Travelling with a group of no more than 12 people, our new Small Group trips provide you with more space for your comfort and pleasure. Essential Turkey tour combines history and culture, man-made wonders and natural phenomena. Discover the vibrant culture and welcoming tradition together with countless unique travel experiences in Turkey. Roam the incredible palaces, bazaars and mosques of Istanbul before cruising right between Europe and Asia. Then journey into the bizarre as you explore other-worldly Cappadocia and balloon over fairy-chimneys. Walk among the impressive ancient wonders of Pergamum & Ephesus and the natural treasures of Pamukkale. Pay your respects for the fallen at the shores of Gallipoli before returning to Istanbul.
Duration
Destination
Start/Ends in
9 Days
Turkey
Istanbul / Istanbul
Hotels
Group Size
Age Requirement
5&4 Star
12 People Max.
18+
Trip Rating
Trip Theme
Departs
0
0 reviews
Classic,Overland
All Year Round
Why You’ll Love This Tour
Journey with a small group of 12 travellers at most, enjoy more personal space and embark on Safe Travels.
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 ride in private modern coaches.
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.
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
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
A region of exceptional natural and man-made wonders. Take the chance to discover underground cities carved into rock, fairy chimneys and many more...
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.
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
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.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here.
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.
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 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...
Itinerary
Itinerary
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
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. 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
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
Entrance Fees Blue Mosque – Free
Hagia Sophia – Free
Topkapi Palace Museum 100 TL
Today we sit back and relax in the coach. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. We will drive through the capital city of Ankara before we reach Cappadocia. 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
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. 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 – 130 EUR
Entrance Fees
Goreme Open Air Museum – 75 TL
It’s time to hit the road to Pamukkale. Along the way we will stop at Ihlara Valley, a unique honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period. Time to rest up at our overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Accommodation
Hierapark Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Ihlara Valley
Get your cameras ready, as it is time to 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. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. Our next 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. We will sleep overnight in the seaside town of Kusadasi. Â
Accommodation
Marina Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Pamukkale White Terraces – 80 TL
Ephesus Ancient City – 100 TL
After breakfast we continue to Pergamum, and the ruins of the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre. We will then depart for ancient city of Troy. 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. We will stay overnight in Canakkale. You will have the evening to relax and discover the town
Accommodation
Kolin Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Asklepion Ancient City
Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Asklepion Ancient City – 45 TL
Troy Ancient City – 50 TL
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. In the afternoon, we will drive back to where our adventure began, Istanbul.
Accommodation
Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches
Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 1 Istanbul
Detailed Itinerary
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
Day 2 Istanbul City Tour
Detailed Itinerary
Day 2 Istanbul City Tour
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. 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
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
Entrance Fees Blue Mosque – Free
Hagia Sophia – Free
Topkapi Palace Museum 100 TL
Day 3 Cappadocia
Detailed Itinerary
Day 3 Cappadocia
Today we sit back and relax in the coach. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. We will drive through the capital city of Ankara before we reach Cappadocia. 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
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. 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 – 130 EUR
Entrance Fees
Goreme Open Air Museum – 75 TL
Day 5 Pamukkale
Detailed Itinerary
Day 5 Pamukkale
It’s time to hit the road to Pamukkale. Along the way we will stop at Ihlara Valley, a unique honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period. Time to rest up at our overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Accommodation
Hierapark Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Ihlara Valley
Day 6 Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi
Detailed Itinerary
Day 6 Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kusadasi
Get your cameras ready, as it is time to 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. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. Our next 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. We will sleep overnight in the seaside town of Kusadasi. Â
Accommodation
Marina Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Pamukkale White Terraces – 80 TL
Ephesus Ancient City – 100 TL
Day 7 Kusadasi, Pergamum, Troy, Canakkale
Detailed Itinerary
Day 7 Kusadasi, Pergamum, Troy, Canakkale
After breakfast we continue to Pergamum, and the ruins of the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre. We will then depart for ancient city of Troy. 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. We will stay overnight in Canakkale. You will have the evening to relax and discover the town
Accommodation
Kolin Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Asklepion Ancient City
Sightseeing of Troy Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Asklepion Ancient City – 45 TL
Troy Ancient City – 50 TL
Day 8 Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul
Detailed Itinerary
Day 8 Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul
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. In the afternoon, we will drive back to where our adventure began, Istanbul.
