Overview
9 Days
Istanbul
Istanbul
4 Star
Premium
18-99 Years
24
Fully Guided
HIOTU
Itinerary
Welcome to Turkey and the start of your holiday. There's an included arrival transfer to our hotel.
If you're arriving early, why not join our optional Backstreets of Istanbul tour before the main tour begins? Get off the beaten track and experience the real Istanbul on this immersive morning adventure. Begin with a visit to Suleymaniye Mosque, an exquisite blend of Islamic and Byzantine architecture overlooking the Golden Horn. Take a coffee break at Pierre Loti Hill before exploring the historic Fener–Balat districts, home to Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities. Wander through the bustling backstreets of old Taksim, and finish at the vibrant Egyptian Spice Market, where you can sample local treats or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.
Please note: To join this optional tour, flights must arrive in Istanbul before 5:00 AM on Day 1. We strongly recommend booking pre-tour accommodation.
For those arriving later on, relax in the hotel or head out and explore the city. At 8 pm, we'll gather in the hotel to meet our fellow travellers and the guide before our adventure begins.
This morning we'll embark on a fascinating tour through the Old City of Istanbul, we'll visit stunning examples of architecture that hail from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires eras. We'll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, both inside and out. See the six exterior minarets and the famed blue Iznik tiles. Discover the Hippodrome and view the exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Finally, we explore the impressive interior of Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.
Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston's Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.
Driving further south we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheatres in the classical world. Pergamum was also famous for its Asclepion (medical centre). We continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast via a leather manufacturing house.
We have plenty of time to tour the marble ruins of Ephesus. Discover the famous Library of Celsus, the Stadium, the gymnasium of Vedius and the Great Theatre. We'll see ancient public toilets, a brothel, fountains and various temples. There's also a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.
Our last stop of the day is the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, famed for the curative powers of its mineral springs. These were dammed to create communal baths.
This morning, we depart from Pamukkale and journey towards Cappadocia, making a notable stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a beautifully preserved example of ancient Silk Road architecture. Continue through the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique geological formations. Arrive in Cappadocia and check into your hotel, where you'll spend the two nights.
A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. See stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples. Marvel at Zelve, with its phallic-like eroded landscape. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley, where centuries old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs. Our tour also takes in the incredible Uchisar castle-mountain. Enjoy marvelous views of Cappadocia from the summit and explore the underground city of Kaymakli.
You'll also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, which specializes in historic jewellery designs that are unique to Turkey and crafted using local materials. For those not interested in shopping, there's time to relax and grab a drink from the local cafe. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Please note: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is dependent on the weather conditions. Book and pay locally - budget EUR €390 per person.
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Istanbul, arriving at IST airport by 12pm. To account for any potential delays, we recommend booking any onward flights after 3pm. Alternatively, contact us to book a night of post-tour accommodation.
The tour concludes upon arrival in Istanbul. Wishing you safe and pleasant travels!
Trip Inclusions
- Cappadocia – Admire the surreal landscape and explore Goreme Valley, discovering clifftop houses, rock-cut chapels and castles
- Istanbul – Visit highlights of the Old City including the beautiful Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and imposing Topkapi Palace
- Ephesus – Tour the marble ruins of this Roman city which was once the site of the great Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders
- Pamukkale – Stroll around the terraced pools and opt for a relaxing dip in the naturally warm and calcium rich waters
- Gallipoli – Pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials and visit ANZAC Cove, a famous WW1 landing site
- Troy – Discover the legendary ruins and see a replica of the famous wooden horse which as the story goes, was used to sack the city
- Pergamum – Marvel at the Roman amphitheatre which is one of the steepest in the classical world
- Hierapolis – See the UNESCO-listed ruins of this ancient spa town, built on the site of natural hot springs
- Breakfast daily and 6 dinners
- Airport arrival transfer on day 1
- Economy class flight from Cappadocia (Keyseri Airport) to Istanbul on day 9
- Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Cappadocia
- Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
- All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
- 8 nights 4 star and special class hotels
- Kent Hotel (Istanbul)
- Remida Hotel (Canakkale)
- Richmond Ephesus Resort Hotel (Kusadasi)
- Elite World Kusadasi (Kusadasi)
- Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel (Pamukkale)
- Burcu Kaya Hotel (Cappadocia)
- Excludes International flights and visa
- Excludes Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and EUR €2 per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
- Excludes Entrance Fees: EUR€270-290pp, paid in EUR
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
Led by expert and passionate tour leaders, our tours attract a variety of ages and are ideally suited to solo travellers as we have very few compulsory single supplements. We use distinctively local means of transport too, with an excellent selection of 3-5-star hotels and boutique properties.
As an award-winning tour operator, we offer a range of trip types from family adventures to tailor-made holidays, so we’re bound to have a trip style to suit you. We're passionate about making your holiday truly memorable, along with Global Journeys, our valued partner, to help you book your next journey with us.
Download Brochure
On The Go Worldwide (2025-26)
Dates & Pricing
AUD
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. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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.
