Classical Turkey

Turkey

Culture | Silk Road

Journey through Turkey's iconic sites

10 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

With an eclectic mix of European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian influences, Turkey is a glorious muddle of cultures, archaeological sites and natural phenomena. The impressive travertine hot springs at Pamukkale and underground cities of Cappadocia are breathtaking, and a tour of eclectic Istanbul will take you back in time to the Ottoman era. Admire the beautiful Bosphorus, explore ancient Ephesus and spend time in the wonderful city of Izmir on this fantastic introduction to the many delights of Turkey.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Admire the stunning Blue Mosque
  • Learn about life in Ottoman times in Topkapi Palace
  • Appreciate the genius in the design of Hagha Sophia
  • Experience the Grand Bazaar, the most colourful of markets
  • Enjoy world class cuisine in this foodie heaven
  • Explore the Underground Cities of Cappadocia
  • Visit rock-cut churches and natural castles
  • Marvel at the beautiful natural landscapes of Pamukkale
  • The ancient Greek city of Ephesus

Places Visited

Istanbul - Cappadocia - Cappadocia - Goreme - Izmir - Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi

What's Included

All accommodation
Tours mentioned in the program
Museum entrance fees
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Transfers
Tax

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Itinerary
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Day 1 : Istanbul

Arrival in to Istanbul. A Travel The Unknown representative will be waiting with your name on a board at the airport, and will transfer you to your hotel. Rest of the day free to explore. Overnight in hotel in Istanbul.

Overnight in Turkoman Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: n/a

Sitting on the Bosphorus, Istanbul is one of the world’s truly great cities - overflowing with culture and historical sites. World class attractions such as the exquisite Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, excellent bars and restaurants, jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant markets and a history of epic proportions makes Istanbul a city par excellence.
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Day 2 : Istanbul

Full day walking tour of Sultan Ahmed. Return back to the hotel. Evening free. Overnight in hotel in Istanbul. 

Overnight in Turkoman Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The tour will start with Sultan Ahmed Square and the Hippodrome. You will visit Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as “the Blue Mosque” famous for its striking blue Iznik tiles and 6 minarets. On the opposite side of the Sultan Ahmet Square you will visit Hagha Sophia; once the grandest church of its era and a work of engineering genius, Hagia Sophia also has one of the most highly regarded mosaics of Christ and the Mother Mary. After Hagia Sophia, you will visit Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for hundreds of years. With its extensive collection of Ottoman artefacts and an incredible jewellery collection you will get an insight into the lives of the Ottoman sultans. The Palace also commands an outstanding location overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn so that you can look across to Asia. After visiting Topkapi Palace you will be taken to Grand Bazaar to see one of the oldest and most colourful souks of our time.

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Day 3 : Bosphorus - Cappadocia

In the morning have a tour of the Bosphorus, then catch a flight to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch



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Day 4 : Cappadocia

Full-day spent exploring the beautiful area of Cappadocia. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and the Kaymakli Underground City. There is also the opportunity to have a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia (extra cost). Experience a whirling dervishes ceremony in the evening. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The Goreme Open-Air Museum has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 and is a vast complex of monasteries, each of which has its own church. These churches are the finest of the rock-cut churches, boasting beautiful frescoes (wall paintings).

There are 36 underground cities in Cappadocia and the widest one is Kaymakli Underground City. These troglodyte cave-cities were excavated as early as Hittite times, and expanded over the centuries as various pillaging armies crossed Central Anatolia in search of captives and plunder. The Kaymakli Underground City has low, narrow and sloping passages and consists of 8 floors below ground, although only four of them are open to the public today. The number of the storage rooms in such a small area supports the idea that a great number of people resided here, archaeologists estimate figures of up to three thousand five hundred people. As well as chapels, stables and storage, an efficient man-made system of air shafts provided ventilation even at the deepest levels of the underground cities, meaning people could survive there for lengths of time when necessary. The people of Kaymakli village have constructed their houses above nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. The inhabitants of the region still use the most convenient places in the tunnels as cellars, storage areas and stables, which they access through their courtyards.

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Day 5 : Cappadocia

Explore the Red Valley before visiting the surrounding small villages and underground cities. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Overnight in The MDC Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The Red Valley and Güllüdere Vadisi (Rose Valley) are two spectacular valleys in the Cappadocia region, each with varying types of rock formations and colour. The red valley shelters a series of intriguing rock-cut cave churches, with beautiful frescoes and paintings. Nearby is the Pigeon valley, named after the pigeon-cotes carved on its walls. The village of Old Cavusin was abandoned several decades ago due to avalanches. The current village of Cavusin is located on the road and is the typical authentic village. Old Cavusin, with its rock-cut dwellings and stone houses is home to the oldest church in Cappadocia. Ortahisar is another Cappadocian village dominated by a fortress-like rock rising above winding roads.

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Day 6 : Izmir

After breakfast, fly to Izmir, and see the ancient gymnasium and synagogue. Evening at your leisure and overnight in Kusadasi or Sirince Village. 

