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Discover the historical monuments of Istanbul, Ankara and Ephesus, and incredible natural wonders in Pamukkale and Cappadocia

Join us on an enchanting seven-night expedition through Türkiye, where incredible history and natural marvels are waiting around every corner.

This week-long odyssey begins in Istanbul, a city where continents meet. Here you'll wander along elegant boulevards lined with sleek stores and upmarket restaurants and discover a whole host of historic architecture and ancient treasures, from the majestic Blue Mosque to the Hippodrome.

A highlight of any trip to Türkiye is a visit to the otherworldly Cappadocia. Famous for its unique geological features, you'll be awestruck by the region's vast underground cities and stunning rock-carved architecture on visits to the underground city of Ozkonak and the Citadel of Uchisar.

Another stop is Pamukkale, with its ancient ruins and mesmerising calcium pools flowing with mineral-rich thermal waters. En route to Pamukkale, you'll make a stop in the ancient city of Hierapolis, which once served as a crucial control point for trading routes connecting the East to the West before evolving into a centre of worship for Hades and Apollo during Roman times.

Journey onwards to Ephesus, which was the greatest city in the eastern Mediterranean during Roman times and which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments, including the stunning two-storey Library of Celsus.

Throughout the trip, you'll be based in a series of four and five-star hotels, all carefully chosen for their comfort and convenience where you'll enjoy warm Turkish hospitality and savour the country's diverse and delicious cuisine.

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Price includes

  • Two nights at the Kent Hotel or similar in Istanbul including breakfast
  • One night at the Radisson Blu Hotel Ankara or similar in Ankara including breakfast
  • Two nights at the Perissia Hotel or similar in Cappadocia including breakfast
  • One night at the Colossae Thermal Hotel or similar in Pamukkale including breakfast
  • One night at the Kaya Prestige Hotel or similar in Izmir including breakfast
  • Five lunches and five dinners
  • Private transfers from Istanbul Airport to your first hotel and Izmir hotel to Izmir Airport
  • Private transfers from Istanbul to Ankara Hotel
  • English speaking tour guide
  • All entry fees to the sites and museums
  • Welcome gift on arrival
  • Deluxe air-conditioned coach transportation
  • Flights included from your specified airport to Istanbul, returning from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
  • One piece of hand luggage per person
  • One piece of hold luggage per person

Availability

From
Mon, Mon, Apr 1, 2024
To
Mon, Mon, Sep 30, 2024
Duration
8 days
Price per person
£1,299*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 18 April 2024 departure date from London Stansted. Various departure dates from April - October 2024 are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit 50%. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and THG Holidays ATOL 9528 - ABTA Y6433.

Call now to book 02039934304
Quote ref: THGTURKEY
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Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Istanbul
    Istanbul, Turkey

    Today your Turkish adventure begins with a warm welcome from your private driver at the Istanbul Airport. You'll transfer from here to your hotel, enjoying glimpses of cosmopolitan Istanbul on your way.

    After check-in, take some time to relax, settle in, and prepare for the upcoming days filled with exploration and discovery.

  2. Day
    2
    Istanbul
    Istanbul, Turkey

    Today you'll immerse yourself in the rich history of Istanbul with an exploration of the city's Byzantine and Ottoman relics.

    Your day begins at the Hippodrome, a once bustling centre for chariot races and civic life. You'll witness the still-visible walls and an obelisk from Egypt, dating back to 390 AD. Next, marvel at the grandeur of the Basilica of Saint Sophia, a colossal Christian shrine adorned with mosaic murals and divine serenity, now operating as a mosque with a fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman art.

    Continue your day with a visit to the iconic Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century, where you'll admire its cascading domes and semi-domes, and explore the interiors of exquisite blue Iznik tiles. Your cultural journey then continues to the Grand Bazaar, a historic shopping hub that has maintained its charm throughout the ages.

    Your day will end with a visit to the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the former residence of sultans and the seat of Ottoman power. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn before exploring the Hagia Irene, a preserved Eastern Orthodox church within the palace grounds, now operating as a museum and concert hall.

