHERS A LITTLE FASTER, BUT HE MADE SURE EVERYBODY WAS ALWAYS WHERE WE NEEDED TO BE. IF I WERE TO GIVE OUT MEDALS, HE WOULD BE ONE TO GET IT! HE WAS JUST GREAT!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/25/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
Great Experience with Trafalgar. This is our first time using Trafalgar and we were very happy with their services for our tour Best of Egypt and the Highlights of Turkey tour that we did back to back. Very good guides and drivers; we didn't have to worry about anything since they handled all the details. Great itinerary around Turkey, made better by an excellent guide Osman who's very professional and knowledgeable. We spent 10 days visiting different parts of Turkey all very interesting. The tour included many dinners and all of them were very good. I loved the hotel in Capadoccia, vey unique and pretty even though it has a lot of stairs. We had a great time in Turkey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, June 2024
We really enjoyed this itinerary. It was very well thought out and planned. It was perfect for a full cultural immersion experience. We had multiple, very memorable, surprise experiences during this trip. They were exceptional and we would have never experienced those if traveling on our own. The knowledge and expertise of our Travel Director *Personal information removed by Feefo* was the best part. Thank you Trafalgar for a world class trip, we are looking forward to our next one soon!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2024
Ivan Menezes - Traveled, July 2024
Tour par excellence! Never falls short of excellence with tour buses, tour guides, bus drivers and accommodation. Have been before and will use Trafalgar again. Concise itinerary covering the most important destinations in Turkey. Full of history of different empires over the centuries right from biblical times. Excellent tour guide *Personal information removed by Feefo*, very knowledgeable and experienced. He was also very organised and looked after us well. Trafalgar have kept their reputation of being one of the foremost tour companies looking after their guests making the tour as pleasurable as possible without compromising on quality.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/30/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
The whole country is a museum! There are numerous UNESCO world Heritage sites. There is so much to see and experience. However, it was very fast moving and you really need more time at several of the places, especially in Istanbul!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Katie and Mick Finley - Traveled, September 2024
A trip to Remember! The tours are very well organized, really enjoyed all the places we went to. Well organized trip. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and made everyone feel welcome and included. Accommodation was great in some locations and not so great in others, but comfortable for the amount of time spent there. Travelling on the bus was very safe and comfortable, our bus driver was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/09/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Turkey! *Personal details removed by Feefo* the tour guide was good - very knowledgable. *Personal details removed by Feefo* the bus driver was great. But way to much time on the bus - lucky I had podcasts to fill in the time. You leave the hotels early and you get there late so there is not point having fancy hotels because you dont get to unwind and use any of their facilities. The stops along the way are nothing but sale stops. I did shop at two of the stops - one I bought a very expensive ring and the other I bought two leather jackets - I have been ripped off both times. The ring I was over charged by $135AUD *Personal details removed by Feefo* the tour director rang them to sort it out and they told me to email them - I have done that and I have had no response. The leather jackets cost over $1500AUD and the next day a button fell off - I emailed the company and sent photos as apparently they had a life warranty and I have heard nothing!! Two recommended retailers from Trafalgar and I feel absolutely ripped off!! The hard thing to is there is no time on the tour to do your own shopping because it is so scheduled - you literally only have time to shop at the stops the tour stops at.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2024
Trusted Customer - Traveled, September 2024
Trafalgar has not lived up to its previously good standard. Trafalgar has always provided very good service, but this tour was too big with no single seats on the coach for single travellers or for someone who is coughing and spreading the ailment. I think Trafalgar has lowered their previously high standards, and some hotels were not up to the mark. The trip overall was good but too fast paced. There weren't much free time for shopping or just resting.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/11/2024
