9 Day Ancient Wonders of Turkey Small Group Tour
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Experience a superior level of comfort. Our Small Group tours have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Travel with no more than 26 people, allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for the exact group size.
✓ Incredible sightseeing, including Istanbul's St. Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, exploring Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys, Goreme Valley, and Underground City, visiting the ancient Mount Nemrut, discovering Sanliurfa's Gobekli Tepe and Holy Pools of Abraham, and marveling at Gaziantep's Zeugma Mosaic Museum and Halfeti Sunken City
✓ 6 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels throughout Turkey
✓ 2 nights in a Boutique Cave hotel in Cappadocia
✓ Breakfast daily, 5 dinners
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day
✓ Fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader
✓ All transportation including a dedicated coach and internal domestic flights
✓ 7 Day Cooling off period
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey, from Istanbul's iconic landmarks to Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, Mount Nemrut's breathtaking sunset, and Gobekli Tepe's ancient wonders. This tour blends history, culture, and stunning landscapes for a truly immersive adventure. Perfect for history enthusiasts and explorers alike!
Welcome to Istanbul! After your airport pickup, you'll be taken to your hotel, where you'll have a free day to explore the city at your leisure.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
Today's itinerary begins with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the grand residence of the Ottoman Empire's sultans. Within its walls, you'll explore the Hagia Irene, an ancient Byzantine church, and the lavish Harem, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of the palace's former inhabitants.
We’ll continue our journey with stops at the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and majestic domes, the St. Sophia Museum, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, and the historic Hippodrome, once the center of chariot races and grand ceremonies in Constantinople.
In the afternoon, you have the option to embark on a scenic one-hour Bosphorus cruise aboard a public ferry. As you glide along the waterway that separates Europe and Asia, your guide will bring the surrounding landmarks to life with fascinating stories and historical insights of the area. After the cruise, visit enchanting landmarks like the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Camii.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, you'll take a short flight to the enchanting region of Cappadocia, known for its unique landscapes and rich history. Upon arrival at the airport, your local guide for the remainder of the trip will be ready to welcome you and introduce you to the region’s most fascinating highlights.
The adventure begins with a visit to the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, where centuries-old rock-cut churches and exquisite frescoes reveal Cappadocia's unique cultural heritage. You'll also explore the iconic fairy chimneys, towering natural rock formations sculpted by wind and time, and descend into the depths of an underground city, marveling at the intricate tunnels and chambers that once provided refuge to ancient civilizations. Be sure to have your camera at the ready—this day is full of breathtaking photo opportunities!
In the evening, you can opt to attend a lively Turkish folklore event. Featuring vibrant traditional dances and mesmerizing belly dancers, this unforgettable night will immerse you in the region’s rich cultural traditions.
If you decide not to take part in the optional activity, enjoy dinner with the group and retire for a restful evening in your authentic cave style accommodation.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today offers even more opportunities to discover the wonders of Cappadocia. Our journey begins with a visit to Pigeon Valley, named for the countless pigeon houses carved into its rocky cliffs, where you'll take in stunning views of the surreal landscapes that define the region. Next, we’ll explore Red Valley, renowned for its dramatic, rose-hued rock formations that glow under the sunlight, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
From there, we’ll venture to the historic village of Çavuşin, where ancient cave dwellings and a charming church tell stories of a bygone era. Finally, we’ll head to Avanos Town, a vibrant hub of craftsmanship situated along the banks of the Kızılırmak River. Here, you'll have the chance to observe skilled artisans at work, creating beautiful handmade pottery—a tradition passed down through generations.
Return back to the hotel and delight in a group dinner, enjoying your second and final night in this awe-inspiring region.
Inspiring Highlights
We begin our day departing early from Cappadocia, embarking on a scenic drive toward Adıyaman. Along the way, we’ll pass through Kahramanmaraş, a city steeped in history and renowned for its local charm, providing a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and cultures of this fascinating region.
The highlight of the day is undoubtedly our journey to the majestic Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds an extraordinary place in history. This ancient site is home to the Tomb of the Commagene Kingdom and the colossal statues of gods, which stand as silent sentinels atop the mountain.
As we ascend to the summit, we’ll reach the Tumulus of Antiochos, a breathtaking monument shrouded in mystery and dating back nearly two millennia. Here, we’ll pause to witness the sunset, as the hues of the descending sun illuminate the statues and cast a glow over the surrounding peaks.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
After breakfast, we set out on a captivating journey to Şanlıurfa (Urfa), traveling along a scenic route that reveals the diverse beauty of this historic region. Along the way, we’ll pass the impressive Atatürk Dam, one of the largest in the world, a testament to Turkey’s engineering achievements and a vital source of life for the surrounding areas.
Our route also takes us through the ancient town of Harran, a place steeped in history and renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped mud-brick houses. These unique structures, alongside the remnants of the town’s ancient city walls, offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.
Upon reaching Şanlıurfa, the journey continues with a visit to the sacred Holy Pools of Abraham, a tranquil site revered for its religious significance. Here, legend intertwines with history, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence. Nearby, we’ll explore the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a location that holds profound spiritual importance and draws visitors from around the world.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Our day begins with a visit to Göbekli Tepe, a site of unparalleled historical significance that has revolutionized our understanding of early human civilization. This extraordinary archaeological wonder is home to the world’s earliest-known religious structures, dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years—long before the advent of pottery, writing, or even iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and the Pyramids.
After exploring Göbekli Tepe, our journey continues to the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, where mosaics depict vivid scenes of ancient life and mythology, showcasing the artistic mastery of the past. We’ll also visit the Kızılkoyun Necropolis, an intriguing collection of ancient rock-cut tombs that offer a window into burial practices of earlier civilizations. Finally, we’ll delve deeper into the region’s rich history at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, home to a remarkable array of artifacts that tell the story of this region’s pivotal role in human history. This day is a treasure trove of discovery, immersing you in the profound legacy of early civilization.
Inspiring Highlights
We embark on a picturesque drive to Gaziantep, a city brimming with history and culture, where today’s adventure begins. Our first stop is the enchanting town of Halfeti, where a captivating boat trip awaits. As we glide along the tranquil waters, you’ll uncover the fascinating story of the sunken city that lies beneath. The serene beauty of this unique setting creates an unforgettable experience.
Following this, we’ll visit the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, a true gem for history and art enthusiasts. This extraordinary museum houses a stunning collection of mosaics meticulously recovered from the ancient city of Zeugma, now partially submerged under the Euphrates. These intricate masterpieces vividly depict scenes of daily life, mythology, and nature, showcasing the exceptional skill and creativity of the artisans of antiquity.
As the day comes to an end, we’ll fly back to Istanbul, reflecting on a journey filled with history, culture, and remarkable landscapes.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to the group and the unforgettable experiences shared along the way.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Inspiring Stay
This product requires full payment upfront to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,550.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
Group Size
Minimum: 2
Maximum: 20
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
Click HERE for more information on weather in Turkey.
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