Turkey Tours
Total Turkey Tour
Explore Turkey on our 15 day escorted tour. Discover Istanbul, Cappadocia, Konya, Izmir, Ephesus, Pergamon and Troy.
The Total Turkey Tour
At Our Local Tour, we are delighted to work with a small local operator based in Istanbul. Above all, their commitment to ethical, responsible travel is paramount. We have crafted this Turkey tour with love and understanding. Therefore, an appreciation of the cultural, historical and modern combine to offer travellers a fantastic 15-day escorted tour.
Discover the best of Turkey on this tour. First, we visit spice markets in Istanbul and eat with the locals in Cappadocia. Then relax in the crystal-blue Mediterranean at Antalya and experience the hot springs of Pamukkale. After that, sample local wines at a vineyard. Finally, get a history and culture fix as we explore Pergamon and Troy.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Istanbul
Hosgeldiniz – welcome to Turkey! Our airport representative will pick you up at Istanbul Airport. Afterwards, the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar
DAY 2
Istanbul
Enjoy a private tour of Istanbul, discovering the old city and the highlights of Istanbul. You visit the Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. You also see Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight in Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Istanbul
First, walk down to the waterfront in the old city to visit the Spice Market. This is the centre of local herbs, spices and coffee. Then visit Rustem Pasha Mosque to see original 15th-century tile pieces. After that, take the tram to Dolmabahçe Palace, built on a former Ottoman naval harbour. Finally, return to the old city for a free afternoon.
Overnight in Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
Cappadocia
Take a two-hour flight to Kayseri airport, then drive to Cappadocia. After checking in, take an orientation walk in the village of Göreme. Later, enjoy a local meal hosted in the village, with a cooking demonstration.
Overnight in Heybe Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 5
Cappadocia
Enjoy a full-day guided tour of southern Cappadocia. You visit the Esentepe panoramic spot, the Open-Air Museum, Monk's Valley and Devrent Valley. There is also a pottery demonstration.
Overnight in Heybe Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 6
Cappadocia
Explore northern Cappadocia today. You see Meskendir Valley, Rose and Red Valley, and the village of Çavuşin. You also visit Özkonak underground city, Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar Castle and Love Valley.
Overnight in Heybe Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 7
Konya
Head to Konya (around 2.5 hours). The city is closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed by Celaleddin Rumi. First, visit the original Tekke of Mevlana, Rumi's final resting place. Then take an orientation walk to Aladdin Hill in the city centre.
Overnight in Bayır Diamond Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 8
Antalya
A journey of around 4 hours takes you to Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Mediterranean. On the way, stop for lunch at a local garden and cafeteria. Then visit Aspendos ancient theatre and the Perge ancient site.
Overnight in Aspen Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 9
Antalya
Take an orientation walk through the Old City's cobblestone streets. You visit the clock tower, Hadrian's Gate, the old Roman Harbour and Antalya Museum. Then explore Kaleiçi, home to relics of Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman occupation. Afterwards, there is free time to swim and relax by the Mediterranean.
Overnight in Aspen Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Pamukkale
Travel to Pamukkale, or "cotton castle". Here, natural hot springs cascade over cliffs, leaving the earth bright white. Then visit the nearby ancient city of Hierapolis and dip in what used to be Cleopatra's old pool. You also see the city's temples, necropolis and amphitheatre.
Overnight in Melrose House Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Izmir
En route to Izmir, stop at a local vineyard for a wine-tasting session at 924m altitude. Later, in Izmir, join a street food tour in the Kordon neighbourhood, sampling local Aegean cuisine.
Overnight in Otel Marla or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 12
Izmir – Ephesus
Drive to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. It was once the capital of Roman Asia Minor, and a local guide brings the ruins to life. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a family-run restaurant with fresh gozleme. Then visit the picturesque village of Sirince for locally produced fruit wines.
Overnight in Otel Marla or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 13
Çanakkale
Visit the ancient site of Pergamon, including the masterpiece Pergamon Altar. Then head to Bergama for lunch before visiting Troy, one of the most famous ancient cities in the world. It has 9 layers spanning over 3,000 years of history. Excavations have also been ongoing since 1871.
Overnight in Hotel Cura or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 14
Istanbul
Cross the Dardanelles to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Here, visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. You also see the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, and the Ataturk Memorial. Finally, return to Istanbul for a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel or similar · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 15
The End of the Total Turkey Tour
Finally, at a suitable time, drive to the airport for your departure.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation as described with air-conditioning and driver
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of local expert English-speaking guides
Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri
All entrance fees and excursions as mentioned
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This is a private tour, so it is available for departure on any requested date.
From £2,995 per person, based on two people sharing
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Turkey.
Your passport should be valid for at least 150 days from your date of arrival. It also needs a full blank page for entry and exit stamps. British citizens can travel to Turkey for tourism or business without a visa. This applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If entering via a land border, make sure your passport has a dated entry stamp before leaving the crossing area.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice. The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) publishes this on the TravelHealthPro website. Turkey controls the use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Therefore, contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate before you travel if in doubt.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable, with a warmer jumper for cooler evenings and a light raincoat. Laundry is also available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals are the ideal footwear. In addition, we recommend waterproof footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a water bottle. In addition, we recommend a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira. ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. You can also obtain local currency from banks and exchange bureaus (DÖVİZ).
Summers are hot and dry with refreshing sea breezes, although mountain locations can be cool even in summer. However, shoulder seasons (before mid-May and after early October) can be erratic. Meanwhile, winter temperatures usually hover between 0 and 10°C, and it is often wet near the coast. Turkey uses round-prong European-style plugs on a 220V/50Hz supply and is on GMT+3. Free wifi is also common across hotels, restaurants and cafés.
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