From $1,308
6 nights
Wednesday 22nd of April 2020 until Sunday 6th of September 2020
Turkish Delight - 7 Days / 6 Nights - from $1308* per person (with Contiki).
Book by 18 Dec 19 to save up to 20% off.
Welcome to Turkey, a diverse cultural mecca where relics of the ancient world blend seamlessly with buzzing exotic markets, luxury bathhouses and palm-fringed promenades. You can expect to get a selfie at one of the Seven Wonders of the World, brush up on your ancient history, and bring back a suitcase full of Turkish treasures.
Itinerary:
DAY 1 - ARRIVE ISTANBUL
Istanbul
The countdown is finally over, global roamers! We're here in Istanbul and all geared up for 7-days uncovering fabulous Turkey. Get comfortable in our swanky hotel before we meet up for our first group dinner.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Visit the city of Istanbul - Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Ottoman Empire & Byzantine Legacy Tour
Highlights of Istanbul with lunch
DAY 2 - ISTANBUL
Istanbul
20,000 hand painted tiles fill the stunning Blue Mosque; millions of trinkets line the kilometres of the Grand Bazaar; and over 1,500 years of history sit within the walls of the Hagia Sophia. This is just some of the exotic magnificence that will keep us glued to Istanbul today. Seal the day of sightseeing with an optional Turkish bath and a belly dancing Turkish evening. Day two and we're already up to our eyeballs in experiences.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
The Blue Mosque, the Galata Bridge, the Spice Markets - discover Istanbul with our expert local guide
See the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Suleymaniye Mosque
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Turkish Hammam
Turkish Evening Dinner & Show
EUR 35.00
DAY 3 - ISTANBUL TO CANAKKALE VIA GALLIPOLI
Istanbul
Out of exotic Istanbul we make our way to Canakkale, taking a sobering stop at the World War I site of Gallipoli.
Gallipoli
Visiting ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair & Lone Pine Cemetery today we are gifted with a special opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes of World War I right here where part of the battle took place. Afterwards, we'll brighten the mood with a drive along the Sea of Marmara en route to Canakkale.
Canakkale
Shortly after ferrying across the Dardanelles (casually crossing continents) we'll arrive in the sparkling town of Canakkale. Tonight is yours to unwind and relax with your squad.
DAY 4 - CANAKKALE TO IZMIR VIA TROY AND PERGAMUM
Canakkale
A big day sits ahead of us. Down as much breakfast as you can before we jump on the road in search of adventure.
Troy
Today we discover that "Troy" means more than just a Hollywood blockbuster; so much more. Unravel the historical layers of a ten year war & what is now a mythical excavation site, and sign up for an in-depth look at the ancient ruins of the region, including a replica of the famous wooden Horse of Troy, where climbing in for a pic is essential.
Pergamum
Further along the Turkish coastline we arrive at Pergamum. Once a political hotspot, this town is now brimming with history. We'll take a scenic mountain drive and give you the chance to get acquainted with Pergamum's hillside ruins, tapping into the archaeologist that you surely are.
Izmir
After our day's adventures are done, we arrive in Izmir, the birthplace of Homer (no kids, that isn't Homer from Springfield). After we tuck into some Turkish dinner, head out and explore the palm-lined promenades of this, the town known as the 'Pearl of the Aegean’.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
See Izmir, the birthplace of Homer
DAY 5 - IZMIRE TO PAMUKKALE
Izmir
Buckle up & brace yourself. We are leaving Izmir and heading out to marvel at what will probably be one of the most breathtakingly beautiful natural landscapes you have ever seen, but not before a trip to see the impressive Hierapolis amphitheatre.
Pamukkale
Ah yes, there she is. Even more spectacular than Instagram & Pinterest had ever suggested. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale's flowing waters of arid ridges and white calcium terraces formed by mineral waters are almost too much to fathom. Treating yourself to the optional thermal pool experience with all its healing properties is not an opportunity you're going to want to miss.
Stay
Hotel Anemon (or similar)
FREE TIME ADD-ONS
Thermal Pools
YTL 20.00
DAY 6 - PAMUKKALE TO KUSADASI VIA EPHESUS
Pamukkale
Don't despair sweet travellers! We may be leaving Pamukkale, but we're finding one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Get your bucket list ready for another whopping tick!
Ephesus
Mark Antony and Cleopatra used to kick it in Ephesus waaaay back in the day. Now you're here just traipsing in their footsteps some 2,000 years later. Has your mind blown yet?
Kusadasi
As soon as you cast your treasure-hungry eyes on the shopping bazaar of Kusadasi, you'll be very pleased indeed that this an overnight stop. Carpets, silver, local antiques, this place is a haven for those keen to pick up some treasures to take back home.
INCLUDED EXPERIENCES
Visit a Turkish carpet store
See Kusadasi's shopping Bazaar & promenade
DAY 7 - KUSADASI TO BODRUM
Kusadasi
This morning we'll share a last group breakfast before travelling to Bodrum.
Bodrum
This is where our Turkish Delight ends. Some will jump on a boat to kick off their Turkish Sail adventures, others will be headed homeward. Either way it's time to say fond farewells, but we'll always have our photos and memories of this incredible week.
Departs: Selected departures from 22 Apr to 06 Sep 2020.
Conditions: * It is our policy to present the cost of our flights & holidays inclusive of all airport and government charges. Please accept however that these charges are not within our control, therefore we reserve the right to pass on any increase. Travel agent professional service fees where charged, will be additional to the advertised prices.