Treasures of Turkey
Treasures of Turkey
Treasures of Turkey
14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Safranbolu, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Izmir, Çanakkale, Gallipoli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TBURZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Treasures of Turkey" tour, a cultural odyssey that unveils the country's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Traverse the ancient trade routes to Safranbolu, and marvel at the unique geological formations of Cappadocia. Discover the spiritual heart of Konya, home to the Whirling Dervishes, and relax on the sun-drenched shores of Antalya. Witness the ethereal beauty of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle springs and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Pay homage at Gallipoli's poignant memorials before returning to Istanbul. Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach, stay in carefully selected hotels, and enjoy many included meals. This tour promises a deep dive into Turkey's cultural and historical treasures, offering a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time to explore at your own pace.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Cue the exotic music. It’s the perfect pairing to your first day in Istanbul, a sprawling metropolis which has connected Europe and Asia for centuries. The former center of the Old World appears cloaked in mystery, but you won’t need to dig deep to discover its dramatic history and vibrant melting pot of cultures, remnants of which can be seen throughout the city’s well-preserved façades. Arrive at your hotel and later meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse of what lies ahead. Tonight, seek out the best terrace in town for illuminated views of the city’s rooftops right down to the Bosphorus.
Day 2: Istanbul Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Breakfast
The 'Pearl of the Orient' reveals her hidden treasures this morning as you join your Travel Director for a visit to the Byzantine Hippodrome. Just as it was centuries ago, today the expansive promenade is a vibrant center of the city’s social life. Standing amidst its obelisks and statues, you can almost imagine the thundering roar of chariots cheered on by Emperor Constantine the Great, who is credited with making Istanbul a glorious replacement for Rome. See the 17th-century Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom. Your afternoon and evening are free to explore Istanbul your way, but you won't want to miss an Optional Experience visit to Topkapi Palace, the lavish former home of the Ottoman sultans, and the Grand Bazaar with its dazzling displays.
Day 3: Istanbul – Safranbolu
Location: Safranbolu
Accommodation Name: Hilton Garden Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Follow in the footsteps of medieval traders, taking the same journey they once took on the east-west trade route between the Black Sea and Mediterranean. You’ll arrive in UNESCO-listed Safranbolu, an important caravan station whose Ottoman-style wooden houses and narrow streets once witnessed bustling trade. Join your Travel Director this afternoon for a sightseeing tour and insights into its history, starting on Hidirlik Hill for panoramic views. You’ll have time to get lost in its cobbled streets and soak up the colorful sights and sounds at the Eski Carsi and Arasta Bazaar. Try your hand at haggling as a tribute to the town’s trading past.
Day 4: Safranbolu – Ankara - Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Travel south to the Turkish capital, Ankara and visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic. Continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia, a region famed for its unique geological features and ‘troglodytes’ cave dwellings.
Day 5: Cappadocia Sightseeing & Free Time
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Ramada by Wyndham
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s impossible to take a bad picture in Cappadocia. Fairy-tale rock chimneys rise up from the ochre and rust-colored depths of Paşabağı and the Red Valley – a landscape forged by wind, rain and a volcanic touch. Visit a regional rug production center where you’ll learn how every shape and color embedded in an intricately woven Turkish carpet tells its own story. Then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. An Optional Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening you could choose to witness a real highlight by joining an Optional Experience with the Whirling Dervishes. Watch them whirl around and around in their trance-like remembrance of God – a dizzying religious custom that represents man’s spiritual journey.
Day 6: Cappadocia - Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation Name: Ibis Konya (Konya, Turkey)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See master craftsmen at work turning their pottery wheels to craft the beautiful terracotta pottery characteristic of this region this morning, before visiting Saratli Underground City. Later, on your journey to Konya, you’ll see a 13th-century caravanserai. You can almost imagine the jostling of camel trains as they stopped to rest and replenish their stocks before continuing east or west along the popular trade route that winds through Cappadocia. Arriving in Konya, learn how the village of Sille was inhabited by Greeks who lived peacefully alongside the nearby Turks of Konya for over eight centuries. You’ll see remnants of their heritage in the landmarks that remain.
Day 7: Konya – Antalya
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Best Western Khan (Antalya, Turkey)
Meals Included: Breakfast
The home of the mystic Whirling Dervishes, you’ll visit the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana to gain insights into the traditions and rituals of the Sufi religion, before heading to Antalya on the Turquoise Coast. Retreat behind the ancient walls of the Old Town and stroll past the beautifully restored Ottoman-era houses in its historic center. Before reaching the hotel, an orientation tour will be given by coach. Consider joining an optional dinner at a favorite local restaurant renowned for its stunning dishes.
