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Contiki
Days
11
From
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Jun 16, 2024
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Jul 14, 2024
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Sep 01, 2024
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Sep 11, 2024
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Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Welcome to Turkey, a diverse cultural mecca where relics of the ancient world blend seamlessly with lively local markets and palm-fringed promenades. In 11 days you'll visit the UNESCO-listed city of Troy and underground city complexes at Cappadocia, tick off one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World at Ephesus, visit a local village for traditional crafts & afternoon tea, have the chance to bathe in healing mineral waters at Pamukkale, and bring back a suitcase full of Turkish treasures.

Countries Visited

Turkey

  1. Day 1
    Start Istanbul
    The countdown is finally over, global roamers! We're here in Istanbul and all geared up to uncover fabulous Turkey. No better way to kickstart this journey than a delightful Turkish dinner, after which you'll have some free time to explore this wonderful city on your own.Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
    Meals:   Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Istanbul
    20,000 hand painted tiles fill the stunning Blue Mosque; millions of trinkets line the kilometres of the Grand Bazaar; and over 1,500 years of history sit within the walls of the Hagia Sophia. This is just some of the exotic magnificence that will keep us glued to Istanbul today with a walking tour (guided by an local expert, of course!). Seal the day of sightseeing with an optional Turkish bath and a belly dancing Turkish evening. Day two and we're already up to our eyeballs in experiences.Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  3. Day 3
    Istanbul to Canakkale via Gallipoli
    Out of exotic Istanbul we make our way to Canakkale, taking a sobering stop at the World War I site of Gallipoli. Visiting ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair & Lone Pine Cemetery today we are gifted with a special opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes of World War I right here where part of the battle took place. Afterwards, we'll brighten the mood with a drive along the Sea of Marmara en route to Canakkale. Shortly after ferrying across the Dardanelles (casually crossing continents) we'll arrive in the sparkling town of Canakkale. Tonight is yours to unwind and relax with your squad.Accommodation: Tusan Hotel (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Canakkale to Izmir via Troy and Pergamum
    A big day sits ahead of us. Down as much breakfast as you can before we jump on the road in search of adventure. Today we discover that "Troy" means more than just a Hollywood blockbuster; so much more. Unravel the historical layers of a ten year war & what is now a mythical excavation site, and sign up for an in-depth look at the ancient ruins of the region, including a replica of the famous wooden Horse of Troy, where climbing in for a pic is essential. Further along the Turkish coastline we arrive at Pergamon. Once a political hotspot, this town is now brimming with history. We'll take a scenic mountain drive and give you the chance to get acquainted with Pergamon's hillside ruins, tapping into the archaeologist that you surely are. After our day's adventures are done, we arrive in Izmir, the birthplace of Homer (no kids, that isn't Homer from Springfield). After we tuck into some Turkish dinner, head out and explore the palm-lined promenades of this, the town known as the 'Pearl of the Aegean’.Accommodation: Hotel Anemon (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Izmir to Pamukkale
    Cruising out of Izmir after breakfast, we're heading out to marvel at what will probably be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes you have ever seen, but not before a trip to see one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Did you know Mark Antony and Cleopatra used to hang out here at Ephesus back in the day? And now here we are, walking in their footsteps some 2,000 years later in what is now the best preserved classical city on the Mediterranean. We'll have a chance to see the well-preserved ruins of this ancient port city including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus before heading back on the road to our next wonder, Pamukkale. Ah yes, there she is. Even more spectacular than Instagram & Pinterest had ever suggested and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale's flowing waters of arid ridges and white calcium terraces formed by mineral waters are almost too much. We'll enjoy at included dinner at our hotel tonight, with more time to explore tomorrow.Accommodation: Hotel Lycus River (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  6. Day 6
    Pamukkale to Konya
    Ready for more magic today? On the agenda is a visit to Hierapolis, one of the antique cities of the Aegean, where you'll have the chance to take a guided tour. Treating yourself to the optional thermal pool experience with all its healing properties is not something you'll want to miss. After lunch we'll drive to our next destination, Konya. The Sufi pilgrimage city of Konya dates back to 3000BC and is home to an elaborate 12th century mosque, narrow market streets, a contemporary university, whirling dervish ceremonies and the burial place of the Islamic poet, Rumi. We'll enjoy an included dinner at our hotel amidst the ancient and modern energy of this 5,000 year old city.Accommodation: Hotel Anemon (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Konya to Cappadocia
    Waving goodbye to Konya this morning, we have our sights set on another UNESCO World Heritage site, Cappadocia. Here in Cappadocia we'll visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and encounter the vast monastic rock complex this area is famous for, with elaborate cave formations and even entire churches carved into the rockface, complete with colourful wall frescoes. Thoroughly blown away by the countless wonders we're experiencing in Turkey, we'll return to our hotel, for a delicious traditional dinner tonight.Accommodation: Hotel Yusuf Yi?ito?lu (Or Similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast   Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Cappadocia
    Yesterday might have been a hard act to follow, but with a visit to an underground city and a trip to a local village on the agenda today we have a full day of adventures ahead. First we'll visit Kaymakl? Underground city. Afterwards, we will visit the last traditional cave house that is still in use by a local family in Uchisar Valley and be severed coffee and tea.After a full day of culture we will head back to our hotel for a second night where you are free to find yourself some dinner.Accommodation: Hotel Yusuf Yi?ito?lu (Or Similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  9. Day 9
    Cappadocia to Ankara
    We have Ankara in our sights today, but we're not quite done with Cappadocia yet. Departing after breakfast we'll first stop at the Zelve Open Air Museum, a cave town honeycombed with dwellings and a Byzantine-era monastery, followed by a peek at Pasa Baglari, the 'fairy chimneys' this region is known for, before heading on to Turkey's cosmopolitan capital. Ankara awaits us with the historic fortified Kalesi (castle) overlooking the city and a chance to load up on pears, honey, muscat grapes, and angora wool. Here we'll enjoy an included dinner at the hotel with Istanbul ahead of us tomorrow.Accommodation: Hotel Best (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast   Lunch   Dinner
  10. Day 10
    Ankara to Istanbul
    Ankara, it's been short but sweet. Today we're returning to Istanbul, with a chance to visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and a stop for lunch on the way. Arriving in the afternoon, we'll be amazed at how much we've covered since we last set foot in Istanbul at the start of our adventure. We'll make the most of our time in the 'Paris of the East' with a free night tonight and our final evening together.Accommodation: Hotel Centrum (or similar)
    Meals:   Breakfast
  11. Day 11
    End Istanbul
    This morning, our Turkish Delight ends where it began in Istanbul. It's time to say fond farewells, but we'll always have our photos and memories of this incredible adventure.
    Meals:   Breakfast

