Turkish Delight

Travel to the edge of Europe with this Turkish adventure. Visit the spectacular city of Istanbul with its bustling Grand Bazaar and impressive Blue Mosque, see the sombre memorials of Gallipoli, shop your heart out in the port town of Kusadasi, and take a dip in the famous thermal pools in Pamukkale. There's no shortage of memorable moments here, from haggling at one of the bazaars, to paying tribute to fallen soldiers at Gallipoli to climbing the Trojan horse at Troy. See why Turkey truly is a delight!

Length:	9 days
Accommodations:	n/a
Meals:	Breakfast, Dinner as per itinerary
Sightseeing:	Turkey
Transportation:	Coach
Next Tour:	September 12, 2008 Request a booking See all dates & rates

Print Itinerary Itinerary & Map

Day Depart for Europe

Your exciting European trip begins.
Day Arrive Istanbul

Make your way from the airport and check into your Hotel. This evening meet your Tour Guide and fellow travellers.
Day Istanbul to Canakkale

First to the Gallipoli Battlefields to experience this historic area and pay our respects. Then we take a ferry across the Dardanelles to Asia Minor and our hotel this evening. (B,D)
Day Canakkale to Kusadasi

Enjoy free time in Troy this morning with the chance to see the remains of the ancient Trojan city and setting to Homer's "Iliad". It's a scenic drive along the coast to discover the ancient city of Pergamum before we make our way to seaside Kusadasi. (B,D)
Day Kusadasi

Visit Ephesus with your guide before taking the opportunity to learn about the folklore and history of Turkey with a visit to a carpet factory. (B)
Day Kusadasi to Pamukkale

We travel to Hierapolis to see the ancient Roman spa town. Next stop is Pamukkale where you can enjoy a dip in the thermal pools. (B,D)
Day Pamukkale to Istanbul

Today we drive through the Turkish countryside back into Europe and Istanbul. Tonight enjoy this bustling town. (B)
Day Istanbul

Experience the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market with your guide before free time to explore this exotic city. Why not indulge in a Turkish Bath and then tonight, perhaps join us for a fun evening with belly-dancing. (B)
Day Depart Istanbul

Time to swap addresses and say farewell to your new-found friends as your tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Highlights

All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!

Included

Istanbul: Visit the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market with a local guide; See The Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque
Gallipoli: Cross the Dardanelles waterway by ferry boat; Visit Lone Pine Cemetery and see ANZAC Cove; Drive along the Sea of Marmara
Troy: See the Wooden Horse
Pergamum: Scenic mountain drive up to ancient Pergamum, once the capital of Asia Minor
Izmir: See Izmir, the birthplace of Homer
Kusadasi: Guided tour of Ephesus; See the shopping Bazaar and bustling port
Hieropolis: Visit the ancient Roman resort town and see the famous church
Pamukkale: See the thermal pool and calcium terraces

Accommodations

7 nights in superior tourist class hotel
Accommodation based on twin-share with private facilities
7 Continental breakfasts (B) and 4 three course dinners (D) as per itinerary
Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges

Contiki Difference

Experienced, professional Turkish Tour Manager and Driver
Ferry transport as per itinerary
Modern air-conditioned coach with reclining seats

Optional Excursions

Troy

Ancient Ruins of Troy (YTL 10.00): Discover the secrets of Troy with a specialist guide. Climb inside the famous wooden horse, see the layers of this ancient city and learn more about the legend of Troy.

Pergamum

Hillside Ruins (YTL 10.00): Visit the ruins of capital city of the ancient kingdom of Pergamum, which once ruled all of Asia Minor. Marvel at sights such as the Temple of Trajan, the ampitheatre and the Altar of Zeus.

Pamukkale

Thermal Pools (YTL 5.00): Relax and enjoy the natural healing properties of the world famous thermal pools of Pamukkale. Water travels from hundreds of metres below ground-level to form pools that vary in temperature from 35 - 100 degrees celcius.

Istanbul

Turkish Bath (YTL 36.00): Experience the luxury of a traditional Hammam (Turkish Bath). You'll receive the full treatment which includes body massage, hair washing and time to relax on a heated marble tablet. You'll never forget it!
'Kervanseray' Turkish Evening (Euro 31.00): Join us for an evening of Turkish delights at the 'Kervanseray' restaurant where we start our night with a traditional meze, kebabs, salads and local wine. All the while enjoy the superb entertainment including cabaret, folklore show and belly dancing. Magical!

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