Accommodation
Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches
Day 9 Istanbul
Detailed Itinerary
Day 9 Istanbul
Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
From Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport (on day 1)
Tour Guiding
Services of experienced Travel Talk local guides licenced by the Ministry of Tourism
Free Wi-Fi
Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi ( where available )
What is NOT included?
What is NOT included?
- Any flights not mentioned above
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gestures
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Dates & Rates
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.
The below rates are for solo travellers, the 2 FOR 1 deal will be applied when you select 2 or more travellers during the booking process.
The below rates are for solo travellers, the 2 FOR 1 deal will be applied when you select 2 or more travellers during the booking process.
The Turkish Lira 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
5-7 USD
Dinner at restaurant
10-15 USD
Sandwich at a stall
1-2 USD
Simit - Turkish Bagel
 0.15 USD
Drinks
Bottle of water
0.15 USDÂ
Coffee
1-1.5 USD
Tea
0.5-1 USD
Bottle of beer
2-3 USD
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 kind of traditional gratitude at the end of your tour.
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
Cappadocia
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
Cappadocia
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
Countrywide
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.
Entrance Fees To The Sights
Optional Activities
Personal Spending
Shopping
How to budget
Entrance Fees To The Sights
Topkapı Palace: 100 TRY
Blue Mosque: Free
Hagia Sophia: Free
Underground City: 50 TRY
Goreme Museum: 100 TRY
Pigeon Valley: Free
White Terraces: 80 TRY
Ephesus Ancient City: 100 TRY
Asklepion Ancient City: 45 TRY
Troy Ancient City: 50 TRY
Total: 525 TRY
(Approx. GBP 50)
How to budget
Optional Activities
Hot Air Ballooning: EUR 130
Turkish Night: 160 TRY
Turkish Bath: 130 TRY
Bosphorus Cruise: EUR 10
How to budget
Personal Spending
The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey.
Please find below approximate prices in USD to give you an idea.
- Coffee: USD 0.50
- Sandwiches: USD 0.50 - 2
- A bottle of beer: USD 3
- Mid-range restaurant meal: USD 10
How to budget
Shopping
Whilst on a Turkey tour, experiencing the shopping scene is a must. 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.
Accommodation
LEGACY OTTOMAN HOTEL
Istanbul
5 Star
Hotel continues its deep meaning that coming from its history which is adjacent to the most important historical monuments of the city, is the only five-star hotel in the region.
KOLIN HOTEL
Canakkale
5 Star
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
4 Star
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.
HIERA PARK DELUXE HOTEL
Pamukkale
4 Star
This hotel is located in Karahayit regions where is famous with it's mineral hot waters and this hotel offers an absolute relaxation with it’s hot thermal pools & spa center.
AVRASYA HOTEL
Cappadocia
4 Star
This is a very special place in Cappadocia which has been shaped by magic hands of nature. The hotel is in the intersection of the real world and the world of fairies. Also in a very good location.
Accommodation
Istanbul
LEGACY OTTOMAN HOTEL
5 Star
Accommodation
Canakkale
KOLIN HOTEL
5 Star
Accommodation
Kusadasi
MARINA HOTEL
4 Star
Accommodation
Pamukkale
HIERA PARK DELUXE HOTEL
4 Star
Accommodation
Cappadocia
AVRASYA HOTEL
4 Star
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Why You’ll Love This Tour
Journey with a small group of 12 travellers at most, enjoy more personal space and embark on Safe Travels.
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 ride in private modern coaches.
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.
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.
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