Highlights of Turkey Luxury Tour

Highlights of Turkey Luxury Tour

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Highlights of Turkey Luxury Tour

11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul

Visiting: İstanbul, Gelibolu, Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, İzmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara

Tour code:

THI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-95

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Explore the myriad wonders of Turkey through meticulously curated Turkey tours, designed to immerse you in the rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that this enchanting land has to offer.



 



Indulge your senses in the tantalizing flavors of Turkish cuisine, savoring traditional delicacies amidst the bustling streets of Istanbul or dining alfresco in the charming villages of Cappadocia.

Experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality as you stay in handpicked accommodations.

Our Turkey holidays offer a variety of destinations from the Aegean coast to the historic treasures of Ephesus and Troy.





Marvel at the stunning beauty of Pamukkale's travertine terraces and embark on a scenic walks along the Bosphorus Strait.

From leisurely-paced cultural immersions to exhilarating outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of experiences to enrich your journey in Turkey.





 

Highlights

  • Battlefields of Gallipoli.

  • The whitewashed travertines of Cotton Castle.

  • Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica.

  • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Meet the marvellous merge of Europe and Asia at the magical Istanbul to embark on a cultural discovery through ancient lands.

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport.

In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

Greet the diverse and incredibly tasteful Turkish cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for delicious desserts.

Day 2: Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to the heart of Istanbul old town and witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern unfold before you.

Stroll with your expert local guide through the Hippodrome, visit the charming Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica.

Enjoy an exquisite meal worthy of Sultans next to the magnificent Hagia Sophia.

Enjoy some personal leisure time in the old town, discover hidden gems and embrace the local culture.

In the afternoon meet the breath-taking Bosphorus in all its charm as you cruise in-between Europe and Asia.

Day 3: Istanbul – Gallipoli

Location: İstanbul, Gelibolu, Çanakkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Çanakkale

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a delicious breakfast, we leave for the famous shores of Gallipoli.

As you drive through the scenic countryside, we recharge at the lovely village of Kesan over a delicious meal.

Arriving in Gallipoli in the afternoon, we pay our respects to the fallen Turkish and Australian soldiers who bravely fought here during World War 1, still commemorated every year in April.

Witness the now-green battlefields, visit the Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and other important historical sites.

We continue towards Canakkale with a picturesque ferry ride just in time for dinner and a recharging stay at our hotel.

Day 4: Troy – Pergamon – Izmir

Location: Çanakkale, Troy, Pergamon, İzmir

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Izmir Marriott Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A day filled with epic adventure awaits.

In the morning, we visit the ancient city or Troy and witness the ruins of the once glorious city with a special place in mythology and history.

Pose with the famous Trojan Horse before departing for Pergamon.

Home to healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion medical centre, it is one of the most important centres of healing of the Roman world.

Following the cultural overload, we rest at the seaside metropolitan Izmir - the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Turkish seafood culture and raki.

Day 5: Ephesus – Pamukkale

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Annesha Bhowmik
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Location: İzmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Doga Thermal Health & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive along the coast to the amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage.

Stroll the incredibly well-preserved ancient city and the impressive library.

With a short ride away from the marvellous wonders, you will visit Virgin Mary's house in the mountains – where she is believed to have lived her final days.

Our next stop will be of culinary discovery at a lovely restaurant in the countryside famously known for delicious gozleme.

Heading further inland, we arrive in our hotel at the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale.

Rest up, relax or even savour the spa or massage services of your hotel.

Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.

Day 6: Pamukkale - Konya

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Location: Pamukkale, Konya

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Dedeman Konya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Walk in the shallow pools of calcar with breath-taking scenery unfolding before you in terraces of snow-white travertines.

Famously known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties, Pamukkale region has welcomed endless visitors over millennia.

Delve into history at the ancient city Hierapolis and its majestic amphitheatre of 15,000 seats and ever-impressive acoustics.

The journey continues towards Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes - members of the Sufism order.

You can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of discovery.

Day 7: Konya - Cappadocia

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Location: Konya, Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today.

Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana, also globally known as Rumi.

Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, whose teachings of understanding and acceptance have lived on to this day.

