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Best of Turkey

From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you'll also venture to Demircidere Village for ...

From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you'll also venture to Demircidere Village for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.

(from USD 3,110)

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Best of Turkey
From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you'll also venture to Demircidere Village for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.

Dining Summary

  • 10 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Must-see Highlights (do not use)

  • Explore Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya and Cappadocia
  • Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, ancient ruins of Troy, ancient city at Ephesus, Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, Archaeological Museum in Antalya, home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, underground city of Saratli and Göreme Open-Air Museum
  • View the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

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.
  • Nevsehir: Meet Ali, our local host and Cappadocian local, for a tour of his family-run farm. See the sport where his grandfather’s garden once stood, taste freshly baked bread and fresh and dried fruits grown on pigeon natural fertilizer, the traditional farming method for producing a rich and nutritious harvest.  This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Thanks to Ali’s work to revive the traditional farming practices unique to this region of Cappadocia, the region has regained pride in their local traditions.  It also advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using exclusively traditional farming practices, the farm is one of the few to be producing traditional and rare fruits, herbs and old grains, typical of the region. 

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.

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.

Details

Tour Operator
Trafalgar
Start City
Istanbul
End City
Istanbul
Duration (Days)
14
Activity Level
Country Explorer

Highlights

  • Country Explorer
  • Country Explorer
Pricing & departures
Option From Departs Returns
Twin USD 3,150 December 10, 2027 December 23, 2027
Triple USD 3,110 December 10, 2027 December 23, 2027
Single USD 3,910 December 10, 2027 December 23, 2027
Twin USD 3,425 December 20, 2027 January 2, 2028
Triple USD 3,385 December 20, 2027 January 2, 2028
Single USD 4,185 December 20, 2027 January 2, 2028
Twin USD 3,395 December 26, 2027 January 8, 2028
Triple USD 3,355 December 26, 2027 January 8, 2028
Single USD 4,155 December 26, 2027 January 8, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 January 2, 2028 January 15, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 January 2, 2028 January 15, 2028
Single USD 3,910 January 2, 2028 January 15, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 January 16, 2028 January 29, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 January 16, 2028 January 29, 2028
Single USD 3,910 January 16, 2028 January 29, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 January 30, 2028 February 12, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 January 30, 2028 February 12, 2028
Single USD 3,910 January 30, 2028 February 12, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 February 20, 2028 March 4, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 February 20, 2028 March 4, 2028
Single USD 3,910 February 20, 2028 March 4, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 February 27, 2028 March 11, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 February 27, 2028 March 11, 2028
Single USD 3,910 February 27, 2028 March 11, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 March 5, 2028 March 18, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 March 5, 2028 March 18, 2028
Single USD 3,910 March 5, 2028 March 18, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 March 12, 2028 March 25, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 March 12, 2028 March 25, 2028
Single USD 3,910 March 12, 2028 March 25, 2028
Twin USD 3,150 March 19, 2028 April 1, 2028
Triple USD 3,110 March 19, 2028 April 1, 2028
Single USD 3,910 March 19, 2028 April 1, 2028
Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Istanbul

    Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure. Locations: Istanbul

  2. Day 2

    Discover Colorful Istanbul

    Begin your day at the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine life, where you’ll see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. View the Blue Mosque, with its striking minarets, and the architectural masterpiece of Hagia Sophia. With your Travel Director, explore Topkapi Palace and learn how Ottoman sultans once ruled an empire. Later, Dive into Culture with a visit to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Step into a maze of lantern-lit lanes where traders call out, artisans craft their wares and every turn tempts you to haggle for spices, ceramics and textiles. In the evening, another Optional Experience offers a taste of local culture, enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner with drinks as dancers and musicians take the stage in a lively performance. Locations: Istanbul

  3. Day 3

    Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale

    Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli, where the national pride of both Turkey and Australia was awakened amidst the bloody battlefields of World War I, a legacy still commemorated today. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting places of many Allied soldiers. Continue to Çanakkale, where you dine at your hotel tonight. Locations: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale

  4. 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, Izmir

  5. Day 5

    Explore the Ruins of Ephesus

    Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact facade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. During your visit to a Turkish carpet emporium, learn about the rich heritage and intricate artistry of carpet weaving. Then, visit the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki. Locations: Izmir, Ephesus, Izmir

  6. Day 6

    Onwards to Pamukkale

    Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner. Locations: Izmir, Pamukkale

  7. Day 7

    Venture to Hierapolis and Antalya

    Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, then enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for dinner at a local restaurant. Locations: Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Antalya

  8. Day 8

    Antalya Free Time

    Enjoy a day at your own pace, taking in the captivating seaside ambiance of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll through the charming, winding streets of the old city, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman architecture. For an Optional Experience, you may choose a yacht cruise and guided tour of Antalya's historic old town. Locations: Antalya

  9. Day 9

    On the Road to Aspendos and Konya

    Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where you'll gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. Then, visit the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome. Return to your hotel, where you'll dine tonight. Locations: Antalya, Aspendos, Konya

  10. Day 10

    Continue to Cappadocia

    See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. Journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle. Locations: Konya, Cappadocia

  11. Day 11

    A Day to Explore Spectacular Göreme

    The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you explore volcanic valleys dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. In the morning, you can rise early for an Optional Experience hot air balloon flight at sunrise for a bird’s-eye view of Cappadocia’s dreamlike terrain. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire rock-hewn churches then stop by the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive into Culture and see how Avanos potters shape local clay into everyday works of art. Later, choose an Optional Experience performance of the Whirling Dervishes for a moving insight into a centuries-old spiritual tradition. This evening, tuck into the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs at dinner in a local restaurant. Locations: Cappadocia, Göreme, Avanos, Cappadocia

  12. Day 12

    Onwards to Ankara

    Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening, dine at your hotel in Ankara. Locations: Cappadocia, Ankara

  13. Day 13

    Return to Istanbul

    Returning to Istanbul, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace or you can choose to cruise the Bosphorus on an Optional Experience, taking in the sights from the water as Europe and Asia slide past on either shore. End the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions over a memorable dinner. Locations: Ankara, Istanbul

  14. Day 14

    Farewell Istanbul

    Your epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as you bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell. Locations: Istanbul

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