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Grand tour of...
 

Grand Tour of Turkey

15 days |  17 days with Istanbul extension
15 days |  17 days with Istanbul extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.8 star rating

256
Physical activity
a street in istanbul with buildings of the city in the background
blue saucer with a cup of turkish coffee on a multicolored tablecloth
man fishing on a bridge in istanbul with the blue mosque in the background
topkapi palace in istanbul
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Uncover a land where the cultures of two continents collide.

In Turkey, Ottoman domes float against modern skylines. Classic scenes from Greek epics come to life, and bustling bazaars and vibrant street vendors prove variety is the spice of life. From Istanbul to Cappadocia and the ruins of Ephesus, take in the living traditions where East meets West on this small group Adventure Tour.

Your tour package includes

  • 13 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 13 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 6 dinners
  • 1 wine tasting
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Included highlights

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Blue Mosque
  • Topkapi Palace
  • Archaeological Site of Troy
  • Nar Kadin women's collective
Read more
Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Overnight flight

Board your overnight flight to Istanbul today.

Istanbul2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul—one of the world’s only cities that spans two continents—and enjoy a welcome drink as you meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Istanbul
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome lunch

Set off on a tour of Istanbul’s vibrant streets and historic UNESCO World Heritage sites led by your Tour Director.

  • Step inside the Hagia Sophia, which held the title of the world’s largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years
  • Walk to the Basilica Cistern and explore the 6th-century underground water collection area
  • Visit the Hippodrome, once considered the social center of ancient Constantinople
  • Enjoy an included welcome lunch at a local restaurant
  • Explore the Blue Mosque, named for the blue tiles adorning its interior, and sit down to learn about Ottoman Islamic traditions
  • Discover the former residence of Ottoman sultans at Topkapi Palace during a tour of the museum and palace grounds

Please note: Travelers are required to remove or cover shoes when entering the Blue Mosque. On some departures the visit to Basilica Cistern may take place on day 14.

Canakkale1 night
Day 4: Canakkale via Troy
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a short ferry ride across the Dardanelles Strait and join your Tour Director on a guided tour of Troy, the city at the heart of Homer’s “Iliad.”

  • Explore the Archaeological Site of Troy
  • See the ruins of the city walls, temples, and buildings
  • View a replica of the famous Trojan Horse

After, continue on to Canakkale and sit down for an included dinner.

Ephesus Region2 nights
Day 5: Ephesus Region via Adatepe & Edremit
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Dinner

Head south along the Aegean coast, making several stops along the way.

  • Visit Adatepe, a small village in the hills above the Aegean Sea
  • Walk along the cobblestone streets and have a chance to visit the elegant stone mosque
  • Sample olives, olive oil, and Turkish tea at a local eatery
  • Continue on to the city of Edremit to visit Nar Kadin, a collective that provides culinary employment opportunities to marginalized women
  • Learn how the women use locally sourced ingredients to make handmade pies, noodles, baklava, cookies, and sample some of their pastries

Then, travel to the Ephesus region, a historic area on Turkey’s west coast, and sit down for an included dinner.

Please note: On some departures a visit to İzmir at Mt. Pagos will take place when the Nar Kadin collective is closed.

Day 6: Sightseeing tour of Ephesus
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director on a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek cities in the Mediterranean region.

  • Discover many UNESCO-listed sites, including the elaborate Library of Celsus and the ruins of the Basilica of St. John
  • View the Great Theatre, which is still in use today
  • Step inside the house where the Virgin Mary is said to have spent her final days

Spend a free evening in the Ephesus region or add an excursion.

Traditional Turkish Meyhane Dinner

From $59 per person

Pamukkale1 night
Day 7: Pamukkale via Sirince
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

Head inland and stop in the quaint town of Sirince, known for its wine and olive oil, to get a firsthand look at rural village life.

  • Learn about the town’s history of Greek and Turkish residents from your Tour Director
  • Hear how the local Turks reconstructed the Ottoman-era houses
  • Enjoy free time to explore the streets and markets
  • Visit a wine store for a tasting of local wines

Later, arrive in Pamukkale and sit down for an included dinner.