From cultural to natural wonders, we travel inland towards the other-worldly Cappadocia.

One of the most popular sites in Turkey, the famous region is decorated with stunning caves and fairy-chimneys: unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks and tuff.

Starting the adventure at Avanos - famous for its top-quality clay, learn all about pottery-making at an interactive workshop.

After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.

Day 8: Goreme Open-Air Museum

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Rise early to join the hot-air balloon experience, flying over the magical fairy-chimneys.

A bucket-list item for all keen travellers, it is an experience not to be missed (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions).

As you disembark your balloon, you will get the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The soft rock has allowed for both nature and people to carve incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more.

These impressive millennia-old underground structures have sheltered countless Christians escaping the Roman Empire in the 4th century and housed Orthodox monks in the 12th century.

Here you'll witness the wonders of nature as well as each culture engraved in the fabric of this marvellous geography.

Later on, delve into one of the finest and oldest crafts of Turkey at its home as we visit a carpet-weaving workshop.

In the evening, you can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of cultural discovery.

Alternatively, you may join a live show of whirling dervishes to witness the unique divine ritual, an unforgettable experience.

You can also join an optional wine tasting session or Turkish Night show.

Day 9: Cappadocia - Ankara

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Location: Cappadocia, Ankara

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ankara, HiltonSA

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start an unforgettable day by exploring the famous underground city of Kaymakli where ancient Christians took refuge to escape raids and wars for centuries.

Here you will discover the complex network of underground tunnels, storerooms, burial chambers and chapels dating back to various eras.

Together with the unique geology, each civilization and culture have shaped this marvellous heritage over thousands of years into a one-of-a-kind experience for all travellers.





Taking a scenic ride to Ankara, the Turkish capital, our first stop is the impressive Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Here you'll discover countless ancient civilizations that has dominated Asia Minor throughout history.

After our dinner at the hotel, personal leisure time to spend the evening exploring the capital as you please.

Day 10: Ankara - Istanbul

Location: Ankara, İstanbul

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start the morning with a visit to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk – the final resting place of the founding father of Republic of Turkey.

It is a location sacred to Turkish people, a glorious yet calming place of great importance.

With a scenic drive through the Anatolian countryside, we make our way to Istanbul on a comfortable ride.

Stop along the way for a lunch break at the gorgeous mountains surrounded by sublime nature of Bolu.

Arriving at your Istanbul hotel in the afternoon, haggle your way through the famous Grand Bazaar to find the perfect souvenir for your loved ones and yourself!

Day 11: Istanbul

Location: İstanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our marvellous adventure comes to an end over breakfast with newfound friends.

Make sure to bid farewell and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00).

Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    8 Nights in 4 & 5 Star Hotels. See
    hotels
    3 Nights in Traditional Turkish Gulet

  • Meals

    10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinner

     

  • Transportation

    Modern Air-conditioned Coaches with Wi-Fi, Traditional Turkish Gulet

  • Airport Transfer(s)

    Arrival Airport transfer on first day of the tour.

  • Tour Guiding

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

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )

What's Not Included

Not Included.

Add Ons

Local Payment: £0

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with deluxe air-conditioned coaches, enjoy scenic ferry rides, a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, and a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout.

Accommodation

Guests will enjoy stays at luxurious 5-star hotels, including the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus and DoubleTree by Hilton, offering comfortable and ideally located accommodations for an authentic experience.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are the highlights of the Highlights of Turkey Luxury Tour?

    The highlights of the tour include the Battlefields of Gallipoli, the whitewashed travertines of Cotton Castle, Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

  • What type of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes travel in deluxe air-conditioned coaches, scenic ferry rides, a Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul, and a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    Guests will enjoy stays at luxurious 5-star hotels, including the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus and DoubleTree by Hilton.

  • Are meals included in the Highlights of Turkey Luxury Tour?

    Yes, meals are included as detailed in the itinerary.

  • Is insurance included in the tour package?

    No, insurance is not included in the tour package.

  • What is the starting location of the tour?

    The tour starts in Istanbul.

  • What is the ending location of the tour?

    The tour ends in Istanbul.

  • What are the inclusions in the tour package?

