Discover the ancient wonders of Turkey in our 12 day Best of Turkey by Land tour. Embrace the culture and history of Istanbul & Gallipoli, ride through the magnificent Aegean Coast and in-land wonders of Anatolia. Start your tour exploring the magnificent museums and mosques of Istanbul and then travel south along the Aegean Coast, capturing wonderful visions of ancient cities. After, we’ll head inland to experience the incredible natural marvels of fairy chimney formations in Cappadocia.
Feel the beating heart of Istanbul from your hotel in the old town beside monumental landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia. Join an optional Bosphorus Cruise to watch Europe and Asia unfold on your sides.
Stay in hand-picked, centrally located and authentic 5 & 4-Star hotels, and travel in private modern coaches with an expert local guide throughout your trip.
Travel with an expert local guide throughout your trip, get the best introduction and insights into Turkish culture.
Visit the shores of Gallipoli to honour the fallen during one of the greatest battles of WWI & tour famous ancient cities in Anatolia; Troy, Pergamum, Asklepion and Cappadocia.
Explore the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus delving into ancient times and soak in the gorgeous Library of Celsus.
Enjoy the pristine bays and turqouise waters of Fethiye, visit the natural wonderland of Saklikent Gorge and take a boat trip to Dalyan along caretta carettas.
Walk among cottonlike pools of travertine in Pamukkale and soak in the magical landscape of Cappadocia with options for an unforgettable hot-air ballooning adventure and Turkish Bath.
No night drives; however some long rides are required to cover all these incredible places. You may check other tour options in Turkey for alternative routes including flights.
The Asklepion is a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asclepius, the god of healing. It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital.
Blue Mosque
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.
Cappadocia
Cappadocia
A region of exceptional natural and man-made wonders. Take the chance to discover underground cities carved into rock, fairy chimneys and many more...
Dalyan
Dalyan
Home of the famous Caretta Caretta turtles. Take the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and then a fantastic boat trip is to take you to Iztuzu beach.
Ephesus
Ephesus
The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus embarks you on a journey to ancient times while roaming the streets.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli
Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Anzac Cove, Johnston's Jolly, North Beach, Ari Burnu, Hell Spit, Brighton Beach, Shrapnel Valley, Artillery Raod, Quinn's Road and more…
Hagia Sophia
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.
Pamukkale
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, the ancient cure center.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace
Home of the Sultans, heart of the Ottoman Empire… Roam through the royal palace of the Ottomans and follow their footsteps to see their most valued treasures.
Troy
Troy
The legendary city where you can outline layers of ruins of cities built on top of each other and visit the famous Trojan horse, awaits you.
ITINERARY
1
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Meet in the hotel lobby at 7:00pm for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, you can start to explore Istanbul like climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splash some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.
Accommodation Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Included Activities Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities Group Dinner
2
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.
Accommodation Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included Breakfast
Included Activities Sightseeing of Blue Mosque Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia Museum Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
Entrance Fees Blue Mosque - Free Hagia Sophia Museum 100 TL Topkapi Palace Museum 100 TL
3
Day 3: Gallipoli
Today we depart for the shores of Gallipoli. A place of important significance for Aussies and Kiwis, we will visit the beach and cemeteries at ANZAC Cove, before paying our respects at memorial sites Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine.
Accommodation Kolin Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Sightseeing of Anzac Cove Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery Sightseeing of Lone Pine Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair Sightseeing of War Trenches
4
Day 4: Troy, Kusadasi
You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. Spend the afternoon in the the seaside town of Kusadasi.
Accommodation Marina Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City
Entrance Fees Troy Ancient City - 50 TL
5
Day 5: Ephesus, Fethiye
After breakfast, our first stop is the spectacular, well preserved ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon we depart for Fethiye where we can explore the buzzing resort town.
Accommodation Greenland Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees Ephesus Ancient City - 100 TL
6
Day 6: Fethiye,Saklıkent,Oludeniz
After breakfast we make our way to Saklikent, one of the deepest canyons in the world. We will then continue our journey to Oludeniz. Besides its spectacular beaches, glittering waters and breathtaking natural scenery, Oludeniz is also popular for its water sport. Here you can relax on the exquisite beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding and microlighting. Late in the afternoon we depart for our overnight stay in Fethiye.
