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Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus

From £1,699
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Oct 2024
Book now
From £1,699
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: Oct 2024 - Oct 2024

Tour Overview

The Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are just the beginning when it comes to exploring Turkey. This tour offers an assault on the senses in the best possible way, where history, culture and memorable moments are shared with like-minded travellers. From the ancient city of Ephesus to belly-dancing shows and Gozleme pastries, we'll explore Turkey's culture on a backdrop of famous landmarks and natural wonders. Whether you want to learn about ancient sites, see Gallipoli or have free time to shop, this tour combines an incredible array of highlights.
  • classic touring holiday Classic Touring
  • meals included tour All Breakfasts
Istanbul, Troy & Ephesus 2022 tour map Enlarge map

Your Holiday Includes

  • Just You Holiday Director
  • Return flights from London
  • 7 nights in 4-star hotels
  • A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
  • 14 included meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 6 dinners including a welcome drink
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Tour of Istanbul including The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia & Grand Bazaar
  • Turkish coffee demonstration & tasting with Baklava
  • Visit the Gallipoli War Memorial
  • Tour of Troy & visit to the ancient city of Pergamon
  • Visit Yesilyurt, a traditional Turkish village and sample freshly made Gözleme pastries
  • Tour of one of the ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis, in Ephesus
  • Discover Turkish fruit & wine production in Sirince village
  • Tour of the former Ottoman Capital city of Bursa

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Istanbul

Today, you fly to Istanbul. Then relax and enjoy dinner while meeting your fellow travellers.

Meals included: D
Next day

Day 2 Istanbul

Get set for a full-day tour of Byzantine and Ottoman relics on your tour of Istanbul. Sultanahmet Square rests at the heart of the Old City and we start here with a visit to historic chariot racing arena, the Hippodrome. You'll also get to tick off your landmark bucket list when we visit the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque with its many domes and hand-painted blue tiles. Then we'll discover the iconic Hagia Sophia, once the largest Christian church in the world, it is now considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. A scrumptious lunch awaits at a Turkish restaurant, before free time for shopping at the Egyptian and Grand Bazaars. The Grand Bazaar is a heady mix of spices and is alive with the hustle and bustle of people bartering over everything from war medals and pots to carpets and clothing, as well as fruit and leather goods. We'll also stop at an authentic shop to taste the sweet treat, Baklava, made with filo pastry, nuts and honey. Explore as you wish by night, or join us on an excursion to a Turkish night club for a belly-dancing show.

Meals included: B,L
Next day

Day 3 Istanbul - Canakkale

This morning you will have some free time to explore at your leisure or choose an optional half-day cruise of the Bosporus. With over an hour on board, we'll cross from Europe to Asia amid spectacular city views. Once there, hop off the boat for a glimpse of local life on the Asian side. Our leisurely drive to Canakkale takes us via the lovely Marmara Sea for sweeping coastal views. On the way, we'll stop at the famous World War I battlefields of Gallipoli, the large and poignant resting site of Australian, New Zealand, British and Turkish soldiers killed in the war. A ferry trip across the Dardanelles channel brings us to Canakkale for dinner at the hotel.

Meals included: B,D
Next day

Day 4 Canakkale - Izmir

First visit of the day will be the legendary Troy, city of Homeros’ Iliada. With over five thousand years of history, the 9 layers seen in Troy show more than 3000 years without interruption and allow us to follow the civilizations settled in this unique geography where Anatolia, Aegean and Balkans meet. Continue to Bergama, a traditional Turkish town where we will offer guests gozleme, a Turkish treat. Visit the ancient city of Pergamon with its ancient Acropolis. At the end of the tour, drive to Izmir and after a short sightseeing with the bus, arrival to hotel in Izmir. Meals included: B,D
Next day

Day 5 Izmir

The UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ephesus is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis. This morning we'll tour the massive excavation site that St Paul once visited on his way back to Antioch, as well as stopping to admire the bathhouses and the majestic Library of Celsus.
While in Selcuk, we'll also visit the Basilica of St Jean before an afternoon journey into nature at the picturesque Greek village of Sirince. The region is a wine-lover's paradise and is known for producing some of Turkey's best olives and exquisite handmade olive oil products.

Meals included: B,D
Next day

Day 6 Izmir - Bursa

Today we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel before driving through Manisa and Balikesir to our next destination of Bursa. The former capital of the Ottoman Empire brims with historic gems, such as the Grand Mosque and the Tombs of Osman and Orhan, the first Ottoman Sultans.
We'll then take a tour to discover the delights of the Silk Market. The quaint and charming stores here offer scarves, fabrics, silver and artistic crafts, all with a stunning backdrop of decorative Ottoman architecture.

Meals included: B,D
Next day

Day 7 Bursa - Istanbul

Our departure for Istanbul after breakfast sees us arrive in the city by around midday. Spend the afternoon at your leisure or join us for an optional excursion, starting with lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant. After lunch, we'll visit the Topkapi Palace Museum to see priceless collections including Chinese porcelain and the Imperial Treasury. Recount your travel memories over a farewell dinner in the fisherman's village area of Kumkapi with a local drink, before enjoying free time in the bright lights of the city.

