Wonders of Turkey
From CAD $4595
Guarantee
Group Tour
Easy
Rating
(10 reviews)
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. See Ephesus, an ancient city founded in the 10th century BC, home to an amphitheater that once sat 24,000 people. Drive through the Maeander River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. In Ankara, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the final resting place of the country’s first president. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the eclectic Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 7 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Well-being
- 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.
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Istanbul: Begin your travels savoring traditional flavors over dinner at a local restaurant.
- Izmir: Share a Farm-to-table lunch at Nif Bağları, a family-owned wine producer in the foothills near Izmir. Walk through the vines and learn how the land is used, then sit down to seasonal dishes made with produce grown on the property, served in the vineyard setting.
- Cappadocia: Experience a Sema ceremony performed by the whirling dervishes, part of the Mevlevi Sufi tradition. You’ll watch the ritual unfold through music, movement and costume, in a form of worship still practised across Turkey today.
- Istanbul: Toast the culmination of your travels during dinner at a local restaurant.
Top Rated Highlights
- Gallipoli: Visit ANZAC Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula, the landing site for Australian and New Zealand forces on 25 April 1915. The site remains the focus of ANZAC Day commemorations, including the dawn service held here each year.
- Troy: Visit this ancient sight fabled to have been destroyed over love and view the huge reconstructed Trojan Horse.
- Ephesus: Visit the Archaeological museum housing many of the artifacts from Ephesus.
- Ephesus: Walk through Ephesus with a Local Expert, following the Arcadian Way into the heart of the Roman city. You’ll stand before the Library of Celsus, take in the scale of the amphitheater and visit the House of the Virgin Mary, set in the hills above the ruins.
- Pamukkale: Walk along the travertine pools at Pamukkale, where thermal waters have created white limestone terraces across the hillside. You’ll see how the calcium-rich water continues to shape the formations, leaving new deposits as it flows.
- Konya: Step inside the Sultanhani Caravanserai, built in 1229 to support traders and travelers crossing the Anatolian plain. See how the space was designed for overnight shelter, with stables, storerooms and a central courtyard still intact.
- Saratli: Explore the underground city of Saratlı, where tunnels, rooms and passageways were carved out to provide shelter and storage. You’ll walk through the lower levels and see how early communities built out daily life below ground.
- Göreme: Explore the rock-cut churches of Göreme, carved into the soft volcanic rock of Cappadocia. Inside, you’ll see early Christian frescoes that have survived for centuries, offering a close look at how communities once lived and worshipped here.
- Avanos: Visit a pottery studio in Avanos, a town on the Kızılırmak River with a clay-working tradition that dates back to Hittite times. Watch how red river clay is prepared and shaped at the wheel, and follow the stages as each piece is formed, dried and decorated.
- Ankara: Visit Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey and the Republic’s first President. You’ll walk through the ceremonial complex and enter the Hall of Honor, observing how the architecture and setting underline his role in the country’s modern history.
- Istanbul: Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. You’ll watch ferries, fishing boats and cargo ships share the waterway and see how Istanbul’s districts line both banks, built around this route between Europe and Asia.
- Istanbul: Explore Istanbul’s historic peninsula with your Local Expert. You’ll move between the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the former palace complex of Topkapi, tracing how the city shifted from Byzantine Constantinople to the Ottoman capital while life continues in the surrounding streets and markets.
Make Travel Matter
- Ayvalik: Visit the Copmadam workshop, where one-of-a-kind items are made from recycled packaging, creating employment opportunities for local women. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality.
Insight Experiences
- Cappadocia: Step inside a traditional cave house and meet a local Cappadocian who has lived there for decades. Hear how the home was shaped, how it has changed over time and what it means to remain rooted in this landscape.
Insight Choice
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Visit Hagia Sophia with your Local Expert. You’ll step beneath the central dome and see how elements from its time as a Byzantine basilica and as an Ottoman mosque share the same interior, reflecting the building’s long and layered history.
Choice Highlights
- Choose between two carefully selected activities
- Istanbul: An immersive digital experience through the iconic structure's rich past, showcasing its transformation from a Byzantine cathedral to an Ottoman mosque and now a museum, with captivating exhibits and architectural wonders.
- Istanbul: Visit Hagia Sophia with your Local Expert. You’ll step beneath the central dome and see how elements from its time as a Byzantine basilica and as an Ottoman mosque share the same interior, reflecting the building’s long and layered history.
Trip Details
Product Code: 20864
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Tour Operator:
Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 180.229A
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Finishes: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration: 11 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4595 ($418 /day)
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.
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Istanbul
Meals: Dinner
Marvel at breathtaking coastal views as you make your way along the shores of the Sea of Marmara to historic Gallipoli. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought in an in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, join your group as you head from Eceabat across the sea to Çanakkale before arriving in the historic city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan War and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be seen beside the city’s walls.
Accommodation: Kolin, Çanakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Copmadam, a women's co-op turning recycled materials into unique items, and addressing women's employment issues. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Izmir, where you will stop for a Farm-to-Table lunch at Nif Bağları, a family-owned wine producer. Explore the four acres of crop fields, nestled amidst picturesque surroundings before continuing your journey to the coastal resort of Izmir.
