More reasons to book with us

  • Flexible bookings: 30-day money-back guarantee & free date changes
  • Quality tours at affordable prices
  • Complimentary airport shuttle on arrival
  • Modern air-conditioned coaches

Summary

Turkey (now internationally known as Türkiye) boasts a unique geographic location making it a beloved destination of both Europe and Asia! It's where the east meets the west and these two continents connect. Spend 10 days exploring Turkey’s hidden gems and must-see highlights. Visit the ancient sites of Troy, Hierapolis and Ephesus and encounter the Battlefields of Gallipoli. Bathe in the hot springs of Pamukkale. Experience the beauty of Cappadocia and its magical fairy chimneys! Shop til you drop at the Istanbul bazaars. Turkey will leave you changed and send you home with countless memories.

Highlights

  • Visit the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamom, Hierapolis and Ephesus
  • Explore the iconic sights in Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace 
  • Relax in the resort town of Kusadasi
  • Marvel at the beauty of Pammukale’s terraces and hot springs
  • Admire the unique beauty of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys

Start Point

Momento Hotel Beyazit | Meet your tour leader between 05:00 PM and 07:00 PM in the hotel lobby

End Point

Momento Hotel Beyazit | Tour concludes after breakfast
DAY 1: Start of tour in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul and the first day of this magical trip around Turkey! If you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-accommodation through us, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Get settled at the hotel and then the day is free to wander through this vibrant city. Catch a tram to the Grand Bazaar and get lost in the bustling market. In the Bazaar there are alleys for gold, leather, bowls and even tea! Want to escape the crowd? Find a rooftop terrace, enjoy the fantastic views and grab a drink while watching over the busy city. Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group this evening for an included group dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Dinner

DAY 1: Start of tour in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul and the first day of this magical trip around Turkey! If you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-accommodation through us, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Get settled at the hotel and then the day is free to wander through this vibrant city. Catch a tram to the Grand Bazaar and get lost in the bustling market. In the Bazaar there are alleys for gold, leather, bowls and even tea! Want to escape the crowd? Find a rooftop terrace, enjoy the fantastic views and grab a drink while watching over the busy city. Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group this evening for an included group dinner at the hotel.

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 2: Istanbul City Tour

After breakfast, join a local guide on a guided tour of Istanbul. Turkey is the only country to span over two continents! One side lies in Europe and the other in Asia. On this tour, see famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya). Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome also provide a glimpse into the past. Choose to end your day off with a night of traditional Turkish food, music and dancing!

Experiences

Istanbul guided tour: See the famous sights of Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome on a guided walking tour of Istanbul. The local guide will share the country’s stories and secrets. Topkapi Palace entrance fee: TRY750

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 3: Gallipoli Battlefields - Çanakkale

Today, visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. This haunting location is where 30,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives but it is also where three national identities were born - Turkey, New Zealand and Australia. The tour includes visits to the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorial in ANZAC Cove and the Neck and Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery. 25 April is commemorated in Turkey each year as ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. After the battlefields tour, travel onwards to Çanakkale for the night. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Experiences

Battlefields of Gallipoli: Visit the WWI battlefields of Gallipoli and pay homage to the soldiers that fought here over 100 years ago. See the memorials and important sights such as the Lone Pine and ANZAC Cove.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 4: Troy - Pergamum - Kusadaşi

Take a step back in time this morning and visit the city of Troy. This is the home of the famed Trojan Horse and site of the Trojan War in the 12th century! After delving into Trojan history, the tour makes its way to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum. Here, embark on a tour of its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Later, travel to Kuşadasi for an overnight stay and enjoy a delicious included dinner!

