Christmas Turkey

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Fully Guided Small Group Festive Scenic
Our Price From 3,584 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 941 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Istanbul
 Trip Finishes
Istanbul
12 Day Christmas Turkey Itinerary (On The Go Tours)
Countries Explored: Turkey
Departures
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
CTU

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on On The Go Tours 12 Day Christmas Turkey. There’s no stuffing birds or entertaining aunts! Enjoy snowflakes on fairy chimneys, legendary sites at Ephesus, Troy and Aspendos, thermal springs at Pamukkale and Christmas Eve at St Nic’s on this 12 day tour of Turkey.

Itinerary

Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure.

Enjoy a tour of old Istanbul. The only city to span two continents sits on the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life.

Sultanahmet, the compact old city of Istanbul, is full of parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it's blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. The Hagia Sofia, constructed in the 6th century and considered by some to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque.

Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Rest of day free. Tonight, we are free to explore or relax in our hotel. (B)

Today, we enjoy a visit to battle-scarred Gallipoli. On the 25th April 1915, under the guidance of the British Command, the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand, otherwise known as the ‘ANZACs', mounted an assault at a beach in North-Western Turkey.

The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history due to the enormous loss of lives and the impossibly hopeless situation faced by these brave young soldiers, many of whom had left home for the first time, destined never to return. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. As always in war, common men died, cruelly robbed of their potential because of actions and decisions of military leaders. (B/D)

Step back in time as we visit the legendary Roman ruins of Pergamum and Troy - inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy. On day 5, we explore ancient Ephesus. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel! Afterward, we stop at a local leather manufacturer. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy. (Bx2/D)

Today we visit the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools of Pamukkale. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they are a natural phenomena and gift of Mother Nature. We can also opt to enjoy a unique and very pleasant dip in the warm waters at the Pamukkale Thermal with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns near the centre of the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, which was a was a Roman curative centre. (B/D)

The legend of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) began in Turkey! St Nicholas - a 4th century bishop gave anonymous gifts to dowryless village girls. He would drop bags of coins down the chimneys of their houses and this ‘gift from heaven' would allow them to marry. We visit the church and tomb of St Nicholas in Demre before continuing to coastal Antalya for a fantastic Christmas Eve dinner on a hilltop restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. (B/D)

Merry Christmas! En route to Konya we tour the incredible Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos. Settled first by the Hittites around 1500 BC, Perge was an important city in Pamphylia (today's Mediterranean region). The ruins of the ancient theatre (capacity 12,000 people) boasting marble reliefs depicting the life and times of Dionysos along with the remains of the first church built in Perge, and various temples can be seen. Nearby Aspendos is famous for its well-preserved theatre of antiquity. (B/D)

Day 9 we tour Konya and the Mevlana monastery before heading north east to Cappadocia. We stop en route at an ancient caravanserai and later take a short walk through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. In the evening, opt for a traditional Turkish dinner and folklore evening. On day 10, we explore the stunning Goreme Valley, fairy chimneys, amazing troglodyte villages, Uchisar Castle and Derinkuyu underground city.

Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley where century's old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs, the pigeon droppings that litter the area have been used as fertilizer on crops for generations. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, specialising in historic jewellery designs unique to Turkey and using local materials and craftsmen. For those not interested in shopping spend a little time relaxing and grab a drink from the local cafe. (Bx2/D)

Today we head back to Istanbul, stopping en route for lunch (payable locally).

If you'd prefer to avoid the long journey over land today, we also offer the opportunity to fly from Cappadocia to Istanbul. (B)

After breakfast our tour concludes with an onward departure transfer to the airport. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas in Turkey! (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Istanbul - Tour historic Istanbul, taking in the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace, and more
  • Gallipoli Peninsula - Pay your respects at the WWI battlefields and cemeteries including ANZAC Cove
  • Troy - See the replica Trojan Horse in the ancient city, the setting of one of Ancient Greece's most famous tales
  • Ephesus - Marvel at the Library of Celsus in Roman Ephesus and explore the Ancient Greek city of Pergamum
  • Pamukkale - Take a dip in the thermal pools and walk along the beautiful white cotton castles, known as travertines
  • Demre - Spend Christmas Eve visiting the Church and Tomb of Saint Nicholas and enjoy dinner in Antalya
  • Konya - Delve into the fabulous and well-preserved Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos on a wonderfully Turkish Christmas Day
  • Cappadocia - Enjoy two days spent exploring the incredible cave cities and subterranean churches of this fascinating region

  • Breakfast daily and 6 dinners inclusive of a special Christmas Eve Dinner in Antalya overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
  • Guided sightseeing - Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome and Hagia Sofia
  • Guided sightseeing - Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis, Perge, Aspendos, Konya and Cappadocia
  • Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer (to Istanbul International Airport) on day 12
  • Relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

  • 10 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night 5 star hotel
  • Kent Hotel (Istanbul)
  • Kolin Hotel (Canakkale)
  • Charisma Hotel (Kusadasi)
  • Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel (Pamukkale)
  • Best Western Khan Hotel (Antalya)
  • Novotel Konya (Konya)
  • Crowne Plaza Nevsehir (Cappadocia)

  • Excludes International flights and visa
  • Excludes Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow USD$5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and USD$2 per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
  • Excludes Entrance Fees: USD$200-220pp, paid in local currency

Brochure

Worldwide

On The Go Worldwide (2023-24)

Marking our 25th year, our brochure showcases our journey from backpacking to the Pyramids in 1998 to now offering tours in 45+ global destinations. Experience wonders like the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu with our dedicated local guides. At On the Go Tours, we champion sustainable and community-centric travel.

Availability

March Madness Sale
Wednesday 18 Dec 2024
Sunday 29 Dec 2024
Status
From: $4,525 $3,584
Save $941 Enquire
March Madness Sale
Wednesday 18 Dec 2024
Sunday 29 Dec 2024
Status
From: $5,865 $4,645
Save $1,220 Enquire
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by On The Go Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from On The Go Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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