11-Day Wonders of Turkey - Small Group, Summer
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US$3131 ￥20994 €2782 C$4461 Rs.301596
US$3914 ￥26243 €3477 C$5577 Rs.377018
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Packages
A
Nov 2026 - Mar 2027
B
Apr 2027 - Oct 2027
C
Nov 2027 - Mar 2028
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Child age: 0-12
Highlights
Travel across Turkey with your Small Group, linking Istanbul’s mosques, bazaars and Bosphorus shores with the battlefields of Gallipoli, the ruins of Troy and the streets of ancient Ephesus. Meet women at a social enterprise, share a Farm-to-Table vineyard lunch and walk the travertine terraces of Pamukkale. In Cappadocia, step inside a cave house and watch a Sema ceremony. Along the way, visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, enjoy a Small Group Exclusive experience at a backgammon lesson in a traditional coffee house and stand beneath the dome of Hagia Sophia.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul, the only major city set across two continents, shaped by the Bosphorus and a skyline of domes and minarets. You’ll transfer to Canopy by Hilton Istanbul, in the Beyoğlu district, and have time to settle in. If time allows, head out for a first look at the city’s waterfront life, watching ferries cross the strait and taking in views towards the historic peninsula. This evening, meet your Travel Director and your small group for dinner in a local restaurant and begin getting to know the travelers you’ll be exploring with.
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
Follow the shores of the Sea of Marmara towards the Gallipoli Peninsula, a landscape defined by the 1915 campaign and the events commemorated each year on ANZAC Day. Visit ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery, learning how the coastline and ridgelines shaped what happened here and how the memorial sites were established. Later, continue to Troy, the archaeological site linked to Homeric legend and later excavations that revealed multiple layers of settlement. See the replica Trojan Horse at Troy beside the excavated mound at Hisarlık, where archaeologists have identified nine main settlement layers dating from the Early Bronze Age to around A.D. 500.
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
Gallipoli, Turkey
Located in the southern part of East Thrace, the European part of Turkey, with the Aegean Sea to the west and the Dardanelles strait to the east, Gallipoli is the Italian form of the Greek name Kallipolis, meaning "Beautiful City".
Troy
The ruins of the ancient city of Troy, the famous setting of Homer's masterful epic The Iliad, are located within the Canakkale province of Turkey, on the country's Aegean coast.
Canakkale, Turkey
This city and seaport in Turkey sits on the southern coast of the Dardanelles (also called the Hellespont) at their narrowest point. It is the largest major city near the site of ancient Troy.
Start the day at Copmadam, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience where women turn recycled materials into handmade goods. The co-operative supports long-term employment in a part of Turkey where opportunities for women remain limited. Continue to Nif Bağları, a family-owned wine producer in the hills outside Izmir, for a Farm-to-Table vineyard lunch. Later, arrive in Izmir with time to explore the waterfront, visit the Kemeralti Bazaar or stop for a coffee in the Alsancak district before dinner with your Small Group.
Canakkale, Turkey
This city and seaport in Turkey sits on the southern coast of the Dardanelles (also called the Hellespont) at their narrowest point. It is the largest major city near the site of ancient Troy.
Ayvalik, Turkey
Located on the northwest Aegean coast of Turkey, Ayvalik is a beautiful seaside town and district of Balıkesir Province. The town center is surrounded by the archipelago of Ayvalık Islands, which face nearby Greek islands that can easily be visited by ferry.
Izmir, Turkey
A vibrant city on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its modern vibe and rich historical sites.
Travel to Selçuk for a visit to Ephesus, walking along ancient streets lined with monumental remains from the city’s Roman period. Continue to a local workshop for an introduction to Turkish carpet weaving, learning how wool and silk, natural dyes and regional knotting techniques shape one of Anatolia’s long-standing crafts. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a small shrine above Selçuk visited by pilgrims. Later, arrive at a traditional coffee shop, learning the basics of tavla before sitting down for a game over Turkish coffee. Continue to İzmir for the night, where you could join an Optional Experience for dinner on the seafront promenade, sharing seafood and meze with drinks.
Izmir, Turkey
A vibrant city on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its modern vibe and rich historical sites.
Ephesus
The amphitheater at the ruins of Ephesus is still in excellent condition. The Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Basilica are other notable buildings. The Temple of Artemis was located on the outskirts of the city.
Izmir, Turkey
A vibrant city on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its modern vibe and rich historical sites.
Travel inland to Pamukkale, known for its white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Visit a leather shop to learn about Turkish leather craft, seeing how different materials, cutting methods and finishing techniques come together in the final designs. Continue to ancient Hierapolis with your Travel Director, visiting the Roman theater and the remains of streets, tombs and bathhouses, and see the pools that still flow across the terraces today. Later, check in to your hotel, the Doğa Thermal Health Spa, which draws its water from the same geothermal sources. You’ll have time to unwind in the thermal pools, try a traditional hammam or explore the wider spa facilities before dinner with your small group.
Izmir, Turkey
A vibrant city on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its modern vibe and rich historical sites.
Hierapolis
Translated from ancient Greek, Hierapolis means "Holy City." Built atop the hot springs near Pamukkale, the city was abandoned in the late medieval period. It's Roman theater is one of the best-preserved examples of such theaters in the world.
Pamukkale, Turkey
This site near Denizli, Turkey is known as the "White Castle" for its white limestone cliffs. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of and visitors to the area have used the thermal pools to relax.
