Flying Discovery Tour

Flying Discovery Tour

43 Views
19 Days From

$4804

Flying Discovery Tour

19 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Van, Kars

Tour operator:

Fez Travel

Tour code:

FCDI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

8-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4804

NB: Prices correct on 04-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the Flying Discovery Tour, a cultural exploration of the country's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll marvel at iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise. Delve into the poignant history of Gallipoli's battlefields, and step back in time at the ancient cities of Troy and Ephesus. Experience the unique charm of Sirince village with a wine tasting, and relax in the thermal waters of Pamukkale. Discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, explore the underground cities, and partake in a traditional cooking course. Travel to Van and Kars, visiting the stunning Akdamar Island and the historic ruins of Ani. With comfortable accommodations and domestic flights, this tour offers a seamless and enriching experience across Turkey's most captivating destinations.

Highlights

  • Istanbul - Explore the Old City, a UNESCO Heritage site, including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

  • Gallipoli - Visit the WW1 battlefields, including ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine Memorial.

  • Troy - Discover the ancient city and museum, a UNESCO Heritage site.

  • Ephesus - Tour the ancient city, a UNESCO Heritage site, and see the Temple of Artemis.

  • Pamukkale - Marvel at the calcium travertines and tour the ancient city of Hierapolis.

  • Cappadocia - Explore the underground city and the Goreme Open Air Museum.

  • Van - Visit Akdamar Island and the Urartu Archeology and Ethnography Museum.

  • Ani - Explore the ruins of the former Armenian capital, including the Cathedral of Ani.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Istanbul

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Point Hotel Taksim (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace.

Day 2 : Istanbul Old City

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Point Hotel Taksim (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) and the Hippodrome. Cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia in the afternoon with a 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way.

Day 3 : Gallipoli Battlefields

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation: Hilton Double Tree Canakkale (5 star)

Accommodation Name: Hilton Double Tree Canakkale (5 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, original trenches and tunnels.

Day 4 : Troy, Acropolis Of Pergamon, Kusadasi

Location: Kusadasi

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Step back in time today as we visit Troy where we will explore the ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the new, award winning, Troy Museum. We continue on to Bergama and up to the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. From here we continue on to Kusadasi.

Day 5 : Ephesus, Sirince, Kusadasi

Roberto Goldone
migueldavidz
Annesha Bhowmik

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus a once a bustling trade hub and religious center, Ephesus today whispers of ancient marvels, from site of the Temple of Artemis to the Library of Celsus's grand facade and the grand amphitheatre.
Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
We continue on to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Here we will visit a local vineyard and learn about local production techniques. You will taste 3 local wines from the region at the garden of the vineyard before returning to our hotel.

Day 6 : Aphrodisias, Pamukkale

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Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation: Adem Pira Hotel (4 star)

Accommodation Name: Adem Pira Hotel (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After a leather shop visit, we will head to Aphrodisias the ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of Beauty, Love and Fertility, also famous for its school of sculpture, we visit the stadium, which is the best preserved in Anatolia, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, theatre and the Museum. Then, we continue to Pamukkale.

Day 7 : Hierapolis, Salda Lake

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Location: Pamukkale

Accommodation: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we will explore the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Then we will head to Salda Lake, is known as Turkish Maldives. It is a mountain lake and located in the mountains before we travel down to South.

Day 8 : Fethiye

Çetin ATEŞ
Ali İlter

Location: Fethiye

Accommodation: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Marina Boutique Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, you are free to explore the town at your own pace and there is also optional tours and activities.
Optional tours and activities; 12 island boat trip and Saklikent Gorge tour

Day 9 : Kayakoy, Antalya

Location: Antalya

Accommodation: Mediterra Art Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: RuinAdalia Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we head to Kayakoy. The morning light provides excellent photos of this deserted Greek village. Afterwards we drive to the resort town of Antalya. We will visit the Antalya Museum with its wealthy collection from the ancient cities around the Antalya Province.

Day 10 : Perge, Aspendos

Location: Antalya

Accommodation: Mediterra Art Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: RuinAdalia Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

We will visit Perge a famous antique site, early in the morning. After Perge we drive to Aspendos which has the best preserved 2nd Century Amphitheatre in Turkey. We return back to Antalya city in the afternoon and the remainder of your day is free.

