Turkish Delight

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: Hotel
as per itinerary
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
as per itinerary
Sightseeing: Turkey
Transportation: Coach
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Itinerary

  1. Day Icon-day1 Arrive Istanbul

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

  2. Day Icon-day2 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.

  3. Day Icon-day3 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.

  4. Day Icon-day4 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.

  5. Day Icon-day5 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.

  6. Day Icon-day6 Pamukkale to Istanbul

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

  7. Day Icon-day7 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.

  8. Day Icon-day8 Depart Istanbul

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

Tour Map

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
Accomodations
  • 7 nights twin share hotel accommodation
  • 7 Continental breakfasts (B) & 4 three course dinners (D) as per itinerary
  • Hotel tips, local taxes and service charges
  • Please note: The first and last days have been designed to allow you to start and finish the tour without needing extra nights accommodation
Contiki Difference
  • Experienced, professional Turkish Tour Manager & Driver
  • Ferry crossing as per itinerary
  • Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach
  • Sightseeing of all major cities
  • Free Contiki Travellers Guide
  • Free Contiki document wallet

Optional Excursions

Please Note

Europe Optional Excursions (prices vary)
The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2009. Complete details will be updated in early 2009.

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!