Splendours of Turkey Trip Notes

Trip Overview

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Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey, where every destination has been thoughtfully curated to offer a luxurious and immersive experience. Begin in the captivating city of Istanbul, where East meets West in a dazzling display of history, culture, and elegance. Stroll through opulent palaces, admire the architectural wonders of grand mosques, and soak in the energy of vibrant bazaars. Continue to Konya, a city steeped in spiritual heritage, where you’ll delve into the mystique of Sufism and witness the enchanting Whirling Dervish ceremony. Then unwind along the glittering turquoise coast of Antalya, where golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stylish resorts create the perfect setting for indulgent relaxation.

Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company Ciconia Exclusive Journeys, specializing in premium travel experiences.

Duration : 14 Days

Destination : Turkey

Start/Ends in : Istanbul/Istanbul

Group Size : 24 People Max.

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Luxury

Hotels : 5 Star

Departs : All Year Around

Why you will love this tour

• Experience the full breadth of Turkey’s ancient heritage as you explore iconic sites like Troy, Pergamon, and Ephesus, guided by passionate local experts who bring each story to life.
• Relax each evening in hand-picked, high-quality accommodations that offer the perfect blend of comfort, elegance, and local charm.
• Cruise in comfort along the Bosphorus, taking in Istanbul’s skyline and the grandeur of Ottoman mansions, palaces, and historic fortresses from the water.
• Enjoy seamless travel across the country in a premium coach with expert drivers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey from start to finish.
• Witness the dreamlike beauty of Pamukkale as you stroll past its brilliant white travertine terraces and explore the ancient healing city of Hierapolis.
• Venture into the magical landscapes of Cappadocia, where underground cities and surreal fairy chimneys await your discovery in Göreme.
• Step into the spiritual heart of Turkey in Konya, home to the Whirling Dervishes, and explore its rich Sufi heritage at the Mevlana Museum.

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with your guide and other travelers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour unless otherwise notified.

Meeting & Finishing Point:

The meeting and finishing point for the tour is:

Hilton Bosphorus Hotel – ISTANBUL

Address: Harbiye, Cumhuriyet Cd. No:50, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul

Phone: (0212) 315 60 00

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Airport Transfers :

Complimentary arrival airport transfer is available between 05:00 and 23:00 on the first day of the tour (Day 1) from both international airports in Istanbul. Arrival airport transfer is also available if you book pre-accommodation with us.

To arrange your airport transfer please email us the following information at least 2 weeks before your departure date. [email protected]

Travel Date, Flight Number, Local Arrival Time, Name/s of the Passengers

Making Your Own Way to the Starting Point

f you’re making your own way to the starting point of the tour, the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus is conveniently accessible from both Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). From Istanbul Airport, the hotel is approximately a 40–60 minute drive depending on traffic. You can take a taxi or arrange a private transfer, or opt for the Havaist airport shuttle to Taksim Square, which is just a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk from the hotel. From Sabiha Gökçen Airport, expect a journey of 60–90 minutes by taxi or private transfer. Alternatively, you can take the Havabus shuttle to Taksim and reach the hotel with a quick taxi ride. Whichever route you choose, we recommend arriving a day early to settle in and begin your adventure well-rested.

Highlights

Istanbul: Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects the cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here.

Blue Mosque: The exterior features a beautiful cascade of domes and six minarets and blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior giving the building its unofficial but commonly used name.

Topkapi Palace: Home of the Sultans, the heart of the Ottoman Empire… Roam through the royal palace of the Ottomans and follow in their footsteps to see their most valued treasures.

The Hagia Sophia: The Hagia Sophia, among the Seven Wonders of the World, awaits you with all its magnificence. The hundreds of years old structure will fascinate you on sight

Cappadocia: A region of exceptional natural and man-made wonders. Take the chance to discover underground cities carved into the rock, fairy chimneys, and many more…

Pamukkale: Home of the world-famous travertines, the cotton castle. You will witness the unusual and beautiful scenery just near the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Ephesus: The best-preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus embarks you on a journey to ancient times while roaming the streets. Celcius Library is the most important remains of it.

Troy: Troy is the name of the Bronze Age city attacked in the Trojan War. The legendary city where you can outline layers of ruins of cities built on top of each other…

Gallipoli: Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Anzac Cove, Johnston’s Jolly, North Beach, Ari Burnu, Hell Spit, Brighton Beach, Shrapnel Valley, Artillery Road, Quinn’s Road, and more…

Antalya: Antalya is a captivating coastal gem on Turkey’s turquoise Riviera, where sun-soaked beaches meet a rich tapestry of history.

