From Istanbul: Best of Turkey 10-Day Package Tour by Plane

Explore Turkey in 10 Days with a Convenient Package Tour from Istanbul

This 10-day Turkey tour offers an efficient way to see some of the country’s most famous destinations, starting from Istanbul. Priced at $1,589 per person, it includes flights, accommodations, breakfasts, and lunches. The tour is designed for travelers who want a structured experience without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

We like how the itinerary covers Istanbul, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, and Cappadocia, giving a well-rounded taste of Turkey’s history, landscapes, and culture. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide who provides narration at each stop, helping travelers understand the significance of each site. While the package does not include entry fees, the guide pre-pays for skip-the-line tickets, making visits smoother.

This tour suits those looking for organized travel with group transportation, but it’s worth noting that some popular sites like Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern are not included in the entry fees, so additional costs apply. Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers eager to explore Turkey with comfort and expert guidance.

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Key Points

• All-inclusive 10-day package starting from Istanbul with flights, hotels, and meals
• Visits to key sites like Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia with guided narration
• Accommodation in major cities: Istanbul, Kusadasi, Cappadocia, and Antalya
• Skip-the-line tickets are arranged for popular attractions
• Flexible cancellation policy: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for full refund
• Price of $1,589 per person, making it a cost-effective way to see Turkey’s highlights

Starting in Istanbul: Pickup and Hotel Transfers

The tour begins with a pickup service from your hotel, ensuring a smooth start. An air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle transports you from the airport to your hotel in Istanbul, where you’ll stay for 3 nights. This initial setup makes settling into the city hassle-free and sets a comfortable tone for the journey ahead.

The transfer service continues throughout the tour, with airport pickups and drop-offs included in the package. This logistical convenience minimizes waiting times and helps maintain the tour’s pace, especially important given the packed itinerary.

Visiting Istanbul’s Key Attractions and Market Days

In Istanbul, the tour includes visits during closed days for certain sites. For example, the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, but the guide arranges visits from the garden of the Blue Mosque on Fridays when it is closed for prayer. This flexibility ensures you still experience the city’s highlights despite schedule restrictions.

The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are key highlights, with the guide providing background even when interiors are not accessible. The Basilica Cistern is among the sites for which admission fees are not included, but the skip-the-line tickets paid for by the guide help avoid long queues.

Exploring Kusadasi and the Ancient City of Ephesus

After Istanbul, the tour moves to Kusadasi, where you’ll stay for 2 nights. This coastal town serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most celebrated archaeological sites. The itinerary includes a visit to Ancient Ephesus with a guide, with the option to pay for the entrance, which the guide has pre-paid to avoid waiting.

In Kusadasi, travelers can enjoy local flavors of Turkish cuisine and relax in a scenic setting. The guided tour offers insights into the ruins’ history and significance, making the experience both educational and memorable.

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Pamukkale’s Hot Springs and White Terraces

Next, the journey takes you to Pamukkale, famous for its white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. The entry tickets to this site are not included, but the guide has arrangements for skip-the-line access. Visitors can walk on the terraces and bathe in the thermal pools.

The tour emphasizes the natural beauty and health benefits of Pamukkale’s waters. The guide explains how the terraces formed and their importance in ancient times, enriching the visit beyond just sightseeing.

Discovering Antalya’s Coastal Charm

Traveling along Turkey’s southwestern coast, the tour includes a 2-night stay in Antalya. This city blends modern amenities with historic sites, providing a chance to enjoy the Mediterranean vibe and local cuisine.

While specific site visits in Antalya are not detailed, the city’s scenic waterfront and nearby attractions offer plenty of options. The transportation is air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during this segment of the trip.

Highlighting Konya and Its Religious Heritage

From Antalya, the tour proceeds to Konya, a city renowned for its Sufi culture and the Whirling Daves. Although specific attractions in Konya are not listed, the city’s cultural significance adds depth to the overall experience, especially for those interested in Turkey’s spiritual history.

Experiencing Cappadocia’s Unique Landscape

The final leg of the tour is in Cappadocia, with 2 nights in this captivating region. Staying in Cappadocia’s hotels allows travelers to explore its famous rock formations, caves, and underground cities.

Visit Goreme Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, and Zelve (Pasabag), with the guide arranging skip-the-line tickets for these sites. The tour provides a comprehensive view of Cappadocia’s geological and historical marvels, often highlighted as a highlight of the trip.

Practical Logistics and Flexibility

The tour emphasizes convenient land transportation in air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicles, with all transfers included. For internal flights, a 15kg checked baggage allowance plus 8kg hand luggage applies.

The package offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, providing flexibility for travelers uncertain of their plans. Payment is also flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, making planning easier.

Final Thoughts on the 10-Day Turkey Package Tour

This best of Turkey tour blends iconic sights with practical logistics, making it a good choice for travelers who want a guided experience without the stress of individual planning. The inclusion of domestic flights, accommodations, and meals offers good value, especially with the arranged skip-the-line tickets.

However, travelers should budget extra for entry fees not included in the package and for meals or beverages outside those provided. The tour does not specify physical activity levels, but given the site visits and walking involved, it’s suitable for those in good health.

This tour provides a comprehensive, comfortable way to see Turkey’s highlights in a well-organized format. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer guided travel with the convenience of all logistics handled ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $1,589?
The price covers accommodation, domestic flights, breakfasts, lunches, transfers, and the guided tour. Entry fees to specific sites are not included but are paid for in advance by the guide.

Are the entrance tickets included?
No, the entry fees to sites like Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Goreme Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, and Zelve are not included. The guide arranges skip-the-line tickets for some attractions.

Is there flexibility to cancel the tour?
Yes, travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

Does the tour accommodate dietary needs?
The tour includes breakfasts and lunches, but specific dietary accommodations are not detailed. It’s advisable to communicate special requests in advance.

What is the duration of the flights?
The tour includes domestic flights, but exact flight durations are not specified. They are scheduled as part of the itinerary.

What is the physical activity level required?
While not explicitly stated, site visits such as Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia involve walking and exploring historical sites, so a moderate level of mobility is recommended.

What languages do guides speak?
The tour is led by an English-speaking guide to assist international travelers.

Is the tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically mentioned, the structured itinerary with sightseeing and transportation suggests it could be suitable for families, provided children are comfortable with walking and site visits.

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