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Inclusions

Dining Summary

  • 7 Dinner (D)
  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Included Experience

  • Istanbul: Get on foot, and explore the vibrant corners of Istanbul. We'll check out the spice market, the epic blue mosque, Hippodrome, and even the Grand Bazaar.
  • Gallipoli: See the infamous site of the ANZAC troop landings at the battle of Gallipoli in WWI.
  • Gallipoli: Brush up on your history knowledge with a visit to WWI battle sites: Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair Gallipoli
  • Izmir: Magnificent mosques meet palm-lined beach resorts at this glitzy Turkish port city. It’s also the birthplace of Homer (the Greek poet; not the doughnut-eating Simpson).
  • Ephesus: Grab your camera, it’s time for some bucket list ticking. See the Temple of Artemis and finally understand what all the fuss is about.
  • Cappadocia: Take a trip to the Middle Ages, checking out a series of churches built into volcanic rock. Trust us when we say, it's simply sublime.
  • Cappadocia: You'll have to see it to believe it... but luckily for you, you're about to! (Just mind your head...)
  • Cappadocia: And Pasa Baglari too! Cameras at the ready, folks. We've got more marvellous rock-formations-turned-buildings in store for you here.

Make Travel Matter®

  • Cappadocia: On this unique experience, we'll get to know a local family and take a guided tour of their cave house.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Questions & Answers

Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

Contiki Tours Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
3.9
Accommodations
3.8
Itinerary
4
Professional Staff
4.2
Repeat with Operator
3.9
Value for Money
3.8

Ratings based off 66 reviews about Contiki Tours - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

Prepare to spend more than usual on a Contiki tour.

We were lucky that the group of people with were good, but it was a large group tour and did have some of the downfalls of a trip of that nature, like frequent breaks for the bathroom, difficulty when eating out together, and getting things on and off the coach. The trip was still great and a good value for the money.

It was a good value and the experiences included were worth it. The only part that wasn't the best were the accommodations as it was hit and miss. Half of the hotels on the trip were okay, and the other half were really nice.

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