The Best of Turkey

From

CAD 1,189

Duration

8 days

Countries

Turkey

Activity

easy

The adventure

This trip is ideal for the traveller who is short on time but wants to experience as much of Turkey’s stunning scenery and fascinating history as possible. Begin the journey at the WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, then leap into Greek myths and explore the remains of the legendary city of Troy before strolling along the streets of Ephesus. Don't miss the remarkable white cliff pools of Pamukkale before boarding a comfortable and convenient flight back to Istanbul. Return refreshed and ready to explore the city’s bazaars, mosques, and tea houses.

At a glance

Duration

8 days

Route

Istanbul → Istanbul

Countries

Turkey

Activity level

easy

Style

Culture & History

Group size

Ask

Flights

Not included

Solo travellers

Welcome

Where you'll go

Day by day

Explore the stunning landscape of Cappadocia with its unique rock formations under a clear sky.

Your journey through

Turkey

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner. Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour. And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.

There are no activities planned until our evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt to join your CEO and fellow travellers for dinner. Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking the following activity to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour. And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, while any of the optional activities listed can be booked independently upon arrival in Istanbul.

Day 2Set off from Istanbul and take a guided…Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Istanbul

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story. It is only a little further to Çanakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

Day 3Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving…Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour. In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.

Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour. In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.

Day 4Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to SelçukEnjoy a free morning in Bergama before travelling to Selçuk, the base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus. Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.

Enjoy a free morning in Bergama before travelling to Selçuk, the base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus. Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.

Day 5Opt to visit St John's Basilica…With free time, choose to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Another option is to catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8km/5 mi) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

With free time, choose to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Another option is to catch a local “dolmus” bus to the picturesque village of Şirince (8km/5 mi) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Day 6Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of HierapolisVisit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.

Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.

Day 7Hop on a morning flight to İstanbulTake a short flight to İstanbul. After settling in, depart for a walking tour of the city. Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.

Take a short flight to İstanbul. After settling in, depart for a walking tour of the city. Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.

Day 8Departure dayDepartureYour tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul. And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.

Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul. And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.

Traveller reviews

“I really enjoyed exploring the small section of Turkey that we were able to see in just a week. I would definitely go back. We saw a lot in a short amount of time.”