Experiences

Visit Troy: Travel through history on a tour of Troy. Learn about the Trojan War and the legendary Trojan Horse and see remnants of the historic cities of Troy through the ages. Troy Ancient Site entrance fee: TRY330

Visit Pergamum: Wander through the Acropolis of Pergamum and see the magnificent temples and library which put the ancient city at the centre of culture and politics many centuries ago. Pergamum Ancient Site entrance fee: TRY340

Visit Kuşadasi: Spend two evenings in the stunning resort town of Kuşadasi situated on Turkey’s western Aegean coast.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 5: Ephesus - Kusadaşi

Immerse yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Next, move on to the former Greek village of Şirince, meaning ‘pleasant’. According to legend, it used to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) by freed Greek slaves so that others wouldn’t follow them there. Today’s final stop is at a carpet village. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and this afternoon you can experience the delicate craft first-hand. This evening, relax at the hotel after a busy day of exploring.

Experiences

Explore the Temple of Artemis: See how people used to live thousands of years ago. Tour the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of Ephesus, get a glimpse of what an ancient lifestyle entailed and learn more about the destruction and attempt to rebuild the temple.

Visit Şirince: Take in the views at this former Greek village famous for its fruit wines.

Visit a Turkish carpet village: Experience the craft of traditional Turkish carpet hand-weaving at a carpet village.

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 6: Pamukkale hot springs - Hierapolis - Pamukkale

Start off the morning by enjoying a display of locally handcrafted leather goods. Next, travel on to one of the highlights of this tour - Pamukkale! This town is home to magnificent white calcium terraces, known as travertines. In Roman times, the natural hot spring water that flowed down the terraces was used for their therapeutic powers. Opt to visit the nearby Cleopatra’s Pool complete with ancient columns and inviting thermal water! Wrap up the day with a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis with an option to take in a traditional Whirling Dervish show in the evening. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Experiences

Explore Pamukkale: Marvel at the magnificent travertines and thermal hot springs found at Pamukkale. ‘Pamukkale’ translates to ‘cotton castle’ - what an accurate description of this famous landmark! Pamukkale Ancient Site entrance fee: TRY700

Hierapolis tour: Explore the museum in the ancient city of Hierapolis which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 7: Silk Road - Konya - Cappadocia

Today, travel along the ancient Silk Road! Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai - a caravanserai is a roadside inn where traders used to stopover and rest on their travels. Follow in the footsteps of all the traders that came before you! Look forward to another stop in Konya at the Mevlana Museum along the way. This is home to the mausoleum of the famous poet, Rumi. Don’t miss out on the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening tonight!

Experiences

Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai: Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and imagine life as a trader on the silk road many, many years ago. Sultanhani Caravanserai entrance fee: TRY50

Visit Mevlana Museum: Tour the Mevlana Museum and see the mausoleum of poet Rumi.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 8: Göreme Valley - Cappadocia

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s most famous destinations. These magnificent rock-cut churches are bound to leave you awestruck! Why not find a rooftop bar or café and see the fairytale-like chimneys from above? Alternatively, explore the many levels of Kaymakli - an underground city in Cappadocia - or even enjoy a Turkish bath! This is the best way to relax after a day of exploring.

Experiences

Visit the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum: Witness the striking landscape and the famous rock-cut churches of Cappadocia at the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum. Göreme Open-Air Museum entrance fee: TRY480, Kaymakli Underground City entrance fee: TRY300

Meals

Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel

On Tour Excursions

DAY 9: Ankara - Istanbul

Leave for Ankara early this morning. Arrive and visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the famed President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In 1923, Ataturk declared Ankara as the capital city of modern Turkey. This bustling capital is famous for its performing arts with a variety of cultural sights to experience. After exploring the last stop on this Highlights of Turkey tour, head back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour and enjoy a farewell dinner with the group at the hotel.

Experiences

Visit Ankara: Explore the bustling capital of Turkey. Ankara is home to the State Opera and Ballet as well as the Presidential Symphony Orchestra. Throughout the city, you’ll find several theatre companies. It’s also home to the Anitkabir mausoleum.

Meals

BreakfastDinner

Accommodation

Hotel


DAY 10: End of tour in Istanbul

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast together with the group as the tour comes to an end this morning. After an incredible 10 days on tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your new travel friends. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you onto a tour again soon!

