The Best of Turkey
8 days, Istanbul to Istanbul
This trip is ideal for the traveller who is short on time but wants to experience as much of Turkey’s stunning scenery and fascinating history as possible. Begin the journey at the WWI battlefield of Gallipoli, then leap into Greek myths and explore the remains of the legendary city of Troy before strolling along the streets of Ephesus. Don't miss the remarkable white cliff pools of Pamukkale before boarding a comfortable and convenient flight back to Istanbul. Return refreshed and ready to explore the city’s bazaars, mosques, and tea houses.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: Classic
All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
Service Level: Standard
Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 15, avg 10
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Visa Requirements
8 days
Istanbul to Istanbul
Special Offers
Creating ripples that change lives
The Ripple Score is an honest evaluation of how often we use local businesses and services to create each tour. With this score you can see the percentage of our local expenses that stay in the communities you visit. Learn more
Ripple Score
100
More from The Best of Turkey
Itinerary
Day 2Istanbul/Çanakkale
Guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Continue on to the harbour town of Çanakkale.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Çanakkale/Ayvalık
Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving at Ayvalik. Visit a women's handicraft shop, a G Adventures supported project. Opt to enjoy a half-day boat trip.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Ayvalık/Selçuk
Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to Selçuk.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Selçuk
Opt to visit St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey or the nearby picturesque village of Şirince.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Selçuk/Pamukkale
Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 7Pamukkale/Istanbul
Hop on a morning flight to İstanbul. Take a guided orientation walk before free time to explore some highlights, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya).
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Istanbul
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your G for Good Moment: Çöp(m)adam Visit, Ayvalık
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Gallipoli battlefields entrance and guided visit
- Troy entrance and guided visit
- Ephesus entrance and visit
- Ancient Hierapolis and Pamukkale entrance and guided walk
- Istanbul city walking tour
- Internal flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (7 nts).
Meals
7 breakfasts
Allow USD165-215 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned van, plane, walking.
Staff & experts
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)
Alternative Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise - From $589.00
Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Istanbul's best Roman mosaics and frescoes at the Kariye Mosque (formerly the Chora Church); stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline. Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites.
Selçuk Cooking Class - From $159.00
Visit the nearby village of Selçuk and learn to cook a delicious traditional meal. Starting at the local market, you will learn about the fresh ingredients needed to create an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert! After creating your meal (with potential vegetarian options), sit down and share with the rest of the class.
My Own Room - From $1119.00
If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.
Departures
Make it a private tour
Book this tour as a private departure - with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour - for any group, big or small (even just one traveller).