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9 day(s)
Private
1-30 people
easy
Discover the
rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes of Turkey on
this 9-day grand tour. From the Ottoman and Byzantine landmarks of
Istanbul to the legendary battlefields of Gallipoli, the ancient
ruins of Troy, Assos, and Pergamon, and the natural wonders of Pamukkale,
this journey offers an immersive experience into Turkey’s past and present.
Explore the
sacred sites of Ephesus and Sardis, visit the charming Sirince
Village, and end your adventure in Bursa, the first capital of the
Ottoman Empire. Whether you're fascinated by ancient civilizations, Ottoman
architecture, or stunning landscapes, this all-encompassing tour ensures
an unforgettable Turkish experience
Duration
9 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-30 people
Tour Code
9DGTTFIBB
Departure Type
guaranteed
Tour Category
Religious
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99

İstanbul
İstanbul
(Dinner included)
Arrive
at Istanbul airport, meet your transfer assistant, and get a private transfer
to your hotel. This nine-day trip combines ancient history, stunning
landscapes, and cultural exploration of Turkey. Meet your guide tomorrow
morning. You
can take an optional Bosphorus tour if you check in early to the hotel (before
15:00). Accommodation in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, you will meet your tour guide and discover Istanbul's Byzantine and
Ottoman treasures. First, we will visit St. Sofia (Hagia Sophia), built by the
emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD as a church and later converted into a
mosque after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. We will stroll the historic
Hippodrome Square, a meeting place for chariot races during the Byzantine
period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi and the Egyptian
Obelisk.
The
Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is made of blue Iznik tiles
and has six unique minarets.We
will have lunch in a local restaurant.
The
Basilica Cistern is a magnificent underground wonder with 336 columns built
during the Byzantine period to store the city's water. The Istanbul
Municipality in 2022 and softly lit it to highlight its architectural grandeur.
The iconic Medusa heads and statues supporting two columns offer a mysterious
and unforgettable glimpse into Istanbul's rich past. Grand
Bazaar has 4000 shops and 60th streets and is known as the world's largest
“souk”. Accommodation in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
The
Gallipoli Peninsula is where the victory of the Turks under the command of
ATATÜRK against the European Allies took place during World War I. The epic
struggle of the Turkish and Anzac soldiers during the Gallipoli War left
stories of heroism and traces of war deeply felt in these historical lands.
Take a journey into the depths of recent history and discover the sad and proud
story of the Gallipoli War. Visit the Anzac Cemetery, built in memory of the
Australian and New Zealand Soldiers who became famous for their heroic efforts.
Essential
places to visit on the Gallipoli Peninsula:Anzac
Cove: The coastal area where the Anzac soldiers landed. Lone
Pine Memorial: Built-in memory of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers who
lost their lives in Çanakkale. 57th
Regiment Cemetery: A meaningful monument that keeps the memory of the Turkish
soldiers who fought under the command of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk alive.
Conkbayırı:
The turning point of the Çanakkale victory, the hill where the most critical
moments of the Çanakkale war took place. Çanakkale
Martyrs' Monument: A monument that immortalises the heroism of the Turkish
soldiers and has become a symbol of war. Accommodation in Canakkale
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, visit Ancient Troy, strategically located at the Aegean entrance of
the Dardanelles Strait. Here, the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's
Iliad took place. You can visit the Trojan Horse and Troy Museum. Visit
Assos, a significant ancient settlement founded during the Bronze Age
(3000-1200 BC) on the slopes of a volcano in the Edremit Gulf. The Temple of
Athena, situated on a hill, and the ancient theatre offer magnificent views.
During his third missionary journey, St. Paul sailed from the harbour of Assos
to Mitylene on the island of Lesbos as he travelled to Jerusalem. We
take a short coffee break in Ayvalık, a cute tourist town on the coast. Then,
we arrive in Pergamon and have lunch in a local restaurant.
Pergamon
is on the World Heritage list. Explore the legendary Pergamon, the capital of
the Kingdom of Pergamon, from 282 to 133 BC. We will visit the Pergamon
Acropolis, which served as the city's administrative centre, the Temple of
Zeus, the Temples of Dionysus, Athena, and Demeter, and the famous Pergamon
Library, which housed 200,000 scrolls. The Great Theatre of Pergamon, known as
the world's steepest theatre, could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators in
ancient times. Additionally, we will see the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church),
one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation. After our visits, we will
drive to Izmir. Accommodation
in Izmir.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, drive Ephesus from Izmir 80 Km. Ephesus
is on the WORLD HERITAGE List. The ancient capital of Asia Minor is one of the
best preserved from antiquity. It is where the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of
Trajan, the Grand Theater, the Terrace House (entrance extra), and the Library
of Celsus.
