Grand Tour of Turkey – 2 Week Circuit in Turkey – 15-Day Trip

Embark on this 15-day circuit in Turkey to discover stunning landscapes and assured escapism in western Turkey, a rich and fascinating culture blending East and West. Immerse yourself in the traces of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires in Istanbul, witnessing the fabulous coexistence of the past and the contemporary during the Grand Tour of Turkey. Travel back in time in Ephesus through history and anecdotes of a rich Roman past.

Experience the extraordinary in Cappadocia at the heart of lunar and troglodyte landscapes. Relax and unwind at the Pamukkale site with its natural hot water limestone basins. The city of Ephesus will transport you into a rich and fascinating Roman past.

Have fun with the Trojan Horse while learning the true story. Relax in Izmir on the Aegean coast in one of Turkey’s most liberal cities. A journey blending discoveries, visits, and spectacular sights. A 15-day circuit in one of the top 10 travel destinations in the world for 2024.

What You’ll Discover and Experience During This Magnificent Grand Tour of Turkey

Grand Tour of Turkey – A 15-day circuit in Turkey: Istanbul – Cappadocia – Konya – Antalya – Pamukkale – Aphrodisias – Ephesus – Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Canakkale – Edirne.

Highlights of Oz Palmira:

• Comprehensive cultural and tourist discovery and visit circuit of 14 nights and 15 days – The Grand Tour of Turkey.
• Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 2 people.
• Full board from day 2 to day 13-14, except in Istanbul.
• Western Turkey circuit: 4 nights in Istanbul + 1 night in Ankara + 2 nights in Cappadocia + 3 nights in Antalya + 1 night in Pamukkale + 1 in Ephesus + 1 night in Izmir + 1 night in Canakkale.
• Multiple discoveries and visits in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
• Visit to the whirling dervishes convent in Konya.
• A day cruise on the turquoise coast.
• Boat ride on the Bosphorus in Istanbul (optional).
• Certified professional French-speaking guide throughout your circuit.
• Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle throughout your circuit.
• Possibility to extend or combine the circuit with a beach stay in Antalya.
• Communication in French 7/7.
• Follow-up of your file from the beginning of your reservation to the end of your circuit.

Grand Tour of Turkey

Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkey:

1. Historic Areas of Istanbul (1985)
2. Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (1985)
3. Hierapolis-Pamukkale (1988)
4. Aphrodisias (2017)
5. Ephesus (2015)
6. Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape (2014)
7. Archaeological Site of Troy (1998)

Program of the 2-Week Circuit in Turkey

Day 1 – Saturday: Istanbul – Welcome and Installation

• Welcome at Istanbul airport.
• Transfer and check-in at your hotel.
• Free dinner.
• Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – Sunday: Visiting Constantinople (breakfast + lunch)

• Breakfast at the hotel and departure to discover splendid Istanbul.
• Visit the Blue Mosque.
• Discover the Hippodrome.
• Visit the Hagia Sophia (formerly a basilica and museum).
• Lunch.
• Visit the Topkapi Palace.
• Visit the Spice Market and the Eminönü district.
• Free dinner.
• Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 – Monday: Istanbul – Ankara (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• After breakfast at the hotel, discover the Grand Bazaar.
• Boat ride on the Bosphorus (optional).
• Lunch.
• Start your journey with a scenic crossing of the Black Sea region, where majestic pine forests reveal breathtaking views. The route then guides you through Central Anatolia, offering spectacular mountain views along a scenic road.
• Arrival in Ankara, check-in.
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Ankara.

Day 4 – Tuesday: Ankara – Cappadocia (breakfast + lunch + dinner) – 320 km

• Breakfast at the hotel, departure after breakfast for an emotion-filled day.
• Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Hittite collections).
• Discover the incredible Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (an iconic figure of a free and modern Turkey) from the outside.
• Lunch.
• Route to Cappadocia.
• Visit one of the many Byzantine underground cities of the 7th and 10th centuries en route.
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Cappadocia (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• Exploring Cappadocia by hot air balloon at sunrise is a must-do activity. It offers an extraordinary experience to discover this region uniquely. The nature here is exceptional, and a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia offers a memorable moment you’ll never forget (optional).
• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Visit the Göreme Valley and its rock churches (churches of St. Barbara, the Serpent, the Sandal, the Loop, the Apple).
• Lunch in a typical local Cappadocian restaurant.
• Traverse the Avcilar Valley and the Kılıçlar Valley to discover fairy chimneys and troglodyte dwellings.
• Visit the village of Uçhisar and the splendid panorama over the region and the Pigeon Valley.
• Return to the hotel.
• Dinner at the hotel or possibility of a folkloric dinner in a troglodyte restaurant.
• Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6 – Thursday: Cappadocia – Konya – Antalya (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• Breakfast at the hotel, departure for Konya.
• Stop at a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai en route.
• Visit the Mevlana Museum (founder of the Sufi order of whirling dervishes).
• Lunch in Konya.
• Departure, route to Antalya: crossing the Taurus mountain range.
• Arrival in Pamphylia.
• Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