Itinerary

Please note that the itinerary may be subject to small changes depending on the conditions during the tour. Alternative accommodation of similar standards may be used depending on the group size and hotel availability.

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : Accommodation in comfortable and ideally located 5-star hotels.

Airport Transfer : Complimentary private airport transfers on arrival and departure dates.

Meals : 13 Breakfasts & 12 Dinners

Transportation : Air-conditioned modern non-smoking coach or mini-bus. Cruise: Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul.

Guide : Local & Expert Travel Director throughout your trip.

Included Services: Entrance fees to all cultural, historical and natural sites on tour. Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees.

Sightseeing : Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace Museum, Derinkuyu Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, Devrent Valley, Ephesus Ancient City, Cavusin, Pamukkale White Terraces, Troy Ancient City, Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, War Trenches,

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Tips & gestures

• Entrance fees to the sights and museums

• Optional activities

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accommodation

Please note that the hotels are subject to change depending on the group size and availability. Hotels of similar standards will be used where available in case of a change.

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room. Solo rooms are not available on gullets. Your tour leader will allocate rooms upon arrival at the starting hotel in accordance with the rooming lists, last minute changes may not be guaranteed.

Hilton Hotel Bosphorus – ISTANBUL – 5 Star

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, amidst picturesque gardens, you’ll find Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, an iconic hotel with a storied past spanning 6 decades. Guest rooms and suites offer modern conveniences and private balconies overlooking the Bosphorus and the Old Town.

Ankara HiltonSA – ANKARA – 5 Star

Discover a contemporary hotel in the center of historic Ankara. The Ankara HiltonSA hotel lies near the capital’s commercial and diplomatic activity. After a busy day, relax in a guest room, featuring a separate work area and WiFi.

Cappadocia Marriott Hotel – CAPPADOCIA – 5 Star

A luxurious gem in the magical atmospere of Cappadocia. The brand new hotel offers the guests a comfortable stay.

Dedeman Konya Hotel – KONYA – 5 Star

Dedeman Konya Hotel is a very modern & centrally located hotel in Konya, the capital of the Seljuks. With its Turkish bath, sauna, fitness center, 3 swimming pools and squash, comfy spacious rooms and restaurants, the hotel meets most of the demands expected from a 5 star luxurious hotel.

Ramada Plaza Antalya – ANTALYA – 5 Star

Relax and rejuvenate on the scenic shores of the Mediterranean Sea at our Ramada Plaza Antalya hotel. Located near the city center and offer a perfect escape from the everyday. Its spacious guest rooms are designed with your comfort in mind, with thoughtful amenities and breathtaking views, all to enhance your stay.

Doga Thermal Health & Spa – PAMUKKALE – 5 Star

Doğa Thermal Health & Spa offers a spacious garden, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with free parasols and sun loungers. The property has a physiotherapy clinic on site. Rooms here will provide you with air conditioning and a balcony.

Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir – IZMIR – 5 Star

Set in 12.000 m² of landscaped gardens, Swissotel Büyük Efes Izmir is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the heart of the city’s commercial hub and overlooking the spectacular Kordon Promenade, on Turkey’s Aegean Sea.

Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir – IZMIR – 5 Star

Izmir Marriott Hotel features a restaurant, free bikes, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and fitness center in İzmir. In a prime location in the Konak district, this hotel has a bar, as well as an indoor pool and a hammam.

DoubleTree by Hilton Çanakkale – ÇANAKKALE – 5 Star

DoubleTree by Hilton is centrally located in Canakkale, offering views of the Dardanelles Strait and access to the coastal walkway. After a busy day, you can relax in the traditional Turkish Hammam or go for a swim in the indoor and outdoor pools.

Distances

Please find below the distances between the sights visited in Turkey and the approximate driving times. We will always strive to take a short break every few hours to enable passengers to stretch their legs, purchase snacks and use wash facilities during long drives.

Istanbul – Gallipoli: 295 km – 5 hours

Gallipoli – Troy – Pergamum – Kusadasi: 450 km – 10 hours

Kusadasi – Fethiye: 280 km – 4 hours

Fethiye – Pamukkale: 200 km – 3 hours

Pamukkale – Cappadocia: 630 km – 10 hours

Cappadocia – Istanbul: 760 km – 11 hours

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour. Optional activities are also listed under each day in your tour itinerary.

