Overview
Turkish Sampler
Treasured. Timeless. Tradition. Just a few words to describe the sampling of stunning history to be found on the tour of Turkey. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, the sights of the once Byzantine empire give new meaning to timeless traditions in the capital of Istanbul on the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Moving sites of battle and heroism remain where stories of bravery and bold characters still echo in legendary style. From the legendary Trojan Horse to the longstanding temples of healing powers in Pergamum, this tour of Turkey’s treasures brings the past to light in shining examples of turbulent history. Peruse the power of the Roman Empire in Ephesus’ massive archaeological sites and ponder the natural wonders of travertine terraces and thermal pools found in Pamukkale. Awaken your curiosity for ancient traditions along the Silk Road amid Bursa’s centuries-old city center and bazaar in the shadow of Mount Olympus—just a few of the revelations to be discovered on this tour of Turkey!
Highlights of Turkish Sampler
City Highlights
Price Details US
Transportation
Notes
The uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing of Istanbul’s highlights featuring visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace • Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul with traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster • Visit to the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, and the Lone Pine Memorial • Guided sightseeing of the Troy archaeological site and see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse • Guided visit to the Asklepion at Pergamon • Visit to Izmir• Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus; see St. John’s Basilica.• Visit to the ancient city of Hieropolis at Pamukkale featuring views of the travertine terraces and thermal pools.• Visit to the Great Ottoman Mosque (Ulu Camii) of Bursa, plus the Historical Covered Bazaar, and the Silk Market with Kestane Sekeri tasting• Dardanelles crossing by ferry
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $604*18 guests in a party: $142*
UNESCO Sites
Archaeological Site of Troy|Ephesus|Hierapolis-Pamukkale|Historic Areas of Istanbul|Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2
ISTANBUL East meets West Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there. Marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior. Stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan’s lived, and discover a shopper’s paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.
Day 3
ISTANBUL–GALLIPOLI–TROY AREA Bravery on the Beach This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. (B,D)211 mi / 340 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORY & HERITAGE Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.
Day 4
TROY AREA–PERGAMON–IZMIR A Gift Horse & A God of Healing Start your day with a guided visit of the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War, it was supposedly the winning tactic. Continue to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. (B,D)193 mi / 310 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HEALING THE BODY & THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. The sick approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a path that started their journey to health determined according to what dreams the patients experienced and which also included theatre shows. All of this was done in the belief that healing was a sacred art, and people’s souls needed to be mended as well as their bodies.
Day 5
IZMIR–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE Ancient Civilization Preserved Arrive at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins, including a visit to the St. John Basilica, where St. John the Apostle is said to have been buried. (B,D)180 mi / 290 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
Day 6
PAMMUKALE–HIERAPOLIS–BURSA The Cotton Castle This morning, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. Later, arrive in Bursa. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more and try local specialties. (B)273 mi / 440 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDER When the mineral rich thermal waters that flowed down the valley side, cooled, and hardened, a series of bright white travertine terraces were formed, each containing a thermal pool. This incredible sight gave the area its name – Pamukkale “Cotton Castle.” The Romans also took advantage of the thermal springs and founded the spa town of Hieropolis close by.
Day 7
BURSA–ISTANBUL In the Shadow of Mount Olympus Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has lots to offer. This morning’s sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, a visit to the historical covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Later, return to Istanbul and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)99 mi / 160 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTANCIENT TASTES ON THE SILK ROAD Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa’s centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city’s famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk.
Day 8
ISTANBUL Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus | Located in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel, has a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. Various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and massage services. The stylish 257 modern, air-conditioned guest rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and all have tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area and a minibar. There are several shopping malls located just a short drive away and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout. | Istanbul | Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165 | Moderate Deluxe |
| 2 | Kolin Hotel Canakkale | This hotel occupies a prime position on the Canakkale coastline with a sandy beach and gardens offering spectacular views overlooking the Dardanelles strait. The property boasts six bars, indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, as well as a modern spa. The large air-conditioned guest rooms are modern in style and include Free Wi-Fi internet access, a minibar and satellite TV. | Canakkale | Ataturk Caddesi No. 2 | First-Class |
| 3 | Doubletree By Hilton Canakkale | The centrally located DoubleTree by Hilton provides 155 air-conditioned rooms with kettle/Coffeemaker, minibar, Free toiletries, TV and Wi-Fi. The hotel offers 2 pools, a Spa & Wellness center, and a Fitness center to relaxation. Delicious meals can be savored at the on-site Restaurant. Mega Beach is 2 km away and the Archaeological Museum and Archaeology Museum are both just a short walk away. | Canakkale | Barbaros Mahallesi, Ataturk 306 | Superior First-Class |
| 4 | Mövenpick Izmir | "Mövenpick Hotel Izmir is a 5-star property located on Cumhuriyet Square, in the center of Izmir. It is within walking distance of Konak Square, the Kemeralti Bazaar, and the Alsancak district. The hotel has 185 guest rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, minibars, safes, and private bathrooms. Facilities include the Coral Health Club on the 11th floor, with a fitness room, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room. The hotel also has a restaurant serving Turkish and international cuisine, a pastry shop, and a lobby bar. Meeting and event facilities are available, with several conference rooms and business services. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property." | Izmir | Cumhuriyet Blvd, Pasaport - Konak No:138 | Superior First-Class |
| 5 | Adempira Termal & Spa | The Adempira Termal&Spa Hotel has 310 modern air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric tea pot, a minibar, desk and an equipped bathroom with shower, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. A buffet breakfast is avaiable each morning at the homestay and the Sultan sofrasi restaurant offers delicious dishes. The Hotel provide a Fitness center, Spa & Wellness center furnished with Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, Sauna and Spa services. | Pamukkale | 113 Mustafa Sezer Sokak No:5/1 | First-Class |
| 6 | Moevenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa | Located in the city centre of Bursa, close to the greenery of Bursa Kültür Park this upscale property blends city life with nature. The 136-room hotel boasts an Italian Restaurant, an international restaurant combining Turkish cuisine, a lobby bar with a classical warm atmosphere and a trendy rooftop restaurant bar. The hotel also features a thermal swimming pool and Spa area with thermal Turkish bath and a wellness center. The spacious guestrooms are contemporarily decorated and come with a flat screen TV with satellite channels, minibar and electric kettle and have Free Wi-Fi internet access. | Bursa | Cekirge Cad. No:81, Osmangazi | First-Class |
| 7 | Titanic City Taksim | Just a 5-minute walk from Taksim Square, this Hotel has 202 modern and air-conditioned rooms fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a minibar, Coffee Maker, desk, a safe and a private bathroom equipped with hairdryer, free toiletries and slippers. The high-quality breakfast includes a wide range of options, including salads, eggs, a selection of cheeses, ham, and fresh fruit. The Alesta restaurant serves international delicacies and the café offers a selection of hot drinks, light snack alternatives, desserts and cakes. | Istanbul | Lamartin Cad. 47 | Superior Tourist-Class |
| 8 | The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery | Located in the heart of Istanbul's commercial city center, this contemporary 136 room property offers artisanal local culinary delights at the rooftop restaurant which features sweeping views of the city and the Bosphorous strait. All air-conditioned guest rooms are decorated in a modern style and are fitted with flat-screen TV's, a telephone, an electric kettle, a safety deposit box and a minibar. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness room, a spa and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout. | Istanbul | Omer Avni Mah Inonu Caddesi 42 | Deluxe |