Day 8: Antalya Free Time
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Best Western Khan (Antalya, Turkey)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ease into the laid-back seaside vibes of Antalya on this full free day dedicated to soaking up sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. If you can drag yourself away from your sun lounger, we recommend joining an Optional Experience cruise along the glittering coast. This afternoon, an optional journey into antiquity could see you visit the Aspendos Theater, built in the second century and dedicated to 'the gods of this country and to the Imperial house'. Also included on this optional afternoon excursion is a visit to the Roman Aqueduct, the Kursunlu Waterfall and the Aspendos Bridge, spanning the Eurymedon River.
Day 9: Antalya – Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Richmond Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The powdery white sands and crystal-clear water of Lake Salda provide a beautiful backdrop for a quick photo stop today. Besides being noteworthy as a popular tourist resort and archaeological site, the lake is one of only two places in the world said to have similar rock structures to the planet Mars. Contemplate life in outer space before continuing to Kaklik Cave with its sparkling white travertines, before heading for the cotton fortress of Pamukkale.
Day 10: Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Ontur Otel Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast
The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down surrounding cliffs are a sight to behold this morning as you see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Head west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in Izmir in time to spend some time exploring this pretty port town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn about its multicultural past, and its history as a Greek city. Consider joining an optional seafood dinner at a favorite local restaurant renowned for its stunning views.
Day 11: Izmir Free Time
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Ontur Otel Izmir
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Optional Experience could see you visit Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. Included in this experience is a visit to the stone cottage, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final years before a lunch is a local restaurant. Afterwards visit the glass makers of Nazarkoy village discovering the regions connection with the Evil eye beads on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience.
Day 12: Izmir – Troy – Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: Büyük Truva Hotel Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient legends and symbols take center stage today. Visit Troy, the ancient city that inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of Achilles and the famous siege, which was broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse. A replica of the horse can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale for your overnight stay.
Day 13: Çanakkale – Gallipoli – Istanbul
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Pay tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in the World War I battles at Gallipoli. You’ll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, before returning to Istanbul. As your journey through Turkey draws to a close, you’ll want to consider joining your new friends for an optional cruise along the Bosphorus, celebrating the mighty waterway which serves as the boundary between Europe and Asia. See grand fortresses, palaces and 19th-century mansions of the Ottoman elite that line this busy strait.
Day 14: Depart Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your in-depth exploration of Turkey with its cultural and historic treasures has come to an end. You’ve stood amidst man-made wonders and ethereal landscapes, walked in the footsteps of traders and Whirling Dervishes and forged special memories with new friends. For now it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout your journey.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for comfort and quality, is included.
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Many meals and daily breakfasts included
The tour includes many meals and daily breakfasts.
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Audio headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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City orientation tours
City orientation tours are included to help you get acquainted with each destination.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries.
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Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Experiences is included to enrich your travel experience.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized if necessary.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visits to Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Whirling Dervishes are not included in the base package.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, driver, and local guides are not included.
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Visas and Entry Fees
Visas and entry fees to certain attractions are not included and must be arranged and paid for separately.
Dining Summary
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Dinner (D)
Essentials
- See Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
- Visit Eski Carsi and Arasta Bazaars
- Visit Ataturk's Mausoleum
- Visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Saratli
- Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes
- See the Roman harbor
- See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis
- View a blend of modern and traditional in the many markets, mosques and churches
- Visit the ruins of the ancient city
- See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, ensuring a comfortable and connected journey throughout Turkey.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Titanic Port Bakirkoy, Hilton Garden Inn, Ramada by Wyndham, Ibis Konya, Best Western Khan, Richmond Thermal, Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak, and Buyuk Truva Hotel Canakkale, all tried and trusted for comfort and quality.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Many meals and daily breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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What is the role of the Travel Director on this tour?
An expert Travel Director will accompany the tour, providing guidance and insights throughout the journey.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences such as visits to Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Whirling Dervishes, which are not included in the base package.
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What historical sites will be visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to historical sites such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Ataturk's Mausoleum, the underground city of Saratli, the Mevlana Museum, and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis.
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Will there be any free time during the tour?
Yes, there will be free time in various locations such as Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and Izmir, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions