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Turkish Sampler 2027
8 days from Istanbul to Istanbul
Tour Description:
Treasured. Timeless. Tradition. Just a few words to describe the sampling of stunning history to be found on the tour of Turkey. Founded more than 2,500 years ago, the sights of the once Byzantine empire give new meaning to timeless traditions in the capital of Istanbul on the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Moving sites of battle and heroism remain where stories of bravery and bold characters still echo in legendary style. From the legendary Trojan Horse to the longstanding temples of healing powers in Pergamum, this tour of Turkey’s treasures brings the past to light in shining examples of turbulent history. Peruse the power of the Roman Empire in Ephesus’ massive archaeological sites and ponder the natural wonders of travertine terraces and thermal pools found in Pamukkale. Awaken your curiosity for ancient traditions along the Silk Road amid Bursa’s centuries-old city center and bazaar in the shadow of Mount Olympus—just a few of the revelations to be discovered on this tour of Turkey!
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Saturday 01 May 27 — Sunday 09 May 27 | Starting at $2,159 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 15 May 27 — Sunday 23 May 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,689 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 29 May 27 — Sunday 06 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,189 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 12 Jun 27 — Sunday 20 Jun 27 | Starting at $2,189 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 26 Jun 27 — Sunday 04 Jul 27 | Starting at $2,189 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 21 Aug 27 — Sunday 29 Aug 27 | Starting at $2,189 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 04 Sep 27 — Sunday 12 Sep 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,689 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 18 Sep 27 — Sunday 26 Sep 27 | Starting at $2,159 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingSpecial 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 • Visit to Izmir• Guided walk through the ancient ruins of Ephesus; see St. John’s Basilica.• 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:
The uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
The uneven terrain of Ephesus' archaeological sites may pose a challenge to guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs.
MEALS
MEALS ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 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 HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and finally 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
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 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. (B,D)
211 mi / 340 km
TOUR 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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 4 TROY AREA–PERGAMON–IZMIR
A Gift Horse & A God of Healing Start your day with a guided visit of 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. Continue to Pergamum for a guided visit of the Asklepion, a healing temple and shrine to the Greek God of medicine. (B,D)
193 mi / 310 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HEALING THE BODY & THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. The sick approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a path that started their journey to health determined according to what dreams the patients experienced and which also included theatre shows. All of this was done in the belief that healing was a sacred art, and people’s souls needed to be mended as well as their bodies
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 5 IZMIR–EPHESUS–PAMUKKALE
Ancient Civilization Preserved Arrive 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 a visit to the St. John Basilica, where St. John the Apostle is said to have been buried. (B,D)
180 mi / 290 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC 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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 6 PAMMUKALE–HIERAPOLIS–BURSA
The Cotton Castle This morning, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, 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. Later, arrive in Bursa. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more and try local specialties. (B)
273 mi / 440 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDER When the mineral rich thermal waters that flowed down the valley side, cooled, and hardened, a series of bright white travertine terraces were formed, each containing a thermal pool. This incredible sight gave the area its name – Pamukkale “Cotton Castle.” The Romans also took advantage of the thermal springs and founded the spa town of Hieropolis close by
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7 BURSA–ISTANBUL
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has lots to offer. This morning’s sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, a visit to the historical covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Later, return to Istanbul and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
99 mi / 160 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ANCIENT TASTES ON THE SILK ROAD Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa’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
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 8 ISTANBUL
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Accommodations
Accommodations| Istanbul | Troy Area | Troy Area | Izmir | Pamukkale | Bursa | Istanbul | Istanbul |
Mövenpick Hotel Istanbul Bosphorus
Moderate Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165 Istanbul Turkey
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel, has a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. Various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and massage services. The stylish 257 modern, air-conditioned guest rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and all have tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area and a minibar. There are several shopping malls located just a short drive away and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.
Moderate Deluxe
Hotel as shown or similar
Balmumcu, Barbaros Blv. No 165 Istanbul Turkey
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel, has a rooftop restaurant which offers panoramic views across Istanbul and the Bosphorus Bridge. Various wellness facilities, such as an indoor pool, a sauna, a fitness centre and massage services. The stylish 257 modern, air-conditioned guest rooms offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling city and all have tea and coffee-making facilities, a seating area and a minibar. There are several shopping malls located just a short drive away and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.
