From the legends of Troy to ancient Greek cities, your travels will reveal the places where history happened. On this in-depth Best of Turkey voyage, you'll also venture into the Taurus Mountains for lunch with the Yazir community and relax on the shores of the Turkish Riviera.
Travelstyle Ce Icon
Travel Style - Country Explorer
Discover one country in depth.
Turn this trip into a private tour
Travel exclusively with just your family and friends
Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a memorable Welcome Reception to kick off your epic adventure.
Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Dive Into Culture this afternoon, with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Spend your afternoon haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. This evening, consider an optional dinner with Turkish folk and belly dancing.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Istanbul Nightlife Experience
You’ll enjoy a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before arriving at the famous Kervansaray Night Club. You’ll taste Turkish specialties while being entertained by musicians, belly and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of Turkey. You’ll also get the chance to join in.
Adult Price: $75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Journey to Gallipoli and Çanakkale
Pay tribute to the brave souls who lost their lives at Gallipoli - the national pride of two nations, the Turkish and Australians, were awakened at the site of the bloody WWI battlefields and are commemorated to this day. See Anzac Cove and the Dardanelles, and visit the cemeteries of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, the final resting place of many Allied soldiers. We continue to Çanakkale where we dine at our hotel tonight.
Explore the legends of Troy and see the symbolic replica of the famous Wooden Horse the Greeks used to break their siege of this ancient city. Visit the ancient Asclepion Medical Centre in the city of Pergamon before retiring in seaside Izmir this evening where we'll dine at our hotel.
Stroll through the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, past the amazingly intact façade of the Library of Celcus and down to what was once its thriving port. See the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos then spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening you may consider joining an optional dinner at a local restaurant in Izmir and indulge in some of the local raki.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Izmir Seafood Dinner
Head to the Kordon where we take you to one of Izmir's favourite seafood restaurants. Known for stunning views and for serving the best fish dishes in coastal Turkey, dine on a variety of seafood and meze delights. Don't worry there's great options for those who don't like seafood too!.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Onwards to Pamukkale
Leave the coastal city of Izmir behind as you journey inland to Pamukkale. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel before dinner.
Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we'll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for dinner at your hotel.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
Day 8
Enjoy Ancient Perge
Enjoy a morning on your terms to soak up the enchanting seaside atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera, embarking on an optional yacht cruise or relaxing at the hotel pool. This afternoon, we travel to the Roman city of Perge to visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and see treasures spanning the centuries.
Antalya Old Town, 'Kaleici', is the picturesque old quarter in the centre of present day Antalya. Your Local Specialist will show you the imposing Hadrian's Gate, dating from 130 AD when the Roman Emperor visited the city. Then you'll enjoy a yacht cruise to the stunning Düden waterfall.
Adult Price: $37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 9
On the Road to Aspendos and Konya
Witness the world's best-preserved theatre of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travellers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-coloured rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. This evening, indulge in the flavours of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant, before retiring to your hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding fairy chimneys. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos before dining in our hotel this evening.
The 'dance' of the Whirling Dervishes is called Sema. It is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and represents a man's spiritual journey, and will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. (*) Performance of Whirling Dervishes is NOT a show but instead it is a mystic ceremony.
Adult Price: $31.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 12
Onwards to Ankara
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.
Returning to Istanbul, we enjoy the rest of the day on our own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savour the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus before meeting your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner.
No stay would be complete without this unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. Along the shores you’ll see a beautiful mixture of modern hotels, ancient wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and small fishing villages, as you relax on board.
Adult Price: $43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 14
Farewell Istanbul
Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Istanbul Nightlife Experience
You’ll enjoy a short drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul before arriving at the famous Kervansaray Night Club. You’ll taste Turkish specialties while being entertained by musicians, belly and folk dancers, performing dances from different regions of Turkey. You’ll also get the chance to join in.
Adult Price: $75.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Izmir Seafood Dinner
Head to the Kordon where we take you to one of Izmir's favourite seafood restaurants. Known for stunning views and for serving the best fish dishes in coastal Turkey, dine on a variety of seafood and meze delights. Don't worry there's great options for those who don't like seafood too!.
