Discover Türkiye’s rich culture & amazing history
Discover Türkiye’s rich culture and amazing history, both ancient and modern. Visit Istanbul’s great mosques, the Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market, and cruise along the famous Bosphorus. Visit the site of the WWI Gallipoli campaign, explore the ancient sites of Troy and Assos, Ephesus and Pergamon and enjoy local cuisine and cultural tours on this unforgettable journey.
Tour Details
- Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Basilica Cistern with its illuminated pools and pillars
- The famous Blue Mosque
- Topkapı Palace of the Sultans
- Bosphorus Cruise
- The Grand Bazaar
- Spice Market
- The battlefields and memorials of the Gallipoli Peninsula
- Visit the legendary site of Troy
- Explore the famous Greco-Roman cities of Assos, Pergamon and Ephesus
- 11 nights accommodation in hotels as per the itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle (Mercedes Sprinter or similar).
- Services of licensed English speaking tour guide throughout
- Roundtrip private airport transfers
- Entrance fees to sites and museums as per itinerary
- Wine tasting in Suvla Winery on Day 5
- Home hosted lunch on Day 8
- Service charges and VAT
- Internal Domestic flights
- Meals not mentioned in itinerary
- Beverages during meals
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities to guide and driver
- Optional tours mentioned in the itinerary
Itinerary
Türkiye’s Timeless West Coast
12 days/11 nights
Days 1-3
Istanbul
Arrival transfer to your hotel in the heart of Istanbul. Over the next few days enjoy two private full day tours with visits to Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market, a cruise along the famous Bosphorus (not private), the 6th C Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Blue Mosque (from the courtyard), the Hippodrome, the mysterious underground Basilica Cistern. B Hotel 10 Karakoy Istanbul or similar
Days 4/5
Gallipoli
Depart for Gallipoli where you will visit the memorials, cemeteries and battlefields from the World War I. Sites include Anzac Cove, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Next day tour some of the historic villages of the Peninsula, local markets, a local vineyard for a wine tasting, and the headquarters of the Turkish commander Mustafa Kemal’s (later Atatürk) headquarters, now a museum, and gain insights into the Gallipoli battles. B Bengodi Boutique Hotel or similar
Day 6
Assos
After breakfast depart for Hisarlik and the ancient site of the legendary city of Troy as mentioned in Homer’s epic the Iliad. You will also visit the nearby archaeological Museum of Troy with artifacts from the various levels of excavation. Overnight at our hotel in Assos. B Assos Nazlihan Hotel
Day 7
Ayvalık
Today you will drive to Cunda Island in the picturesque Ayvalik archipelago. En route you will visit the ancient Greek city of Assos on the Aegean coast and the remains of the Temple of Athena with its Doric columns. Aristotle once lived in Assos and the Acts of the Apostles refer to visits by Luke the Evangelist and Saint Paul. B Cunda Despot Evi Hotel or similar
Days 8/9
Izmir
Depart for the ancient city of Pergamon or Pergamum. This impressive site is multilayered, with a history dating back to the 5th century BCE, but became an important Hellenistic city between 323 and 30 BCE), when it became the centre of the Attalid dynasty. You will visit the hilltop Acropolis with its temples and sculptures, the Altar of Zeus, the Asklepion (a medical treatment centre founded by Galen). Enjoy a home-hosted lunch at a local village house in Gobeller Village before driving to your hotel in Izmir. The following day visit the ancient city of Ephesus – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an outstanding example of a Roman port city, with sea channel and harbour basin, established in ca. 10th Century BC. Also visit the Ephesus Museum which houses precious artifacts from the city. B L Key Hotel Izmir or similar
Days 10/11
Bodrum
Depart for picturesque Bodrum, visiting the ancient city of Stratonikeia en route. This site has been occupied by many different civilisations including the Greeks and Romans. It has many impressive remains including a large theatre, gymnasium, colonnaded street, city gate and bouleuterion or city council house.
The following day is at leisure with the opportunity to explore the many sights of Bodrum, or take an optional full day private gulet cruise and sail to quiet bays and small islands for swimming and exploring. Bodrum’s beautiful harbour is guarded by a magnificent Norman castle, which also houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with remains of shipwrecks from 16 century BC to the 16th century AD. B The Marmara Bodrum hotel or similar
Day 12
Tour ends
After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Izmir Airport for your onward flight.