Accommodation Greenland Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Sightseeing of Saklikent Sightseeing of Oludeniz
Our next stop is Dalyan, a small town situated along the south-western coast popular for its natural and unspoiled beauty. We will join a boat trip to visit the most popular mud bath in Turkey, and we then continue to Iztuzu beach, homeland of world famous Caretta Caretta turtles. After a fantastic boat ride we will reach Iztuzu sandbar with fine sand and turquoise sea.
Accommodation Greenland Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Dalyan Boat Trip Mud Bath Iztuzu Beach
Optional Activities Mudbath Iztuzu Beach
Entrance Fees Mud Bath - 8 TL Iztuzu Beach - 1 TL
8
Day 8: Fethiye, Pamukkale
It's time to get your cameras out, because today is a photographers dream! Today we will visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Spend time bathing in its pools, or explore the natural and unusual landscape.
Accommodation Hierapark Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
Entrance Fees Pamukkale White Terraces - 80 TL
9
Day 9: Pamukkale, Cappadocia
Today we sit back and relax on the coach, as we head to Cappadocia. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).
Accommodation Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City Sightseeing of Ihlara Valley
Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. In the afternoon we will visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about traditional art. Tonight get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish night.
Accommodation Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities Goreme Open Air Museum Visit Sightseeing of Cavusin Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley Sightseeing of Uchisar
Optional Activities Turkish Night Show - 160 TL Hot Air Balooning - 195 EUR
Entrance Fees Goreme Open Air Museum - 75 TL
11
Day 11: Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul
This morning we visit the dramatically beautiful Ihlara Valley before departing for Istanbul where we arrive late in the evening.
Accommodation Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Star
Meals Included Breakfast
12
Day 12: Istanbul
Our trip will end after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast, bid you safe travels, and check-out of the hotel (11:00am).
Meals Included Breakfast
All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement needs only be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. The supplement must be paid in addition to the tour fee. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement needs only be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. The supplement must be paid in addition to the tour fee. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
The tour price covers the following services:
Accommodation
5 and 4 star hotels
Airport Transfer
From Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on day 1)
Meals
11 breakfasts | 8 dinners
Transportation
Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus | Dalyan boat trip
Guide
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
What is not included in the tour price?
Any flights
Travel insurance
Meals not stated in the itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Tips & gestures
Visa fees
Entrance fees to the sights and museums
Optional activities
Other services not stated in the itinerary
Hotels are subject to change depending on the group size.
LEGACY OTTOMAN HOTEL - ISTANBUL
KOLIN HOTEL - CANAKKALE
The 5-star hotel in Gallipoli is a perfect place to relax and prepare for the upcoming big tour. The large swimming pool and the delicious open buffet add up to the comfortable rooms they offer.
MARINA HOTEL - KUSADASI
This hotel has a seafront location in the Aegean coast, only 250 metres from the beach. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and a terrace with panoramic views of the sea and Kusadasi Marina. The air-conditioned rooms of Marina Hotel Kusadasi include a minibar and an LCD TV with satellite channels.
GREENLAND HOTEL - FETHIYE
This hotel is located in heart of pine forest where it’s peaceful, calm. And this hotel has a large swimming pool to offer, close to Oludeniz beach.
HIERA PARK DELUXE HOTEL - PAMUKKALE
This hotel offers an absolute relaxation with it’s hot thermal pools & spa center.
AVRASYA HOTEL - CAPPADOCIA
Tour Review Scores And Breakdown
At Travel Talk we do not only provide excellent value for premium adventures, but also strive to exceed expectations in every aspect of our trips, which is reflected in an enviable 98.9% customer satisfaction for 2018. We believe that our affordable tours, quality accommodation, transportation and sightseeing tours combined with likeminded people, passionate tour leaders and the overall atmosphere of a Travel Talk tour have made these results. However, we are never ones to rest on our laurels, and we continually try to improve on this year after year; and what do we get out of this? The satisfaction of our travellers!