The
Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world, was destroyed by
earthquakes and remained underground, consisting of the remains of a few
columns.
Lunch
Break in a Local Restaurant. Afterwards visit the House of the Virgin Mary,
where the Virgin Mary lived in her last years.
We
cover our day by taking a short souvenir shopping break and watching the Leader
fashion show at the Leather Clothing Factory Outlet Center.
Sirince
Village; We explore the former Greek village Sirince, famous for its fruit
wines and 300-year-old wooden houses. We also enjoy a local wine tasting in
Sirince Village. Accommodation
in Kusadasi.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we drive through Pamukkale. After a pleasant journey (220 km)
through citrus and Fig Gardens, cotton fields, olive and vegetable gardens on
fertile plains, and the lovely villages and towns of the Aegean, we arrive at
Pamukkale.
Pamukkale
takes its name from the white travertine terraces. This natural formation was
formed by the hardening of calcium carbonate from hot springs over time. With
their dazzling whiteness and stepped structure, travertines resemble a cotton
pile. You can swim in the Cleopatra pool (Extra payment).
Lunch
break in a local restaurant. Hierapolis is an ancient Greco-Roman city. Founded
by the Kingdom of Pergamon in the 2nd century BC, it has become famous as a
health centre, mainly due to its thermal waters. The main structures in Hierapolis
includes the Antique Theater, Necropolis (Cemetery), Cleopatra Pool, Frontinus
Gate, and Frontinus Street. You can also visit the Martyrium of Apostle Philip,
who was martyred during the persecutions ordered by Domitian. Accommodation
in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we will depart through Philadelphia for Alasehir, one of the Seven
Churches of Asia. There, we will see the remains of a Byzantine basilica built
of brick, with a high arch and 11th-century frescoes. Salihli
is a rich and modern district with vineyards and orchards on its fertile plain.
Sardes
(Salihli) is the capital of the ancient Lydia Kingdom, where the first coins
were minted in history. Visit the Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium and the
Byzantine Synagogue. One of the seven churches is Sardis Church. Lunch
break in a restaurant, then arrive at Izmir.
Izmir
3rd largest province of Turkey. Known for modern lifestyle, industry and
agricultural products.
We
will visit the ancient Agora, Konak Square, and the historical Kemeraltı Bazaar
in Izmir.
Kemeraltı
Bazaar is a vivacious and cheap market where locals shop. We will also enjoy
the sunset while drinking coffee at the cafeterias along the Kordon Boyu shore. Accommodation
in Izmir.
(Breakfast and Dinner included)
After
breakfast, we drive to Istanbul. As we arrive in the charming city of Bursa,
our first stops will be the stunning Great Mosque (Ulu Mosque) and the
beautiful Green Mosque—both must-see landmarks! After soaking in the serene
atmosphere, you’ll have some delightful free time to explore the vibrant Koza
Han Silk Market for unique treasures. Then, we’ll gather for a delicious lunch
at a local restaurant, where you can savour Bursa's famous kebabs. We’ll
continue our exciting adventure to Istanbul with full hearts and bellies! Accommodation
in Istanbul
(Breakfast included)
Free
time depends on your flight time. Private transfer to the Istanbul airport.
Hope to see you on another holiday in Turkey.
4
nights hotel in Istanbul 5 Star Ramada By Wyndham Istanbul Pera
1 nights hotel in Canakkale Troia Tusan
Hotel
1
nights hotel in Izmir - Blanca Hotel 4*
2
nights hotel in Kusadasi Odelia Resort Hotel
1 nights hotel in Pamukkale Palm Thermal Hotel
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange smilar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost
Professional English - speaking tour guides
8
open buffet breakfasts
8 local dinners at the hotels
All Tour Airport Transfers in the Program
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach All parking,
highway, bridge fees
Guided Istanbul Tour Ottoman & Byzantine Imperiors
Monuments
Guided Gallipoli, Anzac Bay, Dardanalles Tour
Guided Troy, Assos, Pergamon Tour
Guided Sirince Village, Ephesus Tour
Guided Pamukkale, Hierapolis Tour
Guided Sardis, Philadelphia Tour
Guided Bursa Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Hotel service fees and city taxes
VAT - City Tax
International Flights
Travel insurance
Personal
expenses
Lunch
and Beverages.
Travel
insurance (highly recommended)
Tips
for the guide, driver, restaurant, and hotel.
Group
Tips for the guide and driver