The Turkish Express
Overview
An unforgettable tour where you'll witness unique cultural heritage, natural formations, and stunning beauty starting from the coastline. Wednesday DepartureEscorted Experience
- 24-Hour Local Assistance
- Guaranteed Departures
- Fixed Dates
- Professional Guide Throughout
- Modern Airconditioned Vehicle
- Small Group Tour
- First Class Hotels
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel to join the group. Overnight in Izmir.
Meal Plan: Only Dinner
Optional full-day tour: Discover the spectacular ruins of Ephesus—marble streets, the Theatre, Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and more. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage for Christians and Muslims alike. Stop at a regional carpet centre to observe traditional Turkish rug weaving. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Visit a leather fashion showroom, showcasing Turkish craftsmanship. Continue to Pamuk kale, renowned for its white travertine terraces formed by thermal springs. Tour the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Morning drive to the coastal town of Fethiye. Take a walking tour featuring Telmessos Ancient Theatre and the bustling Fish Market. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Free day to relax or join the optional boat cruise along the turquoise coast, with swim stops at secluded bays and islands.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Scenic drive along the Mediterranean to Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. Orientation walks through the charming Old Harbor and Kaleiçi district. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Antalya.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Excursion: Visit Perge, a well-preserved ancient city, and Aspendos, boasting one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Free afternoon to explore Antalya or relax at your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Early departure to Cappadocia, with a stop en route at a13th-century Seljuk caravanserai. Explore the underground city of Saratli, carved into soft volcanic rock. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional early morning: Experience a Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise, oaring panoramic views of fairy chimneys and lunar landscapes. Optional Half-day tour: Discover Goreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos (famous for pottery), Devrent (Imagination) Valley, and Red Valley. Participate in a hands-on pottery demonstration. Optional evening: Witness a Whirling Dervishes ceremony. Dinner at the hotel.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Depart for Ankara, the capital of Turkey, passing by the striking Salt Lake. Visit Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey. Overnight stay in Ankara.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Return to Istanbul. Optional afternoon tour: Enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, passing Ottoman palaces and waterside mansions between Europe and Asia. Visit the Spice Market, ideal for picking up Turkish delights and souvenirs. Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner.
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s iconic sites: Hagia Sophia: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, originally a 6th-century church, later a mosque, and now functioning as a mosque again. Hippodrome: Once the social and sporting centre of Constantinople. Blue Mosque: Famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and grand architecture. Optional entrance ticket: Visit Top Kapi Palace Museum, the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans (Harem section excluded). Optional: Traditional Turkish dinner with belly dancing show.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international departure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Inclusions
Deluxe or Superior First Class hotels.
Meals are indicated on itineraries by B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner.
Licensed guides throughout Turkey.
Private air-conditioned transportation.
Small group departure limited to 22 Travelers.
Luggage handling.
Local taxes and service charges.
Arrival/departure transfers: only on arrival and departure days (arrivals and departure from/to Istanbul Airport). Pre or post-stay transfers are not included.
Exclusions
International / Domestic Airfare.
Optional trips.
Other meals, drinks, Customary tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program.
Travel insurance.
Gratuities.
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers.
Travel and medical insurance.
Any items not mentioned as included.
Pre or post stay transfers are not included.
Notes
Hotels Used Or Similar
Deluxe or Superior First Class hotels.
Izmir - Kaya Thermal Hotels
Pamukkale - Adempira Spa & Thermal Hotel
Fethiye - Alesta Yacht Hotel
Antalya - Mercure Antalya Konyaaltı
Cappadocia - Gamirasu Cave
Ankara - Grand Mercure Ankara Hotel
Istanbul -Burdoch Autograph
Included Highlights
- Hagia Sophia.
- The Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara Saratli, a hidden underground city.
- Optional visit to the Open Air Museum of Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hiking through the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.
- Pamukkale the Cotton Castle and Hiearpolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Optional visit to Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary.
Rates for Pre and Post Tour Accommodation Including Transfers available on request.
Early Bird Discount applicable for bookings and payment made in full before December 31, 2025.
