Overview
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Turkey is a unique country with a unique identity straddling both Europe and Asia. Your 8-day Turkish Escape starts in Istanbul, a city of great diversity and a combination of tree-lined boulevards, cafés and cosmopolitan restaurants set against a backdrop where little has changed for centuries. During its 3,000 years of turbulent history, it has been home to the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans and the Turks themselves- all leaving their marks. Highlights of your sightseeing are inside visits to the 6th century Hagia Sophia, the largest ever church and for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth and to the amazing Topiaki Palace which was the seat of the government of one of the greatest Empire of the Medieval age.
Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the Anzac cemetery and visit 3 of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each very different and distinctive. Troy, the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and made up to 9 separate cities all built over each other; Pergamon an impregnable defensive site with amazing views in all directions which flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centres of and healing; Ephesus, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean during Roman times which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments.
Cross from Europe to Asia on board a scenic ferry journey across the Dardanelles Straight and get ready to taste the superb Turkish cuisine, an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialties and flavours.
This is the perfect vacation if you are looking for a genuine and unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and an atmosphere the mysterious East with the familiar West.
Highlights
ISTANBUL Welcome dinner and a special farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant; guided sightseeing, including visits to Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar.
DARDANELLES Ferry crossing of the Straits
ANZAC Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the cemetery
TROY Guided visit of the archaeological site
PERGAMUM Guided visit of the Pergamum Museum and Asclepion
EPHESUS Guided visit of the archaeological site and museum
PAMUKKALE Guided visit of the Hierapolis
BURSA Guided sightseeing including a visit to the Great Mosque; Covered Bazaar & Silk Market
IZNIK Visit St. Sophia Church and the archeological museum
Tour itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 4 dinners
ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Day1
After arrival at Atatürk Airport, check into your hotel. At 6:30 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals included:
- Dinner
ISTANBUL
Day2
Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in 330 AD when Constantine the Great elected it the capital of the Roman Empire, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent history. Guided sightseeing starts at TOPKAPI PALACE, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Admire the rich and spectacular kaftans of the sultans that were worn during the Ottoman period. Then, tour the HAGIA SOPHIA, followed by the ROMAN HIPPODROME, and visit Sultan Ahmet’s BLUE MOSQUE.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
ISTANBUL–GALLIPOLI–TROY AREA.
Day3
Visit the colorful GRAND BAZAAR before setting out on your discovery tour of a country with the population of Britain and more than three times its size. Drive along the European shore of the Sea of Marmara and head westward through sunflower and olive groves to the Dardanelles. Visit the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the ANZAC CEMETERY and the LONE PINE MEMORIAL. Travel by ferry across the Dardanelles to the Troy area for your first overnight in Asia on the Aegean coast.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
TROY AREA–PERGAMUM–KUSADASI.
Day4
Enjoy a guided visit of TROY, the perfect place to brush up on Homer’s Trojan War—hollow wooden horse and all! Vistas of the Greek isle of Lesbos greet you as you follow the shores of the Bay of Edremit. Continue south to Pergamum, an ancient center of learning and the arts, and visit its MUSEUM. After lunch, visit the ASCLEPION, a shrine to the Greek god of medicine. Drive to Kusadasi for your overnight.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
KUSADASI–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE
Day5
Today, visit Ephesus, home of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, and later, the capital of Roman Asia Minor. Visit the SITE OF ANCIENT RUINS and the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM with its famous statue of Artemis, goddess of fertility and destiny. Then, travel along the Silk Road, and through the lush valley of the meandering Menderes River. Next, Pamukkale. The name means “Cotton Castle” and refers to the spectacular white lime cascades formed by its hot springs.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
PAMUKKALE–HIERAPOLIS–BURSA.
Day6
This morning, visit the fascinating archaeological site of HIERAPOLIS, the thermal resort founded by a Pergamene king in 190 BC and greatly enlarged and embellished by the Romans. Then, enjoy the ever-changing cultivated landscapes and timeless scenes of rural life on your way to Bursa. Spot farmers working their fields or transporting produce in traditional horse-drawn carts. Bursa lies in the shade of the Uludag–also called Mount Olympus of Mysia—a 7,700-foot-high ski mountain surrounded by lovely orchards. Founded by the Greeks, like most ancient cities in this part of the world, and hotly contested during the Crusades, Bursa had its heyday as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon, visit the GREAT MOSQUE (Ulu Camii). Also on the agenda, of course, are the ancient Covered Bazaar and the Silk Market.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
BURSA–IZNIK–ISTANBUL.
