Grand Tour of Turkey
Distinctive, welcoming, fascinating - Turkey is a country that for centuries has been a crossroads between the exotic East and ancient Europe.
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Gallipoli, site of the famous World War I battlefields
Anzac Cemetery, Gallipoli
The Trojan Horse at Troy
The popular seaside resort of Kusadasi
Traditional handicrafts in Kusadasi market
Enjoy an optional excursion to the classical city of Ephesus
Ruins of the Temple of Hadrian, Ephesus
The facade of the Library of Celsus, Ephesus
Visit the ancient site of Aphrodisias
The amazing 'Cotton Castle' at Pamukkale
The extraordinary white terraces were formed over centuries by water cascading down the hillside in Pamukkale
Since Roman times visitors have been immersing themselves in the spa waters of Pamukkale
Take an optional excursion to Goreme and see churches and chapels carved into the rock
Extraordinary Cappadocia, home to a number of early civilisations
The amazing natural amphitheatre, Cappadocia
Ankara - Turkey's capital city
The fascinating Tomb of King Midas, Gordion
Yesil Camil Green Mosque, Bursa
You can haggle to your heart's content in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Istanbul
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Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Istanbul.
Fly to Istanbul where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. Late arrivals may have the welcome briefing the following morning.
DAY 2: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale.
Skirting the Sea of Marmara, head for Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles, for a visit to the Anzac Cemetery and the sites of the famous World War I battlefields. Later, a short ferry journey takes you to the charming city of Canakkale, at the mouth of the Koca River, for one night. (B, D)
DAY 3: Canakkale - Troy - Izmir - Kusadasi.
Your first stop today is the ancient Homerian city of Troy, famous for being attacked in ancient times by Greek rivals hiding inside the giant wooden 'Trojan Horse'. The site, excavated in 1871, actually displays nine ancient metropolises, dating back to 3000BC. Later, head to the lovely Bay of Edremit, and admire the distant views of blue mountains on the Greek island Lesbos, before travelling through forests of pine and Valonia oak to the bustling Aegean port of Izmir for an orientation drive which will include the Karsiyaka district. Then it's on to the popular seaside resort of Kusadasi for two nights. (B, D)
DAY 4: Kusadasi.
Situated between ancient Ephesus and Priene, Kusadasi is a charming, cosmopolitan resort with a delightful climate and white sandy beaches. The day is yours to relax or explore. Alternatively, why not take one of the great-value optional excursions to Ephesus and the Virgin Mary house? (B)
DAY 5: Kusadasi - Pamukkale - Denizli area.
Travel past Aydin and enter the area known as the 'Greek Meander', the most fertile region in Turkey. Your first stop is for optional sightseeing at the ancient site of Aphrodisias. Later, drive past Denizli, at the foot of Mount Gokbel, to Pamukkale, the amazing 'Cotton Castle'. Marvel at the extraordinary white terraces, formed over the centuries by water cascading down the hillside and visit the ancient archaeological site of Hierapolis. Continue to your hotel in the Denizli area for one night. (B, D)
DAY 6: Denizli area - Konya.
Today, drive to Dinar and then past the lovely Lake Acigol, with its shores of cherry gardens and opium fields. Enjoy splendid mountain scenery on the way to Konya, one of the oldest urban centres in the world, for one night. (B, D)
DAY 7: Konya - Agzikarahan - Cappadocia.
Today, travel into the great central plateau area, which separates Konya from Aksaray, and stop to admire the great Agzikarahan 'Caravanserai'. In the afternoon, enjoy an included visit to Goreme to see the amazing churches and chapels carved into the rock; the whole area is outstandingly impressive. Later, head for Avanos in Cappadocia for two nights. (B, D)
DAY 8: Cappadocia.
The first records of Cappadocia date from the 6th century BC, and over the centuries it has been a strategically important town for several civilisations, including the Persians, Romans and Byzantines. The day is yours to explore at leisure or perhaps join the optional sightseeing tour to the amazing natural amphitheatre, bounded by almost vertical cliffs, in which countless chambers, porticos and arcades have been carved, as well as underground cities where early Christians sheltered from Roman persecution. (B, D)
DAY 9: Cappadocia - Ankara.
Journey via Aksaray to Ankara, the Turkish capital, for one night. On arrival, enjoy an orientation drive before spending the afternoon relaxing, exploring at leisure, or taking the optional half day city tour including visits to the museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the Ankara Mausoleum of Ataturk. (B, D)
DAY 10: Ankara - Gordion - Bursa.
Travel into the ancient kingdom of Phryge to Gordion, one of Turkey's most important archaeological sites, where legends has it Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot. Enjoy an included visit to the fascinating Tomb of King Midas before continuing to ancient Bursa, which stands in the shadow of Ulu Dag mountain - the ancient Mysian Olympus, and is famous for its Great Mosque, covered bazaar and silk market. Overnight in Bursa. (B, D)
DAY 11: Bursa - Istanbul.
Drive to the shores of the Sea of Marmara for a short ferry crossing on the Izmit Bay to the exotic city of Istanbul, straddling both Europe and Asia. The included sightseeing tour with a local guide includes visits to the Roman Hippodrome and the stunning Blue Mosque. This evening, why not join the optional dinner and traditional Turkish entertainment? (B)
DAY 12: Istanbul.
