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Legendary Türkiye

From Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast

From $4,392
total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
$3,795 air & land inclusive plus $597 airline taxes and fees
Tour Days
15 days
Tour Membership
12-24 guests
Post-Tour Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Fascinating sights, scents, and sounds reign in this land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Türkiye (formerly Turkey) engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.

Tour Details

Legendary Türkiye

From Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast

From $4,392

total price from Boston, New York, Wash, DC
$3,795 air & land inclusive plus $597 airline taxes and fees

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Tour Days
15 days

Tour Membership
12-24 guests

Optional Extension

Physical Activity Level:

Overview

Fascinating sights, scents, and sounds reign in this land where Europe and Asia meet. From Istanbul, magnificent “Empress of the World,” to ancient ruins, stunning landscapes, and the dramatic – and legendary – Turquoise Coast, Türkiye (formerly Turkey) engages and beguiles, offering us an unparalleled small group experience.

Small Group Highlights

  • Exotic Istanbul, including Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar
  • Private Bosphorus cruise
  • WWI battlefield of Gallipoli
  • Ruins at ancient Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus
  • Rustic village of Sirince
  • “Blue Voyage” day cruise aboard privately chartered yacht
  • Secluded coves and hidden sites along Turquoise Coast
  • Lycian rock tombs
  • Church of St. Nicholas
  • Ancient sites of Phaselis and Perge
  • Antalya’s acclaimed Archaeological Museum

Day-by-Day Itinerary

B
= Breakfast Included
L
= Lunch Included
D
= Dinner Included
1
Depart U.S. for Istanbul, Türkiye (formerly Turkey)
Depart U.S. for Istanbul, Türkiye (formerly Turkey)
2
Arrive Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul

We arrive in Türkiye's cultural and spiritual heart today and transfer to our hotel located near Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned; on our own we can explore the area surrounding our hotel or simply relax. Dinner tonight is on our own.

We arrive in Türkiye's cultural and spiritual heart today and transfer to our hotel located near Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, we have no group activities or meals planned; on our own we can explore the area surrounding our hotel or simply relax. Dinner tonight is on our own.

3
Istanbul
B
D
B
D
Istanbul

We get our first real taste of this city straddling two continents today as we set out on a walking tour along lively pedestrian Istiklal Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and late Ottoman-era buildings. We see the magnificent 16th-century Suleymaniye mosque then walk along the shores of the Golden Horn. We’ll visit intimate Rustem Pasha mosque, with its exquisite Iznik tiles, followed by the renowned Spice Market. After lunch on our own here, we take a private cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates Europe from Asia. This evening we take a short walk to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner of traditional Turkish fare.

We get our first real taste of this city straddling two continents today as we set out on a walking tour along lively pedestrian Istiklal Street, lined with boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and late Ottoman-era buildings. We see the magnificent 16th-century Suleymaniye mosque then walk along the shores of the Golden Horn. We’ll visit intimate Rustem Pasha mosque, with its exquisite Iznik tiles, followed by the renowned Spice Market. After lunch on our own here, we take a private cruise on the Bosphorus, the waterway that separates Europe from Asia. This evening we take a short walk to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner of traditional Turkish fare.

4
Istanbul
B
L
B
L
Istanbul

Today we encounter Old Istanbul, beginning with the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 CE. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and signature six minarets. We then visit the renowned Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art, housing priceless artifacts from the 8th to 20th centuries. After lunch at a local restaurant we con­­tinue on to Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century church that was Christendom’s most important before becoming a mosque in the 15th century.

Today we encounter Old Istanbul, beginning with the ancient Roman Hippodrome, the 3,500-year-old obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 CE. Next we visit the Blue Mosque, with its 20,000 blue Iznik tiles and signature six minarets. We then visit the renowned Museum of Turkish & Islamic Art, housing priceless artifacts from the 8th to 20th centuries. After lunch at a local restaurant we con­­tinue on to Hagia Sophia, the 6th-century church that was Christendom’s most important before becoming a mosque in the 15th century.

5
Istanbul
B
B
Istanbul

This morning we tour splendid Topkapi, for 400 years the palace of Ottoman sultans that today ranks among the world’s richest museums. We continue on to the Basilica Cistern, the marble-columned underground chamber that provided water to Istanbul in antiquity. Our next stop is the Grand Bazaar, the covered market housing some 5,000 shops along 60 “streets.” The remainder of the day and evening is free for independent exploration.

