Best of Turkey
Witness a fusion of Europe and Asia in Istanbul, then explore fairy-tale Cappadocia, Mediterranean Antalya, plus the ruins at Ephesus, Troy & more
Overview
| Style | Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 16 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. (Some exceptions, including special promotional packages, may accommodate up to 30.) More of these packages
Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout |
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| Departures | March – November 2025 | Group Size | 16 travelers max |
| Themes | History & Culture | ||
| Activity Level | Advanced | ||
| What to Expect | This moderately-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. This tour also includes long scenic drives between destinations and may have limited rest stops. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Continents collide in Turkey, a country where you can jump start your morning with a Turkish coffee in Europe and by lunchtime snack on a kebab in Asia. Start your adventure in Istanbul, a city reverberating to the rhythm of the country's famous whirling dervishes, flavored as sweet as pomegranate and Baklava, scented by exotic spices wafting from the colorful markets, and with a picture-perfect skyline pierced by the minarets of Blue Mosque. Continue to the 'fairy-tale' landscape of Cappadocia where Bronze Age cave-dwellers carved ancient cities into the region's tall, cone shaped rocks. These 'underground cities' now host homes and businesses and the hotel you'll be staying in. Antalya and its stunning Mediterranean coastline serves as the jumping off point for a trip back in time as you explore Turkey's world class Greco-Roman ruins highlighted by Ephesus, Europe's most complete classical metropolis. Finally, end your adventure with another full day in Istanbul for independent exploration. Our Turkey small group tour will show you the best that this mysterious land has to offer, all for an irresistibly value-packed price that makes it possible for you to discover your own Turkish delights.
Package includes
- Flights
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from New York (JFK) to Istanbul including taxes & fees
- Arrival and departures transfers with meeting, assistance and porterage
- All intra-Turkey transportation
- Accommodation in Superior First Class and Deluxe hotels
- 23 Meals: 13 breakfasts and 10 dinners, including welcome and farewell dinners
- Wine included with welcome and farewell dinners
- Comprehensive touring program including entrance fees
- Professional, English-speaking tour manager
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Discounted optional excursions package
- Optional balloon ride over Cappadocia
- Optional Bosphorus cruise
Why you'll love it
- Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s history and art at the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia.
- Discover the magic of Cappadocia at one of its many underground cities.
- Get hands-on during a cooking class with a local family.
- Stop at Sultanhan, a castle-like structure full of impressive geometric and marble details that was once used as a resting place for camel caravans.
- Spend a full day at leisure exploring the coastal cliffs and towering mountains of Antalya.
- Gaze upon the icy white terraces and steaming hot springs in Pamukkale, and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hierapolis.
- Admire the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World in Ephesus.
- Explore the ancient city of Troy, best known as the location of the Trojan War, according to Homer's poem, The Iliad.
- Pay your respects at Gallipoli, the site of the fiercest battle of World War I.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
- 2 Istanbul
- 3 Istanbul
- 4 Istanbul & Cappadocia
- 5 Cappadocia
- Optional Excursion: Balloon Ride over Cappadocia (purchased locally), $400
- 6 Cappadocia & Konya
- Optional Excursion: Whirling Dervishes, $40
- 7 Konya & Antalya
- 8 Antalya
- Optional Excursion: Aspendos and Perge, $60
- Optional Excursion: Düden Waterfalls, $45
- 9 Antalya & Pamukkale
- 10 Pamukkale, Aphrodisias & Kuşadası
- 11 Ephesus
- Optional Excursion: Ephesus Museum & Şirince Village, $65
- 12 Pergamon, Troy & Çanakkale
- 13 Çanakkale, Dardanelles & Istanbul
- 14 Istanbul
- Optional Excursion: Dolmabahçe Palace (purchased locally), $50
- Optional Excursion: Bosphorus Cruise (purchased locally), $65
- 15 Istanbul/USA
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Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA/Overnight Flight
- Depart the USA on your overnight flight for Istanbul
Day 2 Istanbul
- Meet our representative and transfer to your hotel
- This evening, get to know your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant and briefing with your guide
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim or similar Dinner
Day 3 Istanbul
- Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)
- Marvel at the Hagia Sophia, famous for its massive dome and Byzantine architecture
- Enjoy a guided tour of Topkapı Palace including the Harem
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit some of the unique and iconic sites in the city. Start your tour at the Sultanahmet Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque for the tiles and paint adorning its interior. Built between 1609 and 1616 on the site of several previous palaces, the mosque is considered the last great mosque of the classical period, and even today, it is a truly epic sight. More than 200 stained glass windows admit natural light, thick carpets cover the floors, and the walls are decorated with intricate tile work and verses from the Qur'an, many by Seyyid Kasim Gubari, the most excellent calligrapher of his time.