Day 11 : Konya, Silk Road, Sille

Stêrka Farqîne
erhan inevi
Türkan

Location: Konya

Accommodation: Novotel Konya (4 star)

Accommodation Name: Spark Hotel Konya (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi with its accompanying Mevlana museum. We continue along the ancient Silk Road visiting the former Greek village Sille.

Day 12 : Cappadocia, Sultanhani Caravansary, Underground City

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Accommodation Name: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we head to Cappadocia, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient Silk Road stop off for merchants and traders. Later we explore the many levels of an underground city.
After checking into our hotel we visit a traditional Turkish home for dinner. Here you can do a course and help cook if you wish.

Day 13 : Goreme Open-Air Museum

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Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Accommodation Name: Gamirasu Hotel (Boutique Cave)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys. We then visit Pigeon and Red Valley, followed by Cavusin village and lastly Avanos town where we will learn about hand-made pottery.

Day 14 : Cappadocia, Van

Location: Van

Accommodation: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure in the morning from Cappadocia, we head to Ankara for our direct flight to Van. On arrival to Van Airport, you will meet with your tour guide. Before we go to our hotel, we will explore the Citadel with its three thousand Urartian fortress of Van and witness the extraordinary sunset.

Day 15 : Van, Akdamar Island

Location: Van

Accommodation: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Van Life Hotel (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will travel by ferry stopping at Akdamar Island to see a spectacular 10th century church built by an Armenian king, if there is time swim in Lake Van.
Then, we will drive back to city centre to visit the largest Urartu Museum in the World. Artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Urartian, Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Seljuk, Turkish-Islamic, and Ottoman Periods are exhibited in chronological order taking our visitors on a unique historical journey.
After the museum visit Van Cat House. Van cats are relatively large, have a chalky white coat, sometimes with ruddy coloration on the head and hindquarters, and have blue, amber eyes or one eye of each colour. This variety has been referred to as "the swimming cat", and has been observed to swim in Lake Van.

Day 16 : Van, Dogubayazit, Ararat, Kars

Location: Kars

Accommodation: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we leave for Dogubayazit via Muradiye and the Bendimaahi Falls. In Dogubayazit, we visit the spectacular Ishak Pasha Palace, 1685 - 1784, which has a unique fusion of architecture from Seljuk, Ottoman, Georgian, and Armenian - Persian styles.
We continue our journey north, skirting around the western edge of Mt Ararat. Mt. Ararat is one of the great natural spectacles of the world,. The name Ararat derives from the Bible (Jeremiah 51:27) and is a transliteration of 'Urartu' the name foreigners gave to this region and its inhabitants in Biblical times.

Day 17 : Kars, Ani

Location: Kars

Accommodation: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Kars Beylerbeyi Palace (Boutique)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we journey to the site of Ani, the former capital of the Armenian kingdom. In the mid 10th century, nothing in Europe could rival this capital of the Armenian kingdom in terms of either size or magnificence. The remains of the ruined city include several churches as well as the shell of the Cathedral of Ani, the citadel and a mosque. There are also some exciting remains of frescoes in the Church of St Gregory (Tigran Honentz) despite having been exposed to the elements for centuries.
Afternoon, we will visit 12 Aposotles Church and Kars Castle.

Day 18 : Kars, Istanbul

cherryontheworld
maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: Point Hotel Taksim (Boutique)

Accommodation Name: Port Bosphorus Hotel (4 star)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer to Kars Airport for your onward flight back to Istanbul. On arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 19 : Istanbul

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maja.stanko

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation: ()

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour

    A professional English-speaking tour guide will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle

    Travel in comfort with transportation provided in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.

  • Domestic flight between Ankara and Van and transfers

    The tour includes a domestic flight from Ankara to Van along with necessary transfers.

  • Domestic flight between Kars and Istanbul and transfers

    A domestic flight from Kars to Istanbul is included, along with transfers.

  • Tips except Driver and Guide

    Tips are included for services except for the driver and guide.

  • Bosphorus Cruise

    Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus as part of the tour.

  • Wine Tasting

    Participate in a wine tasting experience during the tour.

  • Cooking Course

    A cooking course is included in the tour itinerary.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to various sites and attractions are included.

  • 18 nights - accommodation

    Accommodation for 18 nights is provided as part of the tour package.