This morning we tour splendid Topkapi, for 400 years the palace of Ottoman sultans that today ranks among the world’s richest museums. We continue on to the Basilica Cistern, the marble-columned underground chamber that provided water to Istanbul in antiquity. Our next stop is the Grand Bazaar, the covered market housing some 5,000 shops along 60 “streets.” The remainder of the day and evening is free for independent exploration.

6
Istanbul/Gallipoli/Canakkale
B
L
D
B
L
D
Istanbul/Gallipoli/Canakkale

Leaving Istanbul this morning, we travel to the northern Aegean Coast for a brief visit to Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries from World War I. Then we ferry across the Dardanelles to Troy, once believed to exist only in Homer’s epic poem until the present site was discovered in the 1870s. After touring here we con­tinue on to Canakkale, where we spend the night.

Leaving Istanbul this morning, we travel to the northern Aegean Coast for a brief visit to Gallipoli, haunting site of 31 Allied cemeteries from World War I. Then we ferry across the Dardanelles to Troy, once believed to exist only in Homer’s epic poem until the present site was discovered in the 1870s. After touring here we con­tinue on to Canakkale, where we spend the night.

7
Canakkale/Pergamum/Kusadasi
B
L
D
B
L
D
Canakkale/Pergamum/Kusadasi

Today we ex­plore one of Türkiye's most spectacular ancient sites: windswept Pergamum, a major power in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, with a wealth of Hellenistic ruins. Then we continue on to Kusadasi.

Today we ex­plore one of Türkiye's most spectacular ancient sites: windswept Pergamum, a major power in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, with a wealth of Hellenistic ruins. Then we continue on to Kusadasi.

8
Kusadasi/Ephesus
B
L
B
L
Kusadasi/Ephesus

Few ancient sites com­pare to Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved class­ical city that we explore today. Dating to at least 1300 BCE, Ephesus was Asia Minor’s largest metro­polis and principal port. Our tour includes the Terrace Houses, the recently restored “houses of the rich,” with their outstanding mosaic floors and frescoed walls. Then we enjoy lunch in the rustic village of Sirince.

Few ancient sites com­pare to Ephesus, the world’s best-preserved class­ical city that we explore today. Dating to at least 1300 BCE, Ephesus was Asia Minor’s largest metro­polis and principal port. Our tour includes the Terrace Houses, the recently restored “houses of the rich,” with their outstanding mosaic floors and frescoed walls. Then we enjoy lunch in the rustic village of Sirince.

9
Kusadasi/Ephesus
B
L
D
B
L
D
Kusadasi/Ephesus

We return to Ephesus to visit the Basilica of St. John, the 6th-century ruins that stand over what is believed to be the burial site of John the Apostle. Then we learn about Ephesus through the ages, as we tour the Ephesus Museum, housing treasures from the archaeological site. After lunch together, we stop at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of this age-old craft.

We return to Ephesus to visit the Basilica of St. John, the 6th-century ruins that stand over what is believed to be the burial site of John the Apostle. Then we learn about Ephesus through the ages, as we tour the Ephesus Museum, housing treasures from the archaeological site. After lunch together, we stop at a carpet factory to watch a demonstration of this age-old craft.

10
Kusadasi/Fethiye
B
L
D
B
L
D
Kusadasi/Fethiye

En route to Fethiye today, we stop in Dalyan, where we board a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels. Reaching the Lake of Koycegiz, we see our first Lycian rock-cut tombs on the cliffs above. Dating to 350 BCE, the tombs number more than one thousand along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. Then we continue our journey to the port town of Fethiye, known for its beautiful natural harbor.

En route to Fethiye today, we stop in Dalyan, where we board a small skiff for a trip through an intriguing maze of channels. Reaching the Lake of Koycegiz, we see our first Lycian rock-cut tombs on the cliffs above. Dating to 350 BCE, the tombs number more than one thousand along Türkiye’s Mediterranean coast. Then we continue our journey to the port town of Fethiye, known for its beautiful natural harbor.

11
Fethiye/Cruising
B
L
B
L
Fethiye/Cruising

This morning we coach to the Greek “ghost town” of Kayakoy, abandoned after WWI and now preserved as a historical monument. Then we board a private yacht for our Turquoise Coast “Blue Voyage” cruise along the stunning coastline that Antony is said to have given to Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We visit secluded coves (including Aquarium Cove, with its waters of brilliant blue and green), have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, and enjoy lunch on board.

