ISTANBUL, ANKARA, CAPPADOCIA, ANTALYA, PAMUKKALE, IZMIR, EPHESUS, CANAKKALE, AND TROY
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 Turkey 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.
New in 2021: Enjoy all the same highlights in 13 days!
Itinerary at
a Glance
2020 Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Istanbul
- 1 night in Ankara
- 2 nights in Cappadocia
- 2 nights in Antalya
- 2 nights in Izmir
- 1 night Canakkale
- 2 nights in Istanbul
2021 Itinerary:
- 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
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Turkey ground transportation and transfers
- Accommodations at first class hotels
- 2020 Departures: 21 meals: 12 full buffet breakfasts, 9 dinners
2021 Departures: 20 meals: 11 full buffet breakfasts, 9 dinners - Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
- English-speaking tour director throughout
2020 Itinerary - 14 Days
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 vast and bustling Grand Bazaar, world-famous labyrinth and passages housing numerous stores where you’ll have shopping opportunities galore. The balance of…
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 Turkey 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 produced from Cappadocian grapes. Afterward, check into your hotel.
Dinler Hotel or…
Antalya
Full day at leisure to enjoy at your own pace. Your seaside resort hotel enjoys a choice location overlooking Turkey’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 the Antalya’s Archaeological Museum that houses artifacts and antiques from 2500 years of Anatolian culture.
Hotel Akra…
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, a shrine said to be the final home of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus. Return to Izmir. After the day’s sightseeing, enjoy a…
Istanbul
On a guided morning tour, a local expert will introduce you 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 the crown jewels and the unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Continue to the ancient Hippodrome, where the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period and finally, explore the elegant Blue Mosque, a 17th century…
2021 Itinerary - 13 Days
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 vast and bustling Grand Bazaar, world-famous labyrinth and passages housing numerous stores where you’ll have shopping opportunities galore. The balance of…
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 Turkey 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 produced from Cappadocian grapes. Afterward, check into your hotel.
Dinler Hotel or…
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, a shrine said to be the final home of the Virgin Mary near Ephesus. Return to Izmir. After the day’s sightseeing, enjoy a…
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 at the classical city of Troy as you tour this 4,000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made…
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 the crown jewels and the unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Continue to the ancient Hippodrome, where the place chariot races and…
Guided Tour Pricing
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by Jan 31, 2021 | Reserve after Jan 31, 2021 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| May 19 | May 31 | May 19 - May 31 | $2,699 | $2,799 | $3,099 | Book Now |
| September 8 | September 20 | Sep 8 - Sep 20 | $2,499 | $2,599 | $2,899 | Book Now |
| October 6 | October 18 | Oct 6 - Oct 18 | $2,699 | $2,799 | $3,099 | Book Now |
| November 10 | November 22 | Nov 10 - Nov 22 | $2,599 | $2,699 | $2,999 | Book Now |
Rates are based on double occupancy.
Single room supplement is $549.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 EST) at 800-337-7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1-800-337-7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
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 of the Bosphorus Suspension Bridges, which exemplify the newest symbols of the link between East and West. At the…
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 beautiful costumes, live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the…
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Turkey and back to JFK are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive in JFK at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airline | Depart | Return |
| 2021: Apr. 7, May 19, Sep. 8, Oct. 6 | Turkish Airlines | 7:00PM | 5:30PM |
| 2021: Nov. 10 | Turkish Airlines | 1:00PM | 6:15PM |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please note that flight times are always subject to change.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at Istanbul hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at Istanbul hotel on Day 14 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Visas are required to enter Turkey. American passport holders must obtain a Turkey e-visa online prior to entering Turkey at a cost of $50 (subject to change). To obtain an e-visa for Turkey, you can contact the Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application System by visiting their website by clicking here. If you have questions, you may reach their call center at (888) 566-7656. Alternatively, we arranged a visa processing service “CIBT” to facilitate the Turkey e-visa for you for an additional handling fee. Please click here to download CIBT’s instructions. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please make sure to advise us in case your address changes.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime high temperatures in the 50’s to 60’s in March & November, 60’s to 70’s in April & October and 70’s to 80’s May & September.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING
The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 per meal per person. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.
Multimedia
Check out this video from a smarTours traveler on this trip of a lifetime!