Istanbul was founded in 600BC and is a mesmerising city with intricate architecture, ancient mosques and colourful bazaars brimming with pedlars and stalls selling almonds, pistachios, iced drinks and black coffee. The day is yours to explore the city at leisure or perhaps join the optional excursions to sail in a private boat on the Bosphorus or enjoy an afternoon's historical tour. (B)
DAY 13: Istanbul - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Istanbul: Grand Halic Hotel (4*); Canakkale: Tusan (4*); Kusadasi: Grand Onder (4*); Denizli area: Herakles Hotel (3*); Konya: Balikçilar (4*);
Cappadocia: Altinazi Hotel (4*)
Ankara: Gurkent (4*); Bursa: Kervansaray (3*).
Customer review
It was a brilliant holiday, all of the hotels were excellent... All in all it was a wonderful holiday and excellent value for money.
Mrs Carol Lucking, Worthing
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for entry into Turkey. This can be purchased on arrival by UK passport holders.
Your Holiday Map
Grand Tour of Turkey
-
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
-
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
-
Gallipoli, site of the famous World War I battlefields
-
Anzac Cemetery, Gallipoli
-
The Trojan Horse at Troy
-
The popular seaside resort of Kusadasi
-
Traditional handicrafts in Kusadasi market
-
Enjoy an optional excursion to the classical city of Ephesus
-
Ruins of the Temple of Hadrian, Ephesus
-
The facade of the Library of Celsus, Ephesus
-
Visit the ancient site of Aphrodisias
-
The amazing 'Cotton Castle' at Pamukkale
-
The extraordinary white terraces were formed over centuries by water cascading down the hillside in Pamukkale
-
Since Roman times visitors have been immersing themselves in the spa waters of Pamukkale
-
Take an optional excursion to Goreme and see churches and chapels carved into the rock
-
Extraordinary Cappadocia, home to a number of early civilisations
-
The amazing natural amphitheatre, Cappadocia
-
Ankara - Turkey's capital city
-
The fascinating Tomb of King Midas, Gordion
-
Yesil Camil Green Mosque, Bursa
-
You can haggle to your heart's content in Istanbul
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The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
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Istanbul
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Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
EPHESUS FULL DAY
Ephesus is one of the most beautiful and ancient sites, once known as the capital of the Asian Province of the Roman Empire, with its fascinating library of Celcus, its huge amphitheater with seating for 26,000, and Adrian's Temple. Then drive up to the chapel, last home of the Virgin Mary and the site of the Temple of Diane - one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
€45 (Euro)
TYPICAL CAPPADOCIA VILLAGE
Discover fascinating Cappadocia with its "Fairy Chimneys", underground city of Ozkonak, typical villages, and the greatest concentration of accessible rock churches in the region. See rock-hewn chambers and other relics of monastic buildings and life.
€35 (Euro)
TURKISH FOLKLORE
Something quite different - a lively and colorful show of costumes, dancing and singing. Enjoy local wine and Turkish appetizers.
€29 (Euro)
CITY SIGHTSEEING
Turkey's capital city typifies the contrast of old and new so evident throughout the entire country. See the new city as well as the market places and the Ataturk Mausoleum, honoring the first president and founder of modern Turkey. The next visit is to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, located in a restored bazaar. The museum has a unique and priceless collection dating back to the Prehistoric Era.
€25 (Euro)
BY NIGHT WITH DINNER
Drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul to a well-known nightclub where dinner, including specialties of Turkish cuisine and wine, is served. Then a show with singers, belly dancers, and folk groups from various regions of Anatolia.
€50 (Euro)
BOSPORUS CRUISE
Drive over the Galata Bridge to board your boat for an excellent view of old Turkish wooden houses and beautiful scenery. See the elegant Dolmabahce Palace and cruise under the Bosporus Bridge.
€31 (Euro)
HISTORIC HALF DAY TOUR
Drive first to Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the mid 15th to the 19th centuries, and now a museum. Then visit the 6th century St. Sophia, a former patriarchal basilica, later a mosque and now a museum. Last stop is to the world-famous covered Grand Bazaar with 4,000 tiny shops.
€45 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
Grand Tour of Turkey 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Grand Tour of Turkey 12 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||||
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| 1 Jul 2012 |
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| 1 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 1 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 1 Jul 2012 | London Heathrow |
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| 1 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
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| 22 Jul 2012 |
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| 22 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 22 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 22 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
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| 29 Jul 2012 |
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| 29 Jul 2012 | Birmingham |
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| 29 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 29 Jul 2012 | Manchester |
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Grand Tour of Turkey
Price from £765.00
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Istanbul - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 12 breakfasts (B) and 8 dinners (D)
- Services of a tour director on tour
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option no supplement to pay
All this included
- Istanbul City sightseeing
- Gallipoli Anzac Cemetery & The Lone Pine Memorial
- Troy Site visit
- Izmir Orientation drive
- Pamukkale Cotton Castle & ancient site of Hierapolis
- Agzikarahan 'Caravanserai'
- Cappadocia Goreme open-air museum
- Gordion King Midas tomb
- Bursa Great Mosque, covered Bazaar & Silk market
Departures from
- Birmingham
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
01 Jul 2012 to 28 Apr 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