Day7
Visit Iznik, site of the first Ecumenical Council. See its ancient city walls before visiting ST. SOPHIA CHURCH and the ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Later, return to Istanbul in style. Tonight, a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant celebrates the success of your Turkish Escape.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
ISTANBUL
Day8
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Hotels listed may occasionally be substituted with alternative hotels of equivalent standard.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Extend your tour and see even more
On selected tours you can extend your time at the beginning or end of your holiday. To book your holiday with an extension, call us on 0330 0588 237 or speak to your travel agent.
To book your holiday with an extension, call 0330 0588 237 or speak to your travel agent.
What's included
Tour only
Prefer to book your own flights and transfers? You have the freedom to do that with our Tour Only holiday option.
- Services of a tour director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- All port taxes
Tour with flights
Let us take care of everything. Our package option includes return flights from your chosen airport, plus overseas transfers to your hotel.
- Flights
- Transfers
- Services of a tour director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- All airport and port taxes
Book with confidence
We are a member of ABTA, and all our flight-inclusive holidays are protected by ATOL. So you can book, relax, and plan your sightseeing.
Hotels
It may occasionally be necessary to use alternative hotels of a similar standard to those shown.
Istanbul - Mercure - The Plaza Bosphorus Hotel
A modern hotel located in the heart of the city with a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. All 240 guest rooms include Free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe box, complimentary toiletries, and adjustable air-conditioning. The rooms are decorated with a stylish modern interior design offering a seamless blend of comfort and technology. The Plaza rooftop restaurant serves international gourmet cuisine, a wide variety of salads, grills, dessert and appetizer buffets are served in the on-site bar and guests can enjoy homemade pastries at the Café de Plaza. The hotel also boasts various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre, and massage services.
Location
Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165, Istanbul, Turkey
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Troy Area - Iris Hotel
Situated on the beach in Guzelyali, this 4-star hotel is only 10 km from the ancient city of Troy and next doot to Turgut Reis Tabyasi . It has a tennis court, gym and a spacious outdoor pool with a sun-lounger terrace. All 95 guest rooms are decorated in neutral colours and feature balconies with panoramic views. They have modern furnishings and come equipped with air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, minibar, ironing kit, and complimentary toiletries. Buffet breakfasts are served at the patio restaurant which also offers outdoor seating in the garden. The restaurant also provides a 24/7 open kitchen with local and international menus.
Location
Mola Caddesi 48 Guzel Yali, Canakkale, Turkey
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Troy Area - Iris Hotel
Situated on the beach in Guzelyali, this 4-star hotel is only 10 km from the ancient city of Troy and next doot to Turgut Reis Tabyasi . It has a tennis court, gym and a spacious outdoor pool with a sun-lounger terrace. All 95 guest rooms are decorated in neutral colours and feature balconies with panoramic views. They have modern furnishings and come equipped with air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, tea and coffee facilities, minibar, ironing kit, and complimentary toiletries. Buffet breakfasts are served at the patio restaurant which also offers outdoor seating in the garden. The restaurant also provides a 24/7 open kitchen with local and international menus.
Location
Mola Caddesi 48 Guzel Yali, Canakkale, Turkey
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Kusadasi - Charisma De Luxe Hotel
This property features a 60 m private beach and offers a seasonal outdoor infinity pool with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and is located only a 15-minute walk from Kusadasi's shopping and entertainment areas. All 218 guest rooms come with a sea-view balcony and spa bath. LCD TV with satellite channels, kettle and minibar are provided in every room. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel's public areas. Relaxation options at the Charisma De Luxe Hotel include a heated indoor pool with a Turkish bath, sauna and a beauty centre. Water sports and a diving centre are available at the hotel's beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as open-buffet. Turkish and international cuisine is served in the Moonlight Restaurant, while pastries can be enjoyed at the Black Coffee patisserie. Guests can prepare their own salads at the Pino Bar and enjoy lunches served in à la carte style. There is also a night meal which includes soup and pasta.
Location
Akyar Mevkii 7, Kusadasi, Turkey
Facilities
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Kusadasi - Charisma De Luxe Hotel
This property features a 60 m private beach and offers a seasonal outdoor infinity pool with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea and is located only a 15-minute walk from Kusadasi's shopping and entertainment areas. All 218 guest rooms come with a sea-view balcony and spa bath. LCD TV with satellite channels, kettle and minibar are provided in every room. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel's public areas. Relaxation options at the Charisma De Luxe Hotel include a heated indoor pool with a Turkish bath, sauna and a beauty centre. Water sports and a diving centre are available at the hotel's beach. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as open-buffet. Turkish and international cuisine is served in the Moonlight Restaurant, while pastries can be enjoyed at the Black Coffee patisserie. Guests can prepare their own salads at the Pino Bar and enjoy lunches served in à la carte style. There is also a night meal which includes soup and pasta.
