Wonders of Turkey

Europe Turkey

Get ready to experience Turkey’s rich history, jaw-dropping landscapes, and vibrant culture on this 11-day tour. Wander through Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, marvel at the Whirling Dervishes, and explore Cappadocia’s fairy-tale scenery. Discover ancient cities steeped in legend, descend into an underground fortress, and trace the footsteps of empires past. From Byzantine splendours to Ottoman treasures, Turkey is your gateway to unforgettable stories and stunning sights. An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.

Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.

City orientation tours.

Extensive variety of Choice Experiences.

Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat.

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries.

Many meals and daily breakfasts included.

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Wonders of Turkey

Accommodation

DAY 1: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu - Meals:
DAY 10: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: Ibis Istanbul Zeytinburnu - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: New Park Hotel - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Ramada by Wyndham - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Ramada by Wyndham - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6: Richmond Thermal - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7: Ontur Otel Izmir - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Ontur Otel Izmir - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Büyük Truva Hotel Çanakkale - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 1: Arrive Istanbul

It’s the city Napoleon said should be the capital of Earth and while it may not quite have reached that stature, Istanbul’s history as the capital of two great empires has left an enviable legacy of art, architecture and culture. Where better to begin your journey across Turkey than in its capital, the gateway to the Orient? Arrive at your hotel and explore the city your way before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.

DAY 2: Istanbul sightseeing and free time

Discover how centuries of Ottoman rule shaped the city's heritage as the meeting point between East and West when you join your Travel Director this morning for a guided sightseeing tour, see Hagia Sophia, once the leading church in Christendom, the Hippodrome and see the Blue Mosque. Later, you’ll have some time to explore Istanbul your way or consider an Optional Experience to Topkapi Palace Museum, and a cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Europe and Asia.

DAY 3: Istanbul – Ankara

Ramble past the colourful displays of lanterns, pottery and fabric as you wander through one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar. The scents of Turkish tea will linger long after you leave Istanbul, bound for Ankara. Arriving in the Turkish capital, you’ll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, before dinner.

DAY 4: Ankara – Cappadocia

The hometown of the Hittites is under the spotlight this morning. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder and father of the Turkish Republic, then continue to the whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia and visit the underground city of Saratli.

DAY 5: Cappadocia sightseeing and free time

Admire Cappadocia's fairy-tale chimneys this morning as you journey to Pasabagi and Red Valley. Visit a regional rug production centre then enjoy an afternoon on your own amidst the fantasy landscapes left by Mother Nature in the ochre rock. A Choice Experience in Göreme reveals how Christians once worshipped in the many rock churches that remain to this day. This evening you could join a Choice Experience with the Whirling Dervishes, watching them whirl around and around in remembrance of God. Dinner is served at your hotel.

DAY 6: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale

First up is the ancient city of Konya, the final resting place of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana whose famous mausoleum you will visit before continuing to the cotton fortress of Pamukkale, home to mineral-rich thermal waters which cascade down snow-white travertine terraces.

DAY 7: Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Izmir

The ethereal white pools and terraces that cascade down surrounding cliffs are a sight to behold this morning as you see the ruins of the ancient Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Head west to the Aegean coastline, arriving in Izmir in time to spend some time exploring this pretty port town, with its lengthy promenade. Learn about its multicultural past, and its history as a Greek city. Consider joining an optional seafood dinner at a favourite local restaurant renowned for its stunning views.

DAY 8: Izmir Free Time

Today is free for you to enjoy at leisure or our Optional Experience could see you visit Ephesus, a 2,000-year-old site and home to the iconic Library of Celsus and Hadrian’s Temple. Included in this experience is a visit to the stone cottage, where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final years before a lunch is a local restaurant. Afterwards visit the glass makers of Nazarkoy village discovering the regions connection with the Evil eye beads on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® Experience.

DAY 9: Izmir - Troy - Çanakkale

On today’s agenda is a visit to Troy, an ancient city that inspired Homer’s tales about the wrath of Achilles and the siege of the same city, which was only broken through the clever construction of a wooden Trojan horse, a replica of which can still be seen today. Continue to Çanakkale later where dinner is served at your hotel this evening.

DAY 10: Çanakkale - Gallipoli - Istanbul

A poignant start to the day takes you to Gallipoli, where fierce World War I battles left a lasting legacy. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair to honour the soldiers who gave their lives on both sides of the conflict. Then it’s back to Istanbul for your final night. Fancy one last hurrah? Join a Choice Experience with dinner, drinks and a belly dancing show that brings the buzz of Istanbul to life.

DAY 11: Depart Istanbul

Your whirlwind encounter with the wonders of Turkey has come to an end. You’ve stood at the crossroads of East and West, trod in the footsteps of the ancients and admired ethereal landscapes that belong in a storybook. For now it’s time to end this chapter with a heartfelt farewell to your newfound friends.

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19/07/2025 29/07/2025 £1,254 Book
30/08/2025 09/09/2025 £1,282 Book
13/09/2025 23/09/2025 £1,282 Book
27/09/2025 07/10/2025 £1,425 Book
11/10/2025 21/10/2025 £1,425 Book
25/10/2025 04/11/2025 £1,425 Book
11/04/2026 21/04/2026 £1,395 Book
25/04/2026 05/05/2026 £1,395 Book
09/05/2026 19/05/2026 £1,395 Book
23/05/2026 02/06/2026 £1,395 Book
06/06/2026 16/06/2026 £1,395 Book
20/06/2026 30/06/2026 £1,395 Book
04/07/2026 14/07/2026 £1,395 Book
18/07/2026 28/07/2026 £1,395 Book
01/08/2026 11/08/2026 £1,395 Book
15/08/2026 25/08/2026 £1,395 Book
29/08/2026 08/09/2026 £1,395 Book
12/09/2026 22/09/2026 £1,395 Book
26/09/2026 06/10/2026 £1,395 Book
10/10/2026 20/10/2026 £1,395 Book
24/10/2026 03/11/2026 £1,395 Book

Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.

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