Highlights of Turkey - From £1,763

Europe Turkey
OVERVIEW
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.
EXPERIENCES
Avanos: Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.

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.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
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01/05/2026 10/05/2026 £2,236 Book
15/05/2026 24/05/2026 £1,931 Book
29/05/2026 07/06/2026 £1,773 Book
12/06/2026 21/06/2026 £2,036 Book
26/06/2026 05/07/2026 £1,763 Book
10/07/2026 19/07/2026 £2,081 Book
07/08/2026 16/08/2026 £1,773 Book
21/08/2026 30/08/2026 £1,773   Book
28/08/2026 06/09/2026 £1,841 Book
04/09/2026 13/09/2026 £1,908 Book
11/09/2026 20/09/2026 £1,908 Book
18/09/2026 27/09/2026 £1,773 Book
25/09/2026 04/10/2026 £1,863 Book
ITINERARY

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.

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 colourful stalls, spices, ceramics and keepsakes.

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.

Visit a land of Trojan legends, where the ancient city of Troy has been immortalised by Homer in tales of King Priam, Hector, Paris and Helen. Explore the archaeological site revealing nine layers of civilisation 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.

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 Theatre, 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.

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.

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.

The otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia take centre 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.

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 neighbourhoods glide by. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner.

Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
  • Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Kolin - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5: Colossae Thermal - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Dedeman - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: Exedra - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Exedra - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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