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13 Day Grand Tour Of Turkey
Low Cost Coach Tour starting in Istanbul and finishing in Istanbul
Countries Visited: Turkey 
Tour Type: Regional
Tour Duration: 13 Days (12 Nights)
From: Istanbul to Istanbul
Tour Code: 6720
Operator: Cosmos
from AU $879 pp
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Tour Description

Begin in Istanbul and drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles. Take time to visit the remains of Homer's legendary Troy, then travel through forested countryside to Kusadasi, famous for the Ephesus archaelogical site. By way of Konya, stop at the great 13th-century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, then to Goreme for an included visit to the amazing Rock Chapels carved by early Christians. Arrive in Turkey's capital of Ankara with a stop at Ataturk's Mausoleum. Visit King Midas' tomb before continuing to Bursa, famous for its great mosque, covered bazaar, and silk market. The culmination of your journey is Istanbul, a vibrant city of mosques, markets, peddlers, and historic buildings of Byzanteum Constantinople fame.

Included Features

  • SIGHTSEEING: Visits to Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy, Izmir, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Agzikarahan Caravanserai, Konya, Rock Chapels in Goreme, Ankara, King Midas' Tomb in Gordion, Bursa
  • SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS: Pamukkale's "cotton castle"
  • GUIDES: Local Guide for city sightseeing in Istanbul. Services of a professional Tour Director while touring
  • TRANSPORTATION: Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. Dardanelles Straits and Bay of Izmir ferry crossing
  • HOTELS: Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

Tour Meals

  • Buffet breakfasts (B); 8 dinners (D)

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Day
1
Arrive In Istanbul, Turkey
Check into your hotel. In the evening, get to know your fellow travelers with a welcome drink, hosted by your Tour Director.
Day
2
Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale
Drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles. Time to visit the Anzac Cemetery and the site of a bloody World War I battle. Then a short ferry crossing to Asia Minor. Overnight in Canakkale. (B/D)
Day
3
Canakkale - Troy - Izmir - Kusadasi
First, a visit to the remains of Homer's legendary Troy. South to the lovely Bay of Edremit with distant views of the island of Lesbos. Through forests of pine, oak, and valonia, head for Izmir, where an orientation drive includes the Karsiyaka District. From here it's not far to your hotel in Kusadasi. (B/D)
Day
4
At Leisure In Kusadasi
Enjoy your charming modern resort located between ancient Ephesus and Priene, blessed with a delightful climate and white sandy beaches. Optional excursions to the Roman/Greek archaeological site of Ephesus and to the Virgin Mary House are available. (B)
Day
5
Kusadasi - Pamukkale - Denizli Area
Once past Aydin, you enter what is known as the "Greek Meander," the most fertile region in Turkey. Make a first stop this morning for optional sightseeing of the ancient site of Aphrodisias scattered around the village of Geyre. From the town of Denizli, drive north to view the extraordinary sight of Pamukkale with the ancient site of Hierapolis. Overnight in the Denizli area. (B/D)
Day
6
Denizli Area - Konya
Eastwards to Dinar and then past Lake Acigol surrounded by cherry gardens and opium fields. Later, splendid mountain scenery on the way to Konya. (B/D)
Day
7
Konya - Goreme - Cappadocia
Further eastward into the great central plateau that separates Konya from Cappadocia, taking a break at the great Agzikarahan caravanserai. After arrival in Goreme, an included afternoon excursion to the amazing Rock Chapels carved by early Christians. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B/D)
Day
8
Cappadocia
Optional sightseeing in the spectacular Cappadocia area. Admire the large natural amphitheatre bounded by almost vertical cliffs into which have been hewn monastic buildings, churches, and underground retreats where early Christians sheltered from Roman persecution. (B/D)
Day
9
Cappadocia - Aksaray - Ankara.
North today by way of Aksaray to Ankara. Enjoy an orientation drive of the Turkish capital. Afternoon optional excursions are available to see some of the capital?s highlights. (B/D)
Day
10
Ankara - Gordion - Bursa
From Ankara into the ancient kingdom of Phrygia to Gordion where, according to legend, Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot. Visit King Midas' tomb. On to historic Bursa in the shadow of the Olympus of Mysia, famous for its great Mosque, covered bazaar, and silk market. (B/D)
Day
11
Bursa - Ferry Crossing - Istanbul
A morning drive to the shores of the Sea of Marmara, then take a ferry across the Bay of Izmit to Istanbul. This afternoon, enjoy the included sightseeing with visits to the Roman Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. Tonight, take advantage of the optional dinner outing in Istanbul. (B)
Day
12
Istanbul
Markets, peddlers, and stalls selling almonds, pistachios, iced drinks, and black coffee-you'll find this vigorous city irresistible. The view of the city at dusk with its 600 mosques and the Bosporus is unforgettable. Optional possibilities are a morning excursion by private boat to the Bosporus and in the afternoon, the "Historical Tour of Istanbul." (B)
Day
13
Istanbul
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

