Treasures of Turkey
Travel Turkey on this 15-day guided tour. See Cappadocia, where golden landscapes give way to caverns below. You’ll descend into a local resident’s cave house for a tour and talk about their way of life. Later, see whirling dervishes — twirling dancers who will entertain you during a special dinner. In Göreme, explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient paintings before dining on the unique flavours served at a local restaurant that supports women from the village. Travel to Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir, and explore one of the world’s finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Here, walk to its gargantuan amphitheatre, which could seat as many as 24,000 people. In Istanbul, see the Blue Mosque’s tiled domes and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Try your hand at bargaining in the city’s Grand Bazaar, which includes more than 4,000 shops.
- 26 Apr 2026 – 10 May 2026
from $7,625 pp twin share * - 24 May 2026 – 07 Jun 2026
from $7,850 pp twin share * - 21 Jun 2026 – 05 Jul 2026
from $6,625 pp twin share * - 05 Jul 2026 – 19 Jul 2026
from $6,875 pp twin share * - 02 Aug 2026 – 16 Aug 2026
from $6,950 pp twin share * - 30 Aug 2026 – 13 Sep 2026
from $7,625 pp twin share * - 13 Sep 2026 – 27 Sep 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share * - 27 Sep 2026 – 11 Oct 2026
from $7,295 pp twin share * - 14 Apr 2027 – 28 Apr 2027
from $6,975 pp twin share * - 25 Apr 2027 – 09 May 2027
from $6,725 pp twin share * - 23 May 2027 – 06 Jun 2027
from $6,725 pp twin share * - 20 Jun 2027 – 04 Jul 2027
from $6,725 pp twin share * - 04 Jul 2027 – 18 Jul 2027
from $6,725 pp twin share * - 01 Aug 2027 – 15 Aug 2027
from $6,725 pp twin share * - 29 Aug 2027 – 12 Sep 2027
from $6,725 pp twin share * - 26 Sep 2027 – 10 Oct 2027
from $6,775 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul:
Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner. - Day 2 – Bosphorus Cruise and Bursa:
In the morning, embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses along the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa, a large city in northwest Turkey that was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum Complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal. - Day 3 – Cumalikizik and Gordion:
Begin your day in the charming village of Cumalıkızık, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Later, head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam. - Day 4 – Sophisticated Ankara:
A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes visits to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey’s greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views. Visit the underground city of Özkonak, carved into soft volcanic rock. - Day 5 – Cappadocia Relaxed Start:
With its golden volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly rock formations, Cappadocia is anything but ordinary. Early risers may choose an Optional Experience to watch the sunrise as hot air balloons lift off and drift above the valleys. Later, travel to Göreme to explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and savour Anatolian flavours while supporting employment for local women. Continue to Paşabağ Valley, then meet a Cappadocian local for a tour of their cave house and insights into traditions and family life. This evening, witness Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant. - Day 6 – Konya Relaxed Start:
Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery-making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. - Day 7 – Through the Taurus Mountains:
See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret Medrese, and visit the Mevlana Museum before a scenic drive scenic drive through Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers. - Day 8 – Antalya’s Old Town:
Visit Antalya’s charming Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast. - Day 9 – The Pools of Pamukkale Relaxed Start:
Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, return to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex. - Day 10 – Kuşadası:
Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite in Geyre, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. Arrive into the coastal resort of Kuşadası for an evening at leisure. - Day 11 – Ancient Ephesus:
This morning, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos, venerated by both Christians and Muslims. Continue to Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Walk the Arcadian Way, a grand processional route that once led to the harbour. Stand before the Library of Celsus, built to honour a Roman senator and store 12,000 scrolls, and step into the Great Theatre, where Saint Paul is believed to have addressed early Christians. At the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, view statues of Artemis, mosaics and household artefacts uncovered during excavations that began in 1863. Later, you can opt to join an Optional Experience and learn about Turkey’s culinary techniques in a hands-on cooking class. - Day 12 – Troy and Çanakkale:
In Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to the legend of Paris and Helen, the ‘face that launched 1,000 ships’, explore the storied site. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city’s walls. Then continue to Çanakkale, gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields. This evening, you may choose to join the Optional Experience, The Flavours of Canakkale on a city centre walk, for a gentle stroll with local bites, including a Biga-style Turkish meatball sandwich and a traditional cheese dessert. - Day 13 – Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove:
This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, this was the site where, for nine months during the Great War, ANZAC troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul, where you’ll spend the next two nights. - Day 14 – Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire:
Today, take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537, famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant. - Day 15 – Farewell Istanbul:
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
Highlights
- Descend into a local cave house in Cappadocia and learn about traditional ways of life.
- Marvel at the rock-hewn churches and unique flavors of Göreme.
- Walk the gargantuan amphitheater of Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archaeological sites.
Travel Turkey on this 15-day guided tour. See Cappadocia, where golden landscapes give way to caverns below. You’ll descend into a local resident’s cave house for a tour and talk about their way of life. Later, see whirling dervishes — twirling dancers who will entertain you during a special dinner. In Göreme, explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient paintings before dining on the unique flavours served at a local restaurant that supports women from the village. Travel to Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir, and explore one of the world’s finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Here, walk to its gargantuan amphitheatre, which could seat as many as 24,000 people. In Istanbul, see the Blue Mosque’s tiled domes and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Try your hand at bargaining in the city’s Grand Bazaar, which includes more than 4,000 shops.
Inclusions
- Choose between two carefully selected activities.
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure’s rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Journey through time with a visit to Hagia Sophia, take a unique glimpse into the complex layers of Istanbul’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
- Cappadocia: Join a Cappadocian local, who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house to learn more about their unique way of life.
- Uchisar: Enjoy the unique flavours of Anatolia at Uchisar Kadineli Restaurant, where every dish is homemade with love.
- This remarkable establishment provides employment for more than 65 women from the village.
FAQs
- Akra Antalya
- Ankara HiltonSA
- DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
- Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
- Kolin, Çanakkale
- KoruMar De Luxe, Kuşadası
- Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa
- Novotel Konya
- Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 15 days and 14 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 26 Apr 2026 and 10 Oct 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: Insight VacationsFine Print
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