Day 7 – Friday: Antalya (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• After breakfast, a day dedicated to discovering the beauties of Antalya.
• Discover the old town (Roman wall), the old port of Antalya, Hadrian’s Gate, and the Yivli Minaret.
• Lunch.
• Contemplate the Karpuzkaldiran waterfalls flowing directly into the sea.
• Discover high-quality national craftsmanship, reputed as one of the best in the world in its category “leather.”
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 – Saturday: Day of Cruise (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• Departure after breakfast at the hotel.
• Arrival in Kemer and boarding the cruise boat.
• The cruise begins with a gentle navigation along the coast, offering stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Enjoy the sun on the deck and relax while admiring the marine landscape.
• Three swimming stops in the magnificent bays of the turquoise coast.
• Lunch on board: Enjoy a delicious and freshly prepared meal by the crew.
• Relax on the deck, enjoy the scenery, and share pleasant moments with the other passengers.
• This day of cruise in Kemer promises memorable marine memories and total immersion in the coastal beauty of the region.
• Return to Antalya, dinner, and overnight at the hotel in Antalya.

From Antalya to Pamukkale

Day 9 – Sunday: Antalya – Pamukkale (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Pamukkale.
• Route to Denizli.
• Lunch.
• Arrival at the Cotton Castle (Pamukkale): Explore the natural white terraces of the Cotton Castle, formed by hot springs depositing travertine over time. Discover this unique landscape, where crystalline water basins seem frozen in time.
• Discover the ancient city of Hierapolis nearby. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including the Roman theater, baths, and necropolis. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this ancient city while admiring the panoramic view of the surrounding valley.
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 10 – Monday: Aphrodisias (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• After breakfast at the hotel, route to Aphrodisias.
• Discovery and visit of Aphrodisias (Temple of Aphrodite, Tetrapylon, theater, and museum).
• Lunch.
• Afternoon continuation to Selçuk.
• Dinner and overnight in Selçuk (Izmir).

Izmir – Grand Tour of Turkey

Day 11 – Tuesday: Izmir – Ephesus (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• After breakfast at the hotel, departure to discover the ruins of Ephesus.
• Visit the theater, ruins, and Temple of Artemis, the Odeon, Trajan’s Fountain, Hadrian’s Temple, the Agora, Marble Street, and the Library of Celsus.
• Lunch.
• Discover local craftsmanship and shopping.
• Dinner and overnight in Selçuk (Izmir).

From Izmir to the Dardanelles

Day 12 – Wednesday: Izmir – Pergamon – Troy – Canakkale (breakfast + lunch + dinner)

• After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Pergamon.
• Visit the ancient city, the remains of the agoras, temples, palaces, library, theater, and panorama. Ascend to the acropolis by cable car, weather permitting.
• Lunch.
• Route to Troy, visit
• Check-in at the hotel in Canakkale.
• Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

The Dardanelles to Istanbul

Day 13 – Thursday: Canakkale – Edirne – Istanbul (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner)

Departure for Edirne after breakfast. Cross the Dardanelles Strait. Arrive at the Gallipoli Peninsula (site of the Gallipoli Campaign). Lunch en route. Continue to Istanbul. In the afternoon, visit the Golden Horn and the Suleymaniye Mosque. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Exploration Day at the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul:

Day 14 – Friday: Istanbul (Breakfast + Lunch)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart by boat to the Princes’ Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Istanbul. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara during the crossing. Arrival at Büyükada: Visit the largest island, Büyükada, known for its peaceful atmosphere, picturesque streets, and old wooden houses. Explore the charming streets on foot. Lunch at Büyükada. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the island further at your own pace. Shop in local stores, discover crafts, or simply relax on the beach. Return to Istanbul. Dinner on your own, overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Day 15 – Saturday (Breakfast)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport according to flight schedule.

Hotels of the Grand Tour of Turkey

• 4 nights at Istanbul Grand Haliç Hotel
• 1 night at Kaleiçi Hotel 5*
• 2 nights in Cappadocia at Emin Koçak 5*
• 3 nights at Antalya Renex Hotel 5*
• 1 night at Pamukkale Tripolis Hotel 4*
• 2 nights at Selçuk Hitit Hotel 4*
• 1 night at Canakkale at Iris Hotel & Spa

Departures (from February 24th, every Saturday)

Price of the Grand Tour of Turkey

• From February 24th to June 1st, 2024 – €1195
• From June 1st to October 26th, 2024 – €1295
• Single supplement – €610

Included in the tour:

• Transfers: Airport – Hotel – Airport in Istanbul.
• Accommodation: In the listed hotels or similar.
• Meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 10 dinners.
• Transportation: Comfortable air-conditioned coach (or vehicle adapted to the group size).
• Guides and visits: State-certified French-speaking guide throughout the tour. Visits and entrance fees to sites and museums according to the program.
• Services and assistance: Local taxes and services. Assistance from our local offices. Communication 7/7 in French.

Not included in the tour:

• International flights.
• Drinks at meals and personal expenses.