Istanbul & Aegean Highlights - 9 days
Istanbul & Aegean Highlights - 9 days
Istanbul & Aegean Highlights - 9 days
9 Days Starting in Istanbul and ending in Bodrum
Visiting: İstanbul, Troy National Park, Akropolis, Kuşadası, Çanakkale, Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, Şirince, Samos, Bodrum, Kos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2795/IAAH
Group size:
2 - 28
Age range:
16 years with an accompanying adult
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Turkey and the enchanting Greek islands. Your adventure begins in Istanbul and takes you to iconic landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. The historical battlegrounds of Gallipoli and the legendary city of Troy are next. The adventure continues with the exploration of the ancient treasures of Pergamum, the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, and the charming village of Sirince. An Aegean twist awaits as you ferry to the Greek islands of Samos and Kos for leisurely day trips. Your journey concludes in Bodrum, a coastal gem offering relaxation and vibrant nightlife.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Saturday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Day 2: Tour Of Istanbul
Location: İstanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.
Day 3: Gallipoli & Anzac Cove
Location: İstanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul - Canakkale. Today, you'll embark on a journey to Gallipoli, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the legendary landmarks of ANZAC Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial.
Afterwards, you'll proceed to cross the Dardanelles, where Asia and Europe meet. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Canakkale, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Legendary Troy
Location: Troy National Park, Akropolis, Kuşadası, Çanakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi/Izmir. Following breakfast, we'll head for the legendary city of Troy, where the renowned Trojan War unfolded. You'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating archaeological site, delving into its rich history.
Continuing on, we'll cross the picturesque Ida mountain range and arrive in Pergamum. Here, you'll visit the ancient Acropolis. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the charming town of Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.
Day 5: Ancient Ephesus & Sirince
Location: Ephesus Ancient Greek Theatre, Kuşadası, Kuşadası, Şirince
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi/Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi/Izmir. Today, a brief drive will take you to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent library, theater, and temples. The day's journey also includes a chance to discover the local craftsmanship of hand-made carpets and leather products.
Continuing on, you'll reach the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of Turkey's most beautiful villages. While in Sirince, you can shop unique local crafts and taste the delightful wines produced in the village. We'll end the night in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Day Trip To Samos
Location: Kuşadası, Samos, Kuşadası
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Kusadasi/Izmir - Samos (Greece) - Kusadasi/Izmir (Turkey). Today, you'll be transferred to the port for a ferry ride to Samos, a charming Greek Island. Here, you'll have the opportunity for self-guided exploration, to explore how you wish.
Make sure to wander through the picturesque streets of Samos, visit historical sites, enjoy the stunning coastal views, and savour the island's delicious cuisine at local tavernas. Late in the afternoon, you'll board the return ferry to Kusadasi.
Day 7: Beautiful Bodrum
Location: Bodrum
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kusadasi/Izmir - Bodrum. After breakfast, you'll head to Bodrum. On arrival, the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace.
There's much to do in this coastal town - opt to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the charming town, or experience the vibrant nightlife.
Day 8: The Island Of Kos
Location: Bodrum, Bodrum, Kos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bodrum - Kos (Greece) - Bodrum (Turkey). This morning, you'll be transferred to the port for a ferry ride to Kos, a captivating Greek Island. This day is dedicated to self-guided exploration, allowing you to discover the island's unique beauty and culture at your own pace.
Kos has much to offer - consider visiting historical sites, enjoying the idyllic beaches, and make sure to immerse yourself in the Greek island lifestyle. In the late afternoon, you'll board the return ferry to Bodrum.
Day 9: Goodbye
Location: Bodrum
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunday. Today marks the end of your adventure. Departure transfer is included to Bodrum Port or Bodrum Airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4-5 star -
Daily breakfasts & 4 dinners
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8 nights 4-5 star hotels
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9
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Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus & Sirince
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English-speaking, qualified tour guide for all included sightseeing
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Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
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Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
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Return ferry transfers to Kos and Samos
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Accommodation
DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa
This impressive 5-star hotel is located in the upmarket Beyoglu district of Istanbul and a free shuttle is provided to the city centre, home to the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia, amongst other attractions. Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are elegant and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a flatscreen TV. Some rooms feature a balcony. There is free Wi-Fi at the property and amenities include an indoor pool with whirlpool, fitness centre and sun terrace. There are two onsite restaurants and a daily breakfast buffet.
Kolin Hotel
Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day.
The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.
Charisma Hotel
The Charisma is a modern and elegant hotel with spacious rooms. The rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, LCD screen television, split air conditioning, mini-bar, electronic safe box, hairdryer and free internet connection. Towering over the Aegean Sea's outstanding view, the Hotel is just 15 minutes by walk from Kusadasi's shopping and entertainment area.
El Vino
El Vino offers a prime location for entertainment and spectacular sunsets over Bodrum. Each of the hotel's spacious, comfortable guest rooms is tastefully decorated with pretty, modern furniture and all of the rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning. The accommodation also features a kitchenette, which allows guests to enjoy light snacks at their convenience. The hotel is in the town centre of Bodrum and 35 km from Bodrum Airport.
Check out our Q&As
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.