Later, visit nearby Hagia Sophia, also known as Ayasofya, built by the emperor Justinian I between 537 and 543 AD. The Hagia Sophia is famous for its massive dome and Byzantine architecture, which inspired much of the Blue Mosque. Built as an Orthodox basilica, the Hagia Sophia later became a mosque and finally a museum in 1935. Spend the remainder of the morning at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. The bazaar opened in 1461, and there are over 1200 stores, many of which are grouped by type of goods, with particular areas for leather coats, gold jewelry, and other wares.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Topkapı Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. The palace became a museum of the imperial era in 1924, and the complex has hundreds of rooms and chambers, the most important of which are accessible to the public today. In addition, the palace houses an extensive collection of porcelain, robes, armor, Ottoman miniatures, and jewelry.
Day 4 Istanbul & Cappadocia
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia
- Pay a visit to the pottery makers in the city of Avanos
Utopia Cave Cappadocia or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy an early breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
Visit the pottery makers in the city of Avanos on the banks of the Kizilirmak River, where the red clay from the riverbanks is excellent for traditional household pottery, bricks, and roof tiles. Continue to your hotel for check-in and dinner.
Day 5 Cappadocia
- Visit the Open Air Museum of Göreme
- View the fairy landscapes and rock castles of Avcilar, Dervent Valley, Pidgeon Valley, and Uçhisar Foldings
- Get hands-on during a cooking class with a local family
Utopia Cave Cappadocia or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryCappadocia is the land of fairy chimneys and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Weather permitting, you may choose an optional balloon ride in the early morning.
Later, visit the Open Air Museum in the Göreme, where early Christian churches are decorated with frescoes. Enjoy the magnificent fairy landscapes and rock castles of Avcilar, Dervent Valley, Pidgeon Valley, and Uçhisar Foldings.
In the early evening, join your fellow travelers for a hands-on cooking class with a local family. Learn about their traditions as you prepare your meal together. Start with Turkish tea, visit their organic garden, then prepare your dinner, including a delicious dessert.
Optional Excursion: Balloon Ride over Cappadocia (purchased locally), $400Wake up early to embark on a hot air balloon ride! Float silently over the unique rock formations and rich fertile valleys of Cappadocia, all set against the dramatic volcanic landscape that formed the region over two million years ago. (Subject to weather conditions.)
Day 6 Cappadocia & Konya
- Explore one of the famed underground cities of Cappadocia
- Visit Sultanhan, a “caravanserai” (caravan palace)
- Explore the Mevlana Museum in Konya
Novotel Konya or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryExplore one of the famed underground cities of Cappadocia, carved out of the soft tuff. Early Christians built these structures as a refuge from the persecution of the Roman Empire. With several floors, tunnels, and rooms spanning for miles, they could shelter thousands of people with their livestock and food stores. In addition, they had living quarters, churches, storage rooms, stables, wells, ventilation systems, and wine and oil presses!
Continue your journey to Konya. En route, visit Sultanhan, a "caravanserai" (caravan palace) built as a resting place for the camel caravans, with a stone-paved hallway and other impressive fortifications. Upon reaching Konya, the capital town of Konya province, you'll visit the Mevlana Museum, where Rumi, a Sufi mystic, poet, and the founder of the Mevlana "Dervish" order, is buried.
Optional Excursion: Whirling Dervishes, $40After dinner, join an optional outing to see the Whirling Dervishes dance performance. "Dervish" is a common term for an initiate of the Sufi path, and the whirling is part of the formal "Sema" ceremony by participants known as semazens. The unique and fascinating whirling dances were inspired by Mawlana Jalaleddin Rumi, one of the great mystics of Islam.
Day 7 Konya & Antalya
- Travel through the Taurus Mountains to reach Antalya
Ramada Plaza Antalya or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryAfter breakfast, your journey continues south toward the Mediterranean resort of Antalya. Drive through the Taurus Mountains to reach Antalya. En route, visit the Ibradi Ormana Village, where some button houses date back to the 17th century. There are a variety of lunch options available with fresh, local vegetables. After lunch, continue to Antalya for check-in and dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 8 Antalya
- Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya or join one or both optional excursions
Ramada Plaza Antalya or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryEnjoy a day at leisure exploring the town of Antalya, which is situated on coastal cliffs and surrounded by mountains. Today, it is a bustling city and resort area. Take one of the optional excursions to Aspendos and Perge in the morning and the Düden Waterfalls in the afternoon.