Overnight in Kordon Hotel Pasaport, Izmir

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

The buzzing metropolis of Izmir is now the third most populated city in Turkey, with a history of over 3,500 years. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Izmir has long had an important trade and military significance thanks to its large port. It is considered to be one of the most liberal cities in today’s Turkey.
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Day 7 : Pamukkale - Hierapolis

Today you will have a tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Overnight Izmir, Kusadasi or Sirince Village.

Overnight in Thermal Spa Hotel Colossae, Pamukkale

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200m high, overlooking the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (translates to “Cotton Palace”) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins.
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Day 8 : Ephesus

Visit the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Overnight in Izmir/Kusadasi/or Sirince Village.

Overnight in Ilayda Hotel, Kusadasi

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Ephesus is one of the most magical sites in Turkey. Extremely well-preserved, the earliest structures of Ephesus date back to the 12th century BC. The main attractions today include an enormous theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the spectacular terraced houses once inhabited by wealthy Romans and adorned with exquisite mosaics. Fundamentally a Greek city, Ephesus was one of the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelation, and remained an important religious centre for much of Turkey’s ancient history. Its coastal location also facilitated its role as an ancient trading centre.
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Day 9 : Istanbul

Transfer to Izmir Airport and fly to Istanbul. Free day to explore Istanbul at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

Overnight in Turkoman Hotel, Istanbul

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

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Day 10 : Istanbul - Departure

Transfer to Istanbul airport for departure.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Turkoman Hotel

Istanbul (3 nights)

Overlooking the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara, Turkoman Hotel is situated in an ideal central location with an outdoor terrace to enjoy the views of Istanbul's famous sites. All rooms feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, and a safety boxe (available at reception). Wi-Fi access is available in public areas of the hotel. 

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The MDC Cave Hotel

Cappadocia (3 nights)

MDC HOTEL is located in Ürgüp, Cappadocia, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE. The name Cappadocia comes from Katpatuka, an ancient Persian word meaning “land of horses.” The region is now largely agricultural and the spectacular landscape is dotted with distinct rock structures. The MDC HOTEL grounds cover 15,000 m2, ideally located between an old river valley and ancient Ürgüp.  Room Facilities: Jacuzzi/Whirlpool, telephone, radio, LCD TV, tea/coffee maker, minibar and a safety deposit box. 

Visit hotel's site
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Kordon Hotel Pasaport

Izmir (1 night)

The hotel is situated in the heart of the city, within walking distance to Izmir International Fairgrounds, Konak Pier Shopping Center, historical Kemeraltı Bazaar and the city museums. Room service, car hire, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, wifi.

Visit hotel's site
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Thermal Spa Hotel Colossae

Pamukkale (1 night)

Relax with a Turkish bath or tan yourself in the solarium. Take a dip in the outdoor pools and thermal pools in this eco-friendly hotel that is just 4km from the historic city of Hierapolis. Treat yourself to a massage or take in the views from your balcony. Every room is tastefully decorated and some feature saunas and hot tubs. 

Visit hotel's site
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Ilayda Hotel

Kusadasi (1 night)

The air-conditioned units at Hotel Ilayda Avantgarde feature a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a safety deposit box. The private bathrooms include a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Free Wi-fi is available. The hotel also features a pool, bar, lobby bar, snack bar and restaurant as well as and outdoor swimming pool. 24 hour reception and room service available. The hotel is 50 meters away from the beach and is within easy access to the shopping area. Nearby attractions includes Pigeon Island.

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Culinary Turkey (3-14 days)

Tickle your taste-buds with a tour of Turkey's cuisine

Turkey's Beaches

Relax and unwind on Turkey's Mediterranean beaches

The Magic of Cappadocia (4 days)

Unique history and fairytale landscapes

Troy and Nicaea Extension (2 days)

Explore two sites of enormous historical significance in this short extension

Thrace Extension (3 days)

Explore European Turkey in the Thrace region, a fascinating and little seen region

Turkey Gullet Experience

Set sail aboard a Turkish Gulet and explore Turkey's coast

Konya Extensions (3 days)

Day trip options from Konya

Istanbul Extensions (5 days)

Extend your trip from Istanbul

Turkey's Cities (1-14 days)

From Bodrum to Istanbul, explore Turkey's historic cities

Trekking in Turkey (3-14 days)

Discover Turkey's splendid and varied terrain on foot

Luxury Turkey

Discover the best Turkey has to offer

Highlights of Turkey (15 days)

East and west, see Turkey at its best

Archaeology of Western Turkey (15 days)

Uncover historical secrets in the west

Silk Road through Turkey (14 days)

Ancient trading routes, historic battles and striking scenery

Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Discover Eastern Turkey's archaeological wonders

Black Sea & Eastern Turkey (14 days)

Natural wonders, ancient sites & Kurdish culture

Eastern Turkey & Georgia Explorer (14 days)

From Ancient Anatolia to the Heart of Georgia.

