Step back to a time when sultans ruled this land and were surrounded by all the world's treasures.
Explore a mezze of East and West in mystical Turkey, from the Byzantine and Ottoman past of its former capital, Istanbul, to Troy, Ephesus, and the limestone cotton castles of Pamukkale.
Meet at the crossroads of East and West - the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you'll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Welcome Reception.
Delve into treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace. We explore the Basilica of Hagia Sophia, once one of the greatest churches in all of Christendom and then we visit the Byzantine Hippodrome. This afternoon we travel to the city of Çanakkale.
We participate in the poignant Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove. Visit the ancient city of Troy where we'll admire its symbolic replica of the wooden Trojan horse built by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege before returning to Çanakkale.
Today we spend a quiet moment commemorating the brave lives lost at Gallipoli and see the Lone Pine Cemetery and battlefields, including Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair. We stop in the village of Demircidere where we'll 'Connect With Locals' and enjoy a memorable 'Be My Guest' luncheon with Turkey's most liberated women.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Mövenpick
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest, Dinner
Day 5
Izmir – Ephesus – Virgin Mary’s House – Pamukkale
Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. We visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theatre, built by the Romans in the 2nd century and still in use today. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale.
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.
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Konya
This morning we enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Our last stop today is Konya where tonight we dine in our hotel.
Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. Continuing your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai then 'Dive Into Culture' to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Tonight you'll enjoy an overnight stay at one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' set alongside the ancient Ortahisar rock castle. Many of the rooms are hewn from the surrounding rock and boast views of Cappadocia's fairy-tale landscapes.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Dilek Kaya
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Whirling Dervishes Performance & Dinner
The “dance” of the Whirling Dervishes is called “Sema”. It is a part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and it represents a man’s spiritual journey, and it will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. The performance of the Whirling Dervishes will be followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: $40.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Göreme Excursion
The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take centre stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys and underground city of Sarhatli on the ancient Silk Road. You'll learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium before joining your fellow travellers for an included dinner this evening.
After a short flight to Istanbul, you'll spend some time exploring the Old City. Visit the 17th-century Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Farewell Dinner.
We say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as we prepare to depart to the airport for our flight home. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 5
Dance Of The 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.
Adult Price: $25.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Whirling Dervishes Performance & Dinner
The “dance” of the Whirling Dervishes is called “Sema”. It is a part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture and it represents a man’s spiritual journey, and it will be a highlight of your trip to Turkey. The performance of the Whirling Dervishes will be followed by a dinner at a local restaurant.
Adult Price: $40.00*
* 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.
Meet the most liberated women in Turkey in the village of Demircidere, where you'll learn how to bake traditional bread and taste the local wine at our 'Be My Guest' lunch. (Day 4)
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 7)
Sightseeing highlights
Experience Ti Filled Icon
VISIT the Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the Asclepion Medical Centre at Pergamon, the Virgin Mary's House at Ephesus, the Cotton Castle springs at Pamukkale, the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis
Experience Ti Filled Icon
SIGHTSEEING TOUR with a Local Specialist in Istanbul
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Handcrafted Highlights
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VIP entry to many sights
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Çanakkale
Highlights of Turkey with Anzac Day Trip Reviews
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Trip Notes
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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.
