Travel along the age-old trading routes that linked East and West, where the Highlights of Turkey are revealed. Haggle in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, daydream through the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia and walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks in Ephesus. 

 

10 Days, 1 Country, 14 Cities

 

April 10th - 19th, 2026

 

Price: $3775/person in CAD based on Twin Share Accommodation

Single Supplement: $1070CAD (on request basis)

Non-Refundable Deposit:  $350/ person
Final Payment: due 02 Jan, 2026
Cancellation Fees: In the event you must cancel your booking, cancellation fees will apply.  See below.

 

This tour is conducted by Trafalgar Tours

 

What's included in this trip:

• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities when lunch/dinners are included
• All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
• Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
• Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
• Optional Experiences and free time
• On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
• Luggage allowance: A single bag is allowed with dimensions not exceeding​​​​​​​ 30"x18"x10" (76x46x25cm) and weight not exceeding​​​​​​​ 50lbs. (23kg).​​​​​​​Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12"x11"x6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under the coach seat or in the small overhead compartment.​​​​​​​
• Arrival Transfers: Complimentary arrival transfers depart IST at 13:30 and 16:30 on the first day of the tour. Guests need to be sure that they give themselves at least two hours from their scheduled landing time to meet the transfer time.
• Departure Transfers: Complimentary departure transfers arrive IST at 06:00 and 12:00. Guests need to be sure they give themselves at least 3 hours from the arrival time at the airport before departing.​

Itinerary:

Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul

 

Meet at the crossroads of East and West – the effervescent capital of Istanbul launches your journey of discovery through centuries of turmoil and triumph. Spend the day exploring after being transferred to your hotel. Later, you’ll meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner. 

 

Dinner included

Hotel: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu

 

 

 

Day 2 - Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

 

Delve into the treasures of the Ottoman Empire, strolling through the exquisite Topkapi Palace with its spellbinding views of the Bosphorus. Visit Hagia Sophia, the Byzantine Hippodrome, to see where thundering chariots once raced to victory before viewing the Blue Mosque – its six minarets and beautiful blue Iznik tiles are a sight to behold. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the museum of Classical Turkish Music. The evening is yours to further explore the city. 

 

Breakfast included

Hotel: Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu

 

 

 

Day 3 - Journey to Gallipoli and Canakkale

 

Remember the heroism of the many thousands of men who fought bravely at Gallipoli. You'll see Lone Pine Cemetery and the battlefields that today still hold special significance for the Turkish, Australian and New Zealand nations. Spend a quiet moment commemorating the lives lost at Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair, where some of the fiercest fighting took place during World War I. This evening, stay in Çanakkale where tonight you’ll dine at the hotel. 

 

Breakfast and dinner included

Hotel: Kolin

 

 

 

Day 4 - Off to Troy and Izmir, Connect with Locals

 

Visit a land of Trojan legends, an ancient city immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Admire the archaeological excavations at Troy revealing nine separate periods of settlement and the symbolic replica wooden Trojan horse commemorating the epic war machine constructed by the Greeks to end a lengthy siege. This afternoon, Connect With Locals over lunch in the village of Demircidere at a Be My Guest experience. Travel to the broad boulevards of seaside Izmir later and dine in your hotel this evening. 

 

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Hotel: Kaya Izmir Thermal & Convention

 

 

 

Day 5 - Admire the Riuns of Ephesus and on to Pamukkale

 

Journey into antiquity and explore the ruins of the ancient Greek city of Ephesus admiring the well-preserved façade of the Library of Celsus and its famous Temple of Artemis. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by Medusa's head, and the Great Theater, built by the Romans in the 2nd-century and still in use today. You’ll learn about the intricate heritage and art of carpet weaving during a visit to a Turkish carpet emporium. Relax and enjoy the blissful thermal pools at your hotel in Pamukkale. 

 

Breakfast and dinner included

Hotel: Colossae Thermal

 

 

 

Day 6 - Onwards to Hierapolis and Konya

 

This morning, enjoy a leisurely visit to the ancient ruins of the Holy City of Hierapolis, imagining ancient patrons seeking revival and rest within their limestone-laden thermal springs. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum in Konya, a former dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, which reveals the origins of Sufism. Your last stop today is Konya where tonight you'll dine at the hotel. 

 

Breakfast and dinner included

Hotel: Dedman

 

 

 

 

Day 7 - Continue to Cappadocia Dive Into Culture Stays with Stories

 

Continue your journey to Cappadocia, you'll see a 13th-century caravanserai  and underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Then Dive into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. Later, consider joining an Optional Experience to watch the Whirling Dervishes then enjoy a Regional Meal at a local restaurant. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories hewn out of the surrounding rock and houses. 

 

Breakfast included

Hotel: Exedra

 

 

 

 

Day 8 - A Day to Explore Spectacular Goreme

 

The whimsical landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as you embark on a full-day excursion that will see you visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, the Paşabağı and Kizil Vadi valleys. Join your fellow travelers for an included dinner this evening. 

 

Breakfast and dinner included

Hotel: Exedra

 

 

 

Day 9 - Return to Istanbul

 

Take a short flight this morning to Istanbul, Dive into Culture as you shop for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city your way. Enjoy a sensory explosion at the vibrant Spice Market, take a stroll through the historic Sultanahmet or find a quiet rooftop café and admire Istanbul’s iconic skyline. Tonight, join your Travel Director and fellow companions for dinner. 

 

Breakfast and dinner included

Hotel Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu

 

 

 

 

Day 10  - Farewell Istanbul

 

Say a fond farewell to Turkey and newfound friends as you prepare to depart to the airport for your flight home. 

 

Breakfast included