Turkey
Turkey (now internationally known as Türkiye) boasts a unique geographic location making it a beloved destination of both Europe and Asia! It's where the east meets the west and these two continents connect. Spend 10 days exploring Turkey’s hidden gems and must-see highlights. Visit the ancient sites of Troy, Hierapolis and Ephesus and encounter the Battlefields of Gallipoli. Bathe in the hot springs of Pamukkale. Experience the beauty of Cappadocia and its magical fairy chimneys! Shop til you drop at the Istanbul bazaars. Turkey will leave you changed and send you home with countless memories.
Entrance Fees
Please note that entrance fees for the following experiences on this tour are not included in the tour price. Please allocate an additional EUR 210 for excluded costs, which include the entry fees listed below, and keep this in mind as you budget for your trip.
Prices and exchange rates may change without notice, so the following is provided as a guide only. You can check the current exchange rate here.
International flights
Travel to the start point and from the endpoint is not included. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best deals on international flights.
Travel insurance
For a relatively small price, travel insurance provides you with the peace of mind so that you can enjoy your tour without any worries.
All passengers travelling on an Expat Explore tour are required to have valid travel insurance cover and you are responsible for arranging your own insurance. Click here for more information.
Welcome to Istanbul and the first day of this magical trip around Turkey! If you arrive on Day 1 or have booked pre-accommodation through us, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the hotel. Get settled at the hotel and then the day is free to wander through this vibrant city. Catch a tram to the Grand Bazaar and get lost in the bustling market. In the Bazaar there are alleys for gold, leather, bowls and even tea! Want to escape the crowd? Find a rooftop terrace, enjoy the fantastic views and grab a drink while watching over the busy city. Meet your tour leader and the rest of the group this evening for an included group dinner at the hotel.
After breakfast, join your tour leader on an orientation tour of Istanbul. One of the things that makes Istanbul such a fascinating city is that it spans over two continents! One side lies in Europe and the other in Asia. On this tour, see famous landmarks like the Blue Mosque as well as Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome which provide a glimpse into the past. To further explore this magical city, join the Istanbul+ optional excursion! This full-day tour includes entrance to the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, a Bosphorus cruise, a visit to the buzzing spice bazaar and includes a delicious Turkish lunch! It’s sure to be a day to remember.
Today, visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli. This haunting location is where 30,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost their lives but it is also where three national identities were born - Turkey, New Zealand and Australia. The tour includes visits to the Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair Memorial in ANZAC Cove and the Neck and Johnston’s Jolly Cemetery. 25 April is commemorated in Turkey each year as ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day. After the battlefields tour, travel onwards to Çanakkale for the night. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Take a step back in time this morning and visit the city of Troy. This is the home of the famed Trojan Horse and site of the Trojan War in the 12th century! After delving into Trojan history, the tour makes its way to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum. Here, embark on a tour of its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Later, travel to Kuşadasi for an overnight stay and enjoy a delicious included dinner!
Immerse yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. Next, move on to the former Greek village of Şirince, meaning ‘pleasant’. According to legend, it used to be called ‘Çirkince’ (‘ugly’) by freed Greek slaves so that others wouldn’t follow them there. Today’s final stop is at a carpet village. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and this afternoon you can experience the delicate craft first-hand. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at the hotel after a busy day of exploring.
Start off the morning by enjoying a display of locally handcrafted leather goods. Next, travel on to one of the highlights of this tour - Pamukkale! This town is home to magnificent white calcium terraces, known as travertines. In Roman times, the natural hot spring water that flowed down the terraces was used for their therapeutic powers. Opt to visit the nearby Cleopatra’s Pool complete with ancient columns and inviting thermal water! Wrap up the day with a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis with an option to take in a traditional Whirling Dervish show in the evening. Enjoy an included dinner this evening.
Today, travel along the ancient Silk Road! Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai - a caravanserai is a roadside inn where traders used to stopover and rest on their travels. Follow in the footsteps of all the traders that came before you! Look forward to another stop in Konya at the Mevlana Museum along the way. This is home to the mausoleum of the famous poet, Rumi. Don’t miss out on the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening tonight!
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Turkey’s most famous destinations. These magnificent rock-cut churches are bound to leave you awestruck! Why not find a rooftop bar or café and see the fairytale-like chimneys from above? Alternatively, explore the many levels of Kaymakli - an underground city in Cappadocia! However you choose to spend your time in Cappadocia, it’s sure to be magical. Look forward to an included dinner at the hotel tonight.
Leave for Ankara early this morning. Arrive and visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the famed President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. In 1923, Ataturk declared Ankara as the capital city of modern Turkey. This bustling capital is famous for its performing arts with a variety of cultural sights to experience. After exploring the last stop on this Highlights of Turkey tour, head back to Istanbul for the final night of the tour.
Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast together with the group as the tour comes to an end this morning. After an incredible 10 days on tour, it’s time to say goodbye to your new travel friends. Expat Explore hopes to welcome you onto a tour again soon!
| Tour Departs |
Tour Returns |
Starting From (price per person) |
Definite Departure What's this? |
Book Now! |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19/04/2025 | 28/04/2025 | £1,105 | Book | |
| 10/05/2025 | 19/05/2025 | £1,105 | Book | |
| 21/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | £994 | Book | |
| 12/07/2025 | 21/07/2025 | £939 | Book | |
| 13/09/2025 | 22/09/2025 | £1,105 | Book | |
| 04/10/2025 | 13/10/2025 | £1,105 | Book | |
| 14/02/2026 | 23/02/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 07/03/2026 | 16/03/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 28/03/2026 | 06/04/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 18/04/2026 | 27/04/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 09/05/2026 | 18/05/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 23/05/2026 | 01/06/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 20/06/2026 | 29/06/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 11/07/2026 | 20/07/2026 | £1,125 | Book | |
| 12/09/2026 | 21/09/2026 | £1,155 | Book | |
| 03/10/2026 | 12/10/2026 | £1,125 | Book |
Please contact Global Coach Tours for a list of the latest optional activities available.
Explore Istanbul’s top sights! See the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Spice Bazaar and enjoy a Bosphorus cruise and Turkish lunch.
Watch a mesmerising Whirling Dervish performance and learn more about this fascinating spiritual ceremony during your evening Pamukkale.
Take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool and soak up the healing thermal spring waters.
Enjoy a night of traditional entertainment in Cappadocia and experience local Turkish culture, music, drinks and dancing!
