Tour
Highlights of Turkey
Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Stroll through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of...
Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Stroll through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus.
(from USD 2,535)
Inquire about this trip
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 9 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Must-see Highlights
- Explore Istanbul
- Visit the Topkapi Palace, Byzantine Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli and the Göreme Open-Air Museum
- View the Wooden Horse at Troy and the Blue Mosque
- See the exquisite Blue Mosque
Iconic Experience
- Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.
- Avanos: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®
- Istanbul: Visit the house of Turkey’s greatest classical composer, Dede Efendi. Recently brought back to its former architectural glory, this unique museum holds a rare collection of traditional instruments, which we experience first hand during a private concert by Music Conservatory students. Your visit directly supports United Nations’ Global Sustainable Goals 4 & 11: Quality Education & Resilient Cities and Communities. Your visit provides opportunities for the students to perform, contributes to Turkey’s cultural vibrancy in safeguarding traditional forms of music which was fast disappearing, and supports the important work of TURKEV association, who researches and safeguards Turkish traditional architecture and houses.
Be My Guest
- Demircidere: Meet the women of Demircidere Köyü, a rural village where gender equality has deep roots. Visit the local bakery to see how bread is made, sample it with homemade wine and explore a family garden bursting with seasonal produce. Over a shared lunch in a local home, you’ll hear inspiring stories of how this Turcoman community is empowering its girls to learn, grow and lead while preserving their culture and traditional Alevi beliefs.
Trafalgar Difference
- Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.
- Tour
- Turkey
- Trafalgar
- Country Explorer
Details
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar
- Start City
- Istanbul
- End City
- Istanbul
- Duration (Days)
- 10
- Activity Level
- Country Explorer
Highlights
- Country Explorer
- Country Explorer
Pricing & departures
| Option | From | Departs | Returns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | USD 2,760 | June 12, 2026 | June 21, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,735 | June 12, 2026 | June 21, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,585 | June 12, 2026 | June 21, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,560 | June 26, 2026 | July 5, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,535 | June 26, 2026 | July 5, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,385 | June 26, 2026 | July 5, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,835 | July 10, 2026 | July 19, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,805 | July 10, 2026 | July 19, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,660 | July 10, 2026 | July 19, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,660 | August 7, 2026 | August 16, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,635 | August 7, 2026 | August 16, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,485 | August 7, 2026 | August 16, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,760 | August 28, 2026 | September 6, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,735 | August 28, 2026 | September 6, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,585 | August 28, 2026 | September 6, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,860 | September 4, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,835 | September 4, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,685 | September 4, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,660 | September 11, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,635 | September 11, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,485 | September 11, 2026 | September 20, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,605 | September 18, 2026 | September 27, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,585 | September 18, 2026 | September 27, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,435 | September 18, 2026 | September 27, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 2,660 | September 25, 2026 | October 4, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,635 | September 25, 2026 | October 4, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,485 | September 25, 2026 | October 4, 2026 |
| Twin | USD 3,005 | October 9, 2026 | October 18, 2026 |
| Triple | USD 2,985 | October 9, 2026 | October 18, 2026 |
| Single | USD 3,835 | October 9, 2026 | October 18, 2026 |
Day by day
-
Day 1
Welcome to Istanbul
Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner. Locations: Istanbul
-
Day 2
Discover Colorful Istanbul
Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire as you stroll through Topkapi Palace with views over the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Hippodrome where thundering chariots once raced before viewing the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and blue Iznik tiles. Later, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. Then discover Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, wandering its covered lanes packed with colorful stalls, spices, ceramics and keepsakes. Locations: Istanbul
-
Day 3
Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale
Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields, which still hold deep significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where you’ll dine at the hotel. Locations: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale
-
Day 4
Off to Troy and Izmir
Visit a land of Trojan legends, where the ancient city of Troy has been immortalized by Homer in tales of King Priam, Hector, Paris and Helen. Explore the archaeological site revealing nine layers of civilization and see the replica wooden horse that recalls the Greek strategy used to end the legendary siege. Later, travel to the village of Demircidere for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local women, visit the village bakery and enjoy lunch made with fresh, homegrown produce. Continue to Izmir and settle into your seaside hotel before dining together this evening. Locations: Çanakkale, Troy, Demircidere, Izmir
-
Day 5
Admire the Ruins of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale
Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, admiring the well-preserved facade of the Library of Celsus and the remains of the Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theater, built by the Romans in the 2nd century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and artistry of Turkish carpet weaving during a visit to a local carpet emporium. Then, relax and unwind in the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale. Locations: Izmir, Ephesus, Pamukkale
-
Day 6
Onwards to Hierapolis and Konya
This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Continue to Konya, where you'll visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Order, which reveals the origins of Sufism and the spiritual legacy of Rumi. This evening, dine at your hotel. Locations: Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Konya
-
Day 7
Continue to Cappadocia
Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive into Culture to learn about the traditional art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to witness the Whirling Dervishes ceremony, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Tonight, stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses. Locations: Konya, Cappadocia
-
Day 8
A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme
The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you explore its volcanic terrain dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. You can choose an Optional Experience to watch sunrise as hot air balloons glide above the valleys and dramatic rock formations. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, enjoy traditional pottery kebabs during dinner at a local restaurant. Locations: Cappadocia, Göreme, Saratli, Cappadocia
-
Day 9
Return to Istanbul
Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul. You may choose to join an optional Traditional Bosphorus Cruise, soaking up the city’s skyline from the water as palaces, minarets and waterfront neighborhoods glide by. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner. Locations: Cappadocia, Istanbul
-
Day 10
Farewell Istanbul
Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home. Locations: Istanbul