Classical Türkiye (Turkey)

Cultural tour of Türkiye (Turkey)

Guaranteed Departures

Discover the unique history, monuments and culture of the crossroads between Asia and Europe with this 10-day exploration of Western Turkey. Explore historic Constantinople (renamed Istanbul in 1930), serving as a capital city for more than 16 centuries, the ruins of legendary Troy, the underground cities of Cappadocia, the ethereal cascading limestone pools of Pamukkale, and much more. This journey also provides great value for your money!

UNESCO World Heritage Sites covered in this tour
1. Historic Area of Istanbul 2. Archaeological Site of Troy
3. Pergamum and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape 4. Ephesus
5. Hierapolis-Pamukkale 6. Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
Tour Information
Duration : 10 days
Minimum : 02 persons
Maximum : 28 persons
Price (From) : US$ 1310
International air not included
Day 01: Arrive Istanbul
Day 02: Istanbul
(B)
Day 03: Istanbul/Ankara/Cappadocia (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 04: Cappadocia
(B, L)
Day 05: Cappadocia/Konya/Pamukkale (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 06: Pamukkale/Izmir (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 07: Izmir/Ephesus/Izmir
(B, L, D)
Day 08: Izmir/Pergamum/Canakkale (Drive)
(B, D)
Day 09: Canakkale/Gallipoli/Istanbul (Drive)
(B)
Day 10: Depart Istanbul
(B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Day 01: Arrive Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul (Constantinople). Truly, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Istanbul has 3 airports with most flights arriving at the newly relocated, Istanbul Airport (IST). Previously, arrivals were at Ataturk International Airport. This new airport is the 11th busiest one in the world handling over 100 million passengers a year. After immigration and customs, kindly exit from Gate 8 where we are cordially welcomed by our representative and transferred to our hotel. For those arriving at any of the other two airports there is a surcharge of $50 per person for the transfer. Hotel check in time starts at 1500hrs.  According to legend, the Delphic Oracle first instructed the Megarions to establish a city here. During the Byzantine Empire, Constantine chose this very spot as his capital, and it was here that the keys to the city were given to Mehmed the Conqueror. Every emperor and king, president and prime minster, cherished the desire of ruling this city. Welcome then, to one of the most important witnesses of world history and to where it all happened. Balance of the day is at leisure.

(2024) Overnight: Avantgarde Levent (Superior)/Grand Halic (Standard), Istanbul (2 nights)

(2025) Overnight: Titanic City Taksim (Superior)/Grand Halic (Standard), Istanbul (2 nights)

Day 02: Istanbul

Beautiful Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet) at night, Istanbul

After breakfast at our hotel, we explore this beautiful city with a guided tour to include the Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.  Be ready to be amazed when you discover the variety of historical monuments, including palaces, museums, cisterns, fountains, and pillars, which surround you on all sides. You can experience the magnificence of both the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empires one each after the other.  A trip to Istanbul is not complete without a visit of the Grand bazaar, which is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 lanes and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. You will encounter Istanbul firsthand, which you may have previously only seen on films, postcards, and read about in history books. (B)

Day 03: Istanbul/Ankara/Cappadocia (Drive)

After breakfast, we depart for Ankara where we will visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum.   The huge hall, lined in red marble, has simple mosaic decoration recalling the many ages and civilizations - this is the burial place of Mustafa Kamal Pasha the national hero who founded modern Republic of Türkiye. He is referred to as Atatusk – Father of the Turks. The Anitkabir museum is located between the Tower of the National Pact and the Tower of the Revolution. A number of Ataturk's personal belongings are exhibited, including clothes that he wore, and gifts presented to him by visiting foreign dignitaries.  After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, which is a protected area for bird species, we arrive at Cappadocia for our 2nights stay. For an upgrade experience at a Cave Hotel, please see under Notes below.

