2025 - Flying Discovery Tour
2025 - Flying Discovery Tour
2025 - Flying Discovery Tour
19 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Van, Kars
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FCDI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
8-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the 2025 Flying Discovery Tour, a cultural and historical adventure that spans 19 days. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Delve into the poignant history of Gallipoli's battlefields and the ancient wonders of Troy and Ephesus. Experience the natural beauty of Pamukkale's travertines and the serene Salda Lake. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Cappadocia, with its underground cities and fairy chimneys, and enjoy a unique cooking course. Travel to the eastern regions, visiting Van's Urartian fortress and the stunning Ishak Pasha Palace near Mt. Ararat. Conclude your journey in the historic city of Kars, exploring the ruins of Ani. With professional guides, comfortable accommodations, and domestic flights included, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey's rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Point Hotel Taksim (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.
Day 2 : Istanbul Old City
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Point Hotel Taksim (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem), the Hippodrome and Dolmabahce Palace.
Day 3 : Gallipoli Battlefields
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation: Hilton Double Tree Canakkale (5 star)
Accommodation Name: Hilton Double Tree Canakkale (5 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.
Day 4 : Troy, Acropolis Of Pergamon, Kusadasi
Location: Troy
Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Step back in time today as we visit Troy where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award winning, Troy Museum. We continue on to Bergama and catch the new cable car up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. From here we continue on to Kusadasi.
Day 5 : Ephesus, Sirince, Kusadasi
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus a once a bustling trade hub and religious center, Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from site of the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus's grand facade and the grand amphitheatre.
Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
We continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Here we will visit a local vineyard and learn about local production techniques. You will taste 3 local wines from the region at the garden of the vineyard before returning to our hotel.
Day 6 : Aphrodisias, Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Adem Pira Hotel (4 star)
Accommodation Name: Adem Pira Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a leather shop visit, we will head to Aphrodisias the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty, Love and Fertility, also famous for its school of sculpture, we visit the stadium, which is the best preserved in Anatolia, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, theatre and the Museum. Then, we continue to Pamukkale.
Day 7 : Hierapolis, Salda Lake
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we will explore the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Then we will head to Salda Lake, is known as Turkish Maldives. It is a mountain lake and located in the mountains before we travel down to South.
Day 8 : Fethiye
Location: Fethiye
Accommodation: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you are free to explore the town at your own pace and there is also optional tours and activities.
Optional tours and activities; 12 island boat trip and Saklikent Gorge tour
Day 9 : Kayakoy, Antalya
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Mediterra Art Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: RuinAdalia Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we head to Kayakoy. The morning light provides excellent photos of this deserted Greek village. Afterwards we drive to the resort town of Antalya. We will visit the Antalya Museum with its wealthy collection from the ancient cities around the Antalya Province.
Day 10 : Perge, Aspendos
Location: Antalya
Accommodation: Mediterra Art Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: RuinAdalia Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We will visit Perge a famous antique site, early in the morning. After Perge we drive to Aspendos which has the best preserved 2nd Century Amphitheatre in Turkey. We return back to Antalya city in the afternoon and the remainder of your day is free.
Day 11 : Konya, Silk Road, Sille
Location: Konya
Accommodation: Novotel Konya (4 star)
Accommodation Name: Novotel Konya (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi with its accompanying Mevlana museum. We continue along the ancient Silk Road visiting the former Greek village Sille.
Day 12 : Cappadocia, Sultanhani Caravansary, Underground City
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)
Accommodation Name: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we head to Cappadocia, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient Silk Road stop off for merchants and traders. Later we explore the many levels of an underground city.
After checking into our hotel we visit a traditional Turkish home for dinner. Here you can do a course and help cook if you wish.
Day 13 : Goreme Open-Air Museum
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)
Accommodation Name: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys. We then visit Pigeon and Red Valley, followed by Cavusin village and lastly Avanos town where we will learn about hand-made pottery.