This morning we coach to the Greek “ghost town” of Kayakoy, abandoned after WWI and now preserved as a historical monument. Then we board a private yacht for our Turquoise Coast “Blue Voyage” cruise along the stunning coastline that Antony is said to have given to Cleopatra as a wedding gift. We visit secluded coves (including Aquarium Cove, with its waters of brilliant blue and green), have the opportunity to swim and snorkel, and enjoy lunch on board.

12
Fethiye/Antalya
B
L
D
B
L
D
Fethiye/Antalya

We set out this morning on a scenic drive along the coastal road to Antalya, stopping along the way in Demre (ancient Myra). Here we visit the 6th-century Church of St. Nicholas, known for its impressive frescoes, its significance to both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, and as its namesake’s inspiration for Santa Claus. Then we travel on to the evocative seaside ruins of Phaselis, the ancient Greek and Roman port city now a national park. Following our visit here, we continue on to Türkiye’s premier resort town of Antalya.

We set out this morning on a scenic drive along the coastal road to Antalya, stopping along the way in Demre (ancient Myra). Here we visit the 6th-century Church of St. Nicholas, known for its impressive frescoes, its significance to both Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, and as its namesake’s inspiration for Santa Claus. Then we travel on to the evocative seaside ruins of Phaselis, the ancient Greek and Roman port city now a national park. Following our visit here, we continue on to Türkiye’s premier resort town of Antalya.

13
Antalya
B
L
B
L
Antalya

We discover Antalya’s charming old city (Kaleici) on a morning walking tour through its narrow streets, past historic buildings, mosques, and parks. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the acclaimed Archaeological Museum, housing priceless artifacts unearthed from sites throughout the region.

We discover Antalya’s charming old city (Kaleici) on a morning walking tour through its narrow streets, past historic buildings, mosques, and parks. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the acclaimed Archaeological Museum, housing priceless artifacts unearthed from sites throughout the region.

14
Antalya/Perge
B
D
B
D
Antalya/Perge

This morning we tour the ruins at Perge, an ancient Greek city once among the world’s prettiest and most prosperous. We also visit the Duden Waterfalls, which tumble about 130 feet into the Mediterranean. Returning to our hotel, this afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, we celebrate our Turkish adventure over a farewell dinner together.

This morning we tour the ruins at Perge, an ancient Greek city once among the world’s prettiest and most prosperous. We also visit the Duden Waterfalls, which tumble about 130 feet into the Mediterranean. Returning to our hotel, this afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, we celebrate our Turkish adventure over a farewell dinner together.

15
Depart for U.S.
B
B
Depart for U.S.

This morning we board an early flight for our return to the United States.

This morning we board an early flight for our return to the United States.

Tour Price Includes

  • Round-trip air transportation from listed cities
  • 13 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe and First Class hotels
  • 29 meals: 13 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
  • Luggage handling for one bag per person
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
  • $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

  Mar Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov
Istanbul 57 62 69 77 76 68 59
Kusadasi 60 67 77 87 85 74 64
Antalya 65 71 79 86 85 76 67

Average Temperature (°F )

  Mar Apr May Jun Sep Oct Nov
Istanbul 57 62 69 77 76 68 59
Kusadasi 60 67 77 87 85 74 64
Antalya 65 71 79 86 85 76 67

Dates & Prices

Please wait while we retrieve this information.

Post-Tour Extension

Cappadocia & Konya

5 days, 4 nights
From
$1,195
+ from $295 Single Supplement

Cappadocia & Konya

5 days, 4 nights
From
$1,195
+ from $295 Single Supplement

We visit ancient Konya then explore in depth the bizarre rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia and the Goreme Valley.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

  • Private motorcoach transportation Antalya/Konya/Cappadocia
  • 4 nights’ accommodations: one night in Konya at Hilton Garden Inn (First Class); 3 nights in Cappadocia at Yunak Evleri Hotel (Superior First Class)
  • 11 meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
  • Extensive included sightseeing: Mevlana (Rumi) Museum in Konya, rock churches of Goreme Valley (including open-air museum), Kaymakli’s underground city, Zelve Valley, Avanos and Troglodyte villages of Cavusin and Uchisar
  • Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
  • Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

Pricing: $1,195 in 2024; $1,395 in 2025. Single Supplement: $295 in 2024; $395 in 2025

Accommodations

Tour Directors

Ahmet Memis

“Ahmet is probably the most knowledgeable tour director we have ever had, including numerous adventure travel guides. He is funny, well organized, and thoughtful.”