4.75
Accomodation
4.74
Transportation
4.94
Value for Money
4.98
Guide
4.88
Overall
S. Bose
Yavuz was a great and friendly. Restaturants all was good.
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R. Bhaskar
It was a particularly satisfying experience on this tour. We had a very knowledgeable guide who went beyond regular information and always provided something additional.
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Transportation
Value for Money
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J. Aumann
All in all, very good tour. Yavuz was very knowledgeable and helpful.
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Transportation
Value for Money
Guide
Overall
A. Grundy
Mustafa was an exceptional guide and his care for the group. Knowledge and sense of humour made the tour an amazing experience. Overall excellent sights, value for money and 10/10 enjoyment!
Accomodation
Transportation
Value for Money
Guide
Overall
L. McDonald
Mustafa was an excellent guide! He was extremely informative & knowledgeable about the sites as well as making sure we were well looked after & safe.
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Transportation
Value for Money
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Overall
T. Jemmett
Mustafa is an exceptional host, extremely good. He really cares for the well being of guests and made sure we had a great time.
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Transportation
Value for Money
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T. Ovenden
Definitely exceeded my expectations Mustafa is one of the best guide I’ve had on a tour and he went above and beyond.
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Transportation
Value for Money
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S. Gaw
Thank you Travel Talk for the amazing tour in Turkey. Mustafa was a great tour guide and made the experience so much better. He really looked after everyone on the tour and made sure we had the best experience as possible. Thanks heap Mustafa you were an amazing guide and appreciate everything you did on the tour. Travel Talk hotels were amazing and all the optional activities were good and reasonable pricing.
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Transportation
Value for Money
Guide
Overall
S. Kalidas
Mustafa was an excellent guide and made the tour for me! He always made you feel accommodated for and was very knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour mostly because Mustafa was an amazing guide.
Accomodation
Transportation
Value for Money
Guide
Overall
J. Patel
Mustafa was an excellent guide. He went above & beyond his guide responsibilities and is a real asset to Travel Talk.
Yavuz was a great and friendly. Restaturants all was good.
S. Bose
Best of Turkey by Land
It was a particularly satisfying experience on this tour. We had a very knowledgeable guide who went beyond regular information and always provided something additional.
R. Bhaskar
Best of Turkey by Land
All in all, very good tour. Yavuz was very knowledgeable and helpful.
Croatia
Greece
Balkans
Spain
Portugal
Russia
Iceland
Turkey
Egypt
Jordan
Israel
Morocco
India
Nepal
Africa
Sailing
Anzac Day
Oktoberfest
Ski Bansko
Ski France
S. Bose
Yavuz was a great and friendly. Restaturants all was good.
R. Bhaskar
It was a particularly satisfying experience on this tour. We had a very knowledgeable guide who went beyond regular information and always provided something additional.
J. Aumann
All in all, very good tour. Yavuz was very knowledgeable and helpful.
A. Grundy
Mustafa was an exceptional guide and his care for the group. Knowledge and sense of humour made the tour an amazing experience. Overall excellent sights, value for money and 10/10 enjoyment!
L. McDonald
Mustafa was an excellent guide! He was extremely informative & knowledgeable about the sites as well as making sure we were well looked after & safe.
T. Jemmett
Mustafa is an exceptional host, extremely good. He really cares for the well being of guests and made sure we had a great time.
T. Ovenden
Definitely exceeded my expectations Mustafa is one of the best guide I’ve had on a tour and he went above and beyond.
S. Gaw
Thank you Travel Talk for the amazing tour in Turkey. Mustafa was a great tour guide and made the experience so much better. He really looked after everyone on the tour and made sure we had the best experience as possible. Thanks heap Mustafa you were an amazing guide and appreciate everything you did on the tour. Travel Talk hotels were amazing and all the optional activities were good and reasonable pricing.
S. Kalidas
Mustafa was an excellent guide and made the tour for me! He always made you feel accommodated for and was very knowledgeable. I would recommend this tour mostly because Mustafa was an amazing guide.
J. Patel
Mustafa was an excellent guide. He went above & beyond his guide responsibilities and is a real asset to Travel Talk.