Wonders of Turkey | Was £1,050pp

11 Day Turkey Tour to Istanbul, Pamukkale & Cappadocia

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.

Tour Overview

Book with Confidence:-

• Free 3 day booking hold
• From £100* risk free deposit
• Flexible change options

Sightseeing Highlights:-

• Istanbul Sightseeing includes Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar
• Ankara Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization 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 Center
• Troy Visit the ruins of the ancient city and see the Wooden Horse
• Gallipoli See Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries 

Dining Highlights:-

• 10 Breakfasts
• 5 Dinners

First class travel Highlights:-

All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes An expert Travel Director and professional Driver Audio Headsets provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted City orientation tours Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries Many meals and daily breakfasts included Variety of Optional Experiences

**Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel from 10th Dec 2023

**Single traveller pricing available

**Alternate dates available for year 2022, 2023 and 2024

**Kindly contact our holiday team for availability, best price guarantee

What you can expect on every trip?

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

Variety of Optional Experiences

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.

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 Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque. Later, you’ll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Topkapi Palace Museum, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 7 / Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Izmir (2 Nights)

The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down 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.

Day 8 / Izmir sightseeing and free time

Today an 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, and the enchanting hillside village of Sirince, where guests can soak up the historic atmosphere and quaint market-town culture of a traditional Turkish village. Sample some of the delicious local olive oil, take a bite out of a juicy peach and wander through cobbled marketplaces into a world before cars and supermarkets.

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.

Day 10 / Çanakkale – 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!

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.

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 04th November 2022.