Explore Turkey in 10 Days

Code: TTAT77
10 DAYS - 9 NIGHTS
Category:
  • balloon_turkey_ataraxiatours
  • balloon_turkey_ataraxiatours

Embark on a 10-day journey through Turkey, beginning and ending in Istanbul. Explore the Old City’s Ottoman and Byzantine past before heading to Gallipoli’s poignant World War 1 sites. Step into legend at Troy, marvel at ancient Ephesus, and bathe in the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale. In surreal Cappadocia, discover cave dwellings, underground cities and fairy chimneys, with the chance to take a magical hot air balloon ride. From bustling bazaars to ancient ruins and natural wonders, this tour offers a rich mix of history, landscapes and unforgettable Turkish hospitality.

Unlock the best of Turkey with proven fast-track access to the most exquisite places, Journey with expert travel while admiring all the must-sees. The journey will enrich you with historical events.  Limited Space available

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION Turkey
DEPARTURE TIME Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.
INCLUDED
Land Only Accommodations
10 days Breakfast and Dinner as per Itinerary

 
NOT INCLUDED
Entrance fees
Guide gratuity

Complimentary Wi-Fi

 

1

Day 1: Welcome to Turkey

Day 1 | Turkey

Welcome to Turkey

Welcome to Turkey and the start of your holiday. There’s an included arrival transfer to our hotel. After check in, relax in the hotel or head out and explore the city. At 8 pm, we’ll gather in the hotel to meet our fellow travelers and the guide before our adventure begins.

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Onboard Flight

2

Day 2 - The Old City

The Old City

This morning we’ll embark on a fascinating tour through the Old City of Istanbul, we’ll visit stunning examples of architecture that hail from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires eras. We’ll visit the stunning Blue Mosque, both inside and out. See the six exterior minarets and the famed blue Iznik tiles. Discover the Hippodrome and view the exterior of Hagia Sophia, which was constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Finally, we explore the impressive interior of Topkapi Palace, which was the main residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

3

Day 3

Gallipoli – World War 1 Battlefields

Istanbul – Gallipoli. Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.

Overnight: Canakkale

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

4

Day 4 - Troy & Kusadasi

Troy & Kusadasi

Gallipoli – Kusadasi. This morning we enjoy a short guided tour of Troy. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought to life by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed nine ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 BC. We enjoy a tour of the ruins and admire a replica of the Trojan wooden horse that, as legend goes, was filled with Aechaean soldiers who helped to sack Troy.

Driving further south we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheatres in the classical world. Pergamum was also famous for its Asclepion (medical centre). We continue to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast via a leather manufacturing house.

Overnight: Kusadasi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

5

Day 5 - Ancient Ephesus

Ancient Ephesus

Today, we explore legendary Ephesus – perhaps the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Under Roman rule, Ephesus was a vast and prosperous city with a population nearing 250,000. It was an important centre of commerce and a popular destination for pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis – one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. We have plenty of time to tour the marble ruins of Ephesus. Discover the famous Library of Celsus, the Stadium, the gymnasium of Vedius and the Great Theatre. We’ll see ancient public toilets, a brothel, fountains and various temples. There’s also a visit to a carpet manufacturing house.

Overnight: Kusadasi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

6

Day 6 - Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Pamukkale Thermal Pools

Kusadasi – Pamukkale. Driving east, we arrive at Pamukkale – home of the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they’re a natural phenomena and gift from Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs are known as travertines. Take a barefoot walk along the travertines or opt for a dip in the warm waters of the thermal pool, with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns.

Our last stop of the day is the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, famed for the curative powers of its mineral springs. These were dammed to create communal baths.

Overnight: Pamukkale

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

 

7 - 8

Day 7 - 8

Fairytale Cappadocia

Pamukkale – Cappadocia. On day 7 we drive to Cappadocia, stopping to visit some ancient caravanserais (roadside inns) such as Sultanhani. Tonight there’s a fun optional evening of Turkish folklore.

On day 8 we enjoy a guided tour of Cappadocia – perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown. Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most extraordinary national treasures. The utter improbability of the surreal landscape has to be seen to be believed with its ‘stuff of fables’ cave dwellings and phallic ‘fairy chimneys’ landscape. Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia.

A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. See stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples. Marvel at Zelve, with its phallic-like eroded landscape. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley, where centuries old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs. Our tour also takes in the incredible Uchisar castle-mountain. Enjoy marvelous views of Cappadocia from the summit and explore the underground city of Kaymakli. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, which specializes in historic jewellery designs that are unique to Turkey and crafted using local materials. For those not interested in shopping, there’s time to relax and grab a drink from the local cafe. This evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Please note: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia is dependent on the weather conditions. Book and pay locally – budget EUR €390 per person.

Overnight: Cappadocia

Meals: 2 x Breakfast and 2 x Dinner

 

9

Day 9 - Back to Istanbul

Back to Istanbul

Cappadocia – Istanbul. Today we head back to Istanbul, stopping en route for lunch (payable locally). We arrive into Istanbul in the evening. If you’d prefer to avoid the long journey over land today, we also offer the opportunity to fly from Cappadocia to Istanbul.

Overnight: Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast

 

10

Day 10 - Istanbul

Istanbul

After breakfast our tour draws to a close. An onward departure transfer is included to Istanbul International Airport and is offered at 9am and 1pm today.

Meals: Breakfast

 

 

Language English
Transport Luxury Tourist Coaches
Accommodation 4 and 5 Star Hotels
Meals Half Board - Breakfast and Dinner
Group Size 30 Plus

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