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What's Not Included

  • Suggested optional activities

    Optional activities suggested during the tour are not included.

  • Tips - Driver and Guide

    Tips for the driver and guide are not included.

  • Compulsory Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour package.

  • Lunches

    Lunches are not included in the tour package.

Meals

18 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 7 dinners

Mode of Transport

Travel in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with domestic flights between Ankara and Van, and Kars and Istanbul, ensuring a comfortable journey across Turkey's diverse landscapes.

Accommodation

Stay in a variety of accommodations including the Port Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, Hilton Double Tree in Canakkale, Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel in Kusadasi, and the unique Gamirasu Hotel in Cappadocia, offering boutique and 4-star experiences throughout the tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle, with domestic flights between Ankara and Van, and Kars and Istanbul, ensuring a comfortable journey across Turkey's diverse landscapes.

  • Are there any unique experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes unique experiences such as a Bosphorus cruise, wine tasting in Sirince, and a cooking course in Cappadocia.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in a variety of accommodations including the Port Bosphorus Hotel in Istanbul, Hilton Double Tree in Canakkale, Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel in Kusadasi, and the unique Gamirasu Hotel in Cappadocia, offering boutique and 4-star experiences throughout the tour.

  • Is there a guide provided for the tour?

    Yes, a professional English-speaking tour guide is provided for the duration of the tour.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 18 breakfasts and 7 dinners.

  • Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?

    Yes, entrance fees to attractions are included in the tour package.

  • What is the policy on tips during the tour?

    Tips are included except for the driver and guide, for whom tips are not included.

  • Is travel insurance included in the tour package?

    No, travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour package.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for our latest Covid-19 policies, however, we adhere to recommended health & safety guidelines on all our tours.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Fez Travel has been in operation since 1997.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Please contact us as soon as possible and we will be able to let you know what is possible and any associated price changes.

Reviews of this operator

Ania Afz (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with...

08-Aug-2024

Fez Magic Carpet Travel with Mr. Goku Pamir was an amazing experience. He was professional, knowledgeable and understanding. Our group was able to add some places, thanks to him arranging it for us and adding a boat and House of Mother Mary for us. We even saw mulana Rumi's place and learned about Sufi dance , which is the best. He surprised our group with 4D theatre at the library of Celsius and showed us original Carpet, Silk, and Leather makers. Overall, it was a wonderful experience because he stopped at the best food places for breaks frequently and even gave us a small keychain as a reminder gift or souvenir besides the gifts Fez gives us. Fez travels offers wifi and charging ports in their bus which is a life saver. Hotels and places visited were all beautiful and I recommend visiting Turkeye with Mr. Goksu Pamir. Thanks.

shahid siddiqui (Google Reviewer)  

I gathered wonderful memories of...

15-Jul-2023

I gathered wonderful memories of Turkey. Fez Travel Turkey with an intelligent, knowledgeable guide Göksu Parmir made this possible. Excellent transport, Excellent places of stay, excellent selection of Restaurants starting from Istanbul to Cappidocia with a perfect humble driver Mr Saifi. Guide plays a very important role. Guide Göksu had a wonderful Knowledge of place and it's history.

Jan Runnalls (Google Reviewer)  

Did a 13 day tour...

19-Oct-2024

Did a 13 day tour of Turkey with 3 days onboard a Gulet in October 2024. What an amazing experience ! Our guide Fa was amazing ! I don’t think I’ve ever met a guide to beat him !! He was so knowledgeable, so friendly, and so helpful ! He organised so many little extras. He found a laundry for us, helped buy stamps and post postcards, organised a trip to a pharmacy and then read the medicine boxes for us. He organised a WhatsApp group so we could share photos and information. Our driver Han supported all these extra trips and activities including the pharmacies !! Brilliant !! Highly recommend Fez Travel and I hope you are lucky enough to have Fa and Han for your tour !!

Theresa Martinovich (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the Magic Carpet...

09-Sep-2023

Just completed the Magic Carpet Tour of 11 days with Fez. The accomodation, food and driver were excellent. Our guide Tamer was like a walking encyclopedia of knowkedge and was extremely kind and caring to all members of the group, responding to our every whim and wish. The accomodation far, far exceeded our expectations. We loved every minute.

Al Reid (Google Reviewer)  

Our guide Can was brilliant....

