Taste of Turkey tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Türkiye
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale
Tour operator:
Tour code:
35
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Battlefield Tours, Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Taste of Turkey" tour, a captivating journey through Turkey's rich history and stunning landscapes. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Delve into the poignant history of the Gallipoli battlefields, then step back in time at the ancient city of Troy and the Acropolis of Pergamum. Discover the well-preserved Roman ruins of Ephesus and the charming village of Sirince. Marvel at the natural wonder of Pamukkale's travertine terraces and relax in the thermal pools of Hierapolis. With comfortable accommodations in 4 and 5-star hotels, seamless transfers, and the expertise of a local tour leader, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Turkey's cultural and historical treasures.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Istanbul. Transfer To Hotel
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Istanbul - 4 star hotel
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip.
Day 2 : Istanbul. Old City Tour
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Istanbul - 4 star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
Day 3 : Gallipoli Battlefields And Memorials Tour
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Canakkale - 4 star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart Istanbul this morning for the drive to Gallopoli where we will receive a fully guided tour of this World War I battlefield site. Although home to some of the fiercest fighting during the War today the site is full of poignant memorials set against a subdued wooded landscape. Our tour will include the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston Jolly as well as The Nek and Gallipoli Museum. There will also be chance to see the original trenches and tunnels used during the war before we head to our hotel in Canakkale.
Day 4 : Tour Of Troy And The Acropolis Of Pergamum
Location: Troy
Accommodation Name: Kusadasi - 4 star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we make the short drive to the ancient city of Troy. Lying undiscoverd until midway through the 19th Century the excavations here brought the legend of the Trojan horse and the poems of Homer back to life. We then continue our drive south to the acropolis of Pergamum. A former kingdom we enjoy a full tour of the site including the Temple of Trajan and the famous library which is believed to have rivalled the library of Alexandria and helped shape Pergamum into a renowned cultural and political centre.
Day 5 : Kusadasi. Ephesus Roman Ruins Tour
Location: Ephesus
Accommodation Name: Kusadasi - 4 star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
Day 6 : Drive To Pamukkale And Hieropolis
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Pamukkale - 5 star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as ‘cotton castles’ and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
Day 7 : Fly From Denizli To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Istanbul - 4 star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we'll head to the nearby airport in Denizli for your short flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day will be free.
Day 8 : Istanbul. Free Time. Transfer To Airport
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: N/A
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 4 dinners -
Accommodation
All accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels as stated in the itinerary.
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Transport and Transfers
All transport and transfers are included.
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Airport Transfer Service
24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is provided.
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Domestic Flight
Denizli to Istanbul domestic flight and transfers are included.
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Tour Leader
Services of a local tour leader throughout the tour are included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various sites are included.
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Tipping Kitty
A tipping kitty is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry) are not included.
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Tips for Guide and Driver
Tips for the guide and driver are not included.
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Unmentioned Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently with all transport and transfers included, featuring a domestic flight from Denizli to Istanbul, and 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer services, ensuring a seamless journey across Turkey's iconic destinations.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in 4 and 5-star hotels throughout the tour, including accommodations in Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, and Pamukkale, ensuring a relaxing and luxurious experience as you explore the wonders of Turkey.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Taste of Turkey tour?
All accommodation is in 4 and 5 star hotels as stated in the itinerary.
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Are airport transfers included in the Taste of Turkey tour?
Yes, a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included.
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Is there a domestic flight included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes a domestic flight from Denizli to Istanbul along with transfers.
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Will there be a local tour leader during the tour?
Yes, the services of a local tour leader are provided throughout the tour.
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Are entrance fees to sites included in the tour package?
Yes, entrance fees to various sites are included in the tour package.
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What meals are included in the Taste of Turkey tour?
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary.
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Is tipping included in the tour cost?
A tipping kitty is included, but tips for the guide and driver are not included.
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What is not included in the Taste of Turkey tour?
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, meals not indicated in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, tips for the guide and driver, and other personal expenses are not included.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.