Kensington
13 Day Grand Turkey Journey
13 Day Grand Turkey Journey
From exploring ancient ruins near Izmir to enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the 30-million-year-old volcanic rock formations of Cappadocia and basking in the mineral springs in Pamukkale, this extensive tour showcases the many faces of Turkey.
Your grand journey through Turkey begins in Istanbul, the country’s cultural and commercial hub. Mesmerized by the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque; pay your respects at the elegant 17th-century Blue Mosque; and marvel at the well-preserved Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture that jostles for attention in the vibrant old town. Continue to Cappadocia; cross through its otherworldly landscapes and get a unique opportunity to learn the secrets of Turkish cuisine in a cooking class hosted at an authentic Cappadocian household. Head down to Antalya to experience the beauty of Turkey’s sun-drenched Turquoise Coast and search for the ruins of the Pisidian city of Termessos among the peaks of Gulluk Dag National Park. In Pamukkale, discover the ancient health spa of Hierapolis and revel at the gleaming, mineral-rich travertine pools. Expose your senses to the treasures of ancient Pergamum Acropolis, before taking a glimpse into Izmir’s distant past. Then, end your trip entranced by the magic of Istanbul at night as you sail between two continents on a private dinner cruise. Turkey is a rich treasure chest of ancient sites, natural wonders, and outstanding culinary experiences that you are bound to enjoy during this all-encompassing adventure.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 2 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 3 |
Istanbul, previously known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is where East meets West. Situated on both sides of the narrow strait Bosporus, Istanbul is a connector between Europe and Asia.
Turkey's most populated and culturally rich city has been profoundly shaped by history. Imperialistic armies, a revolving door of rulers (including Greeks, Romans and Venetians) and its strategic positioning on the Silk Road led Istanbul, though centuries, to become the diverse and incomparable city it is today. Visitors will discover striking domed monuments, Byzantine architecture and a natural beauty. The Hagia Sophia is called the 8th wonder of the world, and the Blue Mosque also demands attention. Shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, walk the Topkapi Palace Museum, take a boat tour on the Bosporus, and take in a wondrous view of the city on Çamlica Hill. |
| Day 4 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 5 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 6 |
The ancient region of Cappadocia lies in Central Anatolia, between the cities of Nevsehir, Kayseri and Nigde. Here, the traveler finds one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world. Three million years ago, violent eruptions of the volcanoes Mt. Erciyes (3891 m) and Mt. Hasan (3250 m) covered the surrounding plateau with tuff. Wind and weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock with hundreds of strangely shaped pillars, cones and "fairy chimneys", often very tall, and in every shade from pink through yellow to russet browns. Since the most ancient of times, men have hollowed out dwellings in this soft rock, and here, at the dawn of Christianity, the early Christians made countless cave churches, chapels and monasteries. Goreme, in Cappadocia, is an important area for shopping, with its wonderful carpets and kilims, onyx souvenirs, and very fine local wines. It is also a wonderful region for trekking and for photo-safaris. |
| Day 7 |
One of Turkey's popular holiday vacation spots, Antalya is an engaging city. The region is immersed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, making it a hot spot for sunbathing, swimming and activities like wind-surfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and caving. The Toros (Taurus) Mountains meander down to the sea forming a rocky coastline with
many secluded coves. Because of the immense differences in terrain, during the spring months, one can ski in the mornings and swim in the warm Mediterranean waters in the afternoon. It is no wonder that many vacationers find refuge in this Mediterranean paradise. Along with the sunbathing and activities, Antalya has a rich, historical background. One particular area of interest is the charming old quarter, Kaleic, with it's narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses adjoining the ancient city walls. Explore the rich olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations. Have fun discovering the many wonders that are Antalya! |
| Day 8 |
One of Turkey's popular holiday vacation spots, Antalya is an engaging city. The region is immersed in sunshine for 300 days of the year, making it a hot spot for sunbathing, swimming and activities like wind-surfing, water-skiing, sailing, mountain climbing and caving. The Toros (Taurus) Mountains meander down to the sea forming a rocky coastline with
many secluded coves. Because of the immense differences in terrain, during the spring months, one can ski in the mornings and swim in the warm Mediterranean waters in the afternoon. It is no wonder that many vacationers find refuge in this Mediterranean paradise. Along with the sunbathing and activities, Antalya has a rich, historical background. One particular area of interest is the charming old quarter, Kaleic, with it's narrow, winding streets and old wooden houses adjoining the ancient city walls. Explore the rich olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations. Have fun discovering the many wonders that are Antalya! |
| Day 9 |
Pamukkale is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles. It is a magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world. Thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge, have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. |
| Day 10 |
The third largest city in Turkey, a cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the international Fair (August/September), Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. and at that time shared, with Troy, the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. |
| Day 11 |
The third largest city in Turkey, a cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the international Fair (August/September), Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. and at that time shared, with Troy, the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. |
| Day 12 |
The third largest city in Turkey, a cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the international Fair (August/September), Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. and at that time shared, with Troy, the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. |
| Day 13 |
The third largest city in Turkey, a cosmopolitan and lively city all year round, during the International Arts Festival (June/July) and the international Fair (August/September), Izmir bursts with an added vibrancy.
The original city was established in the third millennium B.C. and at that time shared, with Troy, the most advanced culture in Western Anatolia. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/10/19 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $10,660 |
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Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