Meals

Breakfast

What's Included

Accommodation

  • 9 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotel accommodation in twin rooms with private bathrooms
  • Single travellers have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure a private room

Meals

  • 9 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
    *Vegetarian options available for all meals on request

Transport

  • Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats
  • Any public transport used as part of the tour (excludes free days)

Tour Leader

  • Fully guided tour with experienced tour leader
  • Tour leader will accompany group throughout and manage all logistical details

19 Experiences!

  • Discover Istanbul on a locally guided tour
  • Wander through the Hagia Sophia Museum
  • Marvel at the beautiful Blue Mosque
  • Visit Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome
  • Take a historical tour of the Gallipoli Battlefields
  • Learn about the Trojan War with a visit to Troy
  • Visit the ancient city of Pergamon, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Spend two nights in the resort town of Kuşadasi
  • Explore the site of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus
  • Stroll through the beautiful Şirince Village
  • Experience traditional Turkish carpet weaving
  • Explore the majestic calcium travertines of Pamukkale
  • Enjoy a tour of the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis
  • Stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai along the Silk Road
  • Visit the intriguing Mevlana Museum
  • See the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
  • Explore the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum
  • Visit Kaymakli's Underground City
  • Explore Ankara, Turkey’s capital city

Accommodation

Hotels are chosen closer to departure date. We do use a variety of hotels in each destination, so you may stay in a hotel different to that listed here.

Istanbul

Photos of the tour

Bosphorus Cruise and Dinner

Set off on an evening cruise along the iconic Bosphorus strait followed by dinner at a local restaurant! This picturesque waterway lies between Europe and Asia and passes under suspension bridges whilst offering views of Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions, mosques and modern villas lining the coast. After soaking up some truly magical views aboard the cruise, enjoy a delicious dinner in a nearby restaurant. This is your chance to try authentic Turkish cuisine!

Optional Excursions

Unless marked as “Pre-Book”, all optional excursions can be booked on tour and paid for in cash (in the stated currency) to your tour leader.
Prices and availability are subject to change

Dates & Rates

Our Price Beat Promise is to give you the lowest prices for our tours - guaranteed! Show us the lower price and we’ll do more than match it, we’ll beat it! Learn More

Our pricing model: Lowest-priced seats are sold first, then the price increases slightly. The quicker you book, the less you pay. Select a date below to secure your seat.
Years
Start Date / End DateFlexible BookingStatusPrice Per Person
13 Apr 2024 - 22 Apr 2024Flexible booking date for 13 Apr 2024 - 22 Apr 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
11 May 2024 - 20 May 2024Flexible booking date for 11 May 2024 - 20 May 2024Last 6 seats left - Book Now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
25 May 2024 - 03 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 25 May 2024 - 03 Jun 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
08 Jun 2024 - 17 Jun 2024Flexible booking date for 08 Jun 2024 - 17 Jun 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
06 Jul 2024 - 15 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 06 Jul 2024 - 15 Jul 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
17 Aug 2024 - 26 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 17 Aug 2024 - 26 Aug 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
31 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 31 Aug 2024 - 09 Sep 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
14 Sep 2024 - 23 Sep 2024Flexible booking date for 14 Sep 2024 - 23 Sep 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
19 Oct 2024 - 28 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 19 Oct 2024 - 28 Oct 2024Last 5 seats left - Book Now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
02 Nov 2024 - 11 Nov 2024Flexible booking date for 02 Nov 2024 - 11 Nov 2024Seats selling fast - Book now!€ 1,550 € 1,355
27 Apr 2024 - 06 May 2024Flexible booking date for 27 Apr 2024 - 06 May 2024SOLD OUT!
22 Jun 2024 - 01 Jul 2024Flexible booking date for 22 Jun 2024 - 01 Jul 2024SOLD OUT!
03 Aug 2024 - 12 Aug 2024Flexible booking date for 03 Aug 2024 - 12 Aug 2024SOLD OUT!
05 Oct 2024 - 14 Oct 2024Flexible booking date for 05 Oct 2024 - 14 Oct 2024SOLD OUT!
16 Nov 2024 - 25 Nov 2024Flexible booking date for 16 Nov 2024 - 25 Nov 2024SOLD OUT!