Charles & Joanne Young
Brooklyn, NY

Akin Aykurt

”Akin is a true gem! He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous, and very efficient. I learned so much, deepened my understanding of Turkey, and had fun.”

Ruth Clayton
Chula Vista, CA

Gulden Gullu

“Ms. Gullu is such an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge and passion for her profession.  She went above and beyond to assist [us] on our personal agenda after the tour.”

Elizabeth Salas & Emilia Arroyo
San Jose, CA

Mustafa Ozcan

“Mustafa Ozcan is an extraordinary tour director. He is the complete professional: knowledgeable, passionate, considerate and attentive. We would travel anywhere with him.”

Susan Lee-Warren & Roger Camp
Seal Beach, CA

Berkay Vardioglu

“He was very knowledgeable and effective in sharing Turkish culture and history.”

John Allen
Lambertville, NJ

Hasan Yeniocak

“Hasan was one of the best guides we have ever had. He went above and beyond to make the trip memorable for everyone.”

Donald & Marcia Gabriel
Charlotte, NC

Ridvan Uyanik

“Ridvan is an exceptional individual. His mastery of English language and customs, as well as his in-depth knowledge of history and anthropology were [highpoints] of this tour.”

Karen Holmen & Anthony Nardecchia
White Bear Lake, MN

Ali Dogan

“I can’t imagine a better tour director. Ali combined tremendous knowledge, good humor, flexibility, resourcefulness, and efficiency… Most of all he was a pleasure to be with.”

Mark & Pat Allen
Montague, MA

Tour Directors

Gulden Gullu

“Ms. Gullu is such an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge and passion for her profession.  She went above and beyond to assist [us] on our personal agenda after the tour.”

Elizabeth Salas & Emilia Arroyo
San Jose, CA

Ali Dogan

“I can’t imagine a better tour director. Ali combined tremendous knowledge, good humor, flexibility, resourcefulness, and efficiency… Most of all he was a pleasure to be with.”

Mark & Pat Allen
Montague, MA

Ahmet Memis

“Ahmet is probably the most knowledgeable tour director we have ever had, including numerous adventure travel guides. He is funny, well organized, and thoughtful.”

Charles & Joanne Young
Brooklyn, NY

Ridvan Uyanik

“Ridvan is an exceptional individual. His mastery of English language and customs, as well as his in-depth knowledge of history and anthropology were [highpoints] of this tour.”

Karen Holmen & Anthony Nardecchia
White Bear Lake, MN

Akin Aykurt

”Akin is a true gem! He is knowledgeable, patient, humorous, and very efficient. I learned so much, deepened my understanding of Turkey, and had fun.”

Ruth Clayton
Chula Vista, CA

Hasan Yeniocak

“Hasan was one of the best guides we have ever had. He went above and beyond to make the trip memorable for everyone.”

Donald & Marcia Gabriel
Charlotte, NC

Mustafa Ozcan

“Mustafa Ozcan is an extraordinary tour director. He is the complete professional: knowledgeable, passionate, considerate and attentive. We would travel anywhere with him.”

Susan Lee-Warren & Roger Camp
Seal Beach, CA

Berkay Vardioglu

“He was very knowledgeable and effective in sharing Turkish culture and history.”

John Allen
Lambertville, NJ

Destination Insights

Exploring...

Recommended Books & Films

Exploring...

Guest Photos & Testimonials

We can enthusiastically say that each and every day of our travels in Turkey was exciting, fun, interesting, and unique. Each day’s itinerary was rich in history, and the culture, the food, and the locations were not only diverse but beautifully curated.
Mark & Ann Irimia Casella
Waccabuc, NY
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in other cultures.
Stephen & Jean Martin
Perry Hall, MD
We can enthusiastically say that each and every day of our travels in Turkey was exciting, fun, interesting, and unique. Each day’s itinerary was rich in history, and the culture, the food, and the locations were not only diverse but beautifully curated.
Mark & Ann Irimia Casella
Waccabuc, NY
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in other cultures.
Stephen & Jean Martin
Perry Hall, MD
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

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