Day 14 : Cappadocia, Van
Location: Van
Accommodation: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departure in the morning from Cappadocia, we head to Ankara for our direct flight to Van. On arrival to Van Airport, you will meet with your tour guide. Before we go to our hotel, we will explore the Citadel with its three thousand Urartian fortress of Van and witness the extraordinary sunset.
Day 15 : Van, Akdamar Island
Location: Van
Accommodation: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will travel by ferry stopping at Akdamar Island to see a spectacular 10th century church built by an Armenian king, if there is time swim in Lake Van.
Then, we will drive back to city centre to visit the largest Urartu Museum in the World. Artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Urartian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Turkish-Islamic, and Ottoman Periods are exhibited in chronological order taking our visitors on a unique historical journey.
After the museum visit Van Cat House. Van cats are relatively large, have a chalky white coat, sometimes with ruddy coloration on the head and hindquarters, and have blue, amber eyes or one eye of each colour. This variety has been referred to as "the swimming cat", and has been observed to swim in Lake Van.
Day 16 : Van, Dogubayazit, Ararat, Kars
Location: Kars
Accommodation: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we leave for Dogubayazit via Muradiye and the Bendimaahi Falls. In Dogubayazit, we visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, 1685 - 1784, which has a unique fusion of architecture from Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian - Persian styles.
We continue our journey north, skirting around the western edge of Mt Ararat. Mt. Ararat is one of the great natural spectacles of the world,. The name Ararat derives from the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27) and is a transliteration of 'Urartu' the name foreigners gave to this region and its inhabitants in Biblical times.
Day 17 : Kars, Ani
Location: Kars
Accommodation: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we journey to the site of Ani, the former capital of the Armenian kingdom. In the mid 10th century, nothing in Europe could rival this capital of the Armenian kingdom in terms of either size or magnificence. The remains of the ruined city include several churches as well as the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel and a mosque. There are also some exciting remains of frescoes in the Church of St Gregory (Tigran Honentz) despite having been exposed to the elements for centuries.
Afternoon, we will visit 12 Aposotles Church and Kars Castle.
Day 18 : Kars, Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Point Hotel Taksim (Boutique)
Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Kars Airport for your onward flight back to Istanbul. On arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 19 : Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: ()
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
A professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
Travel in comfort with transportation provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
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Domestic flight between Ankara and Van and transfers
Includes a domestic flight from Ankara to Van along with necessary transfers.
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Domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul and transfers
Includes a domestic flight from Kars to Istanbul along with necessary transfers.
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Tips except Driver and Guide
Tips are included except for the driver and guide.
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Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
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Wine Tasting
Participate in a wine tasting experience.
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Cooking Course
Take part in a cooking course during the tour.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to various sites and attractions are included.
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Meals
18 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Suggested optional activities
Optional activities suggested during the tour are not included.
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Tips - Driver and Guide
Tips for the driver and guide are not included.
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Compulsory Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour package.
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
Meals
18 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 7 dinners
Mode of Transport
Travel in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with domestic flights between Ankara and Van, and Kars and Istanbul, ensuring a comfortable journey across Turkey's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Port Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, Hilton Double Tree in Canakkale, Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel in Kusadasi, and the unique Gamirasu Hotel in Cappadocia, offering boutique and 4-star experiences throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle. Additionally, there are domestic flights between Ankara and Van, and between Kars and Istanbul, including transfers.
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Are entrance fees included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees are included in the tour package.
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Is there a guided tour included in the itinerary?
Yes, a professional English-speaking tour guide is provided for the duration of the tour.
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Will there be any wine tasting opportunities during the tour?
Yes, there is a wine tasting experience included in the tour, specifically in the village of Sirince.
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Is there a cooking course included in the tour?
Yes, there is a cooking course included in the tour, which takes place in Cappadocia.
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Are tips included in the tour package?
Tips are included except for the driver and guide.
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What is the starting and ending location of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in Istanbul.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies, however, we adhere to recommended health & safety guidelines on all our tours.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Please contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to let you know what is possible and any associated price changes.
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Low Deposit
Fez Travel requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of fez travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.