Overnight: Dinler Urgup Hotel (Superior)/Dinler Hotel (Standard), Cappadocia (2 nights) (B, D)

*UPGRADE to Cave Hotel available for travelers taking Superior Class tour.

Day 04: Cappadocia

Ortahisar cave city in Capapdocia, Türkiye (Turkey)

Early morning, take part in an optional hot-air balloon tour (extra charge). The rest of the day is filled with an excursion to Cappadocia, including visits to the underground city. More than a hundred underground settlements are found in this region. In the Byzantine period, increasing invasions forced local residents to build underground cities for protection and religious purposes. Next stop is the Open Air Museum in Göreme Valley*, which holds the region's best collection of painted cave-churches. Medieval orthodox Christian monks carved the caves from the soft volcanic stone and decorated them with elaborate Byzantine frescoes between 1000 and 1200 AD. Afterwards, we continue on to the natural fortress Uchisar. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Byzantine army took advantage of the natural elevation of three of the area's rock formations and used them as natural fortresses. We enjoy a delicious lunch in in a local restaurant. Here, we will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history of local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and pottery.  Optional night tour with a Turkish folk show and dinner is available tonight (extra charge). (B, L)

Day 05: Cappadocia/Konya/Pamukkale (Drive)

Today is yet another interesting day as we visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai, which is an exceptional example of architectural stone work and decoration art from the Seljuk period.  It was constructed to provide security for the road from Konya to Aksaray, an important trade and military route. At Konya, we visit the convent of the Whirling Dervishes and the tomb of Mevlana Jalaludin Rumi, who died here on December 17, 1273. Born in Balkh, Afghanistan, Rumi remains one of the world’s most well-read poets. He wrote his famous six-volume poem The Mathnavi of Jalaludiin Rumi in Persian. Rumi was a Sufi mystic who would get lost in trance and dance, sometimes spinning like a top for hours on end. His belief was that there were many ways to God. During Rumi’s life, and since his death, pilgrims have come to Konya from all over the world to visit his final resting place. Today, Rumi's tomb is Türkiye's second most-visited tourist attraction after the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. We culminate this eventful day at Pamukkale.

Overnight: Adem Pira Hotel (Superior)/Villa Lycus (Standard), Pamukkale (1 night) (B, D)

Day 06: Pamukkale/Izmir (Drive)

Amphitheatre, Ephesus, Izmir, Türkiye (Turkey)

After breakfast, visit the ancient Hierapolis with the magnificent Hierapolis, whose name means "sacred city". It  was believed by ancient people to have been founded by the god, Apollo. It was famed for its sacred hot springs, whose vapors were associated with Pluto, god of the underworld. The city also had a significant Jewish community and was mentioned by Paul in his Letter to Colossians. Today, Hierapolis is a World Heritage Site. In addition to interesting Classical ruins, the site offers a thermal Sacred Pool in which you can swim with ancient artifacts, a view of the spectacular white terraces of Pamukkale the lime cascade. You can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, located next to the ruins of Hierapolis. The extraordinary effect is created when water from the hot springs loses carbon dioxide as it flows down the slopes, leaving deposits of limestone. The layers of white calcium carbonate, built up in steps on the plateau, gave the site the name Pamukkale ("cotton castle").   Afterwards we continue our drive to Selcuk to visit Temple of Artemis ‘‘one of the seven wonders of the ancient  world ‘’.  Then continue to Izmir  for our overnight stay.