Antalya3 nights
Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Hierapolis, Pamukkale & transfer to Antalya
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover some of the area's natural wonders and ancient ruins on today's guided tour.

  • Visit the UNESCO-listed city of Hierapolis to see the well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins
  • Walk to neighboring Pamukkale, a popular spa town during the Roman times
  • See the town's famous travertines—petrified waterfalls of white stone

Then, travel to Antalya and sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Antalya
Included meal: Breakfast

Join your Tour Director on a tour of Antalya, a stunning coastal city known for its pristine beaches and beautiful scenery.

  • Explore the Antalya Museum, an enormous complex with nearly 30,000 antiquities from the Stone Age, Roman, Hellenistic, and Byzantine periods
  • Walk through Karaalioglu Park to admire views of Hidirlik Tower, the coastline, and mountains
  • Uncover the ruins of Hadrian’s Gate, a remarkably well-preserved triumphal arch

Enjoy a free afternoon in Antalya or add an excursion.

Aspendos & Perge

From $55 per person

Day 10: Free day in Antalya
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Antalya or add an excursion.

Mount Tahtali, Phaselis Ruins & Turquoise Coast

From $89 per person

Cappadocia2 nights
Day 11: Cappadocia via Konya
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the Taurus Mountains to visit the mystical center of Konya, the spiritual home of Sufism and the Whirling Dervishes.

  • Step inside the Mevlana Museum with your Tour Director
  • Learn more about the Dervishes as you tour the museum, which was once their monastery

Continue on to Cappadocia, which is known for its unearthly rock formations, and sit down for an included dinner.

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a Whirling Dervishes cultural performance for this evening through your Tour Director.

Day 12: Sightseeing tour of Cappadocia
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wander through the Göreme Open-Air Museum, which is comprised of frescoed rock churches dating back to the fourth century.

  • See the area’s signature geological rock formations, known as fairy chimneys
  • Visit a cave village and a rock-carved church
  • Stop in Avanos to discover the town’s distinctive red-clay pottery

This afternoon, join your Tour Director on a hike down through one of Capaddocia’s famous valleys.

  • See the dramatic landscapes and rock formations carved by wind and water
  • Learn about the people who carved their homes out of the rock

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Please note: For an additional cost, you can book a hot air balloon ride for this morning through your Tour Director.

Istanbul2 nights
Day 13: Flight to Istanbul
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free morning in Cappadocia or add an excursion.

Then, fly back to Istanbul this afternoon.

Underground City

From $49 per person

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Kadiköy Market & Grand Bazaar
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell lunch

Today, see Istanbul from a different perspective as you take a ferry across the Bosporus Strait to Kadiköy and explore Kadiköy Market with a local guide.

  • Walk through this open-air market, which sits on the Asian side of Istanbul
  • See where locals go to shop for everything from fresh-caught fish to locally grown produce
  • Stop by specialty shops to see what the vendors are selling and learn more about the foods used to create some of the country’s culinary staples
  • Shop for snacks and pick up some sweets to bring back home
  • Head to a nearby restaurant for a farewell lunch featuring food, drinks, and desserts from the Anatolian, or Asia Minor, region of Turkey

This afternoon, take a ferry back up the Golden Horn and head to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

  • Step inside the bazaar, which is one of the oldest covered markets in the world
  • Follow along as you Tour Director points you in the direction of the best vendors and enjoy free time to shop

Toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Flight Home
Day 15: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in Istanbul.

Extension to Istanbul
Istanbul is magical, to say the least. It's here in Turkey's largest city that you can walk on two continents, see world wonders, and eat some of the best food ever. Extend your stay and look to your expert Tour Director as you fill each moment with wonder.
Istanbul2 nights
Day 15: Free day in Istanbul
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Istanbul or add an excursion.

Hammam Spa Visit

From $105 per person

Turkish Cooking Class & Dinner

From $115 per person

Day 16: Free day in Istanbul
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day in Istanbul or add an excursion.

