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Istanbul & Aegean Highlights

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9 days

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through the heart of Turkey and the enchanting Greek islands. Your adventure begins in Istanbul and takes you to iconic landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. The historical battlegrounds of Gallipoli and the legendary city of Troy are next. The adventure continues with the exploration of the ancient treasures of Pergamum, the well-preserved ruins of Ephesus, and the charming village of Sirince. An Aegean twist awaits as you ferry to the Greek islands of Samos and Kos for leisurely day trips. Your journey concludes in Bodrum, a coastal gem offering relaxation and vibrant nightlife.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

9 days

Starts

Istanbul

Ends

Bodrum

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes, for all included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 28

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

4-5 star

Countries

Greece, Turkey

Arrival Transfer

Yes - from IST or Sabiha

Departure Transfer

Yes - to Bodrum Airport or Port

Meals included

Breakfast: 8, Dinner: 4
Per person from
R 57,340.00
Save 20% today
Total From
R 143,350.00
R 114,680.00
Deposit From
Final payment
R 10,000.00
R 109,680.00

Tour Highlights

Istanbul – Visit highlights of the Old City including the beautiful Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and imposing Topkapi Palace
Gallipoli – Pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials and visit ANZAC Cove, a famous WW1 landing site
Troy - See the replica Trojan Horse in the ancient city, the setting of one of Ancient Greece's most famous tales
Ephesus - Explore the classic Roman city, one of the best-preserved examples in the whole of Europe
Pergamum – Marvel at the Roman amphitheater which is one of the steepest in the classical world
Greek Islands - Explore the authentic charm of the Greek islands of Kos and Samos during leisurely day trips
Bodrum Harbour - Explore the highlights of this lively port in your own time

Included

Daily breakfasts & 4 dinners
8 nights 4-5 star hotels
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9
Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus & Sirince
English-speaking, qualified tour guide for all included sightseeing
Transportation for sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned touring vehicle/coach
Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
Return ferry transfers to Kos and Samos

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: EUR€50-60pp, paid in EUR
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul

Saturday. Welcome to the vibrant city of Istanbul, the beginning of your exciting adventure. Upon your arrival, our friendly representative will be there to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2 - Tour of Istanbul

Following breakfast at the hotel, your day in Istanbul begins with a guided tour that will take you to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the exterior of St. Sophia, the enchanting Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar.

Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Gallipoli & ANZAC Cove

Istanbul - Canakkale. Today, you'll embark on a journey to Gallipoli, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the legendary landmarks of ANZAC Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial.

Afterwards, you'll proceed to cross the Dardanelles, where Asia and Europe meet. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in Canakkale, where you can enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Legendary Troy

Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi/Izmir. Following breakfast, we'll head for the legendary city of Troy, where the renowned Trojan War unfolded. You'll have the opportunity to explore the fascinating archaeological site, delving into its rich history.

Continuing on, we'll cross the picturesque Ida mountain range and arrive in Pergamum. Here, you'll visit the ancient Acropolis. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the charming town of Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 - Ancient Ephesus & Sirince

Kusadasi/Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince - Kusadasi/Izmir. Today, a brief drive will take you to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore the magnificent library, theater, and temples. The day's journey also includes a chance to discover the local craftsmanship of hand-made carpets and leather products.

Continuing on, you'll reach the charming village of Sirince, celebrated as one of Turkey's most beautiful villages. While in Sirince, you can shop unique local crafts and taste the delightful wines produced in the village. We'll end the night in Kusadasi.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Day Trip to Samos

Kusadasi/Izmir - Samos (Greece) - Kusadasi/Izmir (Turkey). Today, you'll be transferred to the port for a ferry ride to Samos, a charming Greek Island. Here, you'll have the opportunity for self-guided exploration, to explore how you wish.

Make sure to wander through the picturesque streets of Samos, visit historical sites, enjoy the stunning coastal views, and savour the island's delicious cuisine at local tavernas. Late in the afternoon, you'll board the return ferry to Kusadasi.

Overnight: Kusadasi or Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Beautiful Bodrum

Kusadasi/Izmir - Bodrum. After breakfast, you'll head to Bodrum. On arrival, the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace.

There's much to do in this coastal town - opt to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the charming town, or experience the vibrant nightlife.

Overnight: Bodrum
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - The Island of Kos

Bodrum - Kos (Greece) - Bodrum (Turkey). This morning, you'll be transferred to the port for a ferry ride to Kos, a captivating Greek Island. This day is dedicated to self-guided exploration, allowing you to discover the island's unique beauty and culture at your own pace.

Kos has much to offer - consider visiting historical sites, enjoying the idyllic beaches, and make sure to immerse yourself in the Greek island lifestyle. In the late afternoon, you'll board the return ferry to Bodrum.

Overnight: Bodrum
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Goodbye

Sunday. Today marks the end of your adventure. Departure transfer is included to Bodrum Port or Bodrum Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)

Double

R 3,115per passenger

Twin

R 3,115per passenger

Single

R 5,665per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Piyalepasa
Istanbul

This impressive 5-star hotel is located in the upmarket Beyoglu district of Istanbul and a free shuttle is provided to the city centre, home to the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia, amongst other attractions. Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are elegant and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a flatscreen TV. Some rooms feature a balcony. There is free Wi-Fi at the property and amenities include an indoor pool with whirlpool, fitness centre and sun terrace. There are two onsite restaurants and a daily breakfast buffet.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Kolin Hotel
Canakkale

Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day. The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
Charisma Hotel
Kusadasi

The Charisma is a modern and elegant hotel with spacious rooms. The rooms are equipped with jacuzzi, LCD screen television, split air conditioning, mini-bar, electronic safe box, hairdryer and free internet connection. Towering over the Aegean Sea's outstanding view, the Hotel is just 15 minutes by walk from Kuşadası's shopping and entertainment area.

Our Rating
Deluxe
Local Rating
5 Star Hotel
El Vino
Bodrum

El Vino offers a prime location for entertainment and spectacular sunsets over Bodrum. Each of the hotel's spacious, comfortable guest rooms is tastefully decorated with pretty, modern furniture and all of the rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning. The accommodation also features a kitchenette, which allows guests to enjoy light snacks at their convenience. The hotel is in the town centre of Bodrum and 35 km from Bodrum Airport.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Standard Boutique Hotel

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.

2025
Twin/Double
Single
3 May - 11 May
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R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
10 May - 18 May
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R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
24 May - 1 Jun
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R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
31 May - 8 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
7 Jun - 15 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
14 Jun - 22 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
21 Jun - 29 Jun
Save 20%
R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028
5 Jul - 13 Jul
Save 20%
R 71,675R 57,340
R 91,285R 73,028

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