Optional Excursion: Aspendos and Perge, $60Start the tour with a visit to Antalya Archaeological Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts from the region and Greek and Roman sculptures. Later, travel to Aspendos, located beside the Eurymedon River, which is renowned worldwide for its magnificent ancient Roman theater, famous for its perfect acoustics. Perge, one of Pamphylia's main cities, was founded after the Trojan War by colonists from Argos. The city is very well preserved, with a theater, stadium, and Agora. Return to Antalya.
Optional Excursion: Düden Waterfalls, $45In the afternoon, visit the Düden Waterfalls. The Düden River flows through the Taurus Mountains, creating a drop of thundering water. There are even stalagmites and stalactites due to the high content of minerals in the water.
Day 9 Antalya & Pamukkale
- Explore the city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit Laodicea, one of the early Christian communities mentioned in the New Testament
Doğa Thermal Health & Spa or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryLeave the coast for Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish. The city contains hot springs and stunning white terraces resembling ice created by carbonate minerals left by flowing water. Visit the city of Hierapolis, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the hot springs have been used as a spa since the second century. See the great baths constructed without the use of cement. The town was also settled by Jews from Babylon and Mesopotamia, who were exiled by Antiochus the Great. Continue to Laodicea, one of the early Christian communities mentioned in the New Testament, and check in at your hotel, followed by dinner.
Day 10 Pamukkale, Aphrodisias & Kuşadası
- Visit the Roman city of Aphrodisias
Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit the Roman city of Aphrodisias, whose extensive excavation was funded by the National Geographic Society. Ancient artists produced sophisticated statues inspired by Aphrodite, the goddess of love and marriage, for whom the town was named. Visit the Temple of Aphrodite and the local archaeological museum, which houses a beautiful collection of the art of Aphrodisias.
Continue to Kuşadası on Turkey's Aegean coast for dinner and overnight. The area has been a crossroads of art and culture since it was founded 5000 years ago and was the final destination of medieval caravan routes from the Orient.
Day 11 Ephesus
- Explore Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure, or join an optional excursion
Ramada Hotel & Suites Kusadasi or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryToday, visit the glorious city of Ephesus, the capital city of the Roman Province of Asia Minor, founded over 4,000 years ago. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is represented by one column and fragments of a frieze. Walk through the ancient streets to view the magnificent structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater. Ephesus is also where St. Paul and St. John lived during the first century. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, where Mary spent her last years living near a grove of olive trees. A visit is considered a pilgrimage by the Vatican. Afterward, join an optional excursion to the Ephesus Museum and Şirince or return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening leisurely; perhaps dine at one of the many local restaurants.
Optional Excursion: Ephesus Museum & Şirince Village, $65This afternoon, join an optional excursion to Ephesus Museum and Şirince Village. The Ephesus Museum has two main sections: archaeological and ethnographical. Various artifacts from the Prehistoric, Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Periods are on display through 8 different exhibition halls and a large courtyard.
Şirince Village was settled in the 15th century after Ephesus was abandoned; however, the current buildings date back to the 19th century. It was once an old Orthodox village called Çirkince ("ugly"). The inhabitants established this name because they did not want to share their village's beauty with strangers. An Izmir mayor later gave the name Şirince ("pretty"). Enjoy the scenery of vineyards and peach trees from this mountaintop village. Today, the village is a perfect combination of Turk-Greek culture. Before the Independence War, the Greeks lived in villages; after the war, the Turks in Greece returned to Turkey, and the Greeks in Turkey moved to Greece. The new inhabitants maintained the characteristics of typical Greek houses, the most beautiful of which is open to visitors. Explore the narrow streets of Şirince and the wares of the villagers selling handicrafts, olive oil, and wine.
Day 12 Pergamon, Troy & Çanakkale
- Discover Pergamon, the capital of a once powerful kingdom
- Continue to Asklepion, a famed ancient medical center
- Visit the ancient city of Troy
Kolin Hotel Çanakkale or similar Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, visit the ruins of Pergamon, the capital of a powerful kingdom during the Hellenistic period in the first century. Visit the Acropolis structure, which houses the Temple of Trajan, the Sanctuary of Athena, and the Altar of Zeus. When papyrus became scarce, the Pergamenes invented a new writing material made of fine calfskin called pergamena (parchment), a predecessor of vellum. The Library of Pergamon, built by King Eumenes II and containing as many as 200,000 volumes, was second only to the Library of Alexandria, Egypt.