Optional Activities

Please note that optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk.

Whirling Dervishes – € 30

Hot Air Ballooning – € 250
Turkish Night – €50

Personal Spending

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the currency of Turkey. While every person has different spending habits, we have estimated your average daily expenses to help out with the planning. Please find below in USD the approximate spending to expect for meals not included and more.

Meals

Lunch at restaurant: US$ 5-7

Dinner at restaurant: US$ 10-15

Simit – Turkish Bagel: US$ 1-2

Sandwich at a Stall: US$ 0,15

Drinks

Bottle of water: US$ 0.15

Coffee: US$ 1-1.5

Tea: US$ 0.5-1

Bottle of beer: US$ 2-3

Tipping

Tipping good service is common in Turkey, typically ~ 10% for a restaurant meal. No need to tip taxi drivers,however you can round up the fare for convenience. Your guide and driver would also appreciate this kindof traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

Shopping

With plenty of markets, stores, shops and bazaars to choose from you’re able to discover a wide range of beautiful unique crafts, textiles, jewellery, clothing and furniture. Turkey is also home to the Grand Bazaar; the biggest old covered bazaar in the world, with over 3,000 shops of all kinds. Haggling is also part of the experience, so brush up on your skills. Turkey is especially known for its:

Pottery & Ceramics

Famous for its fertile lands and other-worldly landscape, the volcanic soil of Goreme, Cappadoccia has allowed for marvellous works of pottery for centuries. A perfect souvenir that comes in many shapes and sizes! Prices may range from 1 to 100 USD.

Hand-woven carpets

Famously known for its high-quality hand-woven carpets, it might be the best souvenir to give yourself or to a loved one… Prices may range from 100 to 1000+ USD.

Evil-eye Talisman

Believed to ward of the evil, these bright blue eyes of glass (Nazar Boncugu) are found in many sights visited and come in various sizes as decorative items, keychains and more. Prices may range from 0.50 to 50 USD.

Opening Hours

There are no hard and fast rules for opening hours in Turkey, but banks and main post offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.00 midday and 1.30pm to 5.30pm. Shops are usually open from around 9.00am to 6.00pm, later in bazaars and shopping malls. They are usually closed on Sunday

Essential Information: Turkey

Passport & Visas

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey, which can be applied for online via www.evisa.gov.tr. Travellers from the Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa and the USA can apply for a 90-day e-visa online. Although this process usually takes only several minutes, we recommend to obtain it at least 2 weeks before you arrive in Turkey.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa if staying for less than three months: United Kingdom, New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland.

Passport validity entry requirements: Travellers entering Turkey must carry a passport or travel document valid for at least 60 days from the expiry date of their visa.

This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling. For more details, check out our Turkey travel advice.

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Turkey and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/turkey

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

Istanbul has wet, cold and often snowy winters and has the highest rainfall from November to February. Spring in Istanbul is damp with mild temperatures and it is relatively dry and hot in the summer. The city also tends to be windy. The southern, coastal regions of Turkey are warm and pleasant during the summer. In winter the temperatures rarely fall below 7°C making the Turquoise coast an ideal destination even in early spring and late autumn. Due to the high altitude of the central Anatolian plateau, Cappadocia can be cool in the evenings, even in the summer, but it remains hot during the day – often in the mid-thirties. Spring and autumn can be very crisp and suitable clothing is advised. Please find below the average temperatures for each month in different parts of Turkey.

Check out our weather guide for the best time to visit Turkey.

Money Matters

The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. Although you can pay with USD and EUR in some places, you’ll always get a better deal paying in the local currency.

Major credit/debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey. Some shops at small towns and rural areas may not accept cards, we would recommend carrying some cash with you for small purchases, just in case. ATMs can be easily found in many places in the cities however are not as common in rural areas. Avoid changing the bulk of your money at the airport as the exchange rates are usually more favourable in the major cities. Your tour leader will be happy to help if you need any assistance!

Please remember that everyone has different spending habits, some prefer to spend more on souvenirs, some on experiences and others on a night out! Make sure to budget your trip to your spending habits for shopping, drinking, and tipping.

Tipping is not compulsory, but is commonplace, with locals and tourists alike tipping good service. We recommend tipping ~10% of the total bill when dining in a restaurant, if a service fee has not already been applied. However, simply rounding up the fare in a Taxi for convenience is acceptable and appreciated also. Your guide and driver would also appreciate this kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.

