Overview
Discover the timeless beauty, history and cultural richness of Turkey on an immersive eight-day journey from Istanbul through Bursa, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
Beginning in Istanbul, this journey introduces you to the city’s remarkable Byzantine and Ottoman heritage before travelling through Bursa and the Aegean region. Explore ancient cities including Ephesus and Hierapolis, admire the extraordinary white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and experience the distinctive landscapes and traditions of Cappadocia.
From historic mosques, bazaars and palaces to ancient ruins, traditional crafts and the spectacular Bosphorus, Classic Turkey brings together some of the country’s most celebrated cultural and natural highlights in one carefully curated journey.
With comfortable accommodation, full-board meals, professional guiding and included sightseeing, this is an ideal introduction to Turkey for travellers seeking history, culture, scenery and authentic local experiences.
Why You'll Love This Journey
- Discover Istanbul's extraordinary Byzantine and Ottoman heritage.
- Explore Bursa, Turkey's former Ottoman capital, including its historic mosques and traditional bazaars.
- Walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Hierapolis.
- Marvel at the spectacular travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
- Travel through the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia and explore its underground cities and historic valleys.
- Visit Konya and discover the legacy of Mevlana and the Whirling Dervishes.
- Enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise in Istanbul.
- Experience Turkey's traditional crafts, including pottery, carpets, textiles and leather.
- Enjoy the opportunity to experience Cappadocia from above with an optional hot air balloon flight.
Itinerary
Arrive at Istanbul Airport, where you will meet your professional guide and begin your Turkish adventure.
Start with breakfast at a local restaurant before exploring some of Istanbul’s most important historic landmarks. Visit the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the centre of public life in Byzantine Constantinople, followed by the magnificent Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, home to an extraordinary collection of Ottoman treasures and sacred relics.
After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most celebrated architectural landmarks, reflecting the city’s layered Byzantine and Ottoman history.
Later, travel towards Bursa via the impressive Osman Gazi Bridge. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before dinner and your overnight stay.
After breakfast, continue exploring Bursa, a city deeply connected to the origins of the Ottoman Empire.
Visit a traditional Turkish Delight shop before discovering the city’s architectural and cultural highlights, including the Grand Mosque, historic Silk Bazaar, Green Mosque and Green Tomb complex.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing Bursa and travelling towards the Aegean coast.
Arrive in Kuşadası and check in to your hotel. The evening is at leisure to relax before dinner and your overnight stay.
Begin the day with breakfast before visiting a traditional Turkish leather outlet.
Continue to the remarkable ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Explore its impressive ruins and discover the remains of a city that flourished under Greek and Roman rule.
After lunch, travel inland towards Pamukkale.
Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, followed by the extraordinary Cotton Castle, where brilliant white travertine terraces cascade down the hillside. You will also have the opportunity to see Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool, famous for its warm mineral-rich waters and ancient setting.
Continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, depart Pamukkale and travel towards the cultural heartland of central Turkey.
Along the way, visit a traditional textile outlet and continue towards Konya, a city renowned for its spiritual heritage and association with the great Sufi philosopher and mystic, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi.
Visit the Mevlana Museum before continuing your journey through the historic landscapes once travelled by merchants and pilgrims.
Stop at the impressive Sultanhan Caravanserai, one of the great medieval caravanserais along the ancient Silk Road.
Continue towards Cappadocia, where the distinctive landscape of volcanic valleys and rock formations begins to unfold.
Dinner and overnight at your Cappadocia hotel.
For those wishing to experience one of Turkey’s most unforgettable sights, an optional early-morning hot air balloon flight offers the chance to see Cappadocia’s surreal landscape from above.
After breakfast, begin your exploration of this extraordinary region.
Visit a traditional carpet centre before discovering an ancient underground city carved into the volcanic rock. Continue to Derbent Valley and Avanos, a town famous for its pottery traditions.
After lunch, explore Göreme and enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. Continue to Uchisar Citadel, one of Cappadocia’s most recognisable landmarks, followed by Pigeon Valley.
The day also includes an opportunity to discover Turkey’s traditional craftsmanship at a local turquoise workshop.
Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.
After breakfast, depart Cappadocia and travel towards Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital.
Along the way, enjoy a photo stop at the spectacular Salt Lake, one of the country’s most striking natural landscapes.
Continue to Ankara for lunch before visiting the impressive Millet Mosque and the Atatürk Mausoleum and Museum, dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic of Turkey.
Later, continue your journey to Istanbul.
Upon arrival, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, visit Çamlıca Hill, one of Istanbul’s most celebrated viewpoints, offering expansive views across the city and the Bosphorus. Continue to Çamlıca Mosque, an impressive contemporary landmark.
Later, enjoy an included Bosphorus Cruise, travelling between Europe and Asia while taking in Istanbul’s waterfront palaces, neighbourhoods and historic landmarks.
After lunch, visit the atmospheric neighbourhood of Ortaköy before enjoying free time for shopping and exploration in the Grand Bazaar.
Return to your hotel after dinner and enjoy your final overnight stay in Istanbul.
Enjoy breakfast before visiting Eyüp Sultan Mosque and its historic surroundings, followed by Fatih Mosque, another important landmark of Istanbul’s religious and architectural heritage.
After lunch, enjoy free time around Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, one of the city’s most lively pedestrian areas and a popular destination for shopping, cafés and local atmosphere.
Later, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your onward journey.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Hotel accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation by air-conditioned coach
- Wi-Fi and parking fees during the coach journey
- Professional tour guide services
- Full-board meals as specified in the itinerary
- Museum and attraction entrance fees as stated in the programme
- Water during meals and on the coach
- Bosphorus Cruise
- Public boat for the Bosphorus Cruise for groups of 10 passengers or fewer
- Private boat for the Bosphorus Cruise for groups of 5 passengers or more
- One complimentary place for groups of 15 passengers or more, subject to the stated conditions
Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Drinks during meals other than water
- Personal expenses
- Airport porterage
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Topkapi Palace Museum entrance fee where not covered by the group programme
- Hagia Sophia entrance fee where not covered by the group programme
- Optional hot air balloon experience in Cappadocia
Check Availability
FAQs
No. The Cappadocia hot air balloon experience is optional and available at an additional cost, subject to weather and operational conditions.
International and domestic flights are not included in the package unless specifically stated in your booking arrangements.
The tour uses selected 4-star and 5-star hotels, or similar properties, in the destinations visited.
Yes. The programme is designed around full-board dining, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided as specified in the itinerary.
Yes. The Bosphorus Cruise is included in the tour programme.
Yes. The itinerary combines Byzantine and Ottoman Istanbul, ancient Ephesus and Hierapolis, Konya's spiritual heritage, Cappadocia's archaeological landscapes and Ankara's modern Turkish history.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, a reusable water bottle and any personal medication you require are recommended.
Important notes
- The itinerary is subject to operational conditions, traffic, weather and local circumstances.
- Accommodation may be substituted with a hotel of a similar standard depending on availability.
- International and domestic flights are not included unless specifically stated.
- Entrance fees listed as excluded are payable separately.
- The Cappadocia hot air balloon experience is optional and dependent on suitable weather conditions.
- Travellers should ensure that their passports, visas and travel documentation are valid for Turkey before departure.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Some sightseeing involves walking over uneven surfaces and historic sites; comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The order of sightseeing may be adjusted by the local guide while maintaining the principal inclusions of the programme.
Optional activities
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Experience
- Rise above Cappadocia at sunrise and experience its extraordinary valleys, fairy chimneys and volcanic landscapes from the air.
- The hot air balloon flight is an optional experience and is subject to weather conditions, operational availability and additional cost.
