The Best 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).

Exclusive Inclusions:

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 some free time today.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Centrum Istanbul

Istanbul/Canakkale

Set off from Istanbul and take a guided tour of Gallipoli, including ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, and Lone Pine. Continue on to the harbour town of Canakkale for the night.

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

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

Take a ferry from Gallipoli across to Canakkale City Center.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Bogaz Hotel Canakkale

Canakkale/Ayvalik/Bergama

Enjoy a guided visit of Troy before arriving at Ayvalik. Visit a women's handicraft shop, a G Adventures supported project. Opt to enjoy a half-day boat trip.

Enjoy a visit to the world-famous city of Troy. Continue to Ayvalik. Be charmed by the blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobblestoned streets, and an attractive harbour. In the afternoon, opt to charter a small boat from the harbour to cruise this beautiful area. After, head to waterside restaurants for a sunset drink.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Canakkale - Troy 0.75h

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

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.

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.

Private Vehicle

Ayvalik - Bergama 1h - 1.5h

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

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Berksoy Hotel Bergama
1
Optional Activities for Day 6
Show
Ayvalik Boat Tour
60TRY Per Person
Ayvalik
Visit secluded bays, explore a nearby island, and, of course, have plenty of time for just relaxing and swimming in the turquoise waters. Drinks are available on board. Prices vary by season and group size.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Bergama/Selcuk

Visit ancient Ephesus before continuing on to Selcuk.

Enjoy a free morning in Bergama before travelling to Selcuk, the base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus. Head to town and enjoy some free time to explore.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Bergama - Selcuk 2.5h

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

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.

Free Time

Bergama

Spend some more time in this quaint town.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Ephesus Nobel Hotel

Selcuk

Opt to visit St John's Basilica and the Mosque of Isa Bey or the nearby picturesque village of Sirince.

With free time, choose to pre-book a traditional Selcuk cooking class, walk to the remains of St John's Basilica, visit the Mosque of Isa Bey or wander the streets of this vibrant Turkish town. Another option is to catch a local "dolmus" bus to the picturesque village of Sirince (8km/5 mi) to sample some local wine or shop for crafts. For dedicated sunseekers, the beach at Pamucaki is also within reach.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Free Time

Selcuk Full Day

Don't waste a minute - get out and explore.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Ephesus Nobel Hotel
5
Optional Activities for Day 8
Show
Sample Local Wine in Sirince
Sirince
Sample some of the local wine in Sirence, and find a new favourite to bring home.
Saint John's Basilica Visit
6EUR Per Person
Selcuk
View St John's Basilica, once a grand basilica in Ephesus. Constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century, it was built in where John the Apostle is said to be buried.
Mosque of Isa Bey Visit
Selcuk
Visit the centuries-old Isa Bey Mosque on the outskirts of Selcuk to see one of the oldest and most impressive works of art remaining in this region.
Sirince Village Visit
Sirince
Head out to scenic Sirince, a Turkish-Greek village that was settled when Ephesus was abandoned; it's now 600 strong. Wander the narrow village streets filled with people selling handicrafts, olive oil, and local wine.
Pide Lunch & Demonstration, Selcuk
Selcuk
Visit one of the local restaurants of Selcuk where you will unlock the secrets of Turkish cuisine. Observe the preparation of a delicious traditional meal, consisting of an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert (with potential vegetarian options). The best part? At the end of the demonstration, sit down and savour the dishes with the rest of the class!
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Selcuk/Pamukkale

Guided walk of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Visit the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale and the ancient site of Hierapolis.This UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis is evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the second century BC.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Selcuk - Pamukkale 4h

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

Hierapolis and Pamukkale Visit

Pamukkale 2h - 3h

Tour the white cliffs of Pamukkale to learn about this World Heritage-listed site and natural wonder. Made up of 17 hot water springs, the cliffs are formed when the calcium carbonate hardens with time. Explore the ancient site of Hierapolis built on top of the white "castle." See the large, ancient baths within the city (thought to be evidence that the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since second century BC).

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Anya Resort Hotel Pamukkale

Pamukkale/Istanbul

Hop on a morning flight to Istanbul. Take a guided orientation walk before free time to explore some highlights, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace or Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya).

Take a short flight to Istanbul. After settling in, depart for a walking tour of the city. Each tour will be a bit different, allowing your CEO to point out their favourite spots. See highlights that may include the Hagia Sophia (or Aya Sofya) and the Topkapi Palace. With a little extra time, return to explore these sights in depth.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Private Vehicle

Pamukkale - Cardak

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

Plane

Cardak - Ataturk Airport 1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Private Vehicle

Ataturk Airport - Istanbul

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

Istanbul Orientation Walk

Istanbul 2h - 3h 3km

Enjoy an orientation walk of Istanbul. Each walk varies, allowing your CEO to show off their favourite spots around the city. Pass by city highlights such as the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia (also known as the Aya Sofya), and the Blue Mosque. Walks may also include the atmospheric Spice Bazaar or breathtaking Grand Bazaar.

Free Time

Istanbul Afternoon

With tons to see and do, don't waste a minute.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
Accommodations:  Hotel Centrum Istanbul
10
Optional Activities for Day 10
Show
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.
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.
Spice Bazaar Visit
Istanbul
Visit the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar. Built in 1660, this is where many of the spices were originally imported. This market was, and still is, the centre of Istanbul's spice trade.
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.
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
10EUR Per Person
Istanbul
This museum is home to treasures from the Ottoman and Seljuk periods, and boasts one of the world's largest collection of Turkish carpets.
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.
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.
Great Palace Mosaic Museum
10EUR Per Person
Istanbul
See the intricate mosaics on display from the Byzantine period, excavated from the site of The Great Palace of Constantinople.
Blue Mosque Visit
Istanbul
Explore the fabulous Blue Mosque, admiring the beautiful symmetry and internal tile work of the building. As it is a working mosque, take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, the religion of about 98 per cent of today's Turks. Head to the front of the Blue Mosque, to see the ancient Hippodrome. It was once the scene of chariot races, and now houses monuments from various moments in Istanbul's history.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.

Istanbul

Depart at any time.

Your tour might be finished, but the adventure's far from over. Pre-book the following activity to experience after your tour ends: Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise. If you do, we recommend booking accommodation for an extra night in Istanbul.And don't worry if you can't decide now. This activity is available for pre-booking any time before your tour starts, or it can be booked upon arrival in Istanbul.

• Meals Included:
• Breakfast
1
Optional Activities for Day 11
Show
Istanbul Walking Tour and Bosphorus Cruise
Istanbul
Go even deeper into Istanbul, discovering diverse and lesser-visited districts with your CEO, and some of the best photography spots in the city! Today we will walk along the ancient Constantinople city walls; see Tekfur Palace(the Blaherne Palace) which has got thick walls adjacent to the landwalls ; stroll through the photogenic Fener (Greek) and Balat (Jewish) districts, known for their colourful wooden houses; enjoy lunch together; and cruise the Bosphorus Strait for stunning views of Ottoman palaces and the city skyline. Please note: this is a full day (6+ hours) day excursion. Lunch is included. Your CEO will collect you from the hotel lobby at 9am. Please bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and modest clothing/coverings for shoulders and upper legs for visiting religious sites. There will be a welcome note at the reception with more details from your CEO, so please check on arrival.
If a cost is not listed above for an optional tour, contact us to find out what it is.