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
10 Karakoy Istanbul
10 Karakoy is mere steps from art galleries, restaurants, museums, boutique stores and within walking distance of the Old Town, Galataport, Istanbul Modern Art Museum and Galata Tower. This historic neo-classical hotel has been reimagined and designed by Leading Turkish architect Sinan Kafadar and offers 71 guest rooms in modern-classic style, with bespoke furnishings, flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning, minibar and ensuite bathroom with shower. Dining options include Brasserie Ten featuring Turkish and international breakfast, BAHANE ON10 rooftop restaurant offering Turkish mezes and with views over the Golden Horn, and Kupaj Lounge & Bar.
Bengodi Boutique Hotel Gallipoli
In traditional rustic style and clad with natural stone, Bengodi Boutique Hotel is located 14 km from Anzac Cove and 29 km from Canakkale Martyrs’ Memorial. This charming property offers just 20 stylish rooms comfortably equipped with ensuite bathrooms, tea/coffee machine, mini bar, room service, air conditioning, private safe, TV, telephone, internet, and seating area. The in-house Potina Restaurant and Bar offers excellent meals and wine tasting, and there is an outdoor courtyard and seasonal outdoor pool.
Assos Nazlihan Hotel
Originally used for corn storage in the 1890s, this historic building was restored in boutique style in 2005, maintaining its historical structure. Its spectacular location in the ancient port of Assos overlooks the old harbour and is within walking distance of the Ancient Theatre of Assos. The hotel has two floors and a total of 37 rooms with ensuite bathrooms and air-conditioning. The seafront position offers easy access to the Aegean Sea and there is a jetty for lounging back and enjoying the sun.
Cunda Despot Evi
A stay at Cunda Despot Evi places you in the heart of Ayvalik, within a 10-minute walk of Alibeyler Island Marina and Panaya Church Ruins. The hotel offers 28 glamorous rooms with high ceilings and restful white tones accented with gold, gilt mirrors, stately furniture, high windows and billowing drapes. Every room features a Bluetooth music system. The hotel facilities include Yund Spa offering an array of treatments including a traditional Ottoman-style hammam, signature massages, and reflexology, Kosebasi Restaurant, swimming pool, private beach and gardens.
Key Hotel
This historic former bank building is situated in the heart of the city of Izmir overlooking the Kordon, the famous promenade along the bay. Guests are accommodated in 31 elegantly appointed rooms with state of the art technology. The ‘KEY Restaurant’ has views over the Gulf of Izmir and showcases both local and international cuisine, whilst the ‘Lobby Bar’ is perfect for coffee, cocktails and spirits. The hotel is close to the historical clock tower, Konak Square and the charming cafes and restaurants of the Kordon
The Marmara Bodrum
This beautiful hotel is perched on a hill with panoramic views over the whitewashed buildings of Bodrum, the Norman castle and the sparkling Aegean Sea. Each of the air-conditioned luxury bedrooms and suites provide all the modern comforts and amenities of a world-class hotel. From the outdoor pool and restaurant watch the yachts come into the bay, or the sun set over the mountains as the lights of Bodrum twinkle below you. There is a fully equipped fitness centre with a jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and spa. Enjoy panoramic views whilst savouring Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel’s Tuti restaurant. The hotel has a daily courtesy transfer to their beachside lido and cafe.
More Türkiye Itineraries
The below itineraries are designed as a starting point to give you some insipiration. All of our tours can be tailor-made to suit your interests, budget and timeframe.
Türkiye’s timeless west coast
Explore Türkiye's rich history and culture with visits to Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, Spice Market, and a cruise along the Bosphorus. Explore Gallipoli, Troy, and Ephesus, and enjoy local cuisine and
Wonders of Türkiye
Explore the Wonders of Türkiye with visits to the magnificent city of Istanbul, the unique landscape of Cappadocia’s, the ancient cities of Sagalassos, Pamukkale, and Ephesus. Enjoy local cuisine, cultural
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