Overnight: Kaya Prestige (Superior)/Kaya Hotel (Standard), Izmir (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 07: Izmir/Ephesus/Izmir

Morning drive to Ancient city of Ephesus, once the trade centre of the ancient world, a religious center of the early Christianity.  There is nothing like standing on the stage of the amphitheater where St. John spoke to the Ephesians, walking through the ruins of the ancient library where scholars studied, and seeing 2000 years old plumbing more sophisticated than in parts of the world today. The ruins that are now visible give you some idea of the city's original composition, and the names associated with the ruins are a reminder of its former status as a major port of the ancient world. The Library of Celsus, which was reconstructed from the original pieces, was originally built in 125 BC by Julius Aquila, and held over 12,000 scrolls, making it the largest library in the Mediterranean.  Lunch in a nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste a local know dish of Gozleme.  Continue to marvelous village of Sirince where you be able to experience one of the most beautiful villages in Türkiye.  The Orthodox Christian Greeks who lived here during the Ottoman empire were famed for their wine making.  The Muslim Turks who moved here from Thessaloniki in 1924 and restarted wine making using local fruits.  You will have the opportunity to shop and taste delicious wines of the village. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Izmir/Pergamum/Canakkale (Drive)

Celsus Library, Ephesus, Izmir, Türkiye (Turkey)

Early departure for Pergamum to visit the Asklepion, which was a healing temple in the Ancient Greece, as important as its counterparts in Epidaurus and Kos. According to Pausanias, the first Temple of Asclepius in Pergamum was built in the first half of the 4th century BC. The Asclepion dedicated to Asclepius, god of medicine and healing was built in mid-4th century BC, on the slopes of Mount Geyikli, far away from the city, inside a hidden valley, of which springs were believed to have healing effects. Visiting Pergamum with its well preserved remains before continuing to Troy; the site where the legendary Trojan War took place.  Troy (Turkish: Truva or Troya) is an ancient city in northwestern Türkiye, made famous in Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad. According to Iliad, this is where the legendary Trojan War took place. Today it is an archaeological site popular with travellers from all over the world, and in addition to being a Turkish national park, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drive to Canakkale for our overnight stay.

Overnight: Kolin Hotel (Superior)/Helen Hotel (Standard), Canakkale (1 night) (B, D)

Day 09: Canakkale/Gallipoli/Istanbul (Drive)

After breakfast, we drive to Gallipoli to visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Conk Bair , Lone Pine and 57.th regiment memorial as well as the war museum.  The reason for the campaign was to break the stalemate on the Western and Eastern Front and to help the Russians. It is perceived as a defining moment in the nation's history—a final surge in the defense of the motherland as the Ottoman Empire crumbled. The struggle formed the basis for the Turkish war independence and the founding of the Republic Of Türkiye eight years later under Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, a commander at Gallipoli. The campaign is often considered to mark the birth of national consciousness in Australia and New Zealand and the date of the landing 25 April, is known as "Anzac Day". It remains the most significant commemoration of military casualties and veterans there.   Arrival in Istanbul for our overnight stay.

Overnight: Kent (Old City) Hotel (Superior)/Grand Halic (Standard), Istanbul (1 night) (B)

Day 10: Depart Istanbul

After breakfast, we are transferred to Ataturk Airport (IST)**.  Check out time is by 1100 hrs. Please note that departure transfers to (IST airport) are provided by shuttle and are only available at 0900 hrs and 1300 hrs. For those departing after 1300 hours, a private transfer is available at US$ 50 per person, based on a minimum of 2 people. Istanbul is an ideal city to extend your stay. For details, please contact us. (B)

** For those departing from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), a surcharge of US$ 50 per person per transfer will apply, based on a minimum of two people