    The tour package includes meals as detailed in the itinerary and a fully guided tour.

  • What are the exclusions from the tour package?

    Insurance is not included in the tour package.

  • Can I arrange accommodation before or after my tour?

    Pre and post-tour accommodation is available on most of our tours with our improved rates, depending on the availability. You can add pre or post accommodation during the booking process online

  • Do I need to get a visa in advance or can I get it on arrival at the destination?

    You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your trip. Please consult your travel agent or the relevant consulate in advance to determine if or which visas are required and how to obtain them. Failure to obtain all necessary visas could result in your rejection to enter the destination, and could result in considerable expenses and inconvenience. More information about visas is also available on the pre-departure files of each tour.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Most of our guests are seasoned travellers with years of experience, looking to discover a culture in exquisite style. They are passionate to explore new things, connect with the local fabric and spend quality time on a comfortable adventure. The majority of our guests are from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada and Europe.

  • What are the optional experiences?

    Optional experiences are activities that you can do on your own or are provided by third parties. These activities are not part of the itinerary or tour price, but suggested to you as popular attractions at your destination.

  • How am I protected when booking a tour with Ciconia?

    We are a member of ABTA, Association of British Travel Agents, Travel Talk Adventures Membership number Y600X. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you by ABTA’s Code of Conduct. ABTA also offers you an arbitration scheme for the resolution of disputes arising out of this contract. The scheme is arranged by ABTA and administered independently. It is a simple and inexpensive method of arbitration on documents alone with restricted liability on you for cost. We also reflect our customer-oriented values to our policies, assisting all our guests to our utmost ability in case of changes. Our website is secured via 128-bit encryption, safeguarding your holiday is important to us.

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

    There are always solo travellers on our tours. If you don’t mind staying with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay the single supplement. The single supplement is for guests who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of their tour. You can arrange a single room when booking online or by contacting us. Please note this option is not always available for certain tours.

  • What does the tour price include?

    Ciconia tours generally cover top quality accommodation and premium transportation, all breakfasts and most dinners, services of expert Travel Director and local guides at some sites, all entrance fees to all sites on tour, airport transfers, and all taxes, tips and porterage fees.

Reviews of this operator

Dexter Dunworth  

The tour was exceptional!

07-Nov-2022

The tour was exceptional! And the guide exceed expectations with his vast and in depth knowledge of local culture and Anatolia history . Coupled with his exceptional good looks and personality. With the driver we felt safe and the coach was comfortable.

Linda T.  

The tour of Turkey was amazing

07-Nov-2022

The tour of Turkey was amazing. The itinerary was well thought out with lots of great sites visited and very comfortable accommodation at the end of the day. We always felt very comfortable with our bus driver Oral and were able to spread out on the bus with our small tour. Very important for busy days. Our tour guide Aykut was brilliant. He has great information to share about the sites and Turkey in general, was always cheerful and worked hard to ensure everyone’s needs were met. 5 star :))

Adam Hannant  

Our tour guide was outstanding

13-Nov-2022

Our tour guide, Mohammad Shaarawy, was outstanding. He made us feel safe and kept us informed throughout our trip to Egypt. He taught us so much about Egypt and its history. We feel blessed to have met him and for having him as our guide. Thank you Mohammed. We hope to see you again.🙏🏻🇪🇬 Adam & Laura

Linda Hockton  

What a wonderful experience

26-Oct-2022

What a wonderful experience we have had with Ciconia. Such amazing sights and Turkish experiences - truly unforgettable. And thank goodness for Aykut. Best guide EVER!!! So knowledgeable, patient, thoughtful and absolutely hilarious. We loved every minute with Aykut and the long bus rides would have been very difficult without him on board. BRAVO Aykut

Elaine Chan  

The 11 day Turkey tour is amazing

25-Oct-2022

The 11 day Turkey tour is amazing. Our tour guide looked after us so well, the stories he told of the history and places we visited were the highlights of the tour. The next time I return to Turkey I want him to be the tour guide!!!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Ciconia Exclusive Journeys requires a minimum deposit of 125 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 ciconia exclusive journeys charges.

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

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

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