Turkey Delights
Per person sharing
The Turkey Delights Tour is an incredible opportunity to explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Turkey.
Beginning in Istanbul, a city straddling two continents, you'll be immersed in its diverse culture and mesmerising historical landmarks. The blend of East and West creates a unique tapestry of experiences, from the iconic Hagia Sophia to the bustling markets and architectural marvels.
Your visit to Pamukkale is truly enchanting, with its striking white terraces and the opportunity to bathe in the thermal pools, a natural wonder that offers relaxation and rejuvenation. In Kusadasi, exploring the ancient Roman city of Ephesus transports travellers back in time, allowing them to walk the streets once trodden by ancient civilisations.
The well-preserved ruins paint a vivid picture of life in antiquity.
Continue your journey to Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey famous for its unique, otherworldly landscape of “fairy chimneys,” rock formations, and valleys
This comprehensive tour encompasses a diverse range of experiences, from historical legacies to natural wonders, offering travellers the chance to delve deeply into Turkey's cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. It's a journey that promises to leave lasting memories and a profound appreciation for the splendour of this remarkable country.
At a glance
| Day 1 | Arrive in Istanbul. Meet and transfer to your hotel | |
| Day 2 | Full day Princess Island Tour incl. lunch | |
| Day 3 | Full day Bursa Tour with cable ride and lunch | |
| Day 4 | Onward flight to Izmir. Transfer to Kusadasi | |
| Day 5 | Full day Pamukkale and Hierapolis with lunch | |
| Day 6 | Full day tour to Ephesus incl. lunch | |
| Day 7 | Flight to Cappadocia | |
| Day 8 | Full day Cappadocia Tour with lunch | |
| Day 9 | Last day in Turkey. Transfer to Cappadocia Airport |
Highlights
> Your Istanbul stay includes a tour to Princess Island, Bursa
> See the natural site in southwestern Turkey known as the "Cotton Castle" for its stunning white travertine terraces
> Visit the Ancient city of Ephesus, including lunch
> Your full-day tour in Cappadocia includes visits to the fairy chimneys and cave dwellings
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Istanbul - Kusadasi (B)
- Transfer is booked to Istanbul Airport for the onward flight to Izmir
- You are met on arrival and taken to your hotel in Kusadasi
Kusadasi (B-L)
- Depart for Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle," a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey
See the white travertine terraces and thermal waters. The tour also includes a visit to the ancient city of
Hierapolis, which features ruins like the grand theatre and necropolis, plus the option to bathe in thermal pools.
Ephesus (B-L)
- Pick up from your Kusadasi hotel and your journey to the House of the Virgin Mary will include scenic views of the Byzantine fortress in Selcuk and the Temple of Artemis. A long and winding road offers wonderful views of the valley en route to the Shrine of St. Mary. The diminutive house, beautifully situated in the Solmissos Mountains, is considered by the Vatican to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.
- Your tour continues to ancient Ephesus, where you’ll pass through the arched Magnesia Gate and begin a slow, downhill walk to the ruins of the Roman provincial capital. See the beautifully preserved Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Trajan Fountain, the Odeon Theater, once used for both political and entertainment purposes, and the beautiful Celsus Library with its imposing façade and two-story Corinthian-style columns. The dramatic Great Theater is one of the few structures still used today. It seats twenty-five thousand and was once an arena for gladiator games
- Return to your hotel in Kusadasi for overnight
Inclusions
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure by our local representative
- Transfer and transportation as per itinerary in AC vehicle
- Accommodation in selected hotels in a double/twin room sharing
- Meal plan as per itinerary
- Excursions with Local English-speaking Guide
- Entrance fees
Exclusions
- International/Domestic flights – Departure & Fuel taxes (Contact us for best airfares)
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fee
- Tips
- Services not stated in the itinerary
Validity
- Rate valid for travel between 01 November 25 to 15 March 26
High Season Supplements applicable for travel between 24 December 25 and 05 January 26
Contact us for any other date of travel required
Country information
Best time to go
The best times to visit Turkey’s archaeological sites and cities are in spring (Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) as the temperature is warm, but not too hot.
High summer (Jun-Aug) can be hot: best time for beach holidays. Winters can be cold and many hotels though city breaks are still an option. Turkey does offer ski options during the winter months
Turkey food & drink
Turkish food is varied and delicious. It’s often meze style – lots of small dishes to sample, including aubergine dips, calamari, borek (stuffed pastries), mashed broad beans and stuffed vine leaves – plenty of options for vegetarians, too. Local food involves a lot of meat, often in kebab form – the smell of charcoal-grilled beef, lamb and chicken permeates Turkey.
A Turkish menu includes wonderful breads, super-sweet baklava (pistachio and syrup pastry) and salty white cheeses. Despite being a Muslim country, alcohol is easy to find in Turkey, especially in the touristy coastal regions. Efes is the Turkish beer of choice. Raki, grape spirit, is potent.
Turkish coffee is pitch black, very strong and often sweet. Tea is widely drunk and served black
Culture and Language
Turkish is the official language, however, English, French and German are widely spoken in all major cities and tourist areas. Shaking hands is the common form of greetings. Hospitability is a top priority. Pointing fingers at a person a considered rude. Declining an offer is done by putting your hand over your heart. Observe dress code when visiting Islamic sites
Getting around
Train travel is a very popular mode of transport between the major cities. It may be slow but can sometimes offer you some inspiring scenic moments. Coach travel is the most used way of getting around Turkey. Bus routes are relatively cheap and are most comfortable. Just about any city is connected by coach. On certain upmarket coaches, extra legroom and Wi-Fi is offered. If your journey is more than 5 hrs, a 30-minute stop is made about every three hours. Taking a taxi is by far the most convenient way of travel in major cities, but not always the quickest way. Taxis can easily be hailed on the street. Important: only take the official bright yellow taxis. If they do not have a meter, then it is a no go
Tipping
The basic rule is: tip 5-10% in restaurants, cafes and bars. Hotel staff does, however, expect a tip between 5 and 20 Turkish Lira. Do not tip taxi drivers but round up the fare. Tour Guides do not depend on tips, however, if a tour has really gone beyond what your expected, a tip of between 20 and 30 Tl will be greatly appreciated