Number of travellers

Payment option

Flexible booking: flexible booking

Additional Information

For pre-departure and visa information, as well as frequently asked questions regarding preparing for and travelling on this tour, please visit our Help Centre.

Additional Information Help Centre

Reviews

Reviews powered by: Power Reviews

78 reviews
H
Hassy Verified Buyer 2023-08-24
Great to know and understand Turkey!
Before starting the tour, I had no time to study about the history of Turkey and the tour and the nice explanation of our tour leader Ege taught me a lot of important information with the great joy.
D
Dee Verified Buyer 2023-07-26
Trip of a life time
This is a bucket list for sure. Just do it!!! Our tour guide Ege was top notch. The sites to see are magical. Turkey is an amazing country
C
Corlien Verified Buyer 2023-07-20
Turkey tour
The tour include all the highlights in Turkey as promised but in order to get to everything in the 8 days on tour means long distance driving and many hours on the bus. Our bus driver, Mr Bake Abe, was excellent at his job and I felt safe at all times and admire his skill at getting the bus through small spaces or park in difficult spots. Our local guide, Ege, was a treat. Not only is he very knowledgeable about Turkey, but he has a lot of energy, a good sense of humour and he can communicate very well in English. Ege also went the extra mile for everyone and always made sure we are safe and OK. Ege helped us find our way after the Istanbul walking tour, by walking us down to the river in his free time. He also accompanied us on a sunset cruise during his off-time and was never too tired to listen or help with advise and guidance in terms of specific shopping requests. The tour itself allowed for time to admire the sights although a bit more time at Pumakale would have been great. The
K
Keenie Verified Buyer 2023-07-16
Amazing Turkey
This was an well planned and incredible tour. Our tour leader Ege was just amazing. Well informed, well articulated and very helpful. Loved his sense of humour and jis suggestions on where to eat was also great. Definitely one of the best tours I've been on in an amazing country. Thank you
R
Ricardo Verified Buyer 2023-07-15
Wonderful and unforgettable experience
A very knowledgeable tour leader

Why this tour?

You won’t find Turkey holiday deals much better than this 10-day group tour. Discover all the country’s highlights and explore the fascinating landmarks and attractions. From bustling bazaars and ancient cities to breathtaking scenery, Turkey vacations are magic. 

Istanbul serves as the start of this Turkey trip, offering the perfect introduction to this captivating land. See the sights and hear the sounds on a city tour, and don’t miss out on a Turkish dinner complete with dancing. See the Battlefields of Gallipoli, the Trojan Horse in Troy city, and the Acropolis of Pergamum (also known as Pergamon). There’s no shortage of history on this tour of Turkey, which also includes visits to Ephesus, the Temple of Artemi, and the Greek village of Şirince.

Included in this Turkey package deal is a trip to Pamukkale, known for its otherworldly calcium terraces. Follow in ancient traders’ footsteps as you travel Silk Road, and stop in at the Mevlana Museum. Expect an informative visit to Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, as well as an enchanting day in Cappadocia, with underground cities and Turkish baths to see.

Before this trip around Turkey comes to an end, there’s a stop off in Ankara, the capital, for a tour of the city and a visit to the Anitkabir mausoleum. Then, an authentic Turkish breakfast back in Istanbul completes this fascinating Turkey package vacation. 

Take advantage of our Turkey tour packages and tick this stunning destination off your bucket list. This adventure is perfect for everyone and is the ultimate way to explore the country. If you’re looking for fun, affordable, and inspiring holiday packages, Turkey is a great option.