Turkey Tour to Istanbul, Pamukkale & Cappadocia

Pricing is based on departure date 09th December 2023

Alternate departure date available for travel in 2023 & 2024, Call us for the availability

East meets West in this Turkish extravaganza which reveals the Byzantine and Ottoman past of Istanbul, the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and some of the world’s most revered ancient cities. Get lost in the colourful lanes of the Grand Bazaar, watch the dizzying dance of the Whirling Dervishes and descend into an underground fortress. Mother Nature and man have crafted an extraordinary land, over which empires have fought for centuries and you’ll get to see all its wonders on this 11 day journey.

Travel: 11 days, 1 country and 11 cities

Dining Summary: 10 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners

Why Book?

Hold your booking for free: You can hold your booking for 3 days without any charge

Flexible booking policy: You can cancel your booking up to 60 days before departure for free of cost

Low Deposit: Secure your booking with deposit of just £100*

Sightseeing highlights

Istanbul

Sightseeing includes Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar

Ankara

Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and Ataturk's Mausoleum

Cappadocia

Visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley and marvel at the underground city of Saratli

Konya

Visit the Mevlana Museum, home of the Whirling Dervishes

Pamukkale

See the Cotton Castle springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis

Pergamon

Visit the Asclepion Medical Centre

Troy

Visit the ruins of the ancient city and see the Wooden Horse

Gallipoli

See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries

Day 1

Arrive Istanbul (2 Nights)

It’s the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite 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 capital, the gateway to the Orient? On arrival, transfer to your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.

Hotel - Titanic Port Bakırkoy

Day 2

Istanbul sightseeing and free time

Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Local Specialist this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque. Later, you’ll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 3

Istanbul – Ankara (1 Night)

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. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, before an evening to do as you please.

Hotel - Holiday Inn Kavaklıdere

Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Ankara – Cappadocia (2 Nights)

The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli. This evening you could join an Optional Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God.

Hotel - Ramada by Wyndham

Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Cappadocia sightseeing and free time

Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys take centre stage this morning as you journey to Pasabagi 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. An Optional Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening, dinner is served at your hotel.

Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (1 Night)

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 which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.

Hotel - Richmond Thermal

Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Ephesus – Izmir (1 Night)

See the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis this morning before you come face to face with the ruins of one of the most important cities in the ancient Mediterranean world, Ephesus. You'll explore this 2,000 year-old ancient settlement, then head to the seaside port of Izmir.

Hotel - Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 8

Izmir Free Time

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Optional 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 before a lunch is a local restaurant.

Hotel - Doubletree by Hilton Alsancak

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 9

Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Çanakkale (1 Night)

Visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamon this morning, most notably its Asclepion Medical Centre, which still bears the image of the snake-entwined staff that remains a symbol of medicine in modern times. Next on today’s agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.

Hotel - Buyuk Truva Oteli

Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10

Canakkale – Gallipoli – Istanbul (1 Night)

A poignant start to the day sees you visit Gallipoli, where significant World War I battles were fought with heavy losses on both sides. You’ll visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair paying tribute to the brave soldiers who lost their lives in this relentless conflict before returning to Istanbul. As your journey through Turkey draws to a close, there’s always time for one last Raki!

Hotel - Titanic Port Bakırkoy

Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 11

Depart Istanbul

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. Find out more about your free airport transfer at costsavertour.com/freetransfers.

Included Meals - Breakfast

Prices listed are per person in Great British Pound, based on twin occupancy, rates for single occupancy may differ, Rates offered are including all discounts unless otherwise stated. All bookings are subject to availability. Other travel periods may be available. Some block out dates may apply. Rates may alter depending upon the dates requested and surcharges if applicable. Final booking confirmation only provided once payment has been processed. Contact our travel team for more details. Our Holiday Centre reserves the right to withdraw this promotion without notice at any time. Flights are not included. Pricing correct as at 22nd June 2023.