Turkey Tour (9 nights)

Your adventure begins in Istanbul, a city straddling Europe and Asia, where grand mosques, bustling bazaars and timeless waterways set the scene. Travel onward to Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital, offering insight into the nation’s contemporary identity and rich political history.  From there, the journey continues to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys, underground cities and unique rock formations. A visit to Konya, the spiritual heart of Turkey and home of the Whirling Dervishes, provides a deeper understanding of the country’s religious and cultural roots.  Next, experience the natural marvel of Pamukkale, where cascading white travertine terraces and ancient thermal pools create one of Turkey’s most iconic sights. The tour concludes in Kusadasi, a charming coastal town on the Aegean Sea, perfectly positioned for exploring the ancient city of Ephesus and enjoying a relaxed seaside atmosphere.  This journey offers a perfect balance of history, culture, spirituality and natural beauty, an immersive introduction to the many faces of Turkey.

 

Itinerary: 

- Day 1 MON. Istanbul:
Arrival transfer you to the hotel. In the afternoon, you'll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
 

- Day 2 TUE. Istanbul:
Panoramic tour of the city, exploring the Süleymaniye Mosque, the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn, the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia.

As the afternoon draws to a close, we'll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city's most vibrant commercial district. There, you'll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and hop on the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.


- Day 3 WED. Istanbul - Ankara:
We'll begin our day with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, famous for its stunning courtyards and pavilions (admission included). 

Afterward, we'll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We'll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. 

We'll then disembark on the Asian side, in the Uskudar district, from where we'll continue our journey to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara. Dinner (included). 
 

- Day 4 THU. Ankara - Cappadocia:
We begin with a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, boasting the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We'll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We'll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. 

We'll continue our journey to Cappadocia, making a stop at the Salt Lake for lunch, taking in its it's breathtaking landscapes. We'll also visit Hacibektas, a revered pilgrimage site. This sanctuary houses the mausoleum of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic. We'll then proceed to Nevsehir. Dinner (included). 


- Day 5 FRI. Cappadocia:
We'll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our adventure will begin in the Göreme Valley, where we'll visit the open-air museum and marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Next, we'll visit Uchisar, home to a natural fortress, followed by a visit to Kaymacli, an underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. On our way back to Avanos, we'll stop at Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, where we'll take a walk in this breathtaking natural area. Dinner (included). 


- Day 6 SAT. Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya:
At the far edge of Cappadocia, we'll visit the Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters and its rock-cut churches and villages. Our itinerary includes visits to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya, where we'll learn about the Dervish order. Dinner (included). 
 

- Day 7 SUN. Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale:
We'll journey along a scenic route between the lakes, arriving at Egridir, a charming town by a large lake, known for its historic walls and mosques. You'll have time to enjoy lunch here. Next, we'll continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner (included). 
 

- Day 8 MON. Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi:
We'll depart for Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor. Two thousand years ago, it was home to a quarter of a million inhabitants. We'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus (tickets included). We'll then continue to Kusadasi, a popular coastal city known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant commerce, and a small castle. Dinner (included). 

Note: During high season, from May to October (inclusive), accommodation will be in Izmir. In this case, after visiting Ephesus, we'll head directly to Izmir without stopping in Kusadasi. We'll enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city, located on the Aegean Sea coast. The following day, on our way to Istanbul, we'll make an additional stop for lunch in the traditional town of Balikesir.


- Day 9 TUE. Kusadasi - Izmir - Bursa - Istanbul:
We'll set off for Izmir, the third most populous city in Turkey, where our guide will lead a brief tour of this vibrant metropolis, known for being the most westernized and modern in the country. We'll then head inland, pausing for lunch along the way before arriving in Bursa. This historic city, the fourth largest in Turkey, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its center. Highlights include the traditional commercial districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, and the renowned Green Mosque. We'll reach Istanbul by the end of the day.
 

- Day 10 WED. Istanbul:
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories. 
 

What's Included

• Europamundo General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
• Includes arrival transfer
• City tour in: Istanbul, Ankara
• Boat: Tour of the Bosphorus in Istanbul
• Evening transfer: Taksim Square in Istanbul
• Ticket admission: Topkapi Palace and Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque in Istanbul, Mausoleum of Ataturk, castel and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, Goreme Valley; Valley of Uchisar; Underground city of Kaimacli; Pasabag Valley, Valley of Ihlara, Caravanserai; Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya, Pamukkale - Hierapolis, house of the Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, Ruins of Ephesus
• 6 dinners included in: Ankara, Cappadocia, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Kusadasi

What's Excluded

Excludes insurance, tips, meals and drinks not specified, optional excursions, and anything of a personal nature not mentioned above. 

Specific Terms

EUROPAMUNDO PRE-SALE NOW ON:

Book by 15 January, to enjoy 2025 prices (15% off)!

 

Non-refundable Deposit of R3000 per person.

Balance - 75 days prior to tour departure.

 

Prices are based on a from price, twin share, subject to availability and currency fluctuation. The exact amount will be confirmed at the time of booking. High season surcharges, block out periods and minimum stay conditions may apply. 

For Standard Terms and Conditions please refer to link below:

General Terms and Conditions – Catalog and Product 2025–26

Please Note

DEPARTURES DATES (set departure dates): 

Monday all year

 

Apr: 6, 13, 20, 27

May: 4, 11, 18, 25

Jun: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Jul: 6, 13, 20, 27

Aug: 3, 10, 17, 25, 31

Sep: 7, 14, 21, 28

Oct: 5, 12, 19, 26

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