The Best of Turkey
8 days
From
$ 1299
Duration8 days
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.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 8 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Light
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
There are no planned activities until the welcome meeting in the evening. After, opt to head out to dinner in a local restaurant with the group.
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking one of the following full-day activities to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Backstreets Walk or Dolmabahçe Palace Visit and Bosporus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are 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.
Get the most out of your time in Istanbul by pre-booking one of the following full-day activities to experience before your tour starts: Istanbul Backstreets Walk or Dolmabahçe Palace Visit and Bosporus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night pre-tour.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are 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.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2: Istanbul/Çanakkale
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.
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.
Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale.
Meals: B
Day 3: Çanakkale/Ayvalık
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 the hospitality and beautiful views from the family-run pension in a restored Ottoman mansion.
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 the hospitality and beautiful views from the family-run pension in a restored Ottoman mansion.
Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving at Ayvalik. Visit a women's handicraft shop, a G Adventures supported project. Opt to enjoy a half-day boat trip and spend the night in a converted Ottoman mansion.
Meals: B
Day 4: Ayvalık/Selçuk
Enjoy a free morning in Ayvalik 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.
Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.
Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to Selçuk.
Meals: B
Day 5: Selçuk
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.
Opt to visit St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey or the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Meals: B
Day 6: Selçuk/Pamukkale
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.
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.
Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis en route to Selçuk.
Meals: B
Day 7: Pamukkale/Istanbul
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 Aya Sofya and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.
Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include Aya Sofya and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.
Hop on a morning flight to İstanbul. Take a guided orientation walk before free time to explore some highlights, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace or Aya Sofya.
Meals: B
Day 8: Istanbul
Your tour might be finished, but the adventure’s far from over. Pre-book one of the following activities to experience after your tour ends: Dolmabahçe Palace Visit and Bosporus Cruise or Istanbul Backstreets Walk. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or they can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
And don’t worry if you can’t decide now. These activities are available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or they can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
- Troy entrance and guided visit
- Ottoman mansion stay
- Ephesus entrance and visit
- Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk
- Istanbul city walking tour
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private air-conditioned van, Plane, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (7 nts)