Travel into central Turkey, following a route once used by traders and travelers on the Silk Road. Stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai, a fortified roadside inn built in the 13th century to shelter caravans. Later, explore the underground city of Saratlı, where early communities carved out homes, storage areas and passageways beneath the ground. Arrive in Ürgüp in the early evening and settle into your hotel before dinner.
Pamukkale, Turkey
This site near Denizli, Turkey is known as the "White Castle" for its white limestone cliffs. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of and visitors to the area have used the thermal pools to relax.
Saratli, Turkey
Saratli is a small town in Ankara Province, Turkey, known for its peaceful rural landscapes and traditional way of life, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its fairy-tale speckled rock formations: strange rock formations, caves, and historical relics of semi-hermit people. It is also one of the two most popular place for hot air balloon rides on earth.
Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Rise early to watch the sunrise as hot air balloons lift off and drift above the valleys. Explore Göreme’s rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings before moving on to the Paşabağ Valley. Located on the road to Zelve, you’ll find otherworldly earth pillars here, ‘fairy chimneys’ and troglodyte dwellings. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. You’ll learn more about their unique way of living, local traditions and family life. Complementing the day’s events, this evening you could join an Optional Experience to witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes. Join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its fairy-tale speckled rock formations: strange rock formations, caves, and historical relics of semi-hermit people. It is also one of the two most popular place for hot air balloon rides on earth.
Göreme, Turkey
Göreme is a central town in Cappadocia, famous for its unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides.
Uchisar
The name "Uchisar" means "castle at the top," due to the citadel that was constructed in the caves of this rock, the highest point in all of Cappadocia. The town built on the slopes of the citadel offers fun experiences.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its fairy-tale speckled rock formations: strange rock formations, caves, and historical relics of semi-hermit people. It is also one of the two most popular place for hot air balloon rides on earth.
Begin in Avanos, a town on the Kızılırmak River known for its pottery traditions. Learn about the craft and see how local clay is worked and shaped before firing. Continue on to Ankara, Turkey’s capital and the center of the modern republic. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, often referred to as the Hittite Museum, to see key finds from Anatolia’s early cultures. Then visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey and the Republic’s first President. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps head up to Ankara Castle for views across the city, explore the lanes of Hamamönü’s restored Ottoman-era quarter, or spend longer in Ulus around the historic center.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its fairy-tale speckled rock formations: strange rock formations, caves, and historical relics of semi-hermit people. It is also one of the two most popular place for hot air balloon rides on earth.
Ankara, Turkey
As the capital of Turkey, Ankara is the center of the country's government and an important commercial and industrial city. A very old city, it contains ancient Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archaeological sites.
Leave Ankara for Istanbul, returning to the city where your journey began. On arrival, join a Bosphorus cruise to see Istanbul from the water, traveling between Europe and Asia as you pass Ottoman palaces, neighborhood mosques and busy quays along both shores. In the evening, explore at your own pace. You might walk through Karaköy and across the Galata Bridge, follow İstiklal Caddesi’s shops and cafes, or head towards the Spice Bazaar and Eminönü’s ferry piers.
Ankara, Turkey
As the capital of Turkey, Ankara is the center of the country's government and an important commercial and industrial city. A very old city, it contains ancient Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archaeological sites.
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
Spend your final full day exploring Istanbul’s historic peninsula. Start at the Blue Mosque, known for its six minarets and interior Iznik tiles, then cross the Hippodrome, the former chariot-racing ground of Constantinople. Continue to Hagia Sophia with Insight Choice: select the Hagia Sophia History Digital Experience, outlining its shift from basilica to mosque and museum, or visit Hagia Sophia itself with your Local Expert. Later, visit Topkapi Palace, once the seat of Ottoman sultans, and walk the covered streets of the Grand Bazaar. In the evening, share a final dinner with your Small Group and Travel Director as your journey through Turkey comes to a close.
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
Your journey through Turkey comes to an end in Istanbul. After breakfast, take a moment to say goodbye to your Travel Director and Small Group, reflecting on the days spent traveling together, before transferring to the airport for your onward travel.
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- DAY 1: Complimentary transfers from Istanbul Airport (IST) depart at 13:30 and 16:30. Guests should arrive at least 2 hours before the last transfer time. Please be aware when booking your flights.
- DAY 11: Complimentary transfers to Istanbul Airport (IST) depart at 06:00 and 12:00 on the last day of the trip only.
- CHARGEABLE TRANSFERS: Chargeable transfers available in Istanbul (IST). Guests who have booked their extra hotel nights with Insight Vacations, or whose flight times do not coincide with the shuttle coach timings may purchase a chargeable transfer. However, guests booking independent hotel nights should make their own transfer arrangements.
- SAW AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Complimentary transfers are not available for Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). Only Chargeable transfers for SAW are available on the first/last day of the tour or in conjunction with pre/post accommodation booked through Insight Vacations.
*LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Each guest is permitted one bag with maximum dimensions of 58 linear inches (147 cm), the total of length, width, and height - and a weight not exceeding 44 lbs (20 kg). Guests may also bring one personal item, such as a purse, backpack, or similarly sized item that fits comfortably under the seat in front of them or the overhead compartment weighing no more than 15 lbs (7kg). - MOTORCOACH NOTE: Smaller coaches without extra legroom or onboard washroom may be used.
- GROUND HANDLER: This trip is operated by ground handler Marvel Tours.
- SMALL GROUP SERIES: Wonders of Turkey is now featuring exclusively small-group departures, operating with a maximum of 24 guests for the entire series.
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Policies
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Travel Documents
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
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