13 Day Grand Tour Of Turkey Reviews

Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys. 4 Reviews, Average Rating 3.8 of 5.
Thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The tour director (Erol) & bus driver were excellent. My brother in law becamme ill in Canakkale. Erol acted swiftly, efficiently & with the utmost discretion to get him to hospital & back to join the trip. No one on the bus was aware of the situation - absolute professionalism from Erol. I believe there were too many days allocated to Istanbul, however we were there early & saw most sights. May I suggest that Cappadocia be included in the trip & not as an extra. It is such a beautiful place that everyone should see it, especially those who have limited funds & choose not to go. I would not hesitate in using your tour group again & would recommend you to other people who ask. There were people on the trip who were not happy with accomodation. I had no concerns with accomodation all were of a standard I expected & most were above that. Difficult to please all the people all the time. Would have liked to have more evening meals free as food is cheap & so much choice - maybe lunches should be included & not dinners when staying in larger towns. Hope feedback is useful.
Wendy Gilmore (Australia)
Tour Date 31/07/2011
My inaugural tour with Cosmos far surpassed any expectations that I had and each day continued to impress. Thanks to all concerned.
Sue Corr (Australia)
Tour Date 19/06/2011
I loved my tour of Turkey. Turkey was great as it hasn`t reached the tourist hights of Europe. The history, especially the ruins, were much better than my tour of Eurpe and I found Turkey has many wonders that I wasn't aware of. Both of my trips had excellent guides and the coaches were great. I will be travelling again with your group.
Gail Twyford (Australia)
Tour Date 05/06/2011

The trip was great. It gave a very good overview of Turkey & I would recommend it to friends. The tour leader had an excellent knowledge of the history of the country. In fact Bijou was a walking encylopedia! I don't remember asking a question which she couldn't answer! There was a good variety of accommodation, all of which was clean. [More+]

Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Guide
Tour Pace
Global Journeys Experience

Lynette & Peter Casboult (Australia)
Tour Date 01/05/2011

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012 Season Sale! Save up to $210 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
20 May 2012 01 Jun 2012 AU $1,247 AU $1,612 Save $105 AU $1,142
27 May 2012 08 Jun 2012 AU $1,247 AU $1,612 Save $105 AU $1,142
03 Jun 2012 15 Jun 2012 AU $1,247 AU $1,612 Save $105 AU $1,142
10 Jun 2012 22 Jun 2012 AU $1,247 AU $1,612 Save $105 AU $1,142
17 Jun 2012 29 Jun 2012 AU $1,247 AU $1,612 Save $105 AU $1,142
24 Jun 2012 06 Jul 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
01 Jul 2012 13 Jul 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
08 Jul 2012 20 Jul 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
15 Jul 2012 27 Jul 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
22 Jul 2012 03 Aug 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
29 Jul 2012 10 Aug 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
05 Aug 2012 17 Aug 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
12 Aug 2012 24 Aug 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
19 Aug 2012 31 Aug 2012 AU $1,218 AU $1,583 Save $105 AU $1,113
26 Aug 2012 07 Sep 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
02 Sep 2012 14 Sep 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
09 Sep 2012 21 Sep 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
16 Sep 2012 28 Sep 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
23 Sep 2012 05 Oct 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
30 Sep 2012 12 Oct 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
07 Oct 2012 19 Oct 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
14 Oct 2012 26 Oct 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
21 Oct 2012 02 Nov 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
28 Oct 2012 09 Nov 2012 AU $1,257 AU $1,622 Save $105 AU $1,152
04 Nov 2012 16 Nov 2012 AU $1,103 AU $1,468 Save $95 AU $1,008
11 Nov 2012 23 Nov 2012 AU $1,103 AU $1,468 Save $95 AU $1,008
18 Nov 2012 30 Nov 2012 AU $1,036 AU $1,401 Save $90 AU $946
25 Nov 2012 07 Dec 2012 AU $1,036 AU $1,401 Save $90 AU $946
02 Dec 2012 14 Dec 2012 AU $959 AU $1,324 Save $80 AU $879
09 Dec 2012 21 Dec 2012 AU $959 AU $1,324 Save $80 AU $879
16 Dec 2012 28 Dec 2012 AU $959 AU $1,324 Save $80 AU $879

