12-Day Glories of Turkey From Istanbul

Set out on a captivating 12-day journey through Turkey, exploring its vibrant cities, historical sites, and stunning landscapes. From the iconic landmarks of Istanbul to the enchanting regions of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, this tour promises an immersive cultural experience. Indulge in authentic cuisine, comfortable accommodations, and expert guidance as you explore the rich heritage of this remarkable country. With an itinerary designed to maximize your time and highlight the glories of Turkey, this trip is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 12-day tour exploring Turkey’s iconic landmarks, from the historical grandeur of Istanbul to the natural wonders of Cappadocia and Pamukkale.
• Comfortable hotel accommodations with a focus on local Turkish culture and hospitality, enhancing the immersive travel experience.
• Reliable and comfortable transportation, including a domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, ensuring a seamless journey.
• Diverse culinary experiences, including visits to the Spice Bazaar and exploration of the vibrant street food scene.
• Variety of optional activities available, such as hot air balloon rides and cooking classes, to further personalize the tour.

Itinerary

The 12-day itinerary takes travelers on a comprehensive journey through the highlights of Turkey.

Starting in Istanbul, guests explore the magnificent Hagia Sophia, the iconic Blue Mosque, and the vibrant Grand Bazaar.

The tour then ventures to Gallipoli, the site of the famous World War I battle, before continuing to the Roman ruins of Pergamon and Ephesus.

Guests marvel at the incredible rock formations of Cappadocia and witness the sunrise over the unique landscape.

The tour culminates with a visit to the coastal city of Pamukkale and its renowned thermal pools.

Throughout, travelers enjoy immersive cultural experiences and local cuisine.

Accommodation

Accommodations on the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour provide a comfortable and authentic experience. The tour includes:

• Stays in hand-picked hotels and guesthouses that offer a glimpse into local Turkish culture and hospitality.

• Clean, well-maintained rooms equipped with modern amenities to ensure a restful stay.

• Opportunities to interact with friendly, knowledgeable staff who can offer insider tips and recommendations.

The accommodations are carefully selected to complement the tour’s immersive exploration of Turkey’s historical and cultural landmarks, creating a holistic travel experience for your.

Transportation

As an integral part of the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour, the transportation arrangements ensure a seamless and comfortable journey for participants. The tour utilizes a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle for ground transportation, providing a pleasant and reliable mode of travel. Participants are also treated to a domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul, further enhancing the tour’s convenience. The transportation details are as follows:

Feature	Description
Vehicle Type	Air-conditioned, non-smoking
Ground Transportation	Provided for the entire tour
Domestic Flight	From Cappadocia to Istanbul
Pickup & Drop-off	Available from select Istanbul hotels
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible

Cuisine

Cuisine is an integral part of the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour, offering participants a chance to savor the rich and diverse flavors of Turkish gastronomy.

From the aromatic spices of the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul to the traditional Cappadocian dishes, the tour’s culinary experiences are sure to delight the senses.

Highlights include:

• Indulging in the flaky, buttery pastries of the Ottoman palaces
• Savoring the smoky, succulent kebabs of Gaziantep, known as the "Capital of Gastronomy"
• Exploring the vibrant street food scene, with flavors that dance on the tongue.

Guide Services

The professional, knowledgeable guides are a hallmark of the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour. They provide personalized service to the small groups, ensuring a tailored experience.

Guides are fluent in English and intimately familiar with the destinations, offering insights into the history, culture, and traditions.

Transportation is comfortable and climate-controlled, allowing guests to relax between sites. With hotel pickup, airport transfers, and most meals included, the tour logistics are seamlessly handled, allowing guests to fully enjoy the wonders of Turkey.

The guides are dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for first-time and returning visitors alike.

Optional Activities

While the core 12-day itinerary is comprehensive, the tour also offers a variety of optional activities to further enhance the experience.

Travelers can choose from:

• A hot air balloon ride over the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia
• A traditional Turkish cooking class to learn the secrets of authentic cuisine
• A private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, providing stunning views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline.

These add-ons allow guests to customize their journey and dive deeper into Turkey’s rich cultural tapestry.

Whether seeking adventure, culinary enrichment, or breathtaking vistas, the optional activities elevate the Glories of Turkey tour.

Insurance and Tips

Although travel insurance isn’t included in the tour price, it’s strongly recommended for participants. The tour operator doesn’t provide insurance, so it’s the responsibility of each traveler to secure their own.

Participants should consider coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, medical expenses, and baggage.

As for tips, those for the driver and guide aren’t included in the tour cost. It’s customary to provide gratuities at the end of the tour to recognize the hard work and service provided by the local staff. The amount is at the discretion of each traveler.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour can be done through the tour operator’s website or by contacting their reservations team. The tour is priced from $2,618.77 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.

Travelers should be aware that the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued for cancellations.

• Securing your spot early is recommended, as tour dates can fill up quickly.
• Be prepared to provide passport copies when booking, as a domestic flight is included.
• Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the 8:00 am departure time to ensure a punctual start to the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?

The traveler may not be able to leave the tour group at any time. Most group tours require participants to stick with the group for the duration of the itinerary. Leaving the group early could result in penalties or additional costs.

Is Drinking Alcohol Allowed During the Tour?

The tour company doesn’t explicitly prohibit drinking alcohol during the tour. However, it’s advisable to check with the guide about any local restrictions or customs that may apply at the destinations visited.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour company has a strict no-pet policy to ensure the comfort and safety of all participants. Bringing a pet would not be permitted.

Can I Extend My Stay in Turkey After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Turkey after the tour. The tour operator provides arrival and departure transfers in Istanbul, so you’re free to stay longer and explore the country on your own schedule.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. Prices are fixed, and there’s no flexibility on the rates. However, they may provide special offers or promotions from time to time, so it’s best to check their website for the latest deals.

The Sum Up

This 12-day tour of Turkey offers an immersive experience, showcasing the country’s iconic landmarks, rich history, and captivating landscapes. Travelers will explore the vibrant city of Istanbul, the historical significance of Gallipoli, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the enchanting Cappadocia, and the stunning thermal pools of Pamukkale. With comfortable accommodations, authentic Turkish cuisine, and knowledgeable guide services, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable journey through the glories of Turkey.