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here

Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 12; Feb 9; Mar 8 & 22; Apr 5, 12 & 26; May 3, 10, 17 & 31; Jun 7, 14, 21 & 28; Jul 5, 12 & 19; Aug 2, 9, 16 & 30; Sep 6, 13, 20 & 27; Oct 4, 11 & 18; Nov 1; Dec 20    
Superior Class Hotels (4-/5-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2024 US$ 1430 US$ 540
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2024 US$ 1800 US$ 625
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2024 US$ 1640 US$ 620
Standard Class Hotels (3-/4-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2024 US$ 1215 US$ 530
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2024 US$ 1430 US$ 570
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2024 US$ 1310 US$ 565
2025 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 10; Feb 07; Mar 07 & 21; Apr 04, 11 & 25; May 02, 09, 16 & 30; Jun 06, 13 & 20; Jul 04 & 18; Aug 01, 15 & 29; Sep 05, 12, 19 & 26; Oct 03, 10 & 17; Nov 07; Dec 19    
Superior Class Hotels (4-/5-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2025 US$ 1640 US$ 620
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2025 US$ 1800 US$ 625
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2025 US$ 1640 US$ 620
Standard Class Hotels (3-/4-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2025 US$ 1310 US$ 925
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2025 US$ 1430 US$ 910
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2025 US$ 1310 US$ 925
2026 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 09; Feb 06; Mar 06 & 20    
Superior Class Hotels (4-/5-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2026 US$ 1640 US$ 620
Standard Class Hotels (3-/4-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2026 US$ 1310 US$ 925
Stay tuned for future dates! If you want to be the first ones to know click here
2024 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 12; Feb 9; Mar 8 & 22; Apr 5, 12 & 26; May 3, 10, 17 & 31; Jun 7, 14, 21 & 28; Jul 5, 12 & 19; Aug 2, 9, 16 & 30; Sep 6, 13, 20 & 27; Oct 4, 11 & 18; Nov 1; Dec 20    
Superior Class Hotels (4-/5-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2024 CA$ 1974 CA$ 746
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2024 CA$ 2484 CA$ 863
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2024 CA$ 2264 CA$ 856
Standard Class Hotels (3-/4-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2024 CA$ 1677 CA$ 732
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2024 CA$ 1974 CA$ 787
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2024 CA$ 1808 CA$ 780
2025 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 10; Feb 07; Mar 07 & 21; Apr 04, 11 & 25; May 02, 09, 16 & 30; Jun 06, 13 & 20; Jul 04 & 18; Aug 01, 15 & 29; Sep 05, 12, 19 & 26; Oct 03, 10 & 17; Nov 07; Dec 19    
Superior Class Hotels (4-/5-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2025 CA$ 2264 CA$ 856
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2025 CA$ 2484 CA$ 863
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2025 CA$ 2264 CA$ 856
Standard Class Hotels (3-/4-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2025 CA$ 1808 CA$ 1277
From Apr 01 - Oct 31, 2025 CA$ 1974 CA$ 1256
From Nov 01 - Dec 31, 2025 CA$ 1808 CA$ 1277
2026 Per Person on
Twin Sharing
Single Room
Supplement
Departure(s)
Jan 09; Feb 06; Mar 06 & 20    
Superior Class Hotels (4-/5-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2026 CA$ 2264 CA$ 856
Standard Class Hotels (3-/4-star)
From Jan 01 - Mar 31, 2026 CA$ 1808 CA$ 1277

Departure sold out

Guaranteed Departure(s) 2024

  • July 5
  • Aug 2, 9, 16, 30
  • Sep 6, 13, 20, 27
  • Oct 4, 11

Notes

  • Upgrade to a cave style hotel in Cappadocia is available for travelers taking the Superior Class tour at a surcharge of US$ 180/CA$ 243 per person in twin/double room.
  • Transfer costs have been based on using Ataturk International Airport. For those arriving at Sabiha Gokcen International Airport a surcharge of US$ 50 per person per transfer based on a minimum of two persons applies.
  • Departure transfer hotel/airport on the last day of the tour will be provided by the hotel’s shuttle, which operates at 0900 hrs and 1300 hrs.  Any other departure time or on a private basis will be subject to a surcharge of US$ 50 per person based on a minimum of two persons.

Inclusions


Tour Price Includes
  • 09 Nights' accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • 16 Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • All sightseeing, transfers and activities as per itinerary
  • Free 4G Wi-Fi on touring vehicle
  • Services of an accompanying professional tour escort
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
Not Included
  • Any airfares
  • Insurance/visas
  • Tips/gratuities

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 28 participants

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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