Adult Price: $50.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 8
Antalya Old Town And Waterfall Yacht Cruise
Antalya Old Town, 'Kaleici', is the picturesque old quarter in the centre of present day Antalya. Your Local Specialist will show you the imposing Hadrian's Gate, dating from 130 AD when the Roman Emperor visited the city. Then you'll enjoy a yacht cruise to the stunning Düden waterfall.
Adult Price: $37.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 11
Performance of Whirling Dervishes
The 'dance' of the Whirling Dervishes is called Sema. It is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and represents a man's spiritual journey, and will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. (*) Performance of Whirling Dervishes is NOT a show but instead it is a mystic ceremony.
Adult Price: $31.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 13
Traditional Bosphorus Cruise
No stay would be complete without this unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe and Asia. Along the shores you’ll see a beautiful mixture of modern hotels, ancient wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and small fishing villages, as you relax on board.
Adult Price: $43.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches (including Be My Guest), 11 dinners
Trip Summary Transport Icon
On-trip Transport
All transport shown
The Trafalgar difference
Connect with Locals
Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya. (Day 7)
Dive into Culture
Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. (Day 2) Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. (Day 11)
Stays with Stories
Located alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle, many of the rooms at Dilek Kaya Hotel are hewn out of the surrounding rock. (Day 10)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Explore Istanbul with a Local Specialist
Experience Ti Filled Icon
Visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, the ancient ruins of Troy, the Asclepion Medical Centre at Pergamon, the ancient city at Ephesus, the Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, the Archaeological Museum in Antalya, the home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, the underground city of Saratli, Göreme Open Air Museum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation at Ankara
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Çanakkale.
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Experience Tick Thin Icon
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Handcrafted Highlights
Feefo T T Icon
LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS REVIEWS
Best of Turkey Trip Reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
Overall Rating
4.8
Out of 5
Based on 426 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.7
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
317
4
Review Star Icon
104
3
Review Star Icon
3
2
Review Star Icon
2
1
Review Star Icon
0
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
4.8
Out of 5
5
Review Star Icon
347
4
Review Star Icon
74
3
Review Star Icon
1
2
Review Star Icon
2
1
Review Star Icon
2
Navigation Chevron Left Icon
Trusted Customer My Account Icon
Clock Icon
Quote Icon
We had a magnificent trip in the off season on our tour. informed professio
Yes most certainly ... very good value for money. Professional, experienced and very personable guide ... manageable size of group / great driver both went the extra mile on many occasions. Thanks to all !
Best of Turkey!! Our tour director was excellent, very knowledgeable about all the places we went. Very professional and organized, great attitude and helpful. Our coach driver was always courteous and professional. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to learn about Turkey.
This was our first trip with Trafalgar. " Best of Turkey truly the Best !!! Our tour director was brilliant. He had a great knowledge of Turkey. Very professional and organized . Great attitude and helpful. The tour was excellent . Our coach driver was always courteous and professional. We recommend this trip to anyone who wants to learn about Turkey.
Real moments from real travellers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell
Or search for something else
Need Help?
1800 002 007
Available Dates
BackNavigation Close Icon
Navigation Close Icon
Trip Notes
Navigation Close Icon
Special Rate Solo Rooming: Departures 11 July, 25 July and 8 August 2021 will include 20 – 100% discount on our standard single supplement.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is available on this trip.
Itinerary: Some departures may operate in reverse. Included sightseeing will not be affected. If Sarhatli is unavailable, an alternative underground city may be visited instead.
Anzac Day: Departure 22 April 2021 is a special Anzac Day departure. This itinerary is altered to take in the commemorations and events at Gallipoli.
Important Visa Information: Visas may be required for this trip. Please speak with your Travel Agent when making your reservation to assess your specific requirements.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
Your selected dates have an enhanced itinerary.
Navigation Close Icon
You’ll be travelling in Autumn, Winter or Spring, and this itinerary has been enhanced for you to enjoy the unique experiences these seasons offer.