  3. Day
    3
    Ankara
    Ankara, Turkey

    Start your day with a filling breakfast, giving you plenty of energy for your journey to Ankara. You'll enjoy a comfortable private transfer, allowing you to relax and take in the scenic landscapes during the approximately five-hour drive.

    As you approach the capital city, you'll notice its special blend of modernity and history. Upon reaching Ankara, you'll have time to settle into your hotel for a well-deserved dinner and a restful overnight stay.

  4. Day
    4
    Cappadocia
    Cappadocia, Turkey

    Your fourth day in Türkiye begins with a visit to the Hittite Museum and the solemn Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara. Discover the historical treasures housed in the museum, explore the ancient Hittite civilization, and pay respects to the visionary leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk at his mausoleum.

    After this enriching visit, you'll break for a delicious lunch. The journey then continues on a scenic route towards the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia. Your day concludes with a delicious dinner and a peaceful overnight stay at your Cappadocia hotel, preparing you for an exciting day tomorrow.

  5. Day
    5
    Cappadocia
    Cappadocia, Turkey

    Your day will start with a hearty and energising breakfast at the hotel, before your exploration of Cappadocia.

    The morning kicks off with a visit to the intriguing underground city of Ozkonak, with its fascinating hidden chambers and passages. Following this, you'll venture to the Citadel of Uchisar, where panoramic views await atop its ancient fortress.

    After a break for lunch, your journey continues with a tour of the enchanting Goreme Valley and its mesmerising Open-Air Museum, showcasing unique rock-cut architecture and ancient frescoes.

    You'll then pay a visit to the distinctive landscapes of Devrent Valley and the pottery town of Avanos, getting a glimpse into Cappadocia's rich cultural and geological history.

    You'll then head back to the hotel to conclude your day with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the day's discoveries in this remarkable region.

  6. Day
    6
    Pamukkale
    Pamukkale, Turkey

    Today you'll have an early start as you depart for Pamukkale, for another day of historical exploration and natural wonders.

    En route to Pamukkale, you'll make a brief stop to discover the 13th-century Seljukian caravanserai 'Sultanhan', a testament to the region's rich history as a crossroads of trade.

    Enjoy lunch along the way before arriving at the ancient city of Hierapolis. Founded during the Hellenistic period, Hierapolis served as a crucial control point for trading routes connecting the East to the West. In the Roman Period, it evolved into a centre of worship for Hades and Apollo, featuring massive Roman Baths that attracted visitors from across the ancient world.

    Explore the ruins, including the largest Necropolis Graveyard, Roman Baths, Basilica, and stunning calcium cliffs, all shaped by the spring waters of Hierapolis over millennia. The day concludes as you drive to your Pamukkale hotel, where a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay await.

  7. Day
    7
    Kusadasi, Izmir
    Izmir, Turkey

    Today you will depart from Pamukkale towards Kusadasi and Izmir after breakfast.

    Your exploration begins with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary in Meryemana, a site of deep spiritual significance. You'll then pause for a satisfying lunch, before continuing your journey to the awe-inspiring ruins of Ephesus, the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. Explore the remnants of this grand city, including the Odeon, Hercules Gate, the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, the Agora, and the impressive Greco-Roman theatre.

    Your day concludes as you arrive at your Izmir hotel, where a delicious dinner and a restful overnight stay await, to refresh after a day filled with archaeological wonders.

  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Izmir, Turkey

    This morning you'll enjoy a final breakfast before bidding farewell to the captivating landscapes and rich history of Turkey.

    Your private transfer will take you to Izmir Airport for your return flight, marking the end of this unforgettable Turkish adventure.

Brought to you by

TS Tours as agent for THG Holidays
This tour is operated solely by TS Tours
TS Tours Ltd, which specialises in bespoke and expert-led tours, is working in partnership with THG Holidays which believes no two holidays should be the same and that having recommendations and advice from a team of World Travel Experts can make all the difference. TS Tours Ltd is acting as an agent for THG Holidays, an independent tour operator that is ABTA and ATOL-bonded.

For general information, click here.

To view TS Tours as agent for THG Holidays’ supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

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Availability

Call now to book 02039934304
Quote ref: THGTURKEY