Bosphorus Straits Cruise

From $79 per person

Flight Home
Day 17: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.8 star rating

Overall rating 4.8 out of 5

Based on 256 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Complete tour.
    8/4/23 by 2nd-time traveler Evangelina

    In this tour you can see the ancient Turkey as well as the actual. I recommend it because is a Wonder trip. The Director tour is one of the most complete, he knows how to guide you and show the most interesting things of each place.

    5.0 star rating

    Amazing trip!
    8/4/23 by 1st-time traveler Valencia

    This was my first international trip and I loved every moment. The culture, food, accommodations and the tour director was absolutely amazing. I learned so much about Turkey from our tour guide, he’s an encyclopedia lol. Everything was taken care of to the smallest detail. I fell in love with Turke...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 8/30/23

    Thank you for leaving a review, we are glad to hea...

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    5.0 star rating

    Türkiye should be on your bucket list!
    7/7/23 by 2nd-time traveler Ellenore

    Türkiye truly surprised me - what a beautiful country! So much history and the food is delicious! The ruins are intact and so much history to learn. Mehmet our Tour Director was knowledgeable and adjusted as needed based on the weather. Our driver, Hakan, maneuvered our bus safely through tight tur...

    Read more +
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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Kent Hotel
    Kent Hotel

    This modern hotel is located in Istanbul’s Old City. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and a restaurant and bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Blue Mosque, Hagia Soph...

    Read more +
    Kolin Hotel
    Kolin Hotel

    This upscale hotel is located in the city of Çanakkale. Guests enjoy a spa, sand beach, and indoor and outdoor pools. Nearby, you’ll find the Galipoli...

    Read more +
    Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kusadasi
    Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kusadasi

    This comfortable hotel is located just outside of the Kusadasi city center.Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, private beach area, and fitness center. Near...

    Read more +
    Doga Thermal & Spa Hotel
    Doga Thermal & Spa Hotel

    This hotel is built around a natural thermal spa and is located in Pamukkale. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, and a fitness center. Near...

    Read more +
    Holiday Inn Antalya - Lara
    Holiday Inn Antalya - Lara

    This contemporary hotel is located in the Eski Lara district of Antalya. Guests enjoy the outdoor pool, sea views, and private beach area. Nearby you'...

    Read more +
    Dinler Hotels - Ürgüp
    Dinler Hotels - Ürgüp

    This contemporary hotel is located in Cappadocia. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish bath, laundry services. Nearby, you'll find Cappadoci...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Turkey, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
    • In order to enter Turkey, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain an electronic visa through the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to arrival. E-visas can be purchased at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-visa in their systems. However, we advise keeping either a digital or hard copy of your e-visa in case of any system failures. You can also purchase your visa in advance by using a visa provider, such as our partner VisaCentral.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TUD.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across moderately uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets, dirt paths, and wooden platforms, with some hills and steps.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Istanbul. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please exit through door 8 of the arrivals hall where a representative will be waiting for you.
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Istanbul. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You will need to go to the meeting lounge at the international flights arrival hall, which is located after the customs and baggage claim area, and give your name to the person working at the meeting lounge desk and they will assist you in meeting the representative.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • A ferry from Istanbul to Troy and a flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul are included in the price of your tour.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. Please note that temperatures will dip with changes in elevation throughout your tour.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor activities.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • Visits to mosques and other religious sites require bare legs and shoulders to be covered. Women should bring a light scarf and/or head covering (entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure, the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may be banned in Turkey. Importing these drugs can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in Turkey.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to goaheadtours.com and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code TUD.
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    Cuisine
    • In Turkey, breakfast typically consists of sourdough bread with sheep’s cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey. A midday meal or dinner often starts with a meze, which is a plate of varied appetizers like cheese pastry rolls, pickled vegetables, and potato fritters. On the coast, fish is an excellent choice, especially tuna, turbot, and sardines. Meat eaters should try lamb kebabs, available in a wide variety of types, each with a different sauce or dressing. The national drink is tea, but don't miss out on the strong and rich Turkish coffee.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Turkey operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in Turkish hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Turkey is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which is seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Turkey.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Turkish lira on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only).
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.
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