14-Sep-2024

Our guide Can was brilliant. Very well organised. He was Turkish so knew so much information and tips. We were always in the right place at the right time and avoided crowds all the time. Our driver Cengiz was also fantastic, very safe and careful.

Amrita V (Google Reviewer)  

I did a Turkey Highlights...

09-Jan-2023

I did a Turkey Highlights 10 day tour in Sept 2021. It was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide— Chagmn. He was extremely knowledgeable and well-read. Fez travel organized everything extremely well and food was simply amazing. It was a great experience to learn the history and see it alive in Turkey. Highly recommend the tour to everyone. Here are a few photos of the highlights of the trip. Must do things include: Epephesus, Pamukkale, Cappadocia, Hagia Sophia

Michael Oon (Google Reviewer)  

Fez Travel has organised for...

05-May-2018

Fez Travel has organised for us one of the best tours that we had. Together with our guide – Serdar Ozkan, we travelled some 3,300km around Turkey following the itinerary. As a private group, we could alter the programme. Serdar could feel the mood of the group and altered the schedule appropriately but more importantly, took us to where the best food available. This arrangement together with the excellent driving of the long distances, the suitable accommodation and interesting sites made this trip of a life time. One aim was to see the Tulips in Istanbul. The date of 13th April was suggested. Had we arrived earlier, the tulips would not have been in bloom. When we returned to Istanbul on the 20th, the tulips had withered. This is an example of their recommendations. For us, what was promised was delivered with a smile. Thank you Fez Travel.

Laurel Siokos (Google Reviewer)  

Recently we completed a 17...

22-May-2024

Recently we completed a 17 day tour with Fez and then a separate private tour Fez organised and personalised to our needs. We found the whole experience smooth and professionally planned. We had wonderful guides beginning with Fatih Carsi, who we found to be extremely knowledgeable, with deep insight on the significance and history of each site visited. We travelled in a small group which made our experience all that more personal. As we were doing an extended tour we left our group and travelled on with Zeynup, who also was extremely knowledgeable,warm and engaging.Our driver Metin was kind and personable. Zeynup went to great lengths and was very patient assisting us with a difficult hotel management and staff in a particular location. The next leg of our journey we were shown around by another wonderful guide Fatma, a bright and enthusiastic local, who proudly showcased Cappadocia to us. We met with Birhat in Van ,another local guide who was easy to connect with on a personal level and between him and Sal, our entertaining driver we experienced a beautiful region of Turkey together. Nothing was too much trouble, from frequent photo stops to impromptu roadside snowball fights.Lots of fun was had along the way. Halil and Hakan, our driver took over for the next stage of our experience. This team were consumate professionals and a pleasure to spend time with. Halil was not only informative but was an exceptional communicator on many levels. We will remain friends with Halil and do our best to connect again in person on our next adventure. Last but definitely not least was Korkut, Mr. Go the Extra Mile. Korkut made the closing stage of our Fez Turkish tour unforgettable,going well beyond the call of duty making sure we will never forget the sights we saw our our amazing adventure in this wonderful country. Truly the world largest open air museum ,but more than that people who will forever remain Our Heart.

Dee Carty (Google Reviewer)  

We took Colours of Tyrkey...

22-Dec-2023

We took Colours of Tyrkey tour in May22. There was no problem contacting Canan Kararrsian prior to the tour but we had no feedback or response to the long email we sent outlining our difficulties and grievances. There were problems every step of the way. The letter we sent is too long to attach here but issues like being called at 4am for an internal flight arriving 4 hrs before departure. No luggage allowance booked. Coach with only 2 of us on board constantly under repair for days and eventually broke down on the way to the airport...............and so on. We would not have felt so aggrieved if we had a response to our complaint. We are seasoned travellers and are tolerant of hic- ups. We have never made a complaint before. Booking my current trip has prompted my review.

Jane S (Google Reviewer)  

I wouldn’t recommend this company....

09-Oct-2024

I wouldn’t recommend this company. The tour guide was poor at explaining sites, he also was aggressive with some of the people on the tour. Scam company - if you didn’t pay for the hidden extras then you’d have a tour of being driven around to pushy sales companies to try and get you to buy things. Food places were gross at times, often gas stations (there were other options around too) but clearly commission based. Don’t use this company

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Fez Travel requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of fez travel charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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