Meals included: B,D
Next day

Day 8 Istanbul - UK

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll head to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Meals included: B

  1. Memorable Moment

    Visit an authentic coffee shop at the Grand Bazaar to learn the secrets of Turkish coffee and sample sweet Baklava.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Maywood Hotel

The 4-star Maywood Hotel is situated in the heart of Istanbul.

Hotel facilities include a breakfast room and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

The 4-star Maywood Hotel is situated in the heart of Istanbul.

Hotel facilities include a breakfast room and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.
Next accommodation

Buyuk Truva Hotel

The Buyuk Truva hotel is situated centrally within the city of Canakkale, and has a quaint and traditional décor. The in-house restaurant serves a varied cuisine of both local and international options, whilst also offering a wonderful view of the Marmara Sea. Air-conditioned rooms are furnished with private facilities, and there is complimentary WIFI is available.

The Buyuk Truva hotel is situated centrally within the city of Canakkale, and has a quaint and traditional décor. The in-house restaurant serves a varied cuisine of both local and international options, whilst also offering a wonderful view of the Marmara Sea. Air-conditioned rooms are furnished with private facilities, and there is complimentary WIFI is available.
Next accommodation

Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli

The Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli is a contemporarily styled property which offers lovely views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can enjoy the in-house restaurant, which has a spacious dining area. Guest rooms have wooden décor and private facilities. Other services available at the hotel include free WIFI and a Gym.

The Hilton Garden Inn Izmir Bayrakli is a contemporarily styled property which offers lovely views of the Aegean Sea. Guests can enjoy the in-house restaurant, which has a spacious dining area. Guest rooms have wooden décor and private facilities. Other services available at the hotel include free WIFI and a Gym.
Next accommodation

Movenpick Bursa Hotel & Thermal Spa

Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa makes no concessions on quality with its modern and comfortable rooms, ballroom, large meeting rooms, a la carte restaurants, thermal swimming pool and Spa area with thermal Turkish bath, wellness center with dietitian, and high technology fitness equipment. You can relax in the Spa Center with sauna and steam rooms, get aromatic massages from our professional team and swim in the thermal pool.

Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa makes no concessions on quality with its modern and comfortable rooms, ballroom, large meeting rooms, a la carte restaurants, thermal swimming pool and Spa area with thermal Turkish bath, wellness center with dietitian, and high technology fitness equipment. You can relax in the Spa Center with sauna and steam rooms, get aromatic massages from our professional team and swim in the thermal pool.
Next accommodation

Maywood Hotel

The 4-star Maywood Hotel is situated in the heart of Istanbul.

Hotel facilities include a breakfast room and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

The 4-star Maywood Hotel is situated in the heart of Istanbul.

Hotel facilities include a breakfast room and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, telephone, TV, mini-bar and hairdryer.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional excursions to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour.

Istanbul - Istanbul by night including a Turkish folklore show

Istanbul - Istanbul by night including a Turkish folklore show

After a drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul, you will arrive at a nightclub. Enjoy diner and a traditional Turkish show featuring performances by folk dancers, belly dancers and singers.

Evening excursion - Minimal walking - Cultural experience
After a drive through the illuminated streets of Istanbul, you will arrive at a nightclub. Enjoy diner and a traditional Turkish show featuring performances by folk dancers, belly ...

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From
£99
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Istanbul - morning cruise along the Bosporus

Istanbul - morning cruise along the Bosporus

Enjoy a cruise along the Bosporus and admire fabulous views of the city. Asia will be on one side of the river, and Europe on the other. We’ll make a stop on the Asian side to step ashore and catch a glimpse of local life.
Cruise - Minimal walking - Scenic tour
Enjoy a cruise along the Bosporus and admire fabulous views of the city. Asia will be on one side of the river, and Europe on the other. We’ll make a stop on the Asian side to step...

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From
£52
Add at checkout
Istanbul - Visit Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans and lunch

Istanbul - Visit Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans and lunch

This excursion begins with a walk around Balat neighbourhood which is an old Greek area of the city. We will then visit the Orthodox Patriachate and then head for a delicious lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant. After you’ve eaten, you’ll visit Topkapi Palace. The Palace was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years and is now a museum, housing priceless collections including Chinese porcelain and the Imperial Treasury.

Half-day tour – Historic site – Authentic experience
This excursion begins with a walk around Balat neighbourhood which is an old Greek area of the city. We will then visit the Orthodox Patriachate and then head for a delicious lunch...

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From
£70
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Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Our holiday group sizes do vary from tour to tour - but we have an average group size of 26. Big or small, there’ll be plenty of opportunities to socialise with your fellow travellers. So, whether you fancy making friends at mealtimes or feel like being friendly by the pool, you’re guaranteed a great time whatever size your group is.

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • UK Holidays - £150 per person
  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel requirement & Visa Service.

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.