Guided
Treasures of Anatolia
from $1,499 /person (based on double occupancy- in March and April 2024 from Dallas, TX)
- premiumcare travel protection
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Istanbul - US.
- 10 nights hotel accommodation in Superior category hotels.
- 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
- Some transfers included.
- Visits and entrance fees with an English-speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary.
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Active tour with a comprehensive schedule of activities.
- Cruise along the Bosphorus.
- English-speaking guide during the whole trip.
| Trip Highlights Ankara Cappadocia Éfeso Istanbul Izmir Pamukkale |
Included All flights Accommodation Some transfers Activities Some meals |
Availability Departures available until March 2025 Available Group tours Solo travelers from + $380 Add up to 4 nights to your stay |
Delight in the fascinating sights of Turkey, from the bazaars of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Cruise on the Bosphorus, discover the caves of the Goreme Valley and visit the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus before discovering the heritage of Izmir and Canakkale at the archaeological sites of Pergamon and Troy!
1st Day: US - Night on board
Ready to discover the cultural treasures and incredible landscapes of Turkey? Arrive at your US departure airport ready to catch a flight to Istanbul. Night on board.
2nd Day: Istanbul
Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel*, get settled and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
* Note: In case your flight is arriving/taking off from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport, transfers are not included and you could add them for an extra cost during the booking Process.
3rd Day: Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, head to the grandiose Suleymaniye Mosque, located on the third hill of Istanbul, boasting one of the most incredible panoramic views of the city. The mosque was designed by the imperial architect of great importance, Mimar Sinan, commissioned by ruler Suleiman the Magnificent, and built circa 1550. After the visit, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Istanbul at your own pace.
Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, vibrant city life and eclectic architecture. To fully immerse yourself in the local culture and to ensure you discover the ins and outs of this intricate city, we recommend an optional full-day city tour of Istanbul* and/or an optional dinner show on the Bosphorus**! Overnight stay in Istanbul.
* Optional Full-Day Istanbul City Tour: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops!
** Optional Dinner Show on the Bosphorus: A great way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner on a cruise that sails down the Bosphorus at night. See the illuminated suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner and two drinks per person.
Activities included: Visit to the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent.
4th Day: Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate captivating views of the old palaces of the Sultans and traditional riverside houses as you view the city from a different perspective. Disembark and head to the famous Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans and filled with exotic aromas. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the Anatolian side of the city to see its more important sights and discover more of Istanbul!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.
* Optional Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion with Lunch: Explore the Anatolian part of the city! This stunning region is home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture and waterfront attractions. From the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets, you'll be awestruck by the variety and beauty of the sights. Wander the city streets up Camlica Hill, located in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the Anatolian part of Istanbul is an unforgettable destination. Enjoy lunch included.
Activities included: Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Visit
5th Day: Istanbul - Ankara
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the route. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture. Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Inaugurated in 1953, it is dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.
Activities included: Ankara & Ataturk Mausoleum
6th Day: Ankara - Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations, passing by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way. Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to start enjoying the landscapes of this magical region, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. If you want to contemplate an unforgettable sunset, we recommend our Optional Safari and Sunset tour* through the valleys of the city. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.
* Optional Jeep Safari and Sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the Cappadocia landscape and enjoy a magical and exciting sunset as you tour through the deep valleys and extraordinary geography in a 4X4 jeep.
Activities included: Salt Lake Visit
7th Day: Cappadocia
Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an unforgettable optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*. Mid-morning, discover the fascinating region of Cappadocia, whose landscape was formed by the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, an incredible Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes. Next, explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the so-called "Fairy Chimneys" are located. End the day with a visit to local carpet workshops. . Afterwards you can enjoy the optional visit to Kaimakli, the subway city** or an authentic Turkish night in Cappadocia.*** Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
* Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight: Float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views and celebrate with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.
Note: The optional hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.
** Optional Visit to Kaimakli, the Underground City: Visit the incredible Kaymakli, a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 20 km from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, the widest of the underground cities in the region.
*** Optional Turkish Night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event and the party atmosphere as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.
Activities included: Full-Day Highlights of Cappadocia Excursion
8th Day: Cappadocia - Pamukkale
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart early this morning to Pamukkale. Famed for its unique geological features, take a tour through the ancient Hellenistic city of Hierapolis before exploring the Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of white waterfalls, stalactites and natural pools. Formed over the centuries by the passing of mineral-rich water from nearby hot springs, explore the natural pools and otherworldly landscape, the perfect spot to practice your photography skills! As the day draws to a close, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Activities included: Visit to Hierapolis & Cotton Castle in Pamukkale.
9th Day: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi - Izmir
Breakfast at the hotel. Delve deeper into the history of this land today, as you head to the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, once the capital of Asia Minor and one of the best-preserved cities remaining from this period. Discover the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Trajan, the Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Afterwards, pay a visit to an important site of pilgrimage at the House of the Virgin Mary. This is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent the final years of her life. Afterwards, head north to the city of Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the confirmed hotel. Izmir is known for its expansive archaeological sites and is situated on the beautiful Aegean coast. Dinner and transfer to your hotel.
Please note: During the summer months (May to November) accommodation may be in the city of Kusadasi instead of Izmir, but the order of the itinerary will remain the same.
Activities included: Ephesus visit and Pilgrimage to the House of the Virgin Mary.
10th Day: Izmir - Pergamon - Troy - Canakkale
Breakfast at the hotel. The first stop of the day is the ancient city of Pergamon, one of the most important cultural, commercial and medical centres of antiquity. Here, visit the Asclepion, the most prestigious hospital in the ancient world and once home to the famous Greek physician and philosopher, Galen! See the old sleeping tunnels, the patient's theatre, the swimming pools, and the courtyard, lined with Ionic columns for a unique insight into the science and medical practices of the Ancient Greek world! Another exciting highlight awaits as you continue to the archaeological site of Troy, one of the most legendary cities in all of history! Immortalized in Homer's Iliad, discover the ruins of this incredible place and relive the famous saga of the siege of Troy. Afterwards, continue to Canakkale. Spread across both sides of the Dardanelles Strait, this historic city is home to excellent museums and many fascinating sights related to its strategic location on the Dardanelles Strait. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay in Canakkale.
Activities included:Highlights of Pergamon & Troy.
11th Day: Canakkale - Bursa - Istanbul
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Bursa this morning, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, the city's sometimes known as 'Green Bursa'. Here, pay a visit to the spectacular Ulucamii Mosque, Kozahan Silk Bazaar and the Green Tomb the mausoleum of the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed I. After exploring Bursa, continue north to Topçular to cross the Gulf of Izmit by ferry or by the Osmangazi Bridge (crossing choice decision based on operational reasons). After crossing the Gulf continue by road to Istanbul. Arrive, get settled at the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Activities included: City Tour of Bursa.
12th Day: Istanbul - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Turkey to an end. At the indicated time, transfer** to the airport for a flight back to the US Arrive in the US and end your trip***.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.