Highlights Of Turkey With Istanbul City Stay

Istanbul

Arrive at any time and spend the day exploring on your own. Later, meet your CEO and the group before heading out for a stroll through the Old Town to enjoy some of Istanbul's most famous street foods for dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Street Food Experience

Istanbul

Roam through the lively streets of Istanbul's Old Town and bring your appetite - there are dozens of street food stalls to choose from! Opt to try the cheese-stuffed borek, minced meat topped lahmacun, bagel-like simit or classic doner.

Meet Your CEO and Group

1h

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

• Meals Included:
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Eurostar Old City Hotel & Spa

Istanbul

Tour the world-renowned Hagia Sofia. After, explore a lesser-known side of Istanbul's Old Town and visit subterranean Roman and Byzantine ruins, the Hippodrome and the Little Haiga Sofia Mosque. Tonight, opt to visit a hammam (traditional Turkish bath).

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Hippodrome Visit and Little Hagia Sofia

Istanbul 1h 1km

Walk in the place where the Hippodrome used to be - the Byzantine athletic area used for events such as chariot racing. Spot remains dating from Byzantine times, such as the Obelisk which was brought from Egypt, and the Serpent Coloumn. Later, visit the gorgeous Little Hagia Sofia, built in 536 and with architecture unique among the Old Town buildings.

Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit

Istanbul 1h - 2h

Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.

Old City Underground Tour

Istanbul

Explore sections of the Basilica Cistern, an ancient subterranean water system, built in the 6th century during Byzantine Emperor Justinian I's reign. Next, check out the Great Palace Mosaic Museum, where you can see mosaics from the Byzantine period, unearthed at the site of the Great Palace of Constantinople.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Eurostar Old City Hotel & Spa
1
Optional Activities for Day 2
Show
Turkish Bath
50EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and enjoy a scrub like no other. Then experience a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals - they'll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Istanbul

Enjoy a culinary walking tour of the trendiest districts in Istanbul. Wander through Taksim Square and the lively district of Karakoy on a CEO-led culinary walking tour, sampling local specialties such as baklava and Turkish coffee. Enjoy a sumptuous mezze lunch. Catch a ferry to Kadikoy, on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ferry

Istanbul - Kadikoy 0.25h - 0.5h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Taksim and Beyoglu Side Streets Walk

Istanbul

Starting in Taksim Square and making our way down to the Golden Horn, explore the side streets of Beyoglu to sample the city's best profiteroles, and learn what makes Turkish coffee special.

Kadiköy Visit

Istanbul

Stop by the hip district of Kadikoy, located across the bay on Istanbul's Asian shore, known for its winding alleys of delicatessens, fish and grocery markets.

Ferry

Kadikoy - Istanbul 0.25h - 0.5h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodations:  Eurostar Old City Hotel & Spa

Istanbul

Enjoy a free day with suggestions provided by your CEO for further sightseeing. In the evening attend a welcome meeting with newly-joining group members before heading out for an optional dinner.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Istanbul

Enjoy Free time today.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Eurostar Old City Hotel & Spa

Istanbul/Canakkale

Travel east from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a guided tour of the area including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. In the afternoon, continue on to the harbour town of Canakkale.

Make an early morning visit to Gallipoli, where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name. Take in the sights and learn the sombre story.It is only a little further to Canakkale, a busy harbour town with a thriving student population. Join the crowds as they stroll the waterfront nightly.

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Private Vehicle

Istanbul - Gallipoli Peninsula 4h 260km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Gallipoli Battlefields Guided Tour

Gallipoli Peninsula 2.5h - 3h

Visit this moving and beautiful site, a great complement to any trip to Turkey, even for those not familiar with the Battle of Gallipoli. Tour the grounds to see ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Learn how the Turks fought off the numerically superior, but badly commanded, Allied forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later; this battle holds special significance for Australians and New Zealanders, as both nations lost many soldiers.

Ferry

Gallipoli Peninsula - Canakkale 0.33h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Grand Anzac Hotel Canakkale

Canakkale/Selcuk

Set off from Canakkale and visit the ancient city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik and stop by the G-supported Cop(m)adam handicraft coop before travelling south to the town of Selcuk for the night.

Visit the nearby historic and world-famous city of Troy and then visit the G-supported Cop(m)adam handicraft cooperation, which support the local women who work in the workshop. Continue south to Selcuk for the next couple of nights.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Ayvalik - Selcuk 2.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Canakkale - Troy 0.75h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Private Vehicle

Troy - Ayvalik 2.5h

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Çöp(m)adam Visit

Ayvalik

Visit the G-supported cop(m)adam handicraft cooperation. All products are made out of recycled goods and by making a purchase it will directly support the local women who work in the workshop and over time has contributed to over 500 women who have been part of the project.

Troy Visit

Troy 1h - 2h 1km

See historic Troy, made famous by Homer's "Iliad," (and more recently by Orlando Bloom and Brad Pitt). Tour the city that, for centuries, was regarded as just a myth, until its ruins were found in in the mid-19th century. Imagine what a great city this must have been, while taking a tour of the remains. Don't miss the chance to have a photo taken with the Trojan horse.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Ephesus Nobel Hotel

Selcuk/Izmir

Explore Ephesus this morning as well as the Temple of Artemis, one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. Back in Selcuk, take part in a demonstration of how to prepare pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread, then devour the delicious results for lunch. In the afternoon transfer to the city of Izmir for an orientation walk of the old Kemeralti bazaar then board an overnight train bound for Cappadocia.

