Wonders of Turkey
Overview
Itinerary
It's the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not have reached that stature, Istanbul's history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its cultural capital, the gateway to the Orient? Arrive at your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Travel Director this morning for a guided sightseeing tour. See Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque.
Later, you'll have time to explore Istanbul your way or consider a Choice Experience to the Topkapi Palace Museum and a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia.
Ramble past the colourful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. On arriving in the Turkish capital, you'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations before dinner.
The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli.
Admire Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys this morning as you journey to Paşabaği and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production centre, then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. A Choice Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day.
This evening, you could join a Choice Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl round and round in remembrance of God.
First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana, whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters that cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.
The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down the 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 favourite local restaurant renowned for its stunning views.
Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Choice 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, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
Afterwards visit the glassmakers of Nazarköy village and discover the region's connection with the Evil eye beads on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
On today's agenda is a visit to Troy, the ancient city that inspired Homer's tales of Achilles' wrath and the legendary siege, only broken by the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale, where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.
A poignant start to the day takes you to Gallipoli, where fierce World War I battles left a lasting legacy. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair to honour the soldiers who gave their lives on both sides of the conflict. Then it's back to Istanbul for your final night. Fancy one last hurrah? Join a Choice Experience with dinner, drinks and a belly dancing show that brings the buzz of Istanbul to life.
Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You've stood at the crossroads of East and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it's time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends.
Trip Inclusions
- See Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Visit the Grand Bazaar
- Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and Ataturk's Mausoleum
- Visit Paşabaği and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Saratli
- Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes
- See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis
- Visit the ruins of the ancient city and see the Wooden Horse
- See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries
- Istanbul: Join your Travel Director for a sightseeing tour through Istanbul, past the vast dome of Hagia Sophia, through the ancient Hippodrome, where weathered obelisks still stand along its long open course, and towards the grand pointed spires of the Blue Mosque.
- Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
- Ankara: Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, wandering through galleries filled with carved stone reliefs, ancient pottery and artefacts spanning thousands of years of Anatolian history.
- Ankara: In Ankara, visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, founder of the Turkish Republic, where pale travertine, towering colonnades and the vast ceremonial square surround his final resting place.
- Gallipoli: You'll journey along the Gallipoli Peninsula, from the deep blue shoreline of Anzac Cove to the memorials of Lone Pine Cemetery and the lofty heights of Chunuk Bair.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included
- City orientation tours
- Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries
- Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences (Additional Cost)
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 10 Breakfasts (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
Download Brochure
Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2027-28)
Dates & Pricing
Global Tour Rewards
GJ Loyalty Discount
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 Trafalgar. 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.
