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Turkish Escape
Operated by Globus
Tripcode: KQRX
Overview
Destination:
Turk,
Duration:8 days
Type:Group tour (max 44)
Travel Period
October 2026 - March 2027
8 Day Tour from Istanbul to Istanbul
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.
All This. Included
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 • Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus; see St. John’s Basilica and Archeological Museum. • 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
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.
All This. Included
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 • Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus; see St. John’s Basilica and Archeological Museum. • 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
Notes:
- Uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 7 Breakfasts, 5 Dinners
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 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. (D)
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
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 [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded 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.
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 [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded 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.
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. (B,D)236 mi/ 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE 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.
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. (B,D)236 mi/ 380 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORY & HERITAGE 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.
Day 4 - TROY AREA–PERGAMUM–KUSADASI
The Sacred Way
This morning drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. Continue your journey and arrive in Ephesus to visit the Archaeological Museum for an introduction to the city and its people. (B,D) 267 mi / 430 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL 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.
This morning drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. Continue your journey and arrive in Ephesus to visit the Archaeological Museum for an introduction to the city and its people. (B,D) 267 mi / 430 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL 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.
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, including St. John's Basilica, believed to be the burial site of the apostle John. 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. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus 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.
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, including St. John's Basilica, believed to be the burial site of the apostle John. 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. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus 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.
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. (B) 280mi / 450 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE SILK ROAD 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.
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. (B) 280mi / 450 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT THE SILK ROAD 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.
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. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES 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.
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. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CERAMIC BEYOND TIMES 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.
Day 8 - ISTANBUL
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Dates
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Operator
Globus
At Globus, we’re not just hooked on travel as a destination, but on the way travel makes you feel. Our promise is to craft adventures you’ll want to re-live forever. Our story began more than 90 years ago, when a young Swiss Antonio Mantegazza began transporting tourists across Lake Lugano on his rowboat, sharing stories and revealing local secrets along the way. On that lake, Globus was born. Discovering a passion for tourism and a knack for business, Antonio’s services expanded beyond river transport to bus touring, from Switzerland to Europe and then, the world. After 90 years curating travel wonderment, our passion for curating the perfect trip remains. At Globus, we have the experience and local knowledge to craft immersive adventures that make you feel alive. Expect to see all the major sites, but then go deeper, to the beating heart of every new discovery. As they say, when you’re in the moment, it’s not what you know, but who you know, and you’ll quickly discover our Tour Directors know all the local secrets and insider tips. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination. It's time to tour with Globus.
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