Tour the nearby ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus for a glimpse into what life was like thousands of years before in this part of what is now Turkey. After driving back to Selcuk, learn all about how to make "Turkish pizza," called pide before transferring north to the city of Izmir for some exploration before hopping on the overnight train.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Ephesus Visit

Selcuk 2h - 3h

Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times. Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two-story library, whose facade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Pide Demonstration and Lunch

Selcuk 1h - 0h

Learn all about the preparation of pide, a savoury flatbread often affectionately referred to as "Turkish pizza." See how they are traditionally prepared by flattening wheat dough then topping with cheese, tomatoes and other ingredients before cooking in a hot oven. Enjoy the finished results for lunch.

Private Vehicle

Selcuk - Izmir 1h 80km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Orientation Walk of Kemeralti Old Bazaar

Izmir 1h - 1.5h

Set out on foot with your CEO on an orientation walk of the Kemeralti Old Bazaar, in Izmir. Wander amongst the traditional food stores before taking some free time in Izmir to explore.

Overnight Train (beds)

Izmir - Konya 13h 560km

Curl up in shared, private sleeper cabins and catch a snooze en route to the next stop.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch

Konya/Cappadocia

Disembark the train in Konya and grab some breakfast at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing by private vehicle to the Cappadocia region and check into the hotel. Sip a cup of tea or coffee while taking in the sunset from a nearby viewpoint before heading out for an optional dinner with the group in the evening.

Transfer to Cappadocia for 2 days of exploring the surreal and spectacular landscapes of the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Mevlana Museum Visit

Konya 0.5h

Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.

Private Vehicle

Konya - Cappadocia 3h 233km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Ciner Hotel Cappadocia

Cappadocia

Set out on a full day of exploration of the Cappadocia area, starting with a hike through the iconic "fairy chimneys." Stop at various scenic viewpoints for photos on the way to the massive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli underground city before some free time in the afternoon for individual exploration or to relax at the hotel. In the evening, gain insight into the local cultural traditions by sharing a meal with a local family.

Outdoor enthusiast? Hire a bike to get around on two wheels or join your CEO on an optional trekking tour through one of the beautiful valleys of the region.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Hike Through the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia

Cappadocia 1.5h - 2h 4km

Immerser yourself into the surreal and spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia on a hike through the iconic and aptly-named "fairy chimney" formations.

Kaymakli Underground City

Kaymakli 1.5h

Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.

Free Time

Cappadocia

Take advantage of free time in the Cappadocia area to choose from a number of optional activities or relax at the hotel.

Dinner with Local Family

Cavusin

Enjoy seasonal homemade dishes, and talk with friendly hosts about life in rural Cappadocia.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodations:  Ciner Hotel Cappadocia
4
Optional Activities for Day 9
Show
Pottery Center Visit
Goreme
Learn more about the famous local art of pottery making and take advantage of the opportunity to create your own masterpiece.
Carpet Demonstration
Enjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about the process.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Goreme
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that's just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Take to the skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.
Turkish Bath
75EUR Per Person
Goreme
Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and experience a bath like no other. Following your bath, you will enjoy a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals - they'll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Cappadocia/Istanbul

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back to Istanbul. Enjoy the rest of the day free for individual exploration of the historic and vibrant city, grab some street food or relax at a cafe before an optional final dinner with the group.

Continue on to Istanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Plane

Cappadocia - Istanbul 1.25h - 1.5h 675km

Leave the wind-sculpted landscapes of Cappadocia behind and fly back to Istanbul.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Eurostar Old City Hotel & Spa
6
Optional Activities for Day 10
Show
Topkapi Palace Visit
1500TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Take a step back in time with a visit to the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the Ottoman sultans and their harems, it's now a museum hosting a number of collections, ranging from porcelains found in Europe, Asia and China to Ottoman-era weaponry.
Archaeological Museum
15EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Opened in 1891, the Istanbul Archaeological Museum is a must-visit for history buffs. Home to a classical statuary, artifacts, and sarcophagi - including the stunning sarcophagus from the Royal Necropolis of Sidon - this museum presents one of the best opportunities to catch a glimpse into the life of ancient Turks.
Dolamabahce Palace
1200TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Built in the early 1800s, the Dolamabahce Palace is the largest and the most important palace of the Ottoman Empire, after the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at its grandeur.
Galata Tower
30EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Climb up the Galata Tower - one of Istanbul's oldest architectural landmarks - for an amazing panoramic view of the city. To get the full experience, time your visit with the call to prayer that happens at sunset.
Basilica Cistern
900TRY Per Person
Istanbul
Built in 532 AD, the Basilica Cistern is the largest cistern (underground water storage) of Istanbul. Spot the pillar bases carved in the likeness of Medusa.
Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) Visit
25EUR Per Person
Istanbul
Visit the Hagia Sophia, one of the most important and breathtaking icons of ancient Byzantine architecture. The domes and buttresses of the mosque punctuate the skyline of Turkey's capital and stand tall as a symbol of national pride.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Istanbul

Depart at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast