Treasures of Türkiye (Turkey)

From
  • $1,599
    Tour Only
  • $2,699
    Flights Included
  • 13
    Days
  • Average Tour Review
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ISTANBUL, ANKARA, CAPPADOCIA, ANTALYA, PAMUKKALE, IZMIR, EPHESUS, CANAKKALE, AND TROY

The spelling of the country’s name was updated in early 2022 to best represent and express “the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way.” From the unique rock formations and soaring hot air balloons in Cappadocia to the marvelous cities of Istanbul and Ankara, our air-inclusive Treasures of Türkiye tour shows you the country’s most captivating sights and scenic landscapes. On your days of Istanbul, we bring you to the Blue Mosque, Byzantine Basilica, Spice Market, and Grand Bazaar. In Ankara, you’ll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk and delve into history at the Anatolian Civilization Museum. Make your way to Cappadocia via the scenic countryside to discover the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley and explore the Kaymakli Underground City. Then, travel through beautiful Konya to reach Antalya, where you’ll have time to explore its archeological wonders and enjoy your seaside resort hotel overlooking the Turquoise Coast. We also bring you to the incredible Pamukkale hot springs before taking you to Izmir for an Ephesus excursion, which includes the Temple of Artemis and much more. Round out this trip with stops at the historical and classical cities of Pergamum, Canakkale, and Troy.

For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our “Before You Depart” section.

Did you know that you can make this tour private for your friends and family? Find out more about pricing and options for your group.

Itinerary at
a Glance

  • 2 nights in Istanbul
  • 1 night in Ankara
  • 2 nights in Cappadocia
  • 2 nights in Antalya
  • 2 nights in Izmir
  • 1 night Canakkale
  • 1 night in Istanbul

Tour
Highlights

  • Blue Mosque (Istanbul)
  • Spice Market (Istanbul)
  • Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)
  • Cappadocia Rock Formations
  • Turquoise Coast (Antalya)
  • Ephesus Excursion
  • House of Virgin Mary (Ephesus)
  • Acropolis (Pergamum)
  • Dardanelles

Activity Level: Discoverer 

Your Tour
Includes

  • Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
  • Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • Intra-Turkey ground transportation and transfers
  • Accommodations at first class hotels
  • 20 meals: 11 full buffet breakfasts, 9 dinners
  • Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
  • English-speaking tour director throughout

Tour Itinerary

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Map

Click the Day-by-Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.

Depart USA

Your fascinating tour of Türkiye, the “Crossroads of Civilizations” begins as you depart on overnight flights to Istanbul.

*Passengers who did not purchase flights will join the tour in Istanbul on Day 2.

Arrive Istanbul (Türkiye)

Upon arrival when you visit Istanbul, you’ll be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. This evening your tour director hosts a welcome dinner and orientation.

Barceló Istanbul or similar| Dinner

Istanbul

Situated at the meeting point of Europe and Asia, Istanbul offers a fascinating blend of east and west. Your guided morning tour includes visits to St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century. You may delight in a visit to the Spice Market, the exotic food market selling dried fruits and spices, the underground cistern, the water source of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Your tour ends with a visit to the…

Istanbul/Ankara

Depart for the Turkish capital, Ankara, the country’s second largest city. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum is a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with Neo Hittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. You will also visit the fascinating Anatolian Civilization Museum. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.   Holiday…

Ankara/Cappadocia

Today, travel by road through the Turkish countryside to the world-renowned region of Cappadocia, a breathtaking landscape with striking and bizarre rock formations and underground cities. Along the way, enjoy a short stop on the shore of the biggest sale lake in Türkiye where you might spot some flamingos. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a private cave home where you can learn more about traditional Turkish life. Next, enjoy a relaxing wine tasting experience with wines…

Cappadocia

On today’s guided excursion, visit the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley to view early Christian churches decorated with beautiful frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. You’ll also visit the Kaymakli Underground City, which was hollowed out of volcanic rock and extends seven to nine floors deep into the earth. It is made up of a maze of corridors, chambers, storehouses, kitchens and churches. Finally, visit the village of Avanos, famous for its…

Cappadocia/Konya/Antalya

This morning visit the 13th century Sultan Han located at a secluded point on the ancient Silk Road between Aksaray and Konya. It was used as a caravanserai during the Seljuk period when trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders and their camels. Continue your journey by road via Konya, passing through lush forests, orchards and olive groves on the sloping hills downward to the splendid Mediterranean Sea. Ramada…

Antalya

Full day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Your seaside resort hotel enjoys a choice location overlooking Türkiye’s fabled Turquoise Coast. You may join an optional tour to ancient Perge, the most attractive and well-preserved Pamphylian city that reached its apex during the reign of Alexander the Great. Continue to Aspendos, founded by the colonists from Argos and best known for its huge theater. On this optional tour, you’ll also visit Antalya’s Archaeological…

Pamukkale/Izmir

Journey to Pamukkale and visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis (“Holy City”), situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. These hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C. Later, arrive in Izmir, believed to be the birthplace of Homer.

Renaissance Izmir Hotel or similar | Breakfast, Dinner

Ephesus Excursion

Today, venture to explore Ephesus – considered to be the world’s best-preserved classical city and famous throughout history for its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world and among its impressive structures, you will marvel at the Library of Celcus, Temple of Hadrian, the Great Theater, and the Odeon. Later, visit the House of Virgin Mary,…

Pergamum/Troy/Canakkale

Drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Acropolis, an impressive structure that houses the Temple of Trajan, the Heroon Shrine, the Sanctuary of Athena and the Altar of Zeus. You’ll also view the Theater and the Library of Pergamum, whose collection came second only to that of Egypt’s Alexandria. After our independent lunch, we’ll depart to Cannakale and stop at an olive oil museum en route. We’ll marvel…

Canakkale/Istanbul

This morning, we’ll depart for Istanbul. Cross by ferry the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean and the Black Sea. Upon arrival, a local expert will introduce us to some of the highlights of the city, previously known as Constantinople and the seat of the Eastern Roman Empire. Visit the splendid Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost 600 years and now a fascinating museum. Here, visit the Treasury section with…

Istanbul/USA

Today we bid our tour of Türkiye farewell. Your exciting journey concludes as you arrive New York.

*The tour will end for passengers who did not purchase flights today, on Day 13, in Istanbul.

| Breakfast

Guided Tour Pricing

Book by Jan. 28, 2022 to get the best price. The starting prices below reflect a $100 discount applied when you pay by echeck.

Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from New York (JFK). Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.

2022 Tours Tour Only With Flights  
Wednesday
April 6
—
Monday
April 18
From
$1,999 $1,599
From
$3,099 $2,699 		Select
Wednesday
May 4
—
Monday
May 16
From
$1,999 $1,599
From
$3,099 $2,699 		Select
Wednesday
September 7
—
Monday
September 19
From
$2,099 $1,699
From
$3,199 $2,799 		Select
Wednesday
September 21
—
Monday
October 3
From
$2,199 $1,799
From
$3,299 $2,899 		Select
Make This Tour Private Request a Future Date

Rates are based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $599.

For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 1.800.337.7773.

Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.

Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.

To enhance and make your visit to Turkey more complete and memorable, you tour director will offer several optional tours and cultural/dining evening activities. All rates are in US Dollars. Payment should be made in cash (US dollars). Optional tours are subject to a minimum number of participants and may be cancelled if the minimum is not met.

Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise

  • Istanbul
  • From approx. $38 Per Person
No stay in Istanbul would be complete without a memorable cruise by a private boat along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. Transfer from the hotel to the pier and embark on your delightful cruise boat. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Rococo and Baroque style buildings, impressive Ottoman villas and marble palaces. You’ll also see humble fishing villages set against the dramatic outline of the Strait of Istanbul and the architectural wonder…

Whirling Dervishes Performance

  • Cappadocia
  • From approx. $32 Per Person
The “Whirling Dervishes” performance is also called “the Sema ritual.” The Sema ritual began with the inspiration of Mavlana Jalaleddin Rumi who is one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. The captivating dance of the whirling dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a seven-century old ritual, featuring…

Tour to Perge, Aspendos and Antalya Archeological Museum

  • Antalya
  • From approx. $50 Per Person

Drive to Perge, a Pamphylian city founded between BC12-13. It is the most attractive and well-preserved Pamphylian city. View the highlights of this ancient city including the theatre, towers, Agora, Acropol and the Palaestra that was given to Imperial Claudius. Continue to Aspendos and view the well renowned Roman theatre that is still being used for contemporary concerts. Before returning to your hotel visit the Archeological Museum of Antalya later this afternoon.

AVAILABLE TO PRE-BOOK!

Reviews

Allen

First SmartTours tour & was never disappointed. Took in a lot, but lots to see in Turkey. Greeted cordially & Tour guide was prepared with wealth of knowledge & so helpful. Bus & driver ; comfortable & competent. Blown away by accommodations & food. Ton's of Fun... What a deal! Would do it again in a minute with SmartTours.

Jean G

We just returned from our trip to Turkey (April 2019). We found Turkey modern, safe, and full of history and surprises. Our tour guide, Meri Boyacioglu, was outstanding. She was informed, extremely pleasant, and made decisions that made our trip comfortable and memorable. We could not have duplicated Treasures of Turkey for the very reasonable price that Smartours offered. The bus trips between sites was on an air conditioned, spacious bus that also provided wifi. Wifi was appreciated for the travel days. I highly recommend this experience with Smartours.

Jean G

We just finished The Treasures of Turkey tour and had a wonderful time. Our guide, Mari Boyacioglu was informed, good natured, knowledgeable, funny, and organized (tolerant too!). The tour included so much history and Mary enriched each site with stories, facts, and extras. We particularly enjoyed Cappadocia and Antalya. Cappadocia was in the mountains and Antalya was on the Mediterranean so there is a wide variety of experience.

Linda

We experienced this tour over the last two weeks of September 2015. Wonderful, interesting, and educational in all respects. Historical sites awe-inspiring. Guide, Dilek, most friendly and extremely knowledgeable about her country, providing great explanations concerning all sites visited; our bus driver terrific and most patient. Accommodations top notch. The Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable to their foreign guests. Our group was most compatible adding to a positive experience. A tour and country to visit we highly recommend.

Jane K

This tour was great. Our tour Director has been doing this for years. He is a gem and very knowledgable and funny. I would definitely book with Smartours again.

Kathleen R

Treasures of Turkey was a wonderful mixture of interesting cities, historic sites, seaside settings on the Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea. Our guide, Oguz Atici, was knowledgeable and clearly loved this history and culture of his country. We covered nearly 2000 miles in a comfortable bus with an unbeatable driver. This is a tough time for Turkey but I wish the best for this beautiful and welcoming country.

Neil R

I could not have guessed how great this tour was before going. Everything was superior at an unbelievable low cost. Turkey is absolutely safe and the people are friendly. Have no fears and do this tour. Fahti, our guide, was AWESOME.

GARY T

This tour was fantastic and our tour guide Fahti (spelling) was out of the world. He was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond. On the first day, another guest had a problem with seating. (it was the guest's problem..not the tour guides) and Fahti was able to handle the complaint. To be fair, the guest was very unkind to the Fahti, but Fahti turned it around. The tour was beyond great!!! thanks..

Roberta C

This was our first time with SmarTours and we were so pleased with everything about it, from Turkish Air, the hotels, food, excellent tours, and our fabulous guide, Fatih. We really appreciated Fatih's openness, sense of humor, and his enthusiasm in sharing Turkey with us really gave us a much greater appreciation of Turkey. We were amazed at what a great value our SmarTours was!

Sofia

This was an incredible vacation, everything went perfecly, the hotels were excellent, the food delicious, the entire trip program was fantastic. Our tour director Fatih was great, he loves his country and thanks of his knowledge of history, culture, stories, great attitude and his good sense of humor make this trip unforgettable for everyone!

Deanna K

We've been on several SmarTours and this may be our favorite. The hotels were nice, food good and our tour director, Fatih, was GREAT. He is very knowledgeable about the history and a great story teller with a wonderful sense of humor. He kept us organized and had every detail in hand. He really seemed to enjoy what he was doing and didn't have the "I've said all this stuff a thousand times before" attitude. We flew on Turkish Airline, and were impressed. They were on time, the food and service was better than most. If you are concerned about the safety of visiting Turkey, don't be. The agenda is no where any troubled borders. We always felt safe.

Barbara

We had the most amazing trip to Turkey, thanks in large part to our phenomenal guide, Aykud Uzun. He is so knowledgeable and caring, and so enthusiastic about everything we visited. Turkey is a must see. So much history and a fascinating place to visit. The trip was very well organized and great value.

charles c

We were amazed about how modern Turkey was. Its highway system rivals the USA. Poverty and slums were practically non-existant. Our hotels were very nice and every Turk we interacted with was courteous and responsive. Judging by the number of Turkish flags we saw flying,I would say they are quite patriotic. Prices there are quite good,compared to western Europe. There are a number of fabulous ruins that are included in the trip. Be sure and take a balloon ride in Cappodocia($225pp)--well worth the trip ! Sali,guide, and his helpers were great to work with. All in all, a great trip we would love to take again. (We went 5/7-20/14 )

Diego F

was excellent, i have a great time, always feel like VIP guest, nice hotels. food, all places i have a preference entrance, never care about my bags, i just relax and enjoy that beautiful country. This is a good choice of price and service. Este tour es excelente, el trato fue de VIP, los hoteles muy buenos, la comida, todo el plan deacuerdo a lo estipulado, nunca tube que cargar mi equipaje, lo recomiendo muy bien, Turquia es un bellos pais, que vale la pena conocer, y este tour combina comodidad y buen precio... gracias

Rose N

I just returned home last night from my Treasures of Turkey tour and I must say the entire trip program was a delight and very interesting. I did not know that Turkey had such a strong early Christian history. The trip was fantastic with wonderful scenery throughout. Nesli was our tour guide and she was a total professional. I had a wonderful tour in Turkey with great hotels, wonderful food and the Turkish people were very warm hearted, This was my third smarTours and it will not be my last tour with smarTours.. Thanks for a wonderful trip with great value.
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