Accommodation: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your morning with a trip to the nearby town of Selçuk. Home to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, you’ll begin with an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Once here, delve into the area’s history as you explore the museum’s exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Later, explore the famous site itself. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheater, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.
Accommodation: Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir
Meals: Breakfast
Head to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. See the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theater and its turquoise travertine pools. Later, head to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
Accommodation: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today your journey takes you to Urgup, a historic town in the heart of Cappadocia. Visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai before exploring the underground city of Saratli. You will recognize this famous area from the striking golden, volcanic landscapes that surround it.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Move on to Göreme, a striking town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. Early risers may choose an Optional Experience 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'll witness a performance of the Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness center at your hotel this evening.
Accommodation: Ankara HiltonSA
Meals: Breakfast
It’s time to head to Istanbul, a glorious fusion of East and West where Byzantine splendor meets Ottoman elegance and contemporary energy. This afternoon, set out on a traditional cruise along the Bosphorus, the storied strait that links the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and divides Europe from Asia. Glide past waterside yalıs, domed mosques and palace façades of Istanbul’s skyline. Your evening is at leisure.
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast
Take in the sights of Istanbul, beginning with the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, once the heart of imperial Constantinople where chariot races drew roaring crowds. Explore Hagia Sophia with Insight Choice. Choose between the Hagia Sophia History Digital Experience for an immersive journey through the landmark’s layered past or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia, built in A.D. 537 and famed for its vast dome. Continue to Topkapi Palace, dramatically poised above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, then step into the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of lanes where centuries-old trading traditions live on in glittering textiles, ceramics and spices. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Canopy by Hilton Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
Reviews
Neville - Traveled, October 2024
The bag collection and delivery to our rooms was excellent. The bus driver was great and keep our safety. The bus trip was excellent. the guide was full of joy and friendly and knew her stuff regarding Turkey. It was a pleasure. The only suggestion I could give is can we have some more room on the bus. Most of the passengers were my age and some had knee and hip replacements like me. All the spare parts freeze up after being cramped up. I travelled on a bus in Canada, and they removed a couple of seats and gave each seat more room and it was excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
It is always excellent- reliable and first classGreat coverage of highlights of Turkey. Bus is an excellent way to see the country. Insight offer excellent tour guide information and are always accommodating and very helpful. Bus drivers are extremely skilled too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, October 2024
Good bus. Very good Driver. Nice Hotels. TD managed well with given situation. First compare your itinerary with your competition. All of them gave importance and lot of time in Istanbul. You skipped lots of things and allocated one day. Compare amount of time given at all Historical sites to visit versus Carpet weaving,Ceramic place, Leather jacket place and Religious/ Show . You should rethink and revise by eliminating some stops (towns) and re allocate time. This is my 3rd time to Istanbul. I have travelled with most of the travel companies around the world including with your Group.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Barbara - Traveled, October 2024
Although there was a lot of travel by coach, it was worth it to see so many sights. We learned a lot about the history and culture of Turkey. The food is delicious! The tour offers a variety of experiences as well, and the option of a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a must.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
Nina - Traveled, September 2024
The air conditioning of some hotels was not working properly. The food was good. The leader was very nice. I did not know Turkey has so many historical sight. The trip was very pleasant.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, June 2024
The service that Insight presented was faultless at all levels. Our guide and the bus driver Farhat both excelled in making our tour a most memorable experience. The itinerary was broad yet focussed. Our tour guide as she offers others to call her that) was BRILLIANT with her knowledge, passion and humour. She most certainly was the reason we all enjoyed the experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Our guide, Gigi, was the best! She was very knowledgeable about all the areas we visited, plus being friendly and funny. I had an accident on one of the sites we were at and she arranged a hospital visit and interpreter for us. Great overview of Turkey. Didn’t realize how large and the distances between each stop was.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
The bus driver were excellent. Good overview, however much wasted time. Only one rushed day at Istanbul. Waste of time with Farm to Table half day (look around a generic farm, get bussed up a hill to eat mediocre food), and much too long at ANZAC memorial. Maybe look into other tours with flights within Turkey instead of long bus rides to different cities.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2024
Anonymous - Traveled, November 2024
Your service was impeccable, both our driver and tour guide were top notch going over and beyond to take care of our every need especially when another in our group had an accident requiring medical attention at the hospital. Both were very professional and caring. Hotels were excellent but would have liked more free time to explore on our own in the evening with some direction if needed. It was a shame that Istanbul was only allocated 1.5 days when it felt like it should have had at least double that time. Felt like there was a lot of wasted time on this tour instead of maximizing the time we had for more sightseeing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/13/2024
Hassiba - Traveled, October 2024
It was a great trip. My concern is that Insight allows people who are vulnerable and at high risks of falling attend these tours which are designed for fit people. It would be great if a smaller group of people with special needs travel together. I was anxious all the time thinking that vulnerable team member will die during our vacation. The driver and the tour guide were excellent. Accomodation was nice though some fell short of the 5 star standard. More days should have been allocated to Istanbul as there were so many things to do in so little time. Farm section needs to be removed. It took valuable time away from other amazing activities. My highlight was Cappadocia and Ephesus.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/13/2024
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