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

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SAVE2.5 % Early Payment Discount
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Flights:

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General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Cosmos Tours

Cosmos holidays combine the freedom of independent travel with the benefits of group travel, all at an unbelievable value. If you have never taken a package holiday, consider this: travelling with Cosmos is less expensive, more comfortable and far easier than going it alone. Our expertly planned tour packages combine all the benefits of group travel with much of the freedom of an independent tour to create a balanced experience for each and every traveller. You travel hassle-free knowing that we've taken care of all the details. Once you have discovered the special advantages of Cosmos, you'll never want to travel any other way again. Cosmos turns your dreams into reality.


Tour Type: Regional

Our most popular style, Regional Discoveries, are well-planned, in-depth escorted vacations that provide one-of-a-kind opportunities to experience the character, personality, and flavour of a specific region or country.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why should we choose a Cosmos Tour?

  • Our famous value with complete travel packages including hotel, transportation, sightseeing and services of a professional Tour Director
  • Visits to major and must-see sights included in the vacation price
  • Expert Tour Directors share their unique stories and knowledge of destinations
  • Cosmos hotels are selected with care - three star or better hotels with private facilities, so you can relax in a comfortable, clean, and attractive environment
  • Optional excursions at an unbeatable value - diverse enough for unique interests and at reasonable prices
  • A dynamic blend of transportation, including first-class motorcoach, rail, air, and cruise - we make getting there part of the fun
  • Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own or to sit back and take it all in
  • Porterage included - not handling your own bag really makes you feel like you are on a holiday
  • Cosmos budget travel packages receive a 93% satisfaction rating on our customer's post-vacation surveys

I'm leaving in 4 weeks, when will I get my travel documents?

Travel documents, including any air tickets, tour itinerary, hotel lists, and helpful hints and other information are sent approximately four weeks prior to tour departure.

Who else will be travelling with me, and how many will be on tour with me?

Cosmos attracts a wide range of clientele of many ages from all over the English speaking world. Cosmos offers an affordable way to travel and as such the size of the Cosmos group can vary from departure to departure. A Cosmos coach can carry up to 51 passengers however on many tours the number of passengers is below 50 people.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable, and how many will be on tour with me?

Your Cosmos coach is a quiet smooth-riding high cruiser, equipped with soft, semi-reclining lounge seats, huge pan windows, a high-fidelity sound system, and air-conditioning. There is a no smoking policy enforced on the coach, but there are plenty of opportunities to smoke during the frequent stops. Cosmos uses the custom of daily seat rotation which gives every tour member a variety of vantage points to see the passing countryside and city scenery.

What hotel standards can I expect on a Cosmos tour?

Our experienced hotel contractors carefully select hotels that provide the best value for money. Of course, different countries have different standards, but Cosmos endeavours to provide our clients with the best available in cleanliness and comfort. They are mainly 'superior tourist' and 'tourist' class establishments that follow the standards set by the independent Official Hotel Guide (OHG) or by national tourist boards.