Location
Akyar Mevkii 7, Kusadasi, Turkey
Facilities
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Pamukkale - Colossae HotelPamukkale - Colossae Hotel Thermal
Featuring thermal pools, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a spa centre, this eco-friendly hotel offers comfortable accommodation just 4 km from the ancient city of Hierapolis. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. All 327 guest rooms are air-conditioned and tastefully decorated with colourful beddings and carpets. They all feature balconies. Every room comes with mini bar, Lcd TV, safe, Wi-Fi internet connection, telephone, bathroom ( bathtub/shower cabin), hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an elegant in-house restaurant offering a variety of international dishes as well as traditional Turkish cuisine served as an open buffet and the adjacent bar provides a welcoming corner for drinks and snacks.
Location
Karahayit Mevkii, Denizli-Pamukkale, Turkey
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Pamukkale - Colossae HotelPamukkale - Colossae Hotel Thermal
Featuring thermal pools, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a spa centre, this eco-friendly hotel offers comfortable accommodation just 4 km from the ancient city of Hierapolis. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the hotel. All 327 guest rooms are air-conditioned and tastefully decorated with colourful beddings and carpets. They all feature balconies. Every room comes with mini bar, Lcd TV, safe, Wi-Fi internet connection, telephone, bathroom ( bathtub/shower cabin), hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an elegant in-house restaurant offering a variety of international dishes as well as traditional Turkish cuisine served as an open buffet and the adjacent bar provides a welcoming corner for drinks and snacks.
Location
Karahayit Mevkii, Denizli-Pamukkale, Turkey
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
Bursa - Almira Hotel
Located in the heart of Bursa offering 219 luxurious guest rooms with facilities that include 4 restaurants, a spa and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool overlooking the city. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with warm colours and elegant wooden furniture. The rooms have cable TV, a minibar and coffee and tea making facilities as well as a safe box and a pillow menu. Guests can relax by the swimming pool at the Havuz Restaurant, which offers à la carte menus. Cocktails and drinks can be enjoyed at one of the 3 bars located within the premises. Almira Thermal & Convention Centre also offers many health and leisure facilities, including an indoor thermal pool with an artificial waterfall, an authentically styled hammam, and a vitamin bar. The Bursa Grand Mosque is 2.5 km away while Kent Meydan Shopping Centre is just a few hundred meters away.
Location
Ulubatli Hasan Bulv.5, Bursa, Turkey
Facilities
- Wifi
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Bursa - Almira Hotel
Located in the heart of Bursa offering 219 luxurious guest rooms with facilities that include 4 restaurants, a spa and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool overlooking the city. All guest rooms are air-conditioned and decorated with warm colours and elegant wooden furniture. The rooms have cable TV, a minibar and coffee and tea making facilities as well as a safe box and a pillow menu. Guests can relax by the swimming pool at the Havuz Restaurant, which offers à la carte menus. Cocktails and drinks can be enjoyed at one of the 3 bars located within the premises. Almira Thermal & Convention Centre also offers many health and leisure facilities, including an indoor thermal pool with an artificial waterfall, an authentically styled hammam, and a vitamin bar. The Bursa Grand Mosque is 2.5 km away while Kent Meydan Shopping Centre is just a few hundred meters away.
Location
Ulubatli Hasan Bulv.5, Bursa, Turkey
Facilities
- Wifi
- Lifts
- In-room safe
- Coffee maker in-room
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
Istanbul - Mercure - The Plaza Bosphorus Hotel
A modern hotel located in the heart of the city with a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. All 240 guest rooms include Free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, safe box, complimentary toiletries, and adjustable air-conditioning. The rooms are decorated with a stylish modern interior design offering a seamless blend of comfort and technology. The Plaza rooftop restaurant serves international gourmet cuisine, a wide variety of salads, grills, dessert and appetizer buffets are served in the on-site bar and guests can enjoy homemade pastries at the Café de Plaza. The hotel also boasts various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre, and massage services.
Location
Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165, Istanbul, Turkey
Facilities
- Restaurant on site
- Bar/lounge
- In-room safe
- Hairdryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Pool
