What sets this tour apart from other Turkey holidays is the significant nights spent on the coast between Kusadasi and Antalya. This coastal portion of the Turkish Odyssey will charm you with its beauty and enrich you with its historical significance. From the stunning beach of Oludeniz to the ancient King's Tombs of Kaunos, this part of Turkey’s Aegean coast will enchant you with its diversity and beauty. Small group departure limited to 14 persons.
2023 Departure Dates and Costs
Small group departure dates: Every Sunday from April until October
Tour cost from: $ 2,400 USD / $ 2,810 CAD low season pricing ~ ask for best pricing during your desired dates
Private daily departures can be customized to suit your travel interests, budget, and tour length.
Group size limited to 22 persons
Photos by Peter Koelbleitner
Tailor-made itineraries to Turkey available of any duration available on a daily basis
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul (B)
Transfer in. Welcome briefing with your small group trip. 2 nights Recital Hotel: Situated in the heart of Istanbul, the family-friendly Recital Hotel is within walking distance of the Cemberlitas Bath, the Grand Bazaar, and the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. The hotel provides guests with comfortable accommodation, stunning views of Istanbul, and a great location for guests to explore the historic city.
Day 2 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast you will be greeted in the lobby of your hotel and commence your full day historical Istanbul tour. Visits include the Topkapi Palace (the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans with displays of priceless collections of artifacts, jewelry, and rare porcelain), the Blue Mosque (unique with its 6 minarets and famous for its blue Iznik tiles), the Hippodrome Square where ancient chariot races were held, and then a visit to the world famous Grand Covered Bazaar. The remainder of the day is to be spent at your leisure. Entrance fee to Harem at Topkapi Palace additional.
Day 3 Gallipoli – Dardanelles – Assos (B,D)
Morning departure for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove , Lone pine cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Gbatepe War Museum then across the Dardanelles by ferry to visit Canakkale and Troy made famous with its Trojan Horse. Overnight Assos Kervansaray Hotel: Situated in a traditional stone building on a private beach, the Assos Kervansaray Hotel offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and is located in a historically rich town in the Ayvacik district of Canakkale Province, Turkey.
Day 4 Troy – Pergamum – Kusadasi (B,L,D)
After breakfast depart for Pergamum. Lunch in a traditional village before visiting Asclepion. Continue on to Kusadasi. 2 nights Carina Hotel: The hotel offers a genuine quality of service as a family-run hotel set amonglandscaped gardens overlooking Kusadasi beach, located in the city center of Kusadasi, a resort town on Turkey's Aegean coast.
Day 5 Kusadasi – Ephesus (B,D)
This morning after breakfast prepare to tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, one of the most important cultural centers in the ancient world. Explore the 2,000 year old Marble Street and the House of the Virgin Mary.
Day 6 Kusadasi – Pamukkale (B,D)
Drive through fertile valleys to Pamukkale (white lime cascades). In the evening enjoy the thermal baths at your hotel. The Pam Thermal Hotel is located in the western part of Turkey, in the Pamukkale Karahayit region, famous for its red thermal springs which are one of the features at Pam Thermal. This hotel is the ultimate relaxing escape where guests can experience the healing thermal pools and fresh air of the region.
Day 7 Pumukkale – Bodrum (B,D)
After breakfast today you will descend from Pamukkale and visit Bodrum Castle (Castle of St. Peter) and the Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Doria Hotel Bodrum, is a five star hotel situated in a dramatic hilltop location in Bitez, and is the newest and hippest boutique hotel in this historic once-upon-a-time fishing village featuring an open, airy design, and spectacular views of the Aegean with a private beach available to guests.
Day 8 Bodrum – Marmaris (B,D)
Following breakfast you will have some free time in Bodrum. You will depart for the resort city of Marmaris and upon arrival there, the remainder of your day will be at your leisure. 2 nights at the Fantasia Hotel Marmaris, a seafront hotel located in Icmeler just a 5-minute walk from Marmaris city centre, shops, restaurants, and 100 km away from Dalaman Airport. It offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea, an outdoor pool, a deluxe spa, and much more.
Day 9 Marmaris (B,D)
This morning enjoy your breakfast and spend the rest of the day at your leisure to experience the Turkish Coast. There is an optional tour to visit Rhodes, Greece.
Day 10 Marmaris – Kalkan (B,D)
After breakfast you will depart for Dalyan for a visit to the famous mud baths and sulphur hot springs, and then a swim break at Iztuzu Beach (aka Turtle Beach). 2 nights at the Patara Prince Hotel and Resort in Kalkan, a unique Mediterranean escape by the sea, located near beaches and historic sites, providing guests with fun and relaxation with
Day 11 Kalkan – Xanthos – Patara – Kalkan (B,D)
This morning you will visit the ancient cities of Xanthos and Patara. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Day 12 Kalkan – Antalya – Kekova (B,D)
This morning after breakfast you will depart for Antalya. En route, you will visit the Church of St. Nicholas in Myra. Afterwards you will take a boat ride to Kekova, the sunken city. 2 nights Puding Marina Residence, situated in the Kaleici district in the old town of Antalya featuring 8 historical mansions. This resort is situated near Mermerli Beach and provides views of the mountains and the Mediterranean.
Day 13 Antalya – Perge – Aspendos (B,D)
Today takes you on a full day tour of Perge and the Roman Theatre in Aspendos.
Day 14 Antalya - Cappadocia (B,D)
Today begins with an early morning departure for Cappadocia following breakfast. En route there is a visit to the famous mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana. 2 nights Lykia Lodge - a perfect gateway to exploring this magical region Inspired by the natural architecture of the surrounding landscapes. Lykia Lodge provides a combination of modern comforts and history in a unique setting.
Day 15 Cappadocia (B,D)
This morning you will visit the Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit the early Christian rock churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Continue to the pottery town of Avanos with its quality stone earthenware. Observe where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river in Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks. Another stop to the world historic centre Pasabagi where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms.
Optional hot air ballooning in the morning to visit the Imagination Valley where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant.
Day 16 Cappadocia – Ankara – Safranbolu (B,D)
After breakfast you will depart for the capital city, Ankara. Upon arrival in Ankara you will visit the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations before you continue to Safranbolu for your overnight stay. Cinci Han Hotel, which is one of the biggest historic caravansarays in Turkey, is located within walking distance from historic artifacts in Safranbolu town. The Cinci Han Hotel is an unique and historic stay where guests can immerse themselves in history and a fascinating culture.
Day 17 Safranbolu – Istanbul (B,D)
After breakfast you will visit the old part of Safranbolu then continue to Istanbul. Upon your arrival in Istanbul in the afternoon, you will take a half-day tour of the Hagia Sophia and embark on a Bosphorus cruise. You will finish the day shopping at the Spice Market.
Day 18 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your departure flight. End of services.