Eating & Drinking

The Turkish love to eat out and it’s easy to see why! Turkish cuisine is filled with a unique blend of Eastern European, Central Asian and Middle Eastern flavours. Don’t let the clichés fool you; there is more to Turkish cuisine than shish kebabs!

No one does breakfast, or Kahvalti, quite like the Turkish. Expect to see the table covered in a variety of meze dishes and gastronomic delights served on small plates including cheeses to olives, eggs. breads and pastries. There are two common restaurant styles in Turkey – A-La-Carte and ‘ready meal’. Ready meal restaurants offer a range of pre-prepared, buffet-style dishes and are a fantastic opportunity to sample a wide variety of traditional cuisines for reasonable prices. Meanwhile, in more upmarket restaurants, we recommend sampling a range of ‘Meze’ platters (appetizers) to get a taste for the unique local tastes. Searching for authentic dishes to your taste can be a challenge with so many incredible options, so here’s a few must-try dishes to get you started in Turkey. For more, check out our Turkish food guide.

Gozleme: Thin savoury Turkish pancakes filled with cheese, meat, mushroom, spinach or potato.

Pide: A savoury bread baked with feta cheese, parsley, and mozzarella, sprinkled with nigella seeds. You can also fill with lamb which is like Lebanese lamb fatayer

Simit: Bread ring studded with sesame seeds. Sold in bakeries and by street vendors.

Cig Kofte: A simple snack made from cracked wheat mixed with raw meat, tomato paste and lots of spices. Usually served on lettuce leaves with lemon juice, it is a spicy, crisp, and refreshing flavour

Adana Kebabs: Similar to the widely popular Shish and doner kebab, Adana is a spicy minded meat kebab sprinkled in purple sumac herb.

Baklava: Don’t forget to save room for traditional dessert… A deliciously rich, buttery, sweet dessert made from phyllo dough, finely ground pistachios, butter, and a syrup made from sugar, water and lemon juice.

Kadayif: Shredded pastry dough filled with nuts and drenched in syrup.

Lokum (Turkish Delight): A family of confections based on a gel of starch and sugar. Premium varieties consist largely of chopped dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, or walnuts bound by the gel and flavoured with rosewater.

There is a common misconception that Turkish Coffee is the nation’s traditional drink, brewed thick and powerful yet drank in just a couple of short sips. However, Tourists are often surprised to learn that tea (cay) is far more popular amongst locals. It is served in a small fluted glass with a small spoon and saucer. There are various flavours of tea to try from the traditional to sweet apple and lemon. You’ll also find a wide variety of alcoholic drinks on offer with Beer (bira) the most popular. Local beer brands include Efes and Tuborg. While ‘Raki’ is the national aperitif served with ice and water.

Essentials to Bring & Internet

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Internet Access

Free WIFI can be found throughout an abundance of cafes, shopping malls and restaurants in Turkey’s major cities and stopover, however quality of connection differs. While the Travel Talk Hotel accommodations almost always include WIFI, meaning there will be plenty of time to upload those travel pics and give your friends and family back home a call!

Culture, Religion and Etiquette

Turkish Culture has its share of interesting traditions that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. Due to its proximity to diverse cultures and its vast history, you will discover remarkable samples of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman influences around the country. Depending upon the region of Turkey you are travelling to, cultural practices dialect vary significantly. Turkish are renowned for being extremely friendly, polite and hospital. However, it is important to remember that while most Turkish cities are modern metropolises, Turks can still be quite traditional. The villages of Turkey tend to be more modest, with the sale of alcohol less common. Turkish bathhouses (Hamams) and Coffee Houses are popular pasttimes and traditions amongst the locals while nightclubs and bars are the standard form of entertainment for young Turks in the big cities.

Turkish people are seen to be polite and formal with both greetings and attire. The vast majority of the population in Turkey identify as Muslim and Islamic holidays, such as Ramadan, are recognised as public holidays. It is important to be aware and respectful of local customs. Please feel welcome to speak with your tour leader if you have any questions regarding local customs, religions, or appropriate clothing to wear while on tour. With this in mind, we strongly recommend wearing clothing that covers both from your shoulders to knees when visiting or nearby mosques and other religious complexes in Turkey. It is also recommended that female travellers carry a scarf on them to wear when visiting mosques.

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/