Turkey Classics 7 Day Escorted Tour from Istanbul

Explore Turkey’s Iconic Sights on a 7-Day Guided Tour from Istanbul

The Turkey Classics 7 Day Escorted Tour from Istanbul offers an in-depth look at some of Turkey’s most celebrated historical and natural treasures. Priced at $1,587.32 per person, this journey spans seven days with six nights of accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels, all including daily breakfast and dinner. Starting and ending in Istanbul, the tour takes travelers across the country’s most renowned sites, guided by knowledgeable professionals in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach.

This tour is particularly suitable for those interested in Turkey’s history, archaeological sites, and stunning landscapes. While the pace involves a fair amount of travel each day, the itinerary is carefully planned to balance sightseeing with comfort. It’s a popular choice, with many bookings made around 148 days in advance, reflecting its value and appeal.

Key Points

• Seven days of guided travel through Turkey’s most famous sites, including Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia
• Six nights of accommodation in 4- and 5-star hotels with breakfast and dinner included
• Visits to WWI battlefields, ancient ruins, and natural wonders like Pamukkale’s thermal pools and Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys
• Journeys in a comfortable air-conditioned coach with a professional guide providing insights along the way
• Optional activities like a traditional Turkish folklore evening, with some flexibility for independent exploration
• Small group experience, with a maximum of 20 travelers

Starting Your Journey in Istanbul

The tour begins in Beyolu, Istanbul, with an easy hotel pickup and drop-off service. The first major stop is Gallipoli Battlefield, where the tour explores significant WWI sites such as ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorials, and original trenches and tunnels. Visitors can reflect on the historical importance of these battle sites, which evoke powerful memories and stories. The overnight stay in Çanakkale allows some rest before continuing the exploration.

Visiting Troy: The Legendary City and Museum

Departing from Çanakkale, the tour heads to Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors explore the ancient city ruins, which are famous worldwide thanks to Homer’s Iliad. The Troy Museum offers a modern perspective on the site’s history. Afterward, a short visit to Behramkale, a charming traditional village with stone houses and narrow streets, provides a scenic and relaxed glimpse into local life. The day ends with a transfer to Kusadasi for overnight lodging.

Discovering Ephesus and the Greek Heritage

The highlight of Day 3 is a guided tour of Ephesus, renowned as one of Europe’s best-preserved Greco-Roman cities. Visitors walk among ancient structures like the Curetes Street, Theatre, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Ephesus Archaeology Museum houses artifacts from the region, deepening the understanding of this historic site.

Plus, the tour visits a carpet village to see traditional Turkish weaving. Here, the craft of hand-woven carpets is explained, offering insight into Turkey’s cultural artisanship. The day concludes with a visit to Sirince, a quaint Greek-style village known for its fruit wines and hand-woven carpets.

Pamukkale’s White Calcium Terraces and Thermal Pools

On Day 4, the tour visits Pamukkale, famous for its white calcium terraces that resemble a frozen waterfall. These travertine pools are not only visually stunning but also historically significant, as the Roman city of Hierapolis once thrived here. Visitors can walk along the terraces and take a dip in the hot mineral springs believed to possess therapeutic qualities.

Before reaching Pamukkale, travelers explore local leather goods markets, providing an opportunity to browse handcrafted items. The overnight stay in Pamukkale offers a chance to experience these natural wonders firsthand.

Following the Silk Road to Konya and the Mevlana Museum

Day 5 involves traveling along the historic Silk Road, with stops at Sultanhani Caravansary and Konya. The Mevlana Museum in Konya is the next major attraction, home to the revered whirling dervishes and a significant spiritual site. Visitors learn about the mystic Sufi traditions and the legacy of Rumi.

An optional Turkish folklore evening adds cultural entertainment, featuring traditional music and dance. The night is spent in Konya or nearby, adding a layer of authentic local experience.

Exploring Cappadocia’s Fairy Chimneys and Underground Cities

Day 6 is dedicated to Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s most distinctive regions. The tour visits the Goreme National Park and the Goreme Open Air Museum, where rock-cut churches and chapels are carved into fairy chimneys. The landscape’s lunar-like terrain offers spectacular photo opportunities.

A visit to an underground city reveals an intricate network of tunnels and chambers once used for refuge. These subterranean complexes highlight the area’s unique geology and history. Visitors have ample time to explore and marvel at the natural and man-made formations that define Cappadocia.

Visiting Ankara or Flying Back to Istanbul

On the final day, travelers choose between an early departure to Ankara or a morning flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul. Should they opt for Ankara, the tour includes a visit to Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This marks a fitting end to a journey through Turkey’s historical heart.

Alternatively, the tour can be customized to include a flight back to Istanbul, providing flexibility for additional sightseeing or relaxation. The entire trip concludes in the evening at the original meeting point in Istanbul.

Practical Details and Travel Comfort

Throughout the tour, transportation takes place in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle, ensuring comfort during long drives across Turkey’s diverse terrain. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience. The tour is designed to be accessible to most, with no specified luggage restrictions and options to accommodate dietary restrictions if notified in advance.

Meals are included daily for breakfast and dinner, with lunch planned but at guests’ own expense. Most reviews praise the hotels’ quality and central locations, with some travelers mentioning 4- and 5-star accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience.

The Value of Guided Sightseeing with Professional Guides

The guides featured on this tour are often highly praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm. Reports mention guides like Ege and Çagman as being friendly, informative, and capable of sharing engaging stories about each site. The driver and guides work together to create a smooth and pleasant experience, with frequent stops for rest and sightseeing.

While some reviews mention that the itinerary can vary slightly from the printed schedule, all key sites are visited, and the overall flow remains well-paced. The tour offers a balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty, making it a comprehensive way to explore Turkey in a week.

Final Thoughts on the Turkey Classics Tour

The 7-day Turkey Classics escorted tour from Fez Travel provides an excellent introduction to Turkey’s most famous sights. The combination of historic sites, natural wonders, comfortable hotels, and expert guides makes this an appealing choice for those looking to maximize their time in Turkey without the hassle of independent planning.

This tour is especially recommended for travelers who value guided insight, convenience, and a carefully curated itinerary. The value for money is frequently highlighted, with many reviews emphasizing the quality of hotels, food, and overall experience relative to the price.

While the long drives on some days might be challenging for very sensitive travelers, the comfort of the bus and the variety of sights make it worth considering. The tour’s flexibility, including optional activities and free time in larger cities, allows for personal adjustments to suit individual interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour involves visiting sites with uneven surfaces and some walking, which could be challenging for travelers with mobility restrictions. The hotels are centrally located, but specific accessibility details are not provided.

Are vegetarian or special dietary requirements accommodated?
Yes, dietary restrictions can be advised at the time of booking. The included breakfasts and dinners are generally plentiful and diverse, with options available.

Can I customize the itinerary or extend my stay?
While the tour itself is fixed, optional post-tour accommodations in Cappadocia or Istanbul can be arranged. Extensions or tailored experiences may require additional arrangements outside the standard package.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation in a modern coach, guide services, entrance fees, six nights of accommodation, and breakfast and dinner daily. Lunches are not included.

Is this tour safe for solo travelers?
Most reviews mention feeling secure throughout the journey. The group size and professional guides contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience, even for solo travelers.

When should I book this tour?
It is recommended to book around 148 days in advance to secure availability, especially during peak seasons.