The 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour from Istanbul promises an unparalleled journey through the country’s rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes. Travelers will have the opportunity to enjoy the grandeur of iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, while also exploring the natural wonders of Pamukkale’s travertine terraces and the mesmerizing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. With a focus on personalized service and an informative guide, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Turkey’s heritage, leaving participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the country’s captivating history and stunning beauty.
Key Points
- This 12-day tour focuses on Turkey’s rich history and culture, visiting iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
- The tour explores the landscapes of Cappadocia, including underground cities and fairy chimneys, and the Gallipoli battlefields with ANZAC Cove.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring personalized service and experiences from knowledgeable and charismatic guides.
- The comprehensive package includes entrance fees, accommodation, local transportation, breakfast, optional activities, and compulsory travel insurance.
- The tour starts and ends in Istanbul, with hotel pickup available in Sultanahmet and Taksim areas, and operates from February 2024 to December 2025.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Traveler Experiences
- Group Size and Included Services
- Meeting Point and Departure
- Operational Dates
- Booking and Cancellation Policies
- Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Meals and Drinks Included During Free Time?
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for Private Tours?
- Can the Itinerary Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
- What Is the Average Age of Participants on This Tour?
- Is It Possible to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Days?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Istanbul
- More Tour Reviews in Istanbul
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Tour Overview
The 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour offers an immersive exploration of Turkey’s rich history and cultural wonders.
Travelers will uncover historical sites from the Hittites to the Ottomans, including the iconic Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the battlefields of Gallipoli.
The tour also takes visitors to the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the mesmerizing landscapes of Cappadocia.
With a maximum group size of 20 people, the tour ensures personalized service and a more intimate travel experience.
Included in the package are all entrance fees, accommodation, local taxes, a professional guide, breakfast, optional activities, and tips for the driver and guide.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Istanbul.
Itinerary Highlights
Spanning 12 captivating days, this tour’s itinerary takes travelers on a remarkable journey through Turkey’s most iconic historical sites and picturesque landscapes.
Highlights include:
- Exploring the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis
- Witnessing the stunning travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis
- Visiting the evocative Gallipoli battlefields, including ANZAC Cove and memorials
- Discovering the underground cities and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
- Marveling at the grandeur of Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Throughout the tour, travelers will explore Turkey’s rich history, from the Hittites to the Ottomans, while also experiencing the country’s natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Traveler Experiences
Travelers have consistently praised the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour for its exceptional guides and the lasting impressions left by the remarkable experiences it offers.
With an average rating of 5.0 out of 12 reviews, this tour has earned a 90% recommendation rate.
Guides like Omar, Tamer, Fatih, and G have received high commendations for their charisma, dedication, and ability to enhance the travel experience.
Travelers appreciated the seamless itinerary, local specialties in meals, and the informative nature of the tours, particularly in iconic destinations like Istanbul and Ephesus.
Group Size and Included Services
A group size capped at 20 travelers ensures personalized service throughout the 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour.
The tour’s inclusive package covers all entrance fees, accommodation, local taxes, a professional guide, breakfast, optional activities, and tips for the driver and guide. This comprehensive approach allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the journey without worrying about additional costs.
The tour also includes compulsory travel insurance, providing peace of mind during the adventure.
Key inclusions are:
- All entrance fees
- Accommodation and local taxes
- Professional guide services
- Breakfast and optional activities
- Tips for driver and guide
- Compulsory travel insurance
Meeting Point and Departure
The tour commences at the Sultan Hostel & Guesthouse in Istanbul, where participants can take advantage of hotel pickup options in the Sultanahmet and Taksim areas. Travelers must be ready to depart at 8:00 AM, 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
| Meeting Point | Departure Time |
|---|---|
| Sultan Hostel & Guesthouse, Istanbul | 8:00 AM |
| Hotel pickup available in Sultanahmet and Taksim | Be ready 15 minutes in advance |
The tour operates from February 18, 2024, to December 22, 2024, and January 11, 2025, to December 27, 2025, ensuring flexibility for travelers to plan their vacation.
Operational Dates
The tour is available from February 18, 2024, to December 22, 2024, and January 11, 2025, to December 27, 2025, providing flexibility for travelers to plan their vacation.
This extended operating period ensures that the "12-Day Glories of Turkey" tour can be enjoyed throughout the year, catering to a diverse range of schedules and preferences.
Key advantages of the extended dates include:
- Avoidance of peak tourist seasons
- Opportunities to experience seasonal changes in the landscape
- Flexibility in coordinating with other travel plans
- Availability during various school and holiday breaks
- Potential for cost savings during off-peak periods.
Booking and Cancellation Policies
Booking the "12-Day Glories of Turkey" tour is a straightforward process. Travelers will receive confirmation of their booking unless it’s within 9 days of the travel date, in which case it’ll be confirmed within 48 hours, subject to availability.
A child rate applies when sharing with two paying adults. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s near public transportation.
Regarding cancellations, the policy is non-refundable, with no refunds granted for cancellations. Travelers should consider this policy when booking to ensure they’re comfortable with the terms.
Additional Information
The tour’s meeting point is the Sultan Hostel & Guesthouse in Istanbul, with hotel pickup available in Sultanahmet and Taksim.
Travelers should be ready 15 minutes before the 8:00 AM departure time. This 12-day tour is available from February 18, 2024, to December 22, 2024, and January 11, 2025, to December 27, 2025.
Some key details:
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Confirmation received at booking unless within 9 days of travel, then confirmed within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Child rate applies when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Non-refundable; no refunds for cancellations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Meals and Drinks Included During Free Time?
The itinerary overview doesn’t specify if meals and drinks are included during the free time. It states that breakfast is included, but other meals and refreshments during free exploration periods are not mentioned.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for Private Tours?
The maximum group size for this tour is 20 travelers, ensuring personal service. This small group size allows for a more intimate and tailored experience throughout the 12-day journey exploring Turkey’s historical and cultural highlights.
Can the Itinerary Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
The tour’s itinerary can be customized to individual preferences, allowing travelers to focus on their specific interests. Guests can work with the tour operator to modify the schedule and activities as needed to enhance their experience.
What Is the Average Age of Participants on This Tour?
The tour’s participant demographics are not explicitly stated, but it’s likely the average age skews older given the focus on historical and cultural sites. Travelers seeking a well-rounded introduction to Turkey’s key attractions would find this tour appealing.
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Days?
The tour operator does not offer options to extend the 12-day itinerary or add extra days. The tour package is fixed, and travelers must follow the provided schedule during their journey through Turkey.
12-Day Glories of Turkey From Istanbul
“My husband and I have just returned from 12 day tour 'Glories of Turkey'. What a wonderful time we had. As the only two people on the tour ( ever…”
Recap
The 12-Day Glories of Turkey tour from Istanbul offers an immersive journey through the country’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Participants explore iconic sites, visit breathtaking natural wonders, and enjoy personalized service and informative guides. With a thoughtfully crafted itinerary and a maximum group size of 20, this tour showcases Turkey’s cultural heritage and provides travelers with an unforgettable experience.
