Embark on an escape to Turkey to discover a country of captivating culture across its transcontinental peninsula. Spanning the borders of Asia and Europe, this fascinating country of culture and color is calling with an 8-day Turkish Escape for the ages! Your adventure begins in Istanbul, a city of great diversity and a combination of tree-lined boulevards, cafés and cosmopolitan restaurants set against a backdrop where little has changed for centuries. During its 3,000 years of turbulent history, it has been home to the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the Turks themselves- all leaving their marks. Highlights of your sightseeing are inside visits to the 6th century Hagia Sophia, the largest ever church and for over a thousand years the largest covered space on earth and to the amazing Topkapi Palace, which was the seat of government for one of the greatest Empires of the Medieval age. Pay tribute to the fallen war heroes at the Anzac cemetery and visit 3 of the most famous ancient sites in the country: Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus. Each very different and distinctive. Troy, the oldest, dating from 3,000BC and made up to 9 separate cities all built over each other; Pergamon, an impregnable defensive site with amazing views in all directions, which flourished as one of the ancient world’s greatest centers of healing; and Ephesus, the greatest city in the Eastern Mediterranean during Roman times, which boasts an extraordinary number of superbly preserved monuments.Cross from Europe to Asia on board a scenic ferry journey across the Dardanelles Strait and get ready to taste the superb Turkish cuisine, an interesting blend of Mediterranean specialties and flavors.This is the perfect vacation if you are looking for a genuine and unique blend of diverse cultures, centuries of history and atmosphere, the mysterious East with the familiar West.
Special Features Included in this Tour:• Guided sightseeing of Istanbul’s highlights featuring visits to the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace • Visit to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul with traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster • Visit to the WWI battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery, and the Lone Pine Memorial • Guided sightseeing of the Troy archaeological site and see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse • Guided visit to the Asklepion at Pergamon, exploring the remains of this important ancient healing center • Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, exploring the remarkable archaeological site and seeing St. John’s Basilica• Visit to the ancient city of Hieropolis at Pamukkale featuring views of the travertine terraces and thermal pools• Visit to the Great Ottoman Mosque (Ulu Camii) of Bursa, plus the Historical Covered Bazaar, and the Silk Market with Kestane Sekeri tasting• Dardanelles crossing by ferry, traveling across the historic strait between the European and Asian sides of Türkiye
Meals
Meals & Itinerary
7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Notes:
Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or those reliant on mobility devices, such as wheelchairs.
Itinerary
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL,TURKEY
Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. ISTANBUL-NARROW-STREET.jpg
Dinner
Day 2 ISTANBUL
East meets West Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there. Marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior. Stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan’s lived, and discover a shopper’s paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy 
a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. TOUR HIGHLIGHTFounded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and ultimately called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history.ISTANBUL-HAGIA-SOPHIA.jpg
Breakfast
Day 3 ISTANBUL–GALLIPOLI–TROY AREA
Bravery on the Beach This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. Later, enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War; it was supposedly the winning tactic. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Visit the moving and inspirational sites where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial.GALLIPOLI.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 4 TROY AREA–PERGAMUM–KUSADASI
The Sacred Way This morning, drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the renowned Asklepion, one of the ancient world's most important healing centers, and a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Explore this remarkable site, where pilgrims once sought cures through a combination of spiritual and medical practices. Afterwards, continue your journey through the beautiful Aegean countryside and arrive in the coastal resort town of Kuşadası. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. Here, the sick sought healing as they approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a pathway to healing based on the patient’s dreams and through theatrical presentations—healing practiced as a sacred art to heal both body and soul.PERGAMUM.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 5 KUSADASI–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE
Ancient Civilization Preserved Start your day at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins. Later, arrive at the ancient city of Hierapolis for a visit, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. TOUR HIGHLIGHTEphesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.EPHESUS.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 6 PAMUKKALE–BURSA
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus This morning, drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, visit the historical, covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey’s centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city’s famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk.BURSA-BAZAAR.jpg
Breakfast
Day 7 BURSA–IZNIK–ISTANBUL
Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council Drive to Iznik, a significant town located on the banks of Lake Iznik and famous for its vibrantly colored tiles and pottery. Your guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological Museum. After some free time, continue to Istanbul and join your travel companions this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. TOUR HIGHLIGHT Iznik is a completely "open-air museum" with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles – a treasured art form dating back to the Ottoman Empire. ARCHAEOLOGICAL-TILES.jpg
Breakfast
Dinner
Day 8 ISTANBUL
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. ISTANBUL-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Breakfast
Optional Excursions
No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else,
we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.
When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination,
so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities.
Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value.
Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences.
We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.
The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Price Ranges
$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)
Istanbul
Dinner & Entertainment in Kumkapi Fisherman's Village
Experience a memorable evening in Istanbul's historic Kimkapi district, renowned for its lively seafood restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Price Range: $$$$
Bosphorus Cruise
An unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus with views of old Turkish wooden houses and beautiful scenery.
Price Range: $$
Pamukkale
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
Discover one of Türkiye's most captivating spiritual traditions during the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes Ceremony in Pamukkale. Witness the sacred Sema ritual of the Mevlevi Order, where graceful whirling, traditional music, and devotional chanting symbolize the soul's journey toward divine love and spiritual enlightenment. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this unforgettable cultural experience offers a profound glimpse into Türkiye's rich spiritual heritage.
Price Range: $$
Private Touring
Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.
For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.
Here's a sample of the additional cost:6 guests in a party: $530*18 guests in a party: $220*
Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.
* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.
The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.