Continue to the nearby Asklepion, a famed ancient medical center built to honor Asklepios, the god of healing. It was also the site of the world's first known psychiatric hospital. In the ancient world, this was where famous people wanted to go for bathing treatments, interpreting dreams, and drinking water from the sacred fountain.
Finally, en route to Çanakkale, visit the ancient city of Troy, best known as the focus of the Trojan War as described in the epic poem by Homer. Today's ancient city is an expansive archaeological and UNESCO World Heritage site.
Later this evening, arrive in Çanakkale, check in, and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 13 Çanakkale, Dardanelles & Istanbul
- Enjoy a ferry ride across the Dardanelles
- Visit the battle site of Gallipoli and pay your respects
- Spend the balance of the day at leisure in Istanbul
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryContinue north by ferry across the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara. This strait, like the Bosphorus in Istanbul, separates Europe from Asia.
Visit the site of Gallipoli, where one of the fiercest battles of World War I took place. The Gallipoli campaign was the first major battle undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). The struggle laid the grounds for the Turkish War of Independence and the foundation of the Republic of Turkey, led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Continue to Istanbul for an afternoon at leisure.
Day 14 Istanbul
- Explore Istanbul independently, or take an optional cruise along the Bosphorus
- Join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner with wine
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim Breakfast & dinner
Full Day ItinerarySpend your last day in Istanbul doing some last-minute shopping or independent exploration. Alternatively, join an optional cruise on the Bosphorus. This evening, meet with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursion: Dolmabahçe Palace (purchased locally), $50This morning, join an optional tour to Dolmabahçe Palace, also known as the Ottoman Palace. Admire this splendid architectural jewel from the 19th-century Ottoman period in the heart of Istanbul. Built by the Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamid between 1843 and 1856, this palace shows a mixture of Turkish and French influences. The palace boasts 285 rooms and ceilings made of 14 tons of gold. A splendid Bohemian chandelier adorns nearly every room.
Optional Excursion: Bosphorus Cruise (purchased locally), $65Cruise the straits that separate Europe and Asia, passing by the villas and palaces of the Ottoman Empire and little fishing villages. The route zigzags across the channels for picture-perfect views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Suspension bridges.
Day 15 Istanbul/USA
- Transfer to the airport and board your return flight to the USA.
Breakfast
Hotels
Sofitel Istanbul is a luxurious and sophisticated hotel in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey. The hotel's prime location in Istanbul further enhances its appeal. Situated in the city's heart, Sofitel Istanbul provides easy access to popular attractions, renowned shopping districts, cultural landmarks, and vibrant entertainment options. Immerse yourself in the rich history and lively atmosphere of Istanbul while enjoying the comfort and luxury of their Sofitel experience.
Set in a lush garden, the Utopia Cave Cappadocia in Ürgüp is located near Cappadocia’s famous rock formations. This cave hotel offers accommodation in a historic environment, along with modern facilities. The ruins of old houses, mansions, and dwellings carved into the hill have been renovated into the guestrooms and facility buildings.
Novotel Konya is a contemporary and upscale hotel in the vibrant city of Konya, Turkey. It is conveniently situated near the city center, offering easy access to Konya's main attractions, shopping centers, and cultural sites. With its modern design and amenities, Novotel offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay for business and leisure travelers.
The Ramada Plaza Hotel is located on the seafront with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and of the Taurus Mountains as a backdrop. Antalya's city center is just a few steps away.
Located in Karahayit, near the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis, the Doğa Thermal Health & Spa offers a relaxing environment with natural thermal waters that have been an attraction to this area since classical antiquity.
Located on a 5-acre property facing the Aegean Sea at the entrance to Kusadasi, the Ramada Hotel & Suites is the perfect starting point to explore the archaeological sites of ancient Ephesus as well as to relax enjoying the facilities and the view of the sea. The hotel has 3 outdoor swimming pools, a spa featuring Turkish Bath, Sauna, Steam Bath and massage units and a fitness center.
The Kolin Hotel Çanakkale is a five star resort located on 650 meters of pristine coast line. The main principle of the hotel is customer satisfaction. There are gardens overlooking the Strait, outdoor and indoor (heated) pools, sauna, Turkish bath, Finnish bath, Jacuzzi, fitness center, spa, live music at the bars, and a night club.Turkish Bath & Sauna has a magical atmosphere where you can have fun and relax in its warm waters. Feel free to enjoy the shock pool after the sauna or take advantage of a Finnish Bath.
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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What should I know before I go?
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?
Can I make changes to my trip?
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?
Should I purchase travel insurance?
What's the fine print?
What should I know about Turkey?
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