Where are Cosmos hotels located?

When Cosmos selects its hotels, it does so with you in mind. A great deal of effort goes into ensuring that the hotels are suitably located to meet the needs of the tour. Some hotels are more centrally located than others. In bigger cities (particularly in Europe), we sometimes use hotels that are located in the suburbs rather than using overpriced hotels or hotels in less desirable areas. In these instances, we make every attempt to locate hotels near public transport and with good access to shopping and/or meals.

Are breakfasts included in the tours?

Breakfast is not included on our American tours but Cosmos does offer the option to pre-pay breakfast supplements on selected North American tours to have a full breakfast daily. On Cosmos European tours a daily continental breakfast is provided. In London and on the Continent, you can expect to start the day with cereal, croissant, yoghurt, bread, butter, jam, cold cuts (cheese, ham, salami) and juice, coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Elsewhere in the United Kingdom, a fully cooked breakfast is provided.

What about dinners?

The number of dinners provided varies from tour to tour, check your itinerary for details. Where dinners are on offer, they tend to have an 'international' flavour. For clients wanting to sample some of the 'local' fare, there are optional excursions which feature dining out at local restaurants. Alternatively, clients can discover the local cuisine when there are free evenings without scheduled meals.

What is the difference between a tour director & a local guide? What are they like?

Your tour director will accompany you from the start to the end of your tour, educating you on the places and the history of the destination. Local guides are included in many cities to give you in-depth information on the culture, history and attractions of the city. Both Tour Director and Local Guides have a passion for travel, people and the destination and look forward to sharing their passion with you.

I'm finding it difficult to match two tours together?

Have you considered pre or post tour accommodation? We offer fantastic rates hard to find elsewhere and this may enable you to select sequential tours with minimal disruption to your intended travel plans.

What does the tour cost include?

Our packages take in each destinations's most popular highlights. They are carefully planned to include visits to places of interest and panoramic drives through areas of natural beauty. There's so much for you to look forward to! In North America you can ride a snocoach on Alberta's Columbia Icefield, tour Washington DC and Québec City with expert Local Guides, and cruise the swampy waterways of Louisiana's bayous. Please refer to the itineraries for a complete description of what is included in the holiday of your choice.

Do coach tour prices include tips to Tour Directors, Drivers & Local Guides?

It is customary worldwide to pay tips to Tour Directors and Drivers on all international vacations and these are not included in your quote. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible however. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote. You will receive Gratuity vouchers with your travel documents and all you need to do is give this to the Tour Director and driver or Cruise Director and ship's crew at the end of the vacation.

Are there optional excursions & is there much free time?

In addition to included sightseeing, we offer a rich program of optional excursions, all full of interest and very reasonably priced. Optional activities can be booked through your Tour Director. Many optional excursions are mentioned in the package descriptions. Your pre-vacation literature will specify cost and content of the optional highlights that may be offered during your trip. This enables you to budget accordingly before you leave home.

Do you have a share program for singles?

More than one third of Cosmos' clients travel alone. We can provide clients with a 'guaranteed share' facility. This means that we charge singles the basic price and match up singles of the same gender in twin-bedded rooms. If we cannot find a roommate for a tour member who has booked on a 'guaranteed share' basis, we will absorb the single room supplement. For mutal comfort, we do adopt a no-smoking rule in shared rooms. Please note that 'guaranteed share' cannot be offered for pre and post tour accommodation.

Where can I find out more information on Cosmos?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Cosmos including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Cosmos tour members may reserve our airport transfer service at AU$ 25 per person one way on the tour start and end date of the tour and are available for flights arriving/departing, within certain times (your tour consultant will outline these to you in your quote). Please see travel documents for full details regarding set pick-up times at designated airport locations. For very early departures, please note that breakfast cannot be included.

Note: Airport transfers can be arranged when you purchase extra nights before or after the tour only if the extra accommodation is booked in conjunction with Global Journeys & Cosmos.


Terms & Conditions:

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Yvonne Brooks

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Yvonne Brooks
Tour Consultant
Email: yvonne@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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