Istanbul & Ancient Turkey
Fully
Guided
Nights
Half Board (+1)
Flights &
Transfers
- Immerse yourself in the culture of Ancient Turkey on this 7-night guided group holiday.
- Stay 2 nights in Istanbul, 1 night in Çanakkale, 1 night in Ayvalik or Güre & 3 nights in Kuşadasi.
- Visit the historical WWI battle ground of Gallipoli, including stops at Anzac Cove & Lone Pine Cemetery.
- Cross the continental boundary between Europe & Asia via a scenic ferry ride to Çanakkale.
- Step into the past on guided day trips to the ancient cities of Troy, Pergamum & Ephesus.
Book Your Trip From €1424pp
Book Your Trip From €1199pp
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Travel with us on an adventure to Istanbul and Ancient Turkey. Centuries of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule have left an everlasting legacy and today, Turkey is an exciting fusion point where Europe meets Asia. We’ll begin our holiday with a city tour exploring the dynamic capital of Istanbul to visit the stunning Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and go shopping for Turkish treats in the Grand Bazaar. Next, embark on a poignant journey to Gallipoli, one of WWI’s most famous battle sites. Enthusiasts of Greek Mythology will enjoy a half-day excursion to the legendary city of Troy. We’ll also discover Ephesus, an Ancient Greek city which was famous for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With an incredible collection of mythological, legendary, religious and historical sites; our holiday to Ancient Turkey is not to be missed!
Trip Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul
Travel to Turkey
On arrival in Istanbul, you will be met our local representative who will assist you in the transfer to your hotel.
Istanbul
Guided City Tour
Morning
Begin your Turkish adventure with a morning city tour of Istanbul, which will include visits to the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum (closed on Mondays), the Egyptian Obelisks and the Roman Hippodrome.
Free Time at Leisure
Afternoon
Istanbul is a perfect combination of modern and ancient, displaying a wide range of architecture from skyscrapers to historic mosques, churches, underground cistern and the ancient Bazaar. The afternoon will be at leisure, to relax and get to know your surroundings.
Gallipoli & Transfer to Canakkale
Excursion to Gallipoli
Morning - Full Day
Today you will transfer to Canakkale, with a morning excursion to Gallipoli. This is the famous battle site during World War one where thousands of Irish and British soldiers fought and died. During this excursion, you will visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Sulva Bay and Greenhill Cemetery. After you will cross the Dardanelles by ferry and transfer to your hotel in Canakkale in the evening, lunch at a local restaurant is included today.
Troy
Half Day Excursion to Troy
Morning - Full Day
Enjoy a half day excursion to the legendary city of Troy, best known for being the setting of the Trojan war, which occurred after Paris of Troy stole Helen away from her husband. Here you can see the former acropolis and a replica of the Trojan wooden horse. Transfer to your hotel Ayvalik or Gure (pending on your chosen date) in the evening.
Pergamum & Transfer to Kusadası
Visit to Pergamum
Morning - Full Day
On your way to Kusadasi you will enjoy an excursion to Pergamum, it was known as one of the most beautiful cities of the ancient world. Included is a visit to Pergamum museum and a cable car ride to visit the Acropolis. Lunch is included at a local restaurant and entrance to the museum. Transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi, in the evening.
Ephesus
Travel to Ephesus
Full Day
Today, you travel to Ephesus where in ancient times Ephesus was the home to the temple of Artemis, one of the, seven wonders, of the world. Today the ruins of Epheusus remain a sacred site for many Christians due to its association with several biblical figures including St Paul, St John and Virgin Mary. Included is a visit the Basilica of Saint John and the House of the Virgin Mary. Lunch is included at a local restaurant today.
At Leisure
Free Time in Kusadasi
Full Day
You will have today free for shopping and sightseeing at your own pace in Kusadasi. Explore the local shops and markets or relax and enjoy your last day in Turkey.
Optional Excursion
Half Day Optional Excursion
Half day Sirince tour. It is possible to book locally an excursion to Sirince, a small village, with over 600 people. The little village is allegedly founded by freed Greek slaves who named it “ugly” in Turkish to deter others from following them after the fall of Ephesus. It is now called Sirince, which means ‘pleasant.’ This pretty little mountainous village is mainly known for its preserved whitewashed stucco homes, lush settings, as well as its fruit-based wineries and olive groves. This tour is bookable locally please ask your guide for more details.
Return Home
Depart Turkey
Transfer from your hotel, with guide assistance to Izmir Airport for your flight home via Istanbul.
Know before you go
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
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