Turkey

Turkey sits where Europe meets Asia, and almost every civilisation of the ancient world left something behind: a Hittite capital, Greek and Roman cities, Byzantine churches, Ottoman palaces. Our small group tour of Turkey takes mature travellers through all of it in 21 days, from Istanbul to Cappadocia, down to the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, up to Troy and Gallipoli, and back to Istanbul.

Groups are never larger than 16. A local English-speaking guide and an Odyssey Tour Manager are with you throughout, so you can spend your time on what you came to see.

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  • 21days, Istanbul to Istanbul
  • 16travellers at most
  • 20nights in 4 and 5 star hotels
  • Level 2moderate pace

Tours in Turkey

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Why travel to Turkey with Odyssey

  • Small groups, never more than 16 Quieter sites, easier conversations and time to ask questions.
  • A local guide and an Odyssey Tour Manager A local English-speaking guide at the sites, with a Tour Manager looking after the details.
  • Quality 4 and 5 star hotels Including a cave hotel in Cappadocia and a thermal hotel at Pamukkale.
  • Entry fees and gratuities included Plus service charges, 20 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 13 dinners.
  • A moderate pace Activity Level 2, with free time built into the 21 days.

What you will see in Turkey

Days 1 to 4

Istanbul

Four days in the city where Europe and Asia meet: the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, then Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Basilica Cistern, and a Bosphorus cruise past the Ottoman waterfront houses. Read more in our guide to Istanbul, the imperial city.

Days 5 and 6

Ankara and the Hittite heartland

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, then Hattusa, the capital of the Hittite empire, with its Lion’s Gate and the tunnel under the King’s Gate. See Hattusa, the Hittite empire and Ankara.

Days 7 to 10

Cappadocia

Several days among rock-cut churches and fairy-chimney valleys: the Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, Zelve, Pasabag and Uchisar, an underground city, a Whirling Dervish ceremony and the walk through the Ihlara Gorge. A hot air balloon ride is available as an optional extra. See Cappadocia and the underground cities.

Days 10 and 11

Konya and the Seljuk road

The Mevlana Museum in Konya, the Sultanhani caravanserai on the old Silk Road, and Catalhoyuk, one of the world’s earliest towns. See Konya, Sultanhani, Catalhoyuk and the Seljuk Turks in Anatolia.

Days 11 to 13

The Mediterranean coast

Aspendos and Perge, two of the finest ancient sites on the coast, then Antalya’s old harbour, the Archaeological Museum and a cruise from the old city marina. See Aspendos, Perge and Antalya.

Days 14 to 18

Pamukkale, Aphrodisias and Ephesus

The white thermal terraces and Roman ruins of Hierapolis, the sculptors’ city of Aphrodisias, and Ephesus with the Temple of Artemis, plus the house traditionally linked to the Virgin Mary and the hill village of Sirince. See Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, Ephesus and Sirince.

Days 19 and 20

Pergamon, Troy and Gallipoli

The Asclepion at Pergamon, the ruins of Troy, then a ferry across the Dardanelles to the Gallipoli battlefields and ANZAC Cove. See Pergamon, Troy, Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove.

What is included, and the pace

Included

  • 20 nights in quality hotels
  • Entry fees, service charges and gratuities
  • A local guide and an Odyssey Tour Manager throughout
  • Coach travel
  • 20 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 13 dinners

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Optional excursions, such as the balloon ride
  • Personal items
  • Visa fees

The pace

The tour is Activity Level 2 (moderate). Expect three to five hours of activity a day, which can mean walking up to 8 km on uneven ground. Travellers should be able to carry their own luggage and manage stairs.

Questions travellers ask

Do I need a visa for Turkey?

It depends on your passport, and the rules can change. Check the official Turkish e-Visa site before you book: evisa.gov.tr. Visa fees are not included in the tour price, and a Tour Specialist can point you in the right direction.

How fit do I need to be?

The tour is Activity Level 2 (moderate). You should be comfortable walking for three to five hours a day on uneven ground, climbing and descending stairs, and carrying your own luggage. If you are unsure, a Tour Specialist can talk through the daily programme with you.

Can I travel on my own?

Yes. Solo travellers can choose a single room, at a higher price.

Who looks after the group?

A local English-speaking guide accompanies the group, together with an Odyssey Tour Manager. For very small groups, a Local Tour Manager leads.

How big is the group?

Never more than 16 travellers.

Talk to a Tour Specialist about Turkey

Questions about the route, the pace or what is included? Our Tour Specialists are happy to help.

Speak to a Tour Specialist View the tour