Treasures of Eastern Turkey (12 days)

Ancient sites and Kurdish culture

Turkish Volcano Trek (10 days)

Stunning eastern peaks including Mount Ararat

Classical Turkey (10 days)

Journey through Turkey's iconic sites

Aegean Sea Gulet Cruise (8 days)

Explore the Gulf of Gokova on a classic Turkish sailboat

Southern Turkey Snapshot (7 days)

Turkey's southern frontiers: the cradle of civilisation

Classical Constantinople (4 days)

Discover the exotic charms of this eternal city

Reviews

I had a lovely time in Turkey. Both of the tours that were part of the package were fabulous, both tour guides were very knowledgeable and made the trips very interesting providing plenty of information, and the places where we went for lunches as part of the trip were superb. David McGuinness is a credit to Travel the Unknown, he goes that `extra mile` to keep customer happy. I`d like to say a huge `thank you` for all the help you gave me organising and planning my trip. I certainly will recommend anyone to use you for planning their `unknown` destination holiday. The emails, telephone calls were all spot on, well done :-) :-)

Jane Kimberley , The Magic of Cappadocia, Turkey

I would not hesitate in using Travel the Unknown for any future journeys to off the beaten track destinations.

Andrea Selfridge , Tailormade Turkey

Travel the Unknown was able to take an abundance of ideas from three experienced travels in my group and synthesize them into a perfect, custom-made adventure, with a wide variety of activities and experiences, led by personable local guides with incredible expertise.

Wendy , Tailormade Turkey

I went on this trip rather than all the other interesting possibilities in the world because I wanted to go to Gobekli Tepe. Being there was all I could have hoped for. It was a stunning experience and I was moved to tears. Thank you so much for the opportunity. Regarding the food, the olives were the best I`ve ever tasted. And the yoghurt is fabulous. Also the cheese and pistachios and apricots. Oh yes, and the watermelon : ) Thanks to David too for being so patient with my endless questions

Cynthia Bishop , Eastern Turkey Explorer, Turkey

This tour comprehensively covered many of the most important ancient archaeological sites in Anatolia, starting with the chronologically earliest Göbekli Tepe, Çatalhöyük, the Hittite capital Hattusha, Harran, Gordion and Mount Nemrut. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Travel the Unknown and its representatives in Turkey.

Eric , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

We’ve been doing a few small group tours in recent years and this was the first trip we’ve taken with Travel the Unknown, and it did not disappoint. We chose this tour as it included all the sites that we wanted to see for year that were hard to find elsewhere, including Gobekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, Mount Nemrut, Hattusa and Catalhoyuk. The entire experience was well organized and planned to near perfection. Our guide, Hasan Tekdal, was just amazing at pulling together thousands of years of history along with the culture and peoples of the region to create a once in a lifetime experience.

Rod & Ellen , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

We were fortunate to book a private trip to Turkey with Travel the Unknown. All aspects exceeded our expectations: booking the trip, the guides and personalized tours, transport, accommodation and the food! Our tour operator on the ground was the best! She went out of her way to ensure a wonderful and special experience of Turkey and the private gulet cruise.

Johanna, Shiree, & Madelein , Tailormade Turkey

Travel the Unknown is an excellent company to chose for a real travel experience. It was a fabulous holiday where we felt we saw a different side to Turkey and saw sights and had experiences that were once in a lifetime events. I would certainly recommend them to anyone wanting to have new experiences and see the true side of a country.

Neil , Ancient Anatolia & Eastern Turkey

This was my third trip with Travel the Unknown and I was just as fully satisfied as on our previous trips. Rahul and his staff are extremely responsive and knowledgeable. Our original itinerary involved areas that were affected by the recent earthquake in Turkey, so the itinerary had to be modified. Rahul accomplished this in a seamless fashion and created a trip that was as interesting, and more varied, than the original one. Kudos for that.

Stephen Kamin , Eastern Turkey Explorer

As a worldwide traveller, explorer & author travelling through COVID times, my trip with Travel The Unknown was a perfect choice for my adventure in Turkey. As a solo booking , I didn’t need the usual tourist bling. I knew what I wanted to see and the company chose the best guide I could have wished for. No fuss. Dealing with my preferences. This company know exactly what they are doing with complete knowledge of their guests, countries and Travel passage. I highly recommend Travel the Unknown.

Tessa Skola , Tailormade Eastern Turkey

This trip was an amazing and very exhilarating experience. We had high hopes of Gobekli Tepe, which were totally fulfilled- it is utterly amazing, but we had not anticipated some of the other gems to be so exceptional as well. We were a small group, which made the trip very personal. Altogether it was a marvellous week, helped by having a caring guide and an excellent driver.

Joy Lawley , Eastern Turkey Snapshot, Turkey

Travel the Unknown were very responsive to my personal wishes, and flexible enough to make this a fantastic tour- we covered a lot in a limited time. Guides were pleasant and informative, and the transport was excellent.

John